Cover letters: Waste of time or worth the effort?

Nobody likes writing them (not even writers!), but when done right, they can tip the scales in your favour as a candidate, especially when your experience might not be a 100% match for the job or when you have a gap in your resumé.  

So yes, cover letters are worth the effort when written well.

Below, we’ve summarized how to make them stand out.  

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Cover letters do what resumés can’t

A good cover letter connects the dots of your professional story.  

It gives you the chance to describe why you’re applying for this specific role at this specific company, and explain any career pivots, gaps and important transferable skills that might not be apparent on your resumé.  

For example, maybe you don’t have formal education in the field but have gained valuable hands-on experience through mentorship from a manager. Or perhaps you’ve spent years in one industry but are now looking to pivot. A cover letter allows you to explain why you're drawn to the new sector and why your previous experience is relevant.

In other words, it gives a hiring manager the full picture of who you are as a candidate. No wonder 89% of recruiters said they expect candidates to submit cover letters, according to one Zety survey.  

And don’t forget: a cover letter is also your opportunity to say why you're excited about the role and company. Sure, you can list your skills, but why do you want to work there? Show how your personal values and career goals align with the company’s mission.  

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What do our recruiters think?

Yes, we read them!

In fact, after more than 36 years in staffing, we’ve seen firsthand how important a good cover letter can be.  

A strong cover letter can be the deciding factor, especially when two candidates have similar resumés. And on the flip side, we’ve also seen candidates skip the cover letter and lose out to someone who took the time to personalize their application.

Our advice? Don’t skip it — even if it’s a hassle.  

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Roles that typically require a cover letter

We advise candidates to write a custom cover letter to accompany every application, even when applying to jobs that don’t specifically ask for it. That said, below are the roles that tend to require cover letters most.

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1. Professional and senior roles:

• Example: Project Managers, Directors, Executives, Senior Analysts, etc.

• Why: Hiring managers expect a detailed explanation of why you’re interested in the role and how your experience aligns with the company's needs.

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2. Client-facing roles:

• Example: Account Managers, Sales Representatives, Consultants.

• Why: Since these roles require strong communication skills, a cover letter is often expected to showcase how you can effectively represent the company, including your ability to write professionally and persuasively.

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3. Creative positions:

• Example: Graphic Designers, Writers, Marketing Managers, Content Creators.

• Why: For roles requiring creativity and personality, a cover letter is the perfect place to showcase your unique voice and how you can bring creative value to the team.

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4. Non-profit and mission-driven organizations:

• Example: Community Outreach Coordinators, Fundraising Managers, Social Workers.

• Why: Non-profits often value passion for the mission. A cover letter allows you to showcase your alignment with the organization’s values and how you can contribute to its goals.

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5. Entry-level roles (in competitive fields):

• Example: Junior Consultants, Entry-Level Analysts, Administrative Assistants.

• Why: While not always required, applications for competitive entry-level roles often benefit from a cover letter. It’s a chance for you to show enthusiasm and emphasize transferable skills that might not be immediately obvious from your resumé.

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When is it necessary to include a cover letter?

When the job posting specifically requests one

If the company or role requests a cover letter, always include one. Ignoring this step can signal a lack of attention to detail or true interest.

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When you want to stand out

If you're applying for a highly competitive job or want to convey your enthusiasm, a cover letter can set you apart from other applicants who only submit a resumé.

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When you need to address gaps or pivots

If you’re transitioning between industries, addressing a career gap or pivoting into a new role, a cover letter is a great place to explain your motivations and connect the dots for the hiring manager.

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When you’re applying to smaller companies or startups

These companies may care more about your passion and cultural fit, which you can highlight in your cover letter.

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How to write a cover letter that stands out

1. Do your research

Before you even begin drafting your cover letter, take some time to research the company’s mission, vision, values and recent news. This will help you tailor your letter by mentioning specific aspects of the company that excite you, showing you’re genuinely interested in their work and have invested time in understanding it.

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2. Tailor it to the role

Hiring managers can spot a generic cover letter a mile away. Customize each letter to the specific role you’re applying for, incorporating keywords from the job description. According to ResumeGenius, 72% of hiring managers believe a customized cover letter is important — especially when there are a lot of similar candidates applying.

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3. Stay authentic

In 2025, applying for a job is as simple as clicking a button (seriously, LinkedIn’s Easy Apply feature lets you submit your resumé with a single click). But with all that ease, it’s also easy to forget what truly helps you stand out in a sea of applicants: your authentic story.  

AI tools are just that — tools. They can help you analyze job ads, structure your content and even prep for an interview, but they can never replace the authenticity of your voice. Try a few different tools and prompts but always tailor the final draft to make sure your cover letter reflects you.

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4. Keep it brief

A good rule of thumb is to aim for about 400 words and sentences that are concise and easy to read. Remember, you want to focus on the most relevant aspects of your experience and how you can contribute to the company. Long, complex sentences can be hard to follow and may cause hiring managers to lose interest.

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5. Use personal salutations when possible

Instead of a generic “To Whom It May Concern” or “Dear Hiring Manager,” always try to find the hiring manager’s name. And if it’s not obvious who it is, take 10 minutes to search the company’s website and LinkedIn for the person whose title is one or two levels above the role you’re applying for. It’s a bit of extra effort, but it goes a long way. And if you’re really stuck, try using “To the [Company Name] Team” or “Dear [Company Name] Recruitment Team.”

