Have you ever spent ages perfecting a cover letter? Turns out, a recent survey found that a huge 74% of recruiters don’t bother reading them! Are cover letters becoming obsolete?
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A survey by a major US jobs board revealed that 74% of recruiters don’t see cover letters as crucial. It seems they’re strapped for time and skimming through lengthy documents isn’t their thing, so they skip them altogether.
Rachel Bitte, Jobvite’s Chief People Officer, mentioned that recruiters now lean on candidates’ social media profiles to gauge how they fit in culturally. That’s where they’re investing their time. Plus, recruiters are using faster methods like automated systems and targeted searches on job boards to find candidates.
Surprisingly, almost half of job seekers don’t bother sending cover letters anyway!
But why were cover letters even a thing?
Originally, a cover letter was meant to inject some personality into a concise CV. It was a chance to showcase writing skills and communication abilities. It’s that first impression space and a way to highlight unique bits that might get lost in a brief CV.
So, if recruiters are giving cover letters a pass, what’s the plan?
- Make sure your CV lists all your relevant skills for the role you want. You can use these CV templates for South African job seekers to help structure it.
- Shape up your social media profiles to reflect both your professional and personal sides. “When done right, it showcases your creativity, personality, and networking skills,” notes Bitte. Check out our #careerpride series on Instagram for inspiration.
- Fill in your complete profile on every job board you’re part of. Ensure it’s updated with education, work history, and skills. Keep it active to be easily found by recruiters.
What successful job seekers suggest:
“I’ve been job hunting for the past two months, and every employer asked for a cover letter. I’d definitely include one. It sets you apart and allows you to highlight career points or personal traits that could seal the deal.” – Chelsea
“Field matters a lot. In some, the cover letter can make or break your chances. We don’t take seriously those who rush it, make typos, or overlook mentioning our company.” – Rubina
“If almost half the people aren’t doing something free and easy that could make a difference, count me in. It might not guarantee the job, but it could be the reason you get it. My cover letter got me two interviews that changed my life.” – Sydney
At Careers24, they advise sticking to cover letters—they can still be the difference between an interview or not. Learn how to create one that stands out: Cover Letter Advice
So, what’s your take? Will you keep crafting cover letters?
