Growth & Jobs | Are cover letters still necessary?

MANY PEOPLE are of the opinion that cover letters are no longer necessary as part of the job application process. But Tiffany Lee Beckmann, human resources practitioner, says while she agrees that cover letters are still useful, a well-crafted résumé is usually sufficient in getting an applicant shortlisted for a job.

“Cover letters help to show extra effort and enthusiasm, the applicant’s written communication skills, and when done right, you can have a decent handle on the applicant’s personality. It’s also my go-to in situations where you have a long, highly competitive list of candidates and require additional information to assist with the shortlisting process. However, under usual circumstances, a well-crafted résumé by itself suffices in the shortlisting process. I would encourage applicants to be guided by the job requirements, and where a job posting requests a cover letter or provide an option for one to be submitted, do use this opportunity and provide one,” Beckmann, who is talent acquisition manager at The Jamaica National Group, explained.

A cover letter is a document that accompanies your résumé with the aim of introducing yourself and highlighting your skills and accomplishments aligned to the position being applied for. It can be likened to an elevator pitch or an executive brief, intriguing the employer to want to know more about the applicant.

Speaking to why some people believe that cover letters are unnecessary, she noted that most modern career websites allow for the upload of one file and recruiters tend to be guided by artificial intelligence in the shortlisting process, which is not programmed to effectively read cover letters.

“And so, companies who have automated their talent acquisition process to a great degree, tend to focus only on applicants’ résumés. Additionally, there is the adoption of other digital tools and methods which assist recruiters in getting to know candidates for the shortlist; for example, video interviews, behaviour assessments and other types of pre-screenings,” the HR professional pointed out.

Lee Beckmann outlined some tips for people who wish to include a cover letter in their job application.

“Ensure you understand the position advertised, including the requisite competencies and skills, so you highlight relevant details. The cover letter should be your own personal introduction; therefore, you should aim to find the right balance of professional and personable tone to distinguish yourself from other candidates.”

She added that while paying keen attention to grammar, expression and content structure, applicants should complement their résumé by highlighting key skills and accomplishments, and detail their background instead of repeating information already on the résumé.

The letter, she said, should be addressed to a specific person in the company and should indicate how they came to apply for the position in the introduction.

“In no more than one page, you should summarise your background, qualifications, and indicate how you can help the company. End with an action which connotes your interest for further discussion. Self-awareness is key to figuring out how you wish to position yourself in your cover letter. This is the guiding factor to skilfully link yourself with the needs of the company,” she advised.