Is the Cover Letter Dead?

No!  I don’t think so.  But yes, it is dying.

A new person in my network asked me this question. She is beginning her job search after 10 years with the same company. Things have changed a lot in 10 years.  I am adamant about cover letters but not everyone feels the same.

Why is the cover letter dying?

Uncertainty 

We don’t mail business letters anymore.  People no longer know what the cover letter is.  Is a cover email different from a cover letter?  The word “letter” implies paper. No one applies for a job on paper in a stamped envelope. The easiest way to deal with this uncertainty is to skip the cover letter.  

Casual society

We wear jeans everywhere.  Many companies are business casual or jeans casual.  How many people do you know who wear suits to work? No one dresses up to fly or to go to the theater anymore. Don’t even mention Crocs.

Social media and texting language are conversational and abbreviated. Or illustrated via emojis! The idea of a cover letter sounds so formal. How does that fit into a casual society?

Technology-enabled laziness

The LinkedIn “easy apply” button is killing the cover letter. It is enabling lazy candidates to exert very little effort. It says “resume optional” with no mention of a cover letter. This confuses candidates into thinking they are only allowed to submit a resume or one file.  

Make your cover letter page 1 of your PDF or Word document.  Like a Trojan horse.  It will also dazzle them with your creativity and problem-solving skills.  

Why is the cover letter not dead?

In my opinion, the cover letter can set you apart from the other candidates. The “A Players” still send cover letters.  When I hired my marketing coordinator, I asked for a resume and cover letter in the LinkedIn posting.  Out of 150+ applications, only three people submitted cover letters.  That is only 2%.  (You can read more about that crazy process in this blog post.)

Tell your story

This is where you share details that are not on your resume that relate to the position.  You begin selling yourself in as the ideal candidate in a narrative form.  I think the tone of the cover letter can be more conversational.  Express your interest and enthusiasm in the position and company. People don’t expect the old “Dear Sir or Madame” format.

Show your personality

Hiring managers are looking for a cultural fit as well as someone with a specific skill set. As the candidate, you should also be looking for a cultural fit.  Showing some personality in your cover letter is the start of that process. It’s another way to differentiate yourself from the competing pile of resumes. (Who likely did not come with a cover letter.)

Make the extra effort

As the cover letter continues its path to extinction, you can position yourself as the candidate who will go the extra mile.  Let the other candidates do the bare minimum.

How bad do you want it?  The cover letter can make a difference.  In my 3/150 example above, that puts you in the top 2% as soon as you hit 'submit.'

Not sure how to begin?  Google it!  Then make it your own.