November 3, 2020
Ah. The dreaded cover letter. Just as soon as you start to do a happy dance because you’ve crafted the perfect resume, you realize your job is far from over! But are cover letters actually necessary? Do hiring managers even have the time to read them? Is there something else you could be including instead? Lately, we’ve had a lot of our clients ask us these exact questions which is what inspired us to write a blog post on the topic.
Although we realize that there are situations where you absolutely MUST include a cover letter (detailed later in this blog post), we will preface this article with our honest opinion for context. Although cover letters have had their purpose, we predict that they will start to make their way out in the next few years. This is for a number of reasons:
They’re a bit redundant
Hiring managers are busy and don’t have time to read a cover letter AND a resume
Your experience can be summarized in an email just as easily as it can in a cover letter
Regardless of our professional opinion on cover letters, there are still many instances where cover letters are necessary – at least for the time being.
If you’re applying for a job in content, journalism, public relations, or any other writing heavy fields, including a cover letter is a great idea. Even if the hiring manager just glances at your application, they’ll be able to get a better idea of your writing style in advance of any tests they might send your way.
This one’s a no brainer. If the ad or the hiring manager specifically asks for a cover letter, you need to send one. Period. If you don’t, your application will likely get sent directly into the reject pile.
If you have taken time off of work for child care, travel, etc that has left you with a massive employment gap on your resume, it’s a good idea to write a cover letter detailing why along with any transferable skills you have developed during that time.
This is something that’s often overlooked. Just because you weren’t working doesn’t mean that you weren’t developing a plethora of soft skills, so be sure to include them as they’re important.
The ability to travel is often something that you wouldn’t include on your resume, but you’d definitely want to mention to the recruiter or hiring manager – and a cover letter would be a good place to do so.
With that said, you could also mention this or any other relevant items in the email you’re sending if it’s not going through an online portal – so use this one to your discretion.
In this case, it would be helpful to write a cover letter and explain that you’re willing to relocate for the job if you’re chosen. This is of course if they don’t explicitly detail in the application that they’re willing to help relocate the right applicant. Otherwise, they might think you’ve made a mistake in applying for the position and put your resume in the ‘do not contact’ pile.
Now that you’re better informed on when to actually include a cover letter, let’s move on to another question we get asked all the time which is “do hiring managers actually read cover letters?”
Recent data shows that only about 26% of recruiters and HR managers consider cover letters of any importance when making a decision about a candidate. The question then becomes, why do some companies still ask for one if they’re not really that important? We have a few suspicions of our own on that topic:
The company uses an outdated submission portal that still asks for a cover letter
The people working in recruitment positions with the company are old school and think that cover letters are still necessary
They use people that don’t submit a cover letter as a way to shorten the list of applicants – which is ultimately confusing based on the statistic above
To see if you comply with their requests
To help them make a final decision after the in-person interviews
As you can see, there are a number of valid (and a few not so valid) reasons why hiring managers and recruiters still ask for a cover letter, so a keen eye and strong attention to detail is critical when applying for a job.
As cover letters are continuing to be phased out, many of our clients ask us what they should do instead. We think that although cover letters are outdated, the reason behind why they were required historically is important in answering this question.
Ultimately the cover letter was a place to detail some of your personality, explain why they should choose you, what you know about the company or job you’re applying for, and how you would specifically help them over and above other candidates.
With those factors in mind, here are a few of our favourite alternatives to sending a cover letter:
This is a great way to bypass sending a cover letter altogether. If the hiring manager or recruiter hasn’t asked for one but you have some information that’s relevant to the position that won’t be detailed on your resume, simply write it in the email you’re sending.
If you’re strapped for time, you can quite literally take everything that you used to include in your cover letter and include it in the body of the email.
We also HIGHLY recommend downloading the Grammarly browser extension so that you ensure there aren’t any spelling or grammatical mistakes in your email as it could cost you dearly. We also highly recommend that you get a friend to look over your email quickly to see if there are any mistakes or areas you can improve on.
