Writing a cover letter is like sending a transmission to the Rebel Alliance—it may not be clear if anyone will hear it, but the stakes are too high not to try. Think of it as a chance to say, “Help me, Obi-Wan Kenobi, you’re my only hope.” There’s no guarantee the hiring manager is Leia, but if the message lands, it could be the key to the next mission—or job. The risk is low, but the reward? Galactic.
Puncturing the Myth: “No One Reads Cover Letters”
The belief that “no one ever reads cover letters” is very common, but dismissing them entirely misses their potential. Sure, cover letters have developed a bad reputation over time, and honestly, some of it is deserved. Too many are just "cut and paste" jobs—one-size-fits-all templates that don’t make any real connection to the job posting. They’re like pre-recorded holo-messages that are sent out into the void with no real impact. And when you ask job seekers why they write them, many respond, 'Because I’ve always done it that way.'
Clichés like “I’m a hard worker” or fawning phrases such as “I’m excited to work for such a progressive company” don’t help either. If a recruiter or hiring manager scanning a cover letter sees those phrases, your cover letter is very quickly dismissed. A quick way to check if your cover letter is venturing into that territory, is to ask a friend to read it and if their eyes roll out of their head when they read it, then yeah, you need to rethink your cover letter.
So why should you write a cover letter?
The Value of Writing a Cover Letter (Even If It’s Not Read)
Even if a recruiter or hiring manager doesn’t read the cover letter, the process of writing one offers undeniable benefits:
Some recruiters and hiring managers will use them as filters. The best cover letters do not simply repeat the resume—they explain how the candidate aligns with the role. These letters offer talking points that can be used to champion a candidacy and often serve as a litmus test for how well a candidate understands the role. This is particularly valuable to early-career recruiters who may not yet have the experience to fully recognize how your candidacy aligns.
A customized cover letter demonstrates that the job posting has been read and the company’s needs are understood. Additionally, including language directly from the job description improves the likelihood of your candidacy being surfaced from scores of others. When a recruiter creates a search, they will often use keywords directly from the job posting.
Crafting a cover letter forces candidates to articulate why they are the right person for the job. This self-reflection can refine resumes and interview responses. And perhaps just as importantly, it can help ensure that this is a role you're truly interested in.
A Simple Framework for Writing a Cover Letter
Start simple. The length should be no more than three-quarters of a page. If your cover letter requires scrolling to read, it’s too long. A concise and structured approach can make a significant impact. Follow these steps:
Introduction Begin with a simple sentence that validates interest in the position. For example: “I am excited to apply for [Job Title], Req [Number]. Several aspects of the job posting stood out to me:”
Bullet Points From the Job Posting Include 2-3 bullet points copied directly from the job posting. These points should reflect key responsibilities or qualifications.
Alignment With Skills Under each bullet point, add 1-2 sentences explaining how knowledge, skills, or abilities align with the role. This connects your qualifications directly to the job requirements.
Closing Statement Conclude with a simple closing statement: “Thank you for reviewing my information. I can be reached at [Contact Information].”
The AI Advantage
AI tools like ChatGPT make following this framework faster and easier than ever. Here’s how to use AI to your advantage:
Start With the Resume, LinkedIn Profile, and Job Posting: Upload a resume, LinkedIn profile, and the job posting into the prompt. Use ChatGPT to analyze these materials together.
Generate Alignment Statements: Ask ChatGPT to identify skills, experiences, or achievements that best align with the specific job requirements. A prompt could be: “Based on this job posting and my resume, suggest 2-3 ways my experience aligns with the following job responsibilities: [Job Responsibility 1, Job Responsibility 2].”
Write the Full Cover Letter: Use a prompt like, “Write a concise cover letter for [Job Title] at [Company Name]. Use the following alignment statements and job responsibilities: [insert alignment statements and bullet points].”
Refine the Output: Adjust the tone, add personalized details, and ensure the letter remains concise (250-300 words).
By leveraging AI, candidates can efficiently create cover letters that are both tailored and impactful, saving time while ensuring their application stands out.
A Galactic Perspective
In the Star Wars universe, every great mission starts with a call to action—a message that sparks hope and ignites change. A cover letter is no different. Even if it feels like transmitting into the void, sending one can set you apart, clarify goals, and provide an edge in landing the next opportunity.
Ditch the generic fluff and embrace the power of the custom cover letter. Whether it’s read by a hiring manager or parsed by a droid, the effort could be the key to unlocking the next step in a career. And as always: May the Force be with you.