Why Cover Letters Still Matter (and How to Write One That Works)

Job seekers often ask whether cover letters are still necessary and, if so, how to write one that genuinely influences a hiring manager.

The short answer? A well-written cover letter will never hurt your application — and in many cases, it can be the very reason you’re invited to interview over another candidate with similar experience.

In this article, we’ll cover:

• Why you should include a cover letter
• Whether cover letters are still required
• What makes a cover letter effective (with an example)
• The most common mistakes to avoid
• A simple structure you can use to create your own

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Why Bother With a Cover Letter?

Your CV outlines your career history, but your cover letter gives you the chance to explain why you want the job and why you’re a great fit. Done well, it can achieve three things:

1. Show genuine interest in a specific role and company
2. Highlight experiences that are particularly relevant to the position
3. Provide context that helps a hiring manager understand your situation

Even if some employers don’t require one, others place significant weight on cover letters when shortlisting candidates. Since you won’t know which type of hiring manager is reviewing your application, it makes sense to invest the time.

What a Strong Cover Letter Does

An effective cover letter goes beyond repeating your CV. It should:

• Demonstrate enthusiasm for the company and role
• Draw attention to key strengths that align with the job description
• Back up your claims with evidence and achievements
• Personalise your message, ideally by addressing the hiring manager directly
• Close with professionalism and a clear call to action

Example: Vice President of Marketing

Below is an excerpt from a real cover letter that stands out:

“I am writing to express my interest in the Vice President of Marketing and Communications position with Soul Cycle. I had the pleasure of attending several Soul Cycle classes during visits to New York, and I am impressed by the company’s rapid growth and commitment to strong client relationships.”

Why is this effective?

• It shows the candidate has researched the company.
• It conveys authentic enthusiasm.
• It quickly connects personal experience to professional motivation.

The applicant then highlights three core strengths — organising promotional events, exceeding sales targets and training teams — and supports these claims with concrete results (e.g., exceeding retail partnership targets by 20% each quarter).

The letter ends by thanking the reader and