Cover letters—those one-page documents that accompany your resume—have sparked much debate in the professional world. In an age where technology allows for instant communication, data-driven decision-making, and even artificial intelligence in recruitment, the cover letter may seem like an outdated relic. Yet, many recruiters continue to ask for them, even when applicant tracking systems (ATS) scan resumes, and networking plays a dominant role in hiring.
So, why do recruiters still want cover letters? The answer lies in the nuances that a resume cannot capture. The mystery of the cover letter is not as elusive as it seems, and understanding its importance could be the key to landing your next job.
Quick Preview:
- Cover Letters Showcase Personality: How they provide insight beyond the resume.
- Context and Customization: Why recruiters appreciate tailored cover letters.
- The Human Touch: The role of emotional intelligence and communication skills.
1. Cover Letters Showcase Personality
Resumes, by nature, are rigid documents. They typically follow a formulaic structure that lists your professional experience, skills, and achievements in bullet-point form. While this is effective for giving recruiters a snapshot of your qualifications, it often lacks personality—an important factor when deciding whether you’ll be a good cultural fit for the organization.
According to Harvard Business Review, the emotional intelligence of a candidate plays a significant role in their success within a company. A well-written cover letter allows recruiters to gauge how you communicate, how well you can express enthusiasm for the role, and whether you align with the company’s culture and values.
Tone and Personality Matter
A resume might say you have strong communication skills, but a cover letter shows it. By expressing your personality and motivations, you give recruiters a glimpse into how you might interact with team members or clients. The tone you use—whether it’s formal, professional, or conversational—can indicate your suitability for the company’s work environment.
One recruiter I spoke with said, “The cover letter is where I see the candidate’s energy and personality. If they’re excited about the role, I want to see that passion come through. It tells me more about who they are beyond their qualifications.”
Takeaway: Cover letters give you a platform to showcase your personality, which can make you stand out from other candidates with similar qualifications. In a competitive job market, your personality could be the differentiator that gets you noticed.
2. Context and Customization
One of the biggest frustrations recruiters face is receiving generic applications. A resume alone can sometimes feel like a blanket statement of skills, sent out to multiple companies with little thought. A cover letter, however, gives you the chance to customize your application and add context to your resume.
Tailoring to the Job
Recruiters want to know that you’re not just blasting out applications without doing any research. A tailored cover letter demonstrates that you’ve taken the time to understand the company, the role, and how your unique skills fit into their needs. McKinsey Quarterly emphasizes the growing importance of personalization in professional communication. In an era where automation and templates rule, the ability to provide a customized, thoughtful approach is seen as a sign of genuine interest.
For example, let’s say you’re applying for a marketing position at a tech startup. Your resume might list skills like “SEO optimization” and “digital marketing campaigns,” but a cover letter gives you the opportunity to explain how you’ve used those skills specifically in a tech environment. You could also highlight that you’ve followed the company’s recent product launches, and explain how your experience could support their growth strategy.
Addressing Gaps or Unique Circumstances
Another reason recruiters value cover letters is because they allow candidates to explain gaps in their employment history, changes in career direction, or unusual qualifications. If your resume shows a two-year break from the workforce, recruiters may have concerns or questions. In your cover letter, you can address this directly, perhaps explaining that you took time off for personal development, freelance projects, or family responsibilities. This shows that you’re proactive and transparent, qualities employers appreciate.
Takeaway: Recruiters value cover letters for the context they provide. Tailoring your letter to the specific job and company shows that you’re thoughtful, engaged, and serious about the opportunity.
3. The Human Touch in a Digital World
As hiring processes become increasingly automated, the cover letter serves as one of the few remaining opportunities to bring a human touch into the process. Applicant tracking systems (ATS) are designed to scan resumes for keywords, but a cover letter gives you the chance to speak directly to the hiring manager, assuming they read it after the initial screening.
Human Connection
In the Journal of Positive Psychology, research has shown that human connection in the workplace improves job satisfaction and productivity. By using a cover letter to make that initial connection, candidates can express genuine interest and establish a rapport with the recruiter.
