Do cover letters hold the same importance they once did?
While the cover letter plays a different role to what it used to, it still remains an important one. Research for SEEK shows 83% of hirers finding cover letters useful to learn more about applicants. On the other hand, AI is becoming a mainstay on both sides of the job market – job seekers use it to help them apply for jobs, employers it to help them hire. How do cover letters fit in? Here’s what the experts need you to know about cover letters and how to write a great one for the world we’re liviing in.
The changing role of the cover letter
Cover letters were previously seen as just the starting page of your resumé. With AI increasingly used to scan applications, cover letters are becoming less an extension of your resumé and more a personal introduction.
Chelsea Hollins, talent acquisition specialist explains that job seekers should consider this changed role of cover letters when applying for roles.
“Cover letters are sometimes not considered to be as critical as they used to be,” she says, “but some companies and hiring managers still expect them, or use them to differentiate between someone who could do the job and someone who'll excel in a job.
They used to be mandatory for most job applications and acted as more of a summary of your resumé. Now they are an opportunity to tell your career story – which could include career breaks, career changes and of course, why you have the best skillset and experience for the role.”
Along with the role of cover letters changing, so too has the way they’re written – all thanks to AI. It’s easier than ever to generate content using AI, and an increasing number of jobseekers are turning to this technology to make their cover letters stand out.
However, research for SEEK found 33% of hirers think more negatively about candidates if they know they’ve used AI when applying for a job. So, while AI potentially has a place in streamlining and aiding in writing cover letters, it’s best to still exercise caution and common sense if going down this avenue.
Deborah Wilson, Head of Careers, Leadership Development & Consulting at OnTalent, believes that despite their evolving role, cover letters remain integral.
“Cover letters have changed but are predominantly still requested,” she says. “Why? Because the hiring person wants to get to know you.”
Wilson explains that several factors determine how vital a cover letter is.
“The importance of a cover letter varies depending on the level of the role, industry, company culture, and preferences of the hiring team,” she says.
“In some cases, like executive roles, they are considered essential. However, in others, especially where the hiring process is highly automated through AI, they may be less important, with greater emphasis being on the resumé.”
With all that said, the experts highlight that a well-written cover letter can:
Employers or recruiters read your cover letter to determine your reasons for submitting your application. Hollins advises to keep this in mind when writing yours.
“Your focus should be on explaining why you’re interested in this specific role and what parts of your experience and skillset makes you the best person for the job.”
Wilson adds that it’s not just about the contents of your cover letter, but how it’s written.
“We look for a professional tone that conveys enthusiasm for the role,” she says. “Being able to articulate the value you bring to the role, expressing your personal style and writing in an engaging and professional way is imperative.”
A professional standard of writing is important, but so is the quality of your content in your cover letter. Each letter needs to be written specifically for the role concerned to stand out from the rest.
You can do this by personalising your response directly to job ad requirements – which only 33% of job seekers do, according to research for SEEK.
“Tailor, tailor, tailor,” advises Wilson. “Write your letter from scratch and align to the role. Standard letters that are clearly not tailored are skimmed over and add no value. If someone puts in the effort to make their experience and potential stand out in the cover letter, they will catch the eye of the recruiter.”
Wilson offers the following advice when it comes to perfecting your cover letter:
In today’s job seeking landscape, cover letters continue to be a vital tool for potential job seekers. Although they require a bit more time and effort, the reward of standing out and showing why you’re the best fit for the role can be well worth it.
Independent research conducted by Nature of behalf of SEEK, interviewing 4800 Australians annually. Published April 2024.