What are your honest thoughts on cover letters - are they outdated, or even relevant at this point? Do you look at them?

like
Posting as :
works at
You are currently posting as works at
Highlighted IconHIGHLIGHTED

Useful if you are changing industries - I appreciate reading one when someone is seeking a career change.

like

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.

Recent IconRecent

Completely outdated. But it definitely can’t hurt

like

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.

like

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.

like

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.

like

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.

smart

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.

smart

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 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

Related Posts

(1/2) Hi all, based in the UK 🇬🇧, would appreciate your advice on how I could break into product management.

Context: Graduated in 2019 (Finance), 2 years at EY as a business consultant on mix of pmo projects and tech projects where I was developer (data vis, power platform, sql, vba, data analysis etc.). Joined Google on a 6 month contract as a data analyst.

Should I be applying for product analyst roles? Should I apply for strategy consulting? Could I go straight for prod mgmt roles?

like

Advice on applying to PM jobs with 1yr APM experience?

I’ve been working as an APM at my current company for 1yr, and have basically been doing the work of a full blown PM the entire time. I’ve lead several features from start to finish and made sure to mention in my resume that I have been doing everything a regular PM does. Has anyone ever hired an APM for a PM role or done it yourself? Any tips? Advice?

like

Hello fishes,

capegemini --> 16LPA for consultant/b2 role

Accenture --> 19 LPA + 80K JB

Is it okay if I ask for more than what Accenture is offering?

YOE: 3.2 years
tech: kubernetes/GCP/azure/devops

like

Hi NatWest folks,

I got offer from NatWest Chennai location . My skills set is project management 13 years experience. They have mentioned in my offer letter B7 corporate title is associate. When I ask to hr guy he said it is equal to Manager level. But title will change department department. Is it true? B7 is manager role ? What is CDIO department in Natwest. Please clear my doubts

likefunny

Anyone know onboarding url for tech Mahindra and where can I find an offer letter.. yesterday i called HR for my offer letter status they said url is not working .. can i trust that statement or they put my offer on hold?

like

I am interviewing for a clinical specialist position with Haemonetics. Does anyone have any experience working for them?

like

Got an offer of 16LPA fixed from Siemens Healthineers. YOE 4 with role Selenium automation. Can anyone working with Siemens Healthineers tell me if the offer is good. Also can you please tell me about the Work culture, WLB, Perks, onsite opportunity.

I think I’m doing a good job in my position as feedback has been positive. However, I find my self average at a lot of different tasks/areas and don’t think there is one area I’m really good at. Should I find something I’m really good at and if so how?

like

What do big product based firms ask in Front end dev interviews? If DS, do we require to prepare DS as thoroughly as a Backend Dev?

like

Any tips on how to get started on prepping for VC interviews

like

1 year until next promo at ACN Strat, with offers at other T2s in hand and option to interview at MBB later this year

1) Stay at ACN Strat and try for MBB in 6 mos
2) Take T2 offer now (OW and LEK)

like

I'm currently in a process for senior associate at a Big4. The process began on July, yet between the first and second interview it took like 3-4 weeks. And between the 2nd and 3rd like 7 weeks. I sent an email to HR during those weeks asking for an update and didn't have an answer. Then it a 3rd one was scheduled three times (the manager didn't connect to the first 2) and next week I have the last interview with 1 partner. Is the timing normal? Or were they looking for other candidates or what?

Can anyone share the mapping of Deloitte levels to Proserve levels? I am a Senior Manager at Deloitte and recruiter just called me for a senior advisory consultant role but that feels like 2 levels back at least from a Deloitte perspective.

like

Hi fishes,
My LWD is 18th July and I chose vendor pickup for my assets(expected pickup is 10th July).
Is there any limitation or chances of facing issues on Not having laptop with me(for other exit clearances).
Also it would be great if someone can give guidance on exit clearances as I'm worried that I will miss out something.
TIA.

like

Any idea, what will be the second round interview for azure data engineer in EY gds?

like
like
like

If I was a second or third choice candidate for a role, and ultimately got an offer, is it fair game to inquire with the recruiter as to why the initial candidates declined? And should this fact weigh into my decision process?

like

I recently got a call for Sr. Product Manager - Tech SAP Workload role. My core expertise is in SAP and not much aware of AWS platform. Anyone here with similar background currently working at AWS?

like

Looking for a Customer Success or a Assistance Manager/Manager role KAM in the fintech company, YOE - 6

Kindly let me know, if you guys can refer me?

like

More Posts

Hello there. I have been interviewing with Okta and got through all 5 rounds of interviews. They say they want to offer me the job but there is a global freeze for all marketing roles at the company. They want to offer me a contractor role instead. Does anyone here know if that is the case? I haven't heard anything as they seem be on wellness week. Thanks for any guidance :)

like

Anyone been to crew club in DC?

