Straight Talk from a Recruiter: The Problem with Cover Letters
Real talk, your cover letters suck. Here is a formula for writing a good cover letter that just might help land you the job.
I am awesome + you’re awesome + let’s be awesome together.
The problem with cover letters:
90% of cover letters we receive are extremely formulaic.
Didn’t you just say there is a formula? Yes, but this formula includes you and your insights into the company, and your unique attributions to the position.
Don’t just regurgitate the employers' mission or job listing in the cover letter.
P.S. Yes, recruiters can tell when chatGPT wrote your cover letter.
Cover Letters: To Whom, What, When, and Why?
At Big Fish, we read a lot of cover letters from applicants, and we may also advise our job seekers to include a cover letter with their resume.
Writing a cover letter is not an automated function where you can Google, “cover letter templates” and choose your favorite one. And while admittedly, we’ve all done that at some point in our careers, here are the Big W’s that AI won’t be able to spell out for you.
To Whom?
Who is going to be reading your letter? Always address your cover letter to the hiring manager or recruiter by name. This personal touch shows that you've taken the time to research the company and makes your cover letter stand out among the “sirs and madams”. Not sure who that person should be? If you’re our Big Fish candidate, we will share it with you.
What do I say?
What you shouldn’t do is repeat a sequel of your resume, that’s already there. Rather, your cover letter adds depth to your interest and reaffirms your career goals with the goals of the hiring organization.
Research Well: Take the time to research the company's mission, values, culture, and recent achievements. Incorporate this information into your cover letter to demonstrate your genuine interest in the organization and how you can contribute to its success.
Highlight Your Relevant Experience: Dedicate one paragraph of your cover letter to expand and highlight your most relevant experience and skills that make you a strong candidate for the job. Provide specific examples of how your past accomplishments demonstrated your potential to excel in the role.
Circle it back to the Job and The Company: Make sure to explicitly connect your experience and skills back to the employer. They want to know essentially, “why us” and “why you?” Convey your enthusiasm for the role and the company in your cover letter. Explain why you're excited about the opportunity and how it aligns with your career goals and interests.
When do I include a Cover Letter?
In most cases, if the job description does not explicitly ask for a cover letter, there’s no need to submit one. If you are reading this and find yourself easily crafting the talking points we outlined above in your head, then go for it!
Disclaimer-- a poorly written, awkwardly phrased or non-proofread cover letter can hurt your application. Especially in a communication-oriented role, so if you include a letter, do it right.
Make sure you ask a friend or colleague to review it before sending.
Other opportunistic reasons to include a cover letter with your resume are:
When the desired job is a diversion from your previous work experience.
When you were referred by a colleague or relatable previous experience.
When you have any noticeable breaks from employment in your resume.
When you have an average of one year, or less, with previous employers.
When you really want the job.
If one or more of the above apply to you, any possible shortcomings, or previous career detours, addressing it directly in your personalized cover letter makes recruiters and hiring manager take that second look.
Why you, and why us?
At this point, you’ve gotten most of the way through your one-page cover letter. It's concise and carefully worded to the job requirements; time to end your letter with one question answered...why you? What’s your unique value that you bring to the role, the team, the company?
The magic formula again here, is worth repeating...
I am awesome + you’re awesome + let’s be awesome together.
End your cover letter with a strong closing paragraph reiterating your interest in the position and expressing what benefit you anticipate being able to bring to this role or this company. Thank the employer for considering your application and provide your contact information.
By following these tips, you can write a solid cover letter that effectively showcases your qualifications and makes a positive impression on potential employers. Or you can still use AI to help you write your cover letter promptly, just know it’s writing the same letter for every applicant.
