All of the things mentioned as requirements for the cover letter are stuff you'd add to your CV in short form. Why companies require the ritual of writing the same things in prose addressed to the company is beyond me.<p>I'd understand it if the cover letter was the place to write your unique motivation and what makes you stand out, but this article confirms it's just bureaucratic nonsense.
Are cover letters still a thing in the tech industry? I’ve not written a single cover letter since my first job in the late 2000s and haven’t seen one when hiring.<p>Although I’m sure there are industries or cultures where it’s still expected. Maybe it helps in cases where somebody’s performance at a job can’t be easily quantified?
In my previous roles I've read the cover letters sent to jobs I'm trying to fill. They're a useful insight into the personality of the applicant.<p>I definitely know people have read my cover letters too, but that might be due to the size of the companies I apply to for jobs. More importantly though when I take a lot of time on a cover letter it helps uncover why I'm applying for a job in the first place, and sometimes shows me why I actually _shouldn't_.<p>It might seem like a useless exercise but putting thought into a cover letter helps you decide if it's the right job for you and also sets a theme that you can follow through the rest of the interview process if you want. If you're able to say something like, "As I mentioned in my cover letter ..." in your interview then people get a sense of continuity in their interactions with you, and it also underscores your seriousness with the role.<p>If you're one of those who sends out dozens of resumes at a time then of course this doesn't apply.
No one should have to write cover letters. The model filtering your resume doesn’t care and the person who decides if you get a call probably won’t read it.
I have never been convinced that anyone has ever read any of the cover letters I have written in the past, including the most honestly and concrete passionate ones.