Is the Cover Letter Dead? Or Are We Just Wasting a Golden Opportunity?

Candidates, you put in the effort. You craft a cover letter that isn’t just a rehash of your resume but a tailored, compelling pitch that shows why you’re the right fit. But what happens when it lands in the hands of a hiring manager who never reads it? Frustrating, right?

Hiring managers, recruiters, let’s be fair. If you’re asking for a cover letter, use it. Don’t just make it a box-ticking exercise. A well-written cover letter can make your life easier, fast-track your shortlisting process, and tell you the things a resume never will.

Candidates: Keep Writing Them (But Make Them Count)

If you see “attach a cover letter” in a job ad, don’t just send in a bland, generic note. Use it to:

• Explain the ‘why.’ Why this role? Why this company? Why now?

• Tell your story. Your resume shows what you’ve done. Your cover letter shows who you are.

• Address the gaps. Career break? Industry switch? This is your chance to control the narrative.

• Prove attention to detail. Especially if the role involves writing, formatting, or communication, your cover letter is your first test.

  
  

Hiring Managers: If You Ask for It, Read It

Think of a cover letter as the ultimate filtering tool. If a candidate has taken the time to craft one, read it. A strong cover letter can:

• Tell you who actually wants this job vs. who is just firing off applications.

• Give you insight into communication skills, strategic thinking, and motivation.

• Save you time. A well-written cover letter can make a candidate stand out before you even get to the interview stage.

  
  

I’ve recruited for high-level Executive Assistant roles where written communication is a critical skill. If you’re asking for a $150K+ EA role and can’t craft a compelling cover letter, that’s a red flag. If you send a generic, copy-paste letter? That tells me you’re not invested.

The Bottom Line

Candidates, keep writing them but make them meaningful. Hiring managers, if you’re asking for them, use them to your advantage. A cover letter isn’t dead; it’s just wildly underutilised.