I work in a creative industry and cover letters help me see how well you can write. Can you imagine applying to a publishing job without a cover letter???

I know for a fact some of my cover letters have gotten me jobs/interviews.

Exactly. Because so few people bother with the cover letter, or even proof them much of the time, I can tell who is detail oriented and a well written cover letter helps separate out who to interview and who to move on from. I imagine there are industries where they may not seem useful. But, there are many industries in which they are invaluable.

I’ve never prepared a cover letter in my life. Successful career (with top firms and independently) and can retire somewhat early anytime. Seems like an ancient practice to do away with. Oh well, if a cover letter works for you then have at it. 😀

I work in a creative industry and cover letters help me see how well you can write. Can you imagine applying to a publishing job without a cover letter???

I know for a fact some of my cover letters have gotten me jobs/interviews.

Anonymous wrote:You don't owe a cover letter any more than they owe a job.

Well said.

I read the cover letters. I want to know why you want THIS job. I am hiring college people (undergrad or Masters students) and just because you are currently working at a chipotle does not tell me enough about you. I get over 300 application for 6 positions so I need to know you are not just applying to everything you see

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:HR leader here. I haven't looked at cover letters in a decade. IMHO, they are a waste of everyone's time.

Your resume should be GREAT, and if it is we should TALK to you and that is how we'll learn about you.

A cover letter represents your ability to find a template online, or use ChatGPT to write it for you. Those aren't the skills I'm looking for.

Clearly there are people who feel differently, but I think the demise of cover letters can't happen fast enough.

This is a confession that you know you're an idiot.

How, exactly? If you want to hang on to cover letters, be my guest but there are a LOT of organizations that don't care about them. We hire exceptional talent without them.

I make my decision about whom to interview based on the cover letter. It’s invaluable.

Same. But, now I worry with AI it might not tell me what I want to know.