Why Cover Letters Are Stupid
If you apply for a job without a cover letter, but still get an interview, it is possible that an employer may request one to review. While this occurrence is rare, it's still advisable to always have a cover letter prepared for every job application, regardless of whether or not it's required. A cover letter can be crucial in highlighting your qualifications, skills and experience to a potential employer.
They don't show passion
What is the worst part about creating cover letters?
The worst part about creating cover letters is that they can feel formulaic and repetitive, leading to boredom and a robotic tone. However, the solution is to become more creative and avoid using templates.
How do you show passion in a cover letter?
To express passion in a cover letter, it is recommended to showcase achievements and numerical values that prove dedication to the job. It's important to avoid exaggeration, list-making, negative or biased statements, and the use of possessive adjectives. Writing in a formal and expert tone without conjunction words and avoiding mentioning the data source can also make a good impression on a potential employer.
They are time-consuming
Why do job hunters hate writing cover letters?
Job hunters detest writing cover letters since it requires a formal and professional tone without any exaggeration, and it takes a long time to craft one, and then tweaking it or writing a new one from scratch for every single job application takes even longer. It can feel especially daunting if writing isn't their forte.
Are cover letters still important?
According to a 2017 survey, only a small percentage of US recruiters, 26%, consider cover letters to be important in the hiring process. Despite feeling outdated and time-wasting to many job applicants, some recruiters still find cover letters to be a valuable part of the selection process. The BBC Worklife article poses the question of why cover letters still exist.
Is a cover letter redundant?
According to a recent survey conducted by Fishbowl by Glassdoor involving over 13,000 professionals, 58% of workers believe that cover letters are unnecessary and may soon become obsolete due to the leverage employees have in the current job market.
Recruiters often ignore them
Do hiring managers read cover letters?
According to some hiring managers on Reddit, they never read cover letters. While some job seekers use them as a way to provide further information about their qualifications, it seems that most of the time, cover letters go unread. The frustration over cover letters is evident in a post on r/recruitinghell, where one person expresses their exasperation with the process.
What are the worst job postings?
Job postings that require a separate cover letter and writing sample are seen as the worst by the writer of the Reddit post. They express frustration with a specific job application that required both documents and additional tasks, such as watching a video and doing busy work. The writer emphasizes their exhaustion with the process of writing cover letters.
Most employers don't read them
Do Employers Actually Read Cover Letters?
It is crucial to understand how and why employers read cover letters, making them an essential aspect of any job application. Crafting a flawless cover letter should be a priority as it ensures the employer can gain a wealth of information about the applicant beyond their resume. Ultimately, a well-crafted cover letter can significantly contribute to a successful job application.
What is the worst thing you can do in a cover letter?
According to Kim Kaupe, explaining why you left your current or former position is the worst thing a potential employee can do in a cover letter. Kaupe, who is the co-founder of Bright Ideas Only, likens it to starting out a first date by talking about your ex.
Do employers care about cover letters?
Employers still require cover letters under certain circumstances, such as knowing the hiring manager's name or having a pre-existing relationship.
Do you hate writing cover letters?
Many people dislike writing cover letters, as they often appear to have little significance in the hiring process. A survey conducted in the US in 2017 revealed that just 26% of recruiters deemed cover letters crucial for evaluating job applicants.
They are difficult to tailor
What is the worst part about writing a cover letter?
The worst part about writing a cover letter is having to talk about oneself the whole time, which can feel uncomfortable and unnatural for those who are not used to bragging or detailing their accomplishments in a letter. The article suggests imagining oneself as someone else writing a letter about oneself as a strategy to make the process less uncomfortable.
Are You Tired of writing the same cover letter over and over?
The article from The Muse suggests that writing repetitive cover letters can be dull, especially if using a template. However, it also emphasizes that cover letters don't have to follow a specific format and offers four ways to make the process less tedious.
They often contain too much information
What are the most common cover letter mistakes?
Career coaches and job search pros often observe candidates making the mistake of regurgitating their resume in their cover letter when they are not sure what to write. This is among the biggest cover letter mistakes.
What should I avoid when writing a cover letter?
There are 15 things to avoid when writing a cover letter based on the article from Indeed.com. These include not following instructions, using the wrong format, discussing why you are looking for a new position, using the same cover letter for every application, and writing without first researching the company and position.
What is the purpose of a cover letter?
The purpose of a cover letter is to persuade the hiring manager that you are a valuable candidate for the position by showcasing your strengths and qualifications in a persuasive manner in order to convince them to take action. This is crucial in convincing a hiring manager to call you in for an interview, making your cover letter a critical tool in your job application process.
Is your experience irrelevant in Your Cover Letter?
The text suggests that it is possible for the hiring manager to have concerns about your experience or lack thereof when reviewing your cover letter. However, the writer advises against making it apparent that your experience is irrelevant, cautioning against using your cover letter to explain the absence of relevant experience.
They don't always add value
Why is a cover letter important?
A cover letter is important as it serves as a chance to showcase your identity to a possible employer. It highlights your skills and experience along with your unique personality traits.
What are some common cover letter mistakes to avoid?
Avoid making your cover letter personal by not expressing your personal beliefs about the organization. Personal feelings do not have a place in job applications. FlexJobs provides tips on how to avoid common cover letter mistakes.
Should you add personal information to Your Cover Letter?
According to FlexJobs' article, it's not recommended to add personal information to your cover letter. This is because some hiring managers may have biases, which is illegal. It's advised to avoid personal touches and instead focus on highlighting soft skills that are relevant to the job.
There is no room for creativity
What is a creative cover letter?
A creative cover letter is a way to showcase your passion, talent, and drive to potential employers. It can help you stand out from other candidates and increase your chances of getting noticed by recruiters or hiring managers. Being creative in your cover letter can make a positive first impression and set you apart from the competition.
They can come off as insincere
What happens if you don't have a cover letter?
If you apply for a job without a cover letter, but still get an interview, it is possible that an employer may request one to review. While this occurrence is rare, it's still advisable to always have a cover letter prepared for every job application, regardless of whether or not it's required. A cover letter can be crucial in highlighting your qualifications, skills and experience to a potential employer.
What is a cover letter for resume?
A cover letter for a resume is designed to showcase your skills and attract the attention of the hiring manager. Its purpose is to create interest, much like a movie trailer, encouraging the reader to keep reading and ultimately pick up your resume.
