01. IN the search of new beginnings...

Category: Career and Purpose

01. 

Do cover letters matter? 
This will help you decide for yourself.

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Hm... ​I always say - yes.  However, I am also a millennial who loves reading them. I believe it helps me understand the person. I am also a recruiter that values human connection, so going through cover letters is something I enjoy.

The fact is:

• Many companies have automated screening algorithms. This means nobody really reads your letter, an algorithm just seeks for keywords.
• Most companies also do not require cover letters anymore. Which is why writing one can feel even more so like a burden when required.
• Those that do require and read cover letters, often are looking for 3-4 specific things that you can easily learn to note down. Writing a great cover letter should not take ages! See this post.

Also the fact is:

• If you decide or must write a cover letter - do it for yourself.  Set some time to write one good cover letter.
• Writing a really, really good cover letter should take you no more than one hour. Invest that time in yourself once, then use 5-10 min to adjust if needed.
• Why in yourself, Elina? Strange way of thinking but hear me out: One hour of writing is actually honing your written communication skills.
  
  And my favourite part - writing our resume and cover letter actually tends to boost our self esteem as we get to list all the great things we have done. This is also, by the way, why so many of us struggle with it.
  
  

OK, but how do I write a really, really good cover letter in one hour?
           I am glad you asked. Read this when…