Why Cover Letters Should No Longer Be Necessary in the Hiring Process
In today's world, the traditional hiring process is undergoing significant changes. While resumes have evolved to reflect candidates’ skills and experience in a concise, efficient format, the cover letter remains a relic of the past. Once considered an essential part of any job application, cover letters now feel like an unnecessary burden—for both applicants and hiring teams. Here is why we no longer consider cover letters a necessity.
They Do Not Reflect True Candidate Potential
Cover letters are praised as a way for candidates to showcase their personality and explain their qualifications. In reality, they rarely provide insights beyond what is already in the resume. Candidates tend to follow templates or overly formal structures, making it difficult to gauge their individuality or creativity truly.
Instead, we found that skills-based assessments, portfolio reviews, and behavioral interviews are far more effective at identifying whether a candidate is a good fit. These methods give us a clearer picture of what an applicant can do, rather than what they can write.
They Waste Time for Both Parties
Writing a tailored cover letter takes time—often hours—for candidates juggling job searches, current employment, and personal responsibilities. For employers, reviewing lengthy cover letters can also be a time-consuming task, especially when faced with hundreds of applications.
By eliminating cover letters, we reduce unnecessary steps, allowing candidates to focus on presenting their skills and qualifications. Hiring managers can spend more time evaluating the metrics that predict job performance.
Technology Has Rendered Them Obsolete
Advances in recruitment technology have revolutionized how we evaluate candidates. Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) can now analyze resumes to match qualifications to job descriptions, while AI tools can screen for skills, certifications, and experience. These innovations make it easier to identify top candidates without relying on subjective, text-heavy documents like cover letters.
Fostering a Candidate-Centric Hiring Process
In an era of low unemployment and high competition for top talent, it is crucial to have a seamless application process. Removing cover letters makes it easier for candidates to apply, ensuring you do not miss out on exceptional talent simply because they did not have time to write a polished letter.
A Better Way Forward
Instead of requiring a cover letter, we suggest prioritizing skill-based evaluations, thoughtful interview questions, and clear communication throughout the process. It ensures decisions are made based on what matters most: a candidate’sability to succeed in the role and contribute to our team.
The world is changing, and so are the expectations of job seekers and employers alike. It is time we leave cover letters behind and embrace a more modern approach to hiring.