#2 – Develop an amazing resume
This is one of our favorites, as the importance of the resume is here to stay! There are a number of ways in which you can create a beautiful, eye-catching resume including:
Using numbers, graphics, and colours – if this is done right, it’s VERY effective so don’t be afraid to include these on your resume
Finding ways to be witty or humorous – adding a little joke or snippet of witty humour that fits the industry you’re applying for will likely result in a win for you
Showcasing your skill set in a visual way – if you find that you have a wall of text, try to make it easier on the eyes by changing some of the writing into beautiful graphics. This can be easily done, even by those of you that are design inept, by using Canva
Including bar charts, pie charts, and line graphs to detail information – there are many instances where a simple bar chart is very effective – for instance instead of writing your level of proficiency on specific skills, why not include a bar chart that shows your level of expertise from 1-10
Use a professional font, and double-check your formatting – this is especially important if you’re applying for a design position, but matters regardless! There’s a such thing as bad font, so make sure you find one that represents you well
Hire a professional resume writer like Resume Ninjas to help you with your resume – not everyone is an expert at writing resumes, nor should they be! If you need help making your resume stand out, hiring a professional resume writer like Resume Ninjas is a great solution!
Even if you don’t have a website, it’s easy enough to create an online portfolio to showcase your work – with the platform you choose largely based on your industry.
It’s best to include a link to your portfolio on your resume as well as in your email signature as the HR manager or recruiter will likely look for it in a number of places.
If you’ve been freelancing and don’t have items for a portfolio, you can always create a case study document in Canva to send along with your application from one of the most recent projects you worked on.
In either case, it’s very important to make sure that the client’s work you’re showcasing has been approved by them prior to you including it in your portfolio or case study, as many companies have NDA’s that would prevent you from doing so.
Although the typical format for job applications is to say “references available upon request”, including a strong reference letter or two can strengthen your chances significantly – as it’s more or less ‘proof’ for all of the other information you’ve included in your application.
If an employer is looking for an application that stands out, this is more than likely going to do the trick. Especially if the letter of reference is from a well-respected member of your industry!
You should also include your LinkedIn profile in your email signature and on your resume if you have people who’ve written references on your LinkedIn profile. If you don’t have any references on your profile yet, you’ve now got some homework to do this evening!
As we realize that some recruiters and hiring managers still ask for cover letters, we thought it would be important to end our article with some cover letter tips and tricks – for those of you that need them:
Always match your cover letter to your resume by using the same font and colour scheme, where applicable
Always, always keep your cover letter to one page only.
Make a template that you can utilize every time you write a cover letter but:
Customize it for every single position you apply for
Don’t use “to whom it may concern” or other generic salutations and instead take the time and effort to find out who the hiring manager is and personalize it with their name
Find a unique way to start your cover letter instead of using overused statements such as “I’m applying for this job because..” or “I’m the best person for this position because…”
Try to include things that aren’t in your resume rather than just summarizing it – for example you could include how your particular experience will be an incredible asset to the company or discuss how your soft skills and experience fit into the company’s culture and values
Always include statistics to support your achievements as it tells potential employers WHY they’re important
Include a P.S – finding something witty or important to say at the end of your cover letter is important as it might be the only thing the hiring manager or recruiter reads so this is a great place to include something that you want to catch their eye!
Utilize a resume and cover letter writer like Resume Ninjas!
Wrapping it Up
At Resume Ninjas, we know the power of a good resume and cover letter. Beyond that, we know that you need more than a good resume or cover letter to get ahead. From assisting with your application to interview prep, recruitment to salary negotiation, and beyond – we’re here to propel you forward.
Contact us today to ask us any questions that you might have or to start one of the most fulfilling journeys of your life. We can’t wait to hear from you!
Client Type: Mid-Career | Stuck in Job Rut
Industry: Information Technology (USA-based)
Services Provided: Resume Optimization, Career Coaching, Interview Preparation
Backstory: This client worked in IT but was unmotivated and emotionally checked out. Though his job was “stable,” it didn’t bring joy—and his partner was beginning to question.
