To Write a Cover letter or Not…

“Genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration.” – Thomas A. Edison

“You never get a second chance to make a first impression.” – Will Rogers

To write a cover letter, or not to write a cover letter…that is the question.  Back ‘in the day’, the cover letter was a crucial part of the application process.  The hiring team would usually read the letter first and then move on to the resume. With the on-line job board web sites, on-line applications and the speed of the process, the importance of having a cover letter has been called into question. You can spend a lot of time writing a meaningful and thoughtful cover letter, but will anyone read it?

It is certain that larger companies (and perhaps smaller ones soon) will use Artificial Intelligence (AI) sorting tools to do a first cut on candidates, and they will not value a cover letter. So, the cover letter will not get you into the first cut of candidates.  However, it can have a couple benefits:

1. If you make it past the Artificial Intelligence filter process, then the cover letter would likely be read by the hiring manager or the human resources person working to fill the open position.  Now it may work to your advantage and separate you from the rest of the pack.

2. The process of writing the cover letter is a great exercise to put your thoughts down on paper.  You get to spend time thinking through and developing some arguments about why you are a strong candidate for the role.  

The hidden benefit of this effort is the process of organizing your thoughts about the role and your strengths for this position.  It starts to prepare you for future interviews via phone, video or in person. 

This is also a good litmus test for yourself on the likely fit for this role.  If you struggle to write a solid cover letter for your resume on this position, then you are likely forcing this opportunity into a fit.  You are probably better served to cease-and-desist pursuit on this role if you find yourself in this situation.

The cover letter outline should look something like this.

1. Header: Your name, mobile phone number, email, and date

2. Salutation: Use a professional greeting (e.g., "Dear [Hiring Manager's Name]")

3. Brief Introduction:

   1. State the position you are applying for

   2. Mention how you found out about the job (referral, job board, etc.)

   3. Briefly introduce yourself and express enthusiasm for the role

4. Body Paragraphs:

   1. Relevant Experience:

      1. Highlight specific experiences that relate to the job description

      2. Use quantifiable achievements to demonstrate your impact

   2. Skills and Qualifications:

      1. Discuss key skills that align with the position

      2. Mention any relevant certifications or education

   3. Cultural Fit:

      1. Show your understanding of the company's values and culture

      2. Explain why you are excited about the company and how your values align with its mission

5. Conclusion:

   1. Reiterate your enthusiasm for the position

   2. Express a desire for an interview to discuss your application further

   3. Closing: Use a professional sign-off (e.g., "Sincerely," "Best regards,")

Keep the cover letter short and to the point.  1-page is the goal.  My general rule of thumb on writing a letter is to keep the paragraphs short.  We do well to listen to the advice from Thomas Jefferson, ”The most valuable of all talents is that of never using two words when one will do.”  This was instructed to me early in my career by my sales leader at that time and it has served me well.  People have relatively short attention spans, and they are likely getting shorter every year.  Get to the point, be succinct and keep things moving along.  If you write too much, then people will tune out or skip ahead and they might miss something of importance.

If you are serious about competing for the position and are submitting a resume’ to the company directly or through a job board, I suggest you take the time to write the cover letter.