1. For Roles that Emphasise Communication: In fields like marketing, sales, and communications, a cover letter can showcase writing skills, creativity, and personality.
2. To Address Unique Circumstances: Cover letters can clarify gaps in employment, career changes, or relocation plans—helping you give context to your CV
3. Small to Mid-Sized Companies: Smaller companies often have fewer applicants and may review cover letters more carefully, looking for candidates genuinely interested in their business.
4. For Roles with Highly Competitive Talent Pools: If you’re up against many qualified candidates, a cover letter can help make your unique strengths stand out.
5. Networking Connections: When applying through a referral or network connection, a cover letter can personalize the application and build rapport with the reader.
Changing the Role of Cover Letters
- Streamlined Formats: Many hiring managers prefer concise cover letters, focusing on relevant achievements rather than a long narrative.
- Integration with Emails: Some recruiters find an introductory email as effective as a formal cover letter, especially for initial outreach.
- Digital Portfolios and Profiles: LinkedIn profiles, personal websites, and portfolios sometimes take the place of cover letters, especially for creative and tech roles where work samples are key.
When Cover Letters Are Valuable
1. Automated Application Systems: Many online portals don’t even ask for cover letters or make them optional, especially in high-volume hiring.
2. Large Corporations: In large companies with structured HR processes, cover letters may be skimmed or skipped due to volume.
3. Direct Applications on Networking Sites: Sometimes, direct messaging a hiring manager on LinkedIn or applying through a network referral can substitute for a cover letter.
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