Cover Letters: 3 Tips for Making Them Work (Without Wasting Your Time)

What Is a Cover Letter (And Why Do Recruiters Ask for Them)?

Ah, cover letters—the often dreaded but sometimes necessary part of the job application process. Basically, a cover letter is a one-pager that gives a quick rundown of your experience, shows why you'd rock the job, and adds a bit of your personality to your application. Some companies use it to check out your communication skills and vibe, while others might just toss it in as an extra hoop to jump through.

The truth is that most recruiters barely skim cover letters. They're just looking for key information that matches the job requirements and evidence that you've done your homework on the company. (Side note: When I was hiring at CF, it was super obvious who took a few seconds to check out our website and who didn't!) They want it short and sweet. So, how do you deal with this often-ignored requirement without losing your mind? Check out these three tips to nail your cover letters without spending forever on them.

#1: Only Submit a Cover Letter When It’s Required

This might sound counterintuitive, but hear me out. Only submit a cover letter if it’s required. Many job applications include an optional cover letter field, but unless the application specifically states that a cover letter is required (with an asterisk or explicit instruction), you don’t need to go through the effort. If it’s not mandatory, save yourself the time and move forward with just your resume.

Why? According to the 2017 Job Seeker Nation Study only 26% of recruiters consider cover letters important when evaluating a candidate. So don't stress about writing one unless it’s explicitly required. And when you do write one, remember to keep it sharp and purposeful.

#2: Keep It Concise (A Cover Letter Is NOT Your Life Story)

One of the biggest mistakes candidates make is writing lengthy, rambling cover letters. I get it. The urge to overexplain and give every single detail of why you think you’re perfect for the job is so real. As tempting as sharing your whole life story is, recruiters are looking for something short, sweet, and to the point. Your cover letter should be a quick read (seriously like 5-7 sentences), focusing on your top skills and why you’re the right fit for the job.

Think of it like this: a cover letter is more like a movie trailer for an upcoming release. Give just enough to get the reader interested, without dragging them through every detail. According to Coursera a well-crafted cover letter is typically 250-400 words— just two brief paragraphs.

Paragraph 1: Give a quick overview of who you are, what your job title is, and your top skills or accomplishments. This should be based on your resume’s professional summary and tailored to the role.

Paragraph 2: Express specific interest in the role and company. Mention why the job excites you and draw connections between your experience and what’s listed in the job description. Highlight any company value, mission, or culture point that resonates with you to show you've done your research.

#3: Use Templates to Streamline the Process

Writing a new cover letter for every job application? Nope—Please don’t do that to yourself. Create a cover letter template that you can tweak for each application. Having a reusable format makes the process faster and less stressful, while still allowing you to customize the letter for each specific job.

How To Use A Template

Create Multiple Versions (If Needed): If you’re applying to roles in different fields (e.g., marketing and sales), have separate templates that align with each type of role.

Paragraph 1 Template: Craft an overview of your experience and core skills based on your resume. Mention your job title, hard skills, and any data-backed accomplishments.

Paragraph 2 Template: Write a generic outline of your interest in roles that you can quickly customize. Include space for adding specific details about the job title, company name, and matching skills.

If you don't want to make your own template, I also offer a solution! Check out my self-paced Job Search Foundation Course, where you'll find a downloadable cover letter template along with other valuable resources to help you craft effective, personalized cover letters quickly.

With this template, you'll be able to:

Customize your cover letter efficiently for each application

Highlight your key skills and experiences relevant to the job

Present a professional, well-structured letter every time

Templates save time and energy while making your cover letter effective and customized. You’ll spend less time starting from scratch and more time focusing on applying for your dream role.

Final Thoughts

Cover letters don't have to be intimidating or time-consuming. Remember these three tips: only submit one when it’s required, keep it short and relevant, and use a template to streamline the process. This approach not only simplifies your job applications but also ensures that when you do write a cover letter, it’s polished and intentional.

Ready to level up your cover letter game and boost your job search? Check out my Job Search Foundations Course() for some practical tips and tricks, guides and templates. It's like having a career coach in your pocket – let's make your job hunt a little easier and a lot more effective! 💖