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6. Use a template, but make it your own

Save yourself some time by keeping a master cover letter template that you can personalize for each new application (the core stays the same). No need to start from scratch each time. You might even create separate templates for different industries or roles, allowing you to customize your letter more efficiently.

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Template

Here's a template to help you get started:

Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name or Company Name Recruitment Team],

I was excited to come across the [Job Title] opportunity at [Company Name] because I’ve long admired your work in [industry/field], especially your commitment to [value/project]. With over [number of years] years of experience in [your field or industry], I bring a strong skill set in [key skill #1] and [key skill #2], and I’m eager to [brief statement about your motivation OR what draws you to the role].  

At [previous place of employment], I [responsibility], which involves/involved [action], [action], and [action]. Through this work, I achieved [specific goal, ideally quantified].  

I admire [Company Name]'s work in [specific area] and share your commitment to [value]. I would love the opportunity to contribute to this work and bring my skills to your team.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of discussing how I can contribute to [Company Name].

[Your Name]

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Example in action:

Here’s how this could look if you're applying for a Payroll Coordinator role at a healthcare organization:  

Dear Jane Doe,

I was excited to come across the Payroll Coordinator opportunity at ABC Health Centre because I’ve long followed your work in the healthcare space — especially your commitment to delivering integrated care that adapts to the complex needs of today’s patients.  

With over 4 years of experience in payroll and accounting operations, I bring a strong understanding of Canadian payroll compliance and hands-on expertise with both Dayforce and Workday systems. I’m eager to join a collaborative, fast-paced team where I can contribute to accurate, timely payroll while continuously improving processes behind the scenes.

At ZZZ Sleep Clinic, I manage biweekly payroll for nearly 50 employees, including account reconciliation and year-end filings like T4s and RL-1s. Recently, I introduced a workflow adjustment that cut processing time by 25% while maintaining full audit compliance — an outcome I’m particularly proud of.

What appealed to me most about ABC Health Centre is your focus on whole-person care. As someone passionate about holistic wellness, I’d be excited to play a role in supporting your team’s mission from an operational lens.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to speak further about how I can contribute to ABC Health Centre.

[Your Name]

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Formatting tips (don’t forget the ATS!)

Many companies use applicant tracking systems (ATSs) to help screen applications, so it’s important to make sure both your resumé and cover letter are scannable, with a clean, professional layout and standard fonts like Arial or Times New Roman. Avoid fancy formatting, images and graphics, text boxes and unusual fonts that could confuse these systems.  

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Things to avoid in a cover letter

Here’s a list of some things you should steer clear of when writing your cover letter:

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1. Anything negative about previous employers

Avoid saying things like, “I left my last job because of misalignment with my manager” or “My previous company didn’t support its employees.” This creates a negative impression and can make you seem like a complainer. Employers want to know why you're a good fit for the role, not why you’re dissatisfied with your past employers. Instead, focus on the positive aspects of your past roles and how they’ve prepared you for the current opportunity.

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2. Generic or clichéd phrases and buzzwords

Everyone claims to be a “hard-working team player with a proven track record.” To stand out, provide specific examples that demonstrate these qualities rather than just stating them.  

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3. Talking about salary or benefits

Focusing on salary or benefits in your cover letter makes it seem like you're more interested in the compensation than in the role or company itself. Keep the focus on how you can add value to the company.

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4. Being too casual

“Hey there!” Even if you're applying to a laid-back company, you want to maintain professionalism in your cover letter. Keep the tone friendly but formal.

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5. Apologizing for lack of experience

Example: "I don't have much experience, but I hope you'll give me a chance."

If you’re underqualified, focus on your transferable skills and what you bring to the table. Highlight your enthusiasm and willingness to learn. A lack of experience isn’t a disadvantage if you frame it as an opportunity to grow.

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6. Discussing personal information

Personal details like marital status, children or personal life (unless directly relevant to the job) are not necessary in a cover letter. The focus should be on your professional qualifications and why you're right for the role. ‍

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7. Lying or exaggerating

Telling tall tales about your qualifications can seriously harm your credibility if the employer finds out. Always be honest about your experience, accomplishments, skills and strengths. ‍

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8. Repeating your resumé

Your cover letter should complement your resumé, not duplicate it. Use it as an opportunity to highlight the key reasons you’re a good fit for the role, and explain how your skills, experiences and passion make you an ideal candidate.

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So, what should you do instead?

A well-written cover letter can help you stand out as a candidate, especially for roles that are highly competitive or when you need to address career changes or resumé gaps.  

So, before you hit submit, take the time to update and personalize your cover letter to make it work for you:  

• Focus on being positive and solution-oriented — highlight what you can bring to the company, rather than dwelling on past challenges.  

• Be specific and show enthusiasm by personalizing your letter, expressing what excites you about the role and aligning your values with the company’s mission.  

• If you're transitioning into a new industry or role, emphasize your transferable skills and demonstrate your eagerness to contribute to the team.  

By avoiding common mistakes and crafting a thoughtful, tailored and professional cover letter, you'll make a lasting impression and increase your chances of catching the hiring manager’s eye.