Im 21, recently got a project manager job in a big media group, I still have about one year to do in my degree. Where would you recommend I take my career next, what would be the logical next jobs I could explore in that field?

like

How to apply for work from home opportunities in Amazon?

like

What is the standard salary of technical architect @infosys ???

like

Hi Team,
Any idea about
Trantor Softwares. Got offer of 28 lpa and 1 lack JB for 6 yoe in java, springboot, microservices and aws.
Location. Remote
Thanks!

likehelpful

Hi fishes. I am trying to get into PWC in a legal sector (contract management services). I carry 5.5 years of experience. Did upload my resumes to their website but seems they do not review it from there lol. I am unable to get in touch with consultants too. Can somebody please refer me for the same, i hv been trying hard but no fruits. Thanks in advance!

like

Hi
Can anyone tell me if there is any opening at PwC for Angular developers / Salesforce Developer fresher?

140K including OTE in mid market sales.

like

I too break down many times at my job. 9 years and counting

Post Photo
funnylike

Zen & Art Hello Fishes,

Do companies blacklist people who accepts the offer and not join the company as the employee gets better opportunity?

Mindtree Zen & Art

like

People Analytics: Stories, Workforce Analytics & SAC differences and usages

#SAP #SuccessFactors #HXM #PeopleAnlytics #Analytics #HRAnalytics

Post Photo

I just got an offer from EY in London but considering based on what the maternity policy is which doesn’t seem to be spelt out in contract or benefits pdf. Does anyone know a) if there’s a minimum employment period to qualify and b) what the enhanced maternity pay is. I’ve read both 16 weeks and 18 weeks.

like

Does anyone have a recommendation for a primary care doctor in the western suburbs or Denver area?
I’m a male in my late 20s and am generally pretty healthy but responsiveness to mental health concerns is a big plus!

likehelpful

One of our star coders was recently rejected from a promotion because they lacked the number of years of experience required. They've cut back their number of overtime hours dramatically and have started blogging about their skills, probably to attract recruiters. How do I convince them to keep their previous performance?

funnylike

I am a Management Information Systems grad student from University of Memphis, with a cumulative experience of 5 years ( 2years - Quality Data Analyst, 3years - Human Resource Co-Ordinator). I'm looking out for Summer Intern'22 in and around companies in Memphis and Nashville, specifically looking for recommendations for applied positions in FedEx. Any leads will be graciously appreciated.

like

Looking for reference in FAANG companies. Can anyone who is working in faang refer me

likehelpfulfunny

I’m looking for examples of accessible / ADA-compliant color palettes. Not a color palette builder tool, but a gallery of compliant color palettes I can use for inspiration. Please share your favorites here. Thanks!

like

23, Trying to figure out how to balance putting money away for retirement and slowly saving for down payment in the future (7-9 years). Feel like I should be putting as much as I can away for retirement as early as I can to maximize compounding but also don’t want to screw myself over for a down payment

like

Thoughts on Lockheed? Dropped lower than it's been in a while. Think it's a good time to buy?

like

Additional Posts in Human Resources

Hello all! Does anyone have any advice on steps to take or certifications or anything to go from a HR coordinator to a HR generalist? Or how to make a move into global HR?

like

How does everyone feel about the online SHRM learning for SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP for Certification?
Do you skip around? Do you follow the path? Where does one start?

like

Hi. I was made redundant from Zendesk in August and looking for my next role. Im looking for a Senior Recruiter or Lead Recruiter role in Dublin Ireland. The market seems difficult for inhouse roles. Anyone looking for someone with my skillset?

