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The Cover Letter Is Dead, Long Live the Cover Letter: Why This “Outdated” Tool Is Still Your Secret Weapon

Published Date
Author John Julitz

In a world dominated by 280-character tweets (yes, I'm still calling them tweets), short-form Reels, and 60-second TikToks, you might think there's no room for a full-page letter extolling your virtues. While many have been quick to declare the cover letter obsolete, the reports of its demise are greatly exaggerated. In fact, savvy job hunters are leveraging this so-called “outdated” tool to outshine the competition and land new gigs. The truth is the cover letter isn't dead – it's just misunderstood.

Here’s why you should embrace it.

It's Your Chance to Tell Your Story
If your resume is the “what” of your career, your cover letter is the “why” and the “how.” It's your chance to connect the dots between your experiences and the job you're angling for. Think of it as your origin story – like Spider-Man minus the radioactive spider bite. Spider Man Into The Spider Verse Spider GIF

Pro tip: Don't just rehash your resume. Use your cover letter to tell the story behind a major achievement or to explain why you're passionate about the industry. Make it memorable

Shows You’re Invested
In an age where you can apply to 50 jobs with the click of a button, a well-crafted cover letter shows you're not just playing the numbers game. It tells the hiring manager, “Hey, I care enough about this opportunity to put in some extra effort.” And trust me, that effort doesn't go unnoticed.

Your Personality's Time to Shine
Let's face it, your resume is about as exciting as a tax form (unless you're an accountant, in which case, party on). Your cover letter is where your personality can peek through. It's your chance to show that you're not just a collection of skills and job titles – you're a real person who'd be awesome to work with.

Writing Sample in Disguise
Most jobs require some level of written communication. Your cover letter is essentially a stealth writing test. Nail it, and you're already proving you've got the chops for the job.

The Secret Networking Tool
Did someone refer you to the job? Is there a connection between you and the company that's not obvious from your resume? Your cover letter is the place to drop that info. It's like name-dropping, but classier.

It Lets You Address the Elephant in the Room
Career gap? Changing industries? Applying for a job you're slightly underqualified for? Your cover letter is the place to tackle these issues head-on. It's your chance to turn potential red flags into selling points.

How to Make Your Cover Letter a Secret Weapon
Alright, now that you're convinced the cover letter isn't some archaic relic, here's how to turn it into your job search superpower:

  • Tailor it like a boss: Generic cover letters are as effective as spam email. Customize each one for the specific job and company.

  • Keep it snappy: I can sympathize with you since brevity is not my strong suit. But aim for 3-4 punchy paragraphs and remember, you're writing a cover letter, not “War and Peace.”

  • Inject some personality: A little humor or a personal anecdote can go a long way. Just keep it professional – save your stand-up routine for after you get the job.

  • Proofread like your career depends on it (because it might): I have to make a confession. I once applied for a job where I wrote a cover letter that I thought did everything needed to sell myself for the role. That is, until the end when I used the wrong company name when saying why I was a good fit for the company. While I thought I was perfect for that job, my proofreading faux pas immediately cast me in a negative light. Typos in a cover letter are like spinach stuck in your teeth – not always a deal-breaker, but certainly not a good look. Don’t make the same mistake I did. Double- and triple-check every part of your cover letter. You won't regret it.

Remember, in a world where everyone's zigging, sometimes it pays to zag. While others are neglecting their cover letters or ditching them altogether, you can use yours to stand out from the crowd. So, dust off that keyboard, channel your inner wordsmith and let your cover letter be the turbocharged engine that drives your job application to the top of the pile.