Candidate’s side – Generating Motivation letter – good or bad strategy?

The growing popularity of programs generating cover letters indicates one thing: crafting motivational texts is not the most pleasant task for job seekers. So, a logical question arises: are cover letters really necessary in 2024? Have they lost their relevance in the era of artificial intelligence? Do hiring managers read them, and how do they impact decision-making?

What is a cover letter?

First, let’s define what a cover or motivational letter is. It is a textual document sent along with a resume, where a candidate has the opportunity to talk about themselves as a person, demonstrate interest in the vacancy, and explain why they are a better fit for the position than others. The main goal of a cover letter is to provide additional information and context that cannot be highlighted in a resume.

Why is it important?

Imagine how many people apply for a single job opening. Your cover letter could be what sets you apart from others.

Employers appreciate when people genuinely want the job. It’s an excellent way to show your interest.

A resume is just a list of facts. A cover letter is a more personal and sincere narrative about why you are suitable for the job. It reveals your self-motivation, enthusiasm, communication skills, and more.

Should a cover letter be considered as part of the job search strategy?

Despite the resume being the key document in job searches, the importance of the cover letter should not be underestimated. According to a Resume Genius survey, 83% of recruiters read cover letters, and 25% consider them very important in making decisions about candidates.

However, there is another opinion. A recent survey of recruiters on LinkedIn showed interesting results:

• 37% of hiring managers and 44% of candidates consider the resume more important than the cover letter.
• Why does this happen?
• Simple lack of time, as recruiters have limited resources to review a large number of applications.
• Not all cover letters have informational value. Often, they lack relevant and persuasive data.
• Recruiters may not read the cover letter due to spelling mistakes, template phrases, unclear structure, etc.
• However, don’t rush to dismiss them!

Advantages of a Cover Letter

A well-crafted cover letter can be a powerful tool that helps you:

• Stand out among other candidates. It serves as the foundation for your self-presentation and an opportunity to make a strong first impression.
• Demonstrate your attention to detail and serious approach to the job opening.
• Highlight your strengths and experience, providing examples of successes and achievements that showcase your competence.
• Express your motivation, demonstrate interest, and explain why you want to work specifically for this company and in this position.
• Provide additional information not included in the resume, such as career goals, current professional skill development, interests, etc.
• Showcase your creativity and ability to articulate your thoughts concisely and convincingly.
• Make sure your letter is error-free, and its structure and style are clear and understandable.

Disadvantages of a Cover Letter

Some companies believe that cover letters are losing their relevance due to several reasons:

Subjectivity: Evaluation of cover letters by recruiters will always be subjective, leading to bias.

Non-representativeness: Motivational letter texts are often copied from other sources or generated using AI. Candidates attempt to please recruiters and meet their expectations, which may not reflect real motivation.

Need for additional processing: Some recruiters feel that cover letters require too much time for processing and analysis, which can be impractical with a large volume of candidates.

So, is a cover letter necessary?

There is no definitive answer to this question. It depends on the job opening, the company, and your personal experience.

Consider the following factors:

Job requirements: If the job description clearly states that a cover letter is mandatory, do not ignore this requirement.

Hiring process in the company: Try to determine the preferred format of applications by recruiters. Ask current employees for insights.

Your experience: If you have limited work experience, a cover letter can be a good way to demonstrate your motivation and personal qualities. Alternatively, if you have unique experience aspects you want to emphasize, it can be an opportunity to do so.

We recommend submitting only a quality cover letter, carefully tailored to the specific job you are applying for.