One recruiter mentioned, “When candidates address me personally in their cover letter, it creates a sense of connection. It’s not just about qualifications; it’s about finding someone who I can picture working with every day.”
Emotional Intelligence and Communication Skills
A study published in Forbes highlights that communication skills and emotional intelligence are two of the most sought-after traits in candidates today. While these can be hard to quantify in a resume, a cover letter allows you to demonstrate your communication skills through clear, concise writing. It’s your opportunity to showcase how you handle written communication, a skill that’s essential in many roles.
For example, if you’re applying for a management position, your cover letter is an ideal place to illustrate how you’ve successfully led teams, managed conflicts, and communicated effectively with upper management.
Takeaway: In an increasingly digital hiring process, the cover letter offers a way to add a personal touch and demonstrate critical communication skills that are essential for long-term success.
4. It’s a Test of Your Commitment and Attention to Detail
Submitting a well-crafted cover letter shows that you’re not cutting corners in your job search. It indicates that you’re committed to the application process and willing to go the extra mile. Harvard Business Review highlights that attention to detail is a key quality employers look for, especially in roles that require precision, such as project management, finance, or engineering.
A Test of Dedication
The act of writing a thoughtful cover letter can demonstrate your dedication to the role. Companies want to hire people who care about the quality of their work, and submitting a personalized, error-free cover letter is one way to show that you take pride in what you do.
From my HR experience, I’ve seen how a polished cover letter can be the deciding factor when choosing between two equally qualified candidates. One candidate may have slightly better qualifications, but if their cover letter is generic or poorly written, it reflects a lack of enthusiasm and attention to detail. The other candidate, who has taken the time to write a compelling cover letter, leaves a much stronger impression.
Avoiding Generic Submissions
A well-tailored cover letter also shows that you’re not just “mass applying” to jobs. McKinsey Quarterly found that one of the major complaints from recruiters is receiving applications that feel impersonal or irrelevant. A generic cover letter can quickly turn recruiters off, while a specific and customized letter makes them feel that you’ve chosen their company for a reason.
Takeaway: A cover letter is a test of your commitment to the job. Taking the time to write one that’s thoughtful and specific demonstrates attention to detail, dedication, and genuine interest in the position.
5. Recruiters Still Expect Them
Despite debates about the relevance of cover letters, many recruiters and hiring managers continue to expect them. In some industries—such as publishing, marketing, and communications—a well-written cover letter is seen as a non-negotiable part of the application. It’s viewed as an essential way to assess the applicant’s writing skills, creativity, and ability to communicate.
A Professional Norm
For some roles, not submitting a cover letter can actually hurt your chances of being considered, as it may signal a lack of professionalism or effort. In competitive job markets, where hundreds of resumes are submitted for each opening, recruiters often use the presence of a cover letter to narrow down the applicant pool.
One recruiter in the tech industry shared, “We don’t always require a cover letter, but if someone submits one, I pay attention to it. If it’s well-written, it adds credibility to their application.”
Going Beyond What’s Required
Even if a job application doesn’t explicitly request a cover letter, submitting one can still work to your advantage. It shows that you’re willing to go the extra mile and that you understand the importance of effective communication in your field. While some recruiters may not read every cover letter in full, the act of submitting one signals that you’re thorough and committed.
Takeaway: In many industries, submitting a cover letter remains a professional norm. Recruiters still expect them as part of the application process, and not including one could put you at a disadvantage.
Conclusion: The Value of the Cover Letter
While cover letters may feel outdated in a world of LinkedIn connections and automated job applications, they still serve a valuable purpose in the hiring process. Recruiters continue to request them because they provide insights that a resume simply cannot—whether it’s your personality, communication skills, or your ability to tailor your application to the specific role.
Cover letters are an opportunity to showcase who you are beyond your qualifications. They allow you to add context, demonstrate emotional intelligence, and make a personal connection with the hiring manager. In a competitive job market, that extra effort can make all the difference in setting you apart from other candidates.
