Why job seekers are moving away from cover letters

It is clear that job seekers are starting to take a stand against the traditional cover letter. An idea that has also been documented by the Wall Street Journal. Why are younger applicants especially frustrated with this requirement? We take a closer look at the reasons behind this growing sentiment.

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Many younger job hunters are feeling that writing cover letters is not only outdated but also pointless. They argue that after investing time to craft a cover letter, it often has little to no impact on their job application. In a world where algorithms and keyword optimisation dominate the hiring process, it can feel like a waste of effort. Many people are starting to adopt the sentiment that “It doesn’t even make sense to do a cover letter.” Instead of focusing on what’s traditionally expected, she got her job by reaching out to employees via LinkedIn.

This approach highlights a significant shift in how candidates are navigating their job searches. Rather than relying on cover letters, many are leveraging their networks and attempting to land roles through direct connections. This method not only proves effective but also allows candidates to showcase their initiative and interpersonal skills, which are often more valued by employers than a standard cover letter.

The ineffectiveness of cover letters

We have spoken with job seekers who write multiple customised cover letters for their applications, only to receive no responses, only to then apply for a role without a cover letter and land the job. This scenario illustrates a common frustration: despite the effort put into cover letters, many candidates find that they yield little return.

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A study conducted by Resume Labs found that 83% of HR professionals claimed that cover letters were important in the hiring process. However, a staggering 72% admitted that they expected a cover letter even if it wasn’t explicitly requested. This creates a confusing dynamic where qualified candidates might be overlooked for not adhering to an unspoken rule.

Breaking down the tradition

So, why do hiring managers continue to cling to cover letters? It seems that many are operating under the idea that a cover letter provides insight into a candidate’s motivations and fit for the role. However, this expectation can often lead to disqualification of capable candidates simply because they didn’t submit a cover letter.

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This tradition is slowly being called into question. If hiring managers are truly interested in candidates’ qualifications, they should specify what they want in the application process. The expectation of a cover letter without a clear ask feels like an unnecessary barrier, especially in an age where clear communication is key.

The future of applications

Removenture recognises this shift and have created resources to help job seekers enhance their resumes. We currently help 10 job seekers per month, free of charge with constructing their resume - the submission link can be found here. It's time to move away from outdated practices and focus on what truly matters: skills, experiences, and the ability to contribute to a team.

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As the job market continues to evolve, it’s essential for both job seekers and employers to adapt. Cover letters may have been a staple in the past, but their relevance is being challenged, especially as the AI world continues to adapt, a topic we will look into with another post. By embracing new methods of communication and connection, we can create a more efficient and equitable hiring process.