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Useful if you are changing industries - I appreciate reading one when someone is seeking a career change.
I never read them as a recruiter, however, I think that any of my candidates that had taken the time to do a quality cover letter that laid out why they are interested and why they are a fit, usually performed better in interview because they had already spent time thinking about the fit.
Completely outdated. But it definitely can’t hurt
I get 200-300 applications per position. I will go out of my way to talk to someone who took the time to write a cover letter and I am 100% talking to someone who follows up on their application.
They’re great for students applying to their first job, people changing industries, or anyone whose resume doesn’t super clearly say “I’ve done this exact job before”.
Plus, bots have taken over applications - I get hundreds of resumes from bots applying to anything with “consulting” in the title. A cover letter gives me a little more confidence that you are a real person.
They're not very useful nowadays. I don't know anyone who still reads them, I don't read them because they're basically a waste of time. Just like thank you letters/emails (although they're more useful); they're disregarded now and a decision is often already made before a recruiter, HR rep, or HM has had the chance to read it.
Just do a professional summary of 2 to 3 sentences at the top of your resume. I also hate a resume “objective”. It is a resume for a job.. we know your objective.
But I agree if your resume needs clarification on job gaps or career changes that is the only time to put a cover letter.
I feel like they open up a ton of room for personal bias to get in the way. I am not a fan. Looking back on cover letters I have written previously (although very heartfelt and well-written) by the time I learned more of the company, I can see all kinds of ways that my cover letter actually hurt me because of biases of management.
Not as relevant in the past but still helpful to understand the scope of a person's experience, story, and even personality.
I used to enjoy reading them sometimes, but I just don't feel like I have the time for it now.
They matter
It can certainly help.
Personally, I find it useful especially if I want to really screen candidates for an important role. For other roles, we no longer require cover letters.
Personally I really liked reviewing them for potential candidates. I like factual history on resumes and personal touch from a cover letter.
Most Recruiters don't read them, however, they sometimes do serve a purpose when the resume can't tell it all. For instance, if a candidate is relocating, and has a reason why, the resume can't talk to that, only the cover letter does.
They're a great writing sample if the position requires written communication skills. Or if the person is newer to the field/career, it is helpful to read how they make connections between their past roles and the one they're applying for.
Checks a box and weeds people out. Becoming less relevant but can help be a tool separating some from others. I think you get more from behavioral interviews, but for some cover letters are more valued. Academia seems to be big into this and sometimes even for lower level jobs.
I haven’t done a cover letter in YEARSSSSSS.
If all candidates did them I might like them, but they typically feel like a red flag when the candidate feels they need to explain the why
I read them if the resume doesn't tell my why the person seems to think they are a fit for the role. They could be changing careers or have other relevant info that will cause me to consider them when otherwise I would not. I also think they are somewhat important for specific roles such as editor, writers, etc. Engineers? Not very often.
Thank you notes are key, but cover letters mostly get ignored
I don't read them