Backstory: This client worked in IT but was unmotivated and emotionally checked out. Though his job was “stable,” it didn’t bring joy—and his partner was beginning to question where his life was going. Fear of leaving the comfort zone and not knowing where to start had kept him stuck for years.
How Resume Ninjas Helped: Amen’s coaching goes beyond templates. In their session, she asked powerful questions like:
By helping him reconnect with his own story and strengths, she transformed his resume into a mirror of what he had actually accomplished. It was a confidence reframe, wrapped in a resume. She then coached him through interviews—offering insights, encouragement, and scripts that made him feel prepared.
Within one week, he landed interviews. Within days, he had an offer with a $30,000 salary increase.
Results:
Why It Worked: Amen’s unique combination of strategic resume editing, deep listening, and mindset coaching gave him the push he needed. She’s not just a resume writer—she’s a career catalyst.
“I forgot how talented I was until Amen reminded me. I walked away not just with a job—but with belief in myself again.”
Client Type: Re-entering Workforce | Domestic
Control Survivor
Industry: Undisclosed (Anonymized for privacy)
Services Provided: Career Support, Resume Build, Emotional Empowerment
Backstory: This client reached out in secret. In a controlling marriage where financial transactions were monitored, she couldn’t even send an e-transfer or use a card.
Backstory: This client reached out in secret. In a controlling marriage where financial transactions were monitored, she couldn’t even send an e-transfer or use a card without her husband finding out. But she was determined to take her first step toward independence—and that step was a resume.
How Resume Ninjas Helped:
Amen met her where she was—literally and emotionally.
Understanding the sensitivity of her situation, Amen offered to meet in person and accept payment in cash. More importantly, she offered non-judgmental space and emotional safety, reminding her of her strengths and education, and showing her the career potential she thought was lost. Even before the resume was written, the client broke down in tears, saying, “You’re an angel. I’m so grateful I called you.”
Amen’s coaching goes far beyond technical formatting—it’s trauma-informed, culturally sensitive, and rooted in empowerment. With every conversation, she helped this woman believe she was worthy of a future—and that she wasn’t alone.
Results:
Why It Worked: Amen’s experience supporting women returning from maternity, abusive relationships, or major life changes gives her a special ability to see the human behind the resume. She doesn’t just write documents—she offers hope, safety, and clarity during life’s messiest transitions.
“Amen reminded me who I was before life broke me. I finally felt seen.”
Client Type: Career Shift | Midlife Professional
Industry: Laser Hair Removal & Skin Care – elegancestudio.ca Aesthetics & Personal Services
Services Provided: Career Coaching, Resume Writing, Business Branding & Marketing Strategy
Backstory: This client was more than just a job seeker—she was a mother, a caregiver, and a woman trying to rebuild her life after years of financial struggle.
Backstory: This client was more than just a job seeker—she was a mother, a caregiver, and a woman trying to rebuild her life after years of financial struggle. Working as a secretary while raising three children and supporting a husband with mental health challenges, she realized minimum wage wouldn’t be enough to sustain her family. She dreamed of doing something more fulfilling, something hers—but she questioned whether it was too late.
How Resume Ninjas Helped: Amen didn’t just build her brand and hand her a resume—she helped her transform her life and build a future. With over two decades of experience in career development, Amen knew this transformation needed more than paperwork. Through personalized coaching strategies sessions, Amen helped her explore entrepreneurship in a field she already loved: electrolysis. She guided her through every step—researching certifications, building confidence, and launching a business from the ground up. Amen even brought her branding expertise into play: she named the business, designed the flyers, created her business cards, and helped market the service. It became a family affair—her kids delivered door to door flyers while Amen mentored and cheered her on every step of the way.
Results:
Why It Worked: Amen’s nurturing but strategic approach helps clients see beyond their current job search—she supports whole life transformations. With deep empathy rooted in her own experience, she helped this client reimagine what was possible at any stage of life.
“I didn’t just shift a career and get a new resume. I got my self-worth and integrity back.”
