Who knew there could be such controversy over cover letters?
People are all over the board as to how to write them and if they are even relevant today. So it all boils down to your reader’s personal and professional opinion on the matter. One thing you know for sure is that during the screening process, your cover letter is NOT likely to be read at all, and if it’s read, you’ve got 5-10 seconds to make an impression. Recruiters are inundated with resumes and cover letters; statistics show that 50% of cover letters aren’t even read. Just to cover your bases, I would recommend including a basic cover letter that at a minimum, includes the job name and your contact information. No need to repeat what’s on the resume, just keep it succinct and to the point. For example, let’s say you are an Accountant and you’re applying for a Senior Accountant job.
Attached is my resume for the Senior Accountant position posted on LinkedIn. I believe my qualifications are a good fit and I look forward to discussing the position further.”
Okay, I know what you’re thinking….BORING. Yes, it is but hear me out. Your resume should be tailored to the job anyway, (How to Hit a Resume Bulls Eye) so why waste your time and mine with fluff? The above isn't the best example but it's at least a hit and you’re probably not going to get out, as long as your resume knocks it out of the park.
Want to get further? And it’s a WIN that you’re after? Point to the stands and take a big swing.
Keep in mind that your cover letter needs to do two jobs:
Be efficient enough to prompt the talent acquisition team to move you to round two.
Be impressive enough to engage the hiring manager.
Home run cover letters have:
Your voice: This is your opportunity to show who you are, what you bring to party, and explain anything that could stop them from talking to you. For example, does your address say Oklahoma but the job is in Indianapolis? Employers might shy away from people who seem like too much of a hassle. Try the example below to alleviate worries about your relocation expectations and timeframe.
I’m relocating to Indianapolis in October and would love to discuss the Account Manager opportunity with you, while in town the week of August 5th.”
Passion: Tell them why you want to work for them and how much you want the job. Pour your passion into THIS cover letter and take your time writing it. This is your dream job at your dream company, and this letter should practically write itself. Get someone to proof it because striking out due to a typo (think there or their) isn’t an option. Check out: Ask A Manager for her example of a truly passionate cover letter.
Personality: If it doesn’t show up in the letter or resume, how about a quote that exemplifies you? One recent applicant had under his signature:
Ambition is the path to success. Persistence is the vehicle you arrive in." -Bill Bradley
Value: Include content that is necessary and not "blah blah blah." Do your job transitions require explanation? How about including a quote from a previous boss to erase concern?
Grace worked with me for 6 years prior to our office closing and brought creativity, problem resolution and dedication to her role daily. I would hire her to work on my team in a heartbeat.”
Visual Draw: Utilize bullet points and different fonts if that helps focus the reader on the good stuff. Don’t make it crazy unless the job you’re after is a creative one and you’re confident in your approach. Remember, 5-10 seconds is all you get. I recommend comparing your qualifications to those in the ad.
My qualifications are listed below and are a perfect fit for your Accounting Manager position:
BBA in accounting and CPA
3 years supervisory experience
5 years in Banking
Cover letters that strike out have:
Outdated Rhetoric: Who is the reader? “Dear Sirs” is NOT okay in 2026 and hasn’t been okay for decades. Instead, research the company and make it personal if you can, but if not, try: “Dear Hiring Manager” or “Dear Purple Ink” and although offensive to some, “To Whom It May Concern” doesn’t bother me.
Mistakes: Grammar, punctuation, misspellings, wrong company or position listed! I cringe when I see these errors! It’s really tough to send these resumes to the hiring manager when the applicant couldn’t show their finest during the application phase.
Bad attitudes: Follow directions; if the ad says to submit a resume and a cover letter, then do it and make it good. THEY plan on reading them all. One applicant, instead of submitting a cover letter (which was requested) or writing one, wrote the words “Cover Letter.” I recently read a bossy cover letter that said, “Enclosed is my resume for the Account Executive. Please keep me updated on my application status.”
Low energy: Even if it’s short, it can have enthusiasm. Don't be like these applicants who answered, “Reason for Applying” with, “Looking to move closer to home" and "Want fewer hours."
Irrelevant Personal Information: Skip mentioning that you’re coming out of a divorce or that you’ve been on bed rest with your last pregnancy. Keep it about your professional life. Personal situations do affect our careers, but be careful about how you mention them. Generally, the cover letter isn't where they should be addressed.
Cover letters are your introduction to a potential employer, and whether they are long or short or not at all, they leave an impression. If time is of the essence and you need your resume submitted quickly, or they don't require a cover letter, just send it! But, consider how badly you want this job, how much time you have, and what reflects you the best. To save time, have on hand a well-crafted cover letter template and amend it based on the job. It all comes down to how you can best communicate who you are to the company that you're seeking to join. What is cool and creative to me, may seem odd and unprofessional to someone else. It's a home run if your prospective employer sees who you really are and wants you on their team.