like

Do you still implement reference checks (on top of background checks)? I’m not convinced of the value add to the selection process and it takes a lot of time and resources

like

We are a private venture-back company that’s targeting IPO next year. I am trying to update our option guidelines of which employee levels should have an option on how many shares. I was not here when the guidelines were created and I’ve never worked for a company that offers equity. Can anyone share how they set option levels at your company or perhaps at a former company?

like

Hi everyone, I work for large startup (300 employees) and I have been asked to develop a Progressive HR manual template. Some examples include gender neutral restrooms, lactation rooms, signing off emails with pronouns, and etc. Any tips/links for resources to help would be appreciated.

like

Is anyone a member of the SHRM Executive Network and do you see any value in your membership?

like

I’m having the hardest time finding a new job. I have 12 years of HR experience, a masters in HR, SHRM certification, and all I keep getting are rejection emails. I’ve never experienced this difficult of a time searching for new opportunities. Is this normal once you hit a certain level in your career or is it just me?

likehelpful

Looking for some referrals to Third party I-9 representatives/company that are nationwide. Thank you!

like

Anyone using Darwinbox HRMS? What is your experience in terms of user friendly?

like

Hi everyone, what metrics are used by a talent acquisition team to identify insights on their activities to be able to start conversations within the team or other interlinked departments.

More than just metrics like time to hire, cost of hire, demographics, I'd like to hear what data is collected and monitored or measured to get insights on talent acquisition activities.

Thanks in advance for all your inputs :)

like

I want to get my masters in HR, but I also want to get my phr.. is it better to get one over the other? Or should I do both. Are there any masters hr program someone can recommend?

like

I am currently seeking an HR Generalist or Benefits Admin role. I live in Southern MA and I am SHRM-CP certified. In addition, I have over 5 years of experience in different HR areas. Please send any leads to me. Thanks!

like

Looking for advice! I was approved to work remotely but my salary will decrease 10%. I received two raises so the decrease brings me down to my previous salary. I was told that it’s due to the cost of labor in the area.

I’ve been with my company for 8+ yrs, I love my manager and the work I do (engagement, recognition, & wellness programs) but I feel like I’m limiting myself since I have the experience, an HRM degree, and SHRM-CP credentials.

Should I apply for roles outside the company?

like

Anyone here work at UKG (Ultimate Kronos Group) and can tell me the compensation for a Individual Contributor Level 4 role? Thank you!

like

Has anyone used the “Happify” app in conjunction with an employee “Be Well” challenge? If so, can you let me know how the app was used? Thank you!

Hello. I am just starting off in the corporate Hr biz. I have done it for small restaurants and now I finally have an opportunity to step it up to a coordinator for a corporate company. I am in California. I have 2 years of running the HR departments of smaller business but now slightly taking a step down but since it’s a bigger company it’s more structured. Anyways. How much do I ask for?

like

I’m job hunting in Los Angeles, looking at a variety of titles (HRBP, Sr. HRBP, Manager, Sr. Manager, Director). I have 8 YOE and my SHRM-SCP. I reached my report limit on payscale.com, so I used a variety of other sites to price the roles (BLS, salary.com, Glassdoor, LinkedIn, Robert Half). The problem I’m having is the huge inconsistencies between sources (there are $40k differences between some of the identified medians). (Continued…)

like

Hi! I’m new to this app, but I have a question that I haven’t been able to find an answer to. Is there any data that shows a certain dollar amount when sign-on bonuses stop being attractive? My concern is that there comes a point when candidates are actually turned off by a high amount.

like

Can you sell your used shrm cp books from the learning system? If so where?

like

New to Fishbowl?

Download the Fishbowl app to
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
That was just a preview…
Sign Up to see all discussions
  • Discover what it’s like to work at companies from real professionals
  • Get candid advice from people in your field in a safe space
  • Chat and network with other professionals in your field
Sign up in seconds to unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.

Already a user?
Login here

Share

Embed this post

Copy and paste embed code on your site

Preview

Download the
Fishbowl app

See what’s happening in your industry
from the palm of your hand.

A phone with Fishbowl app

Scan your QR code to download
Fishbowl app on your mobile

Download app

Sign up for free to view this conversation on Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Already have an account? Log in

Sign up for free to continue using Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use(New) and Privacy Policy(New)
Messaging rates may apply

Already have an account? Log in

For account settings, visit Fishbowl on Desktop Browser or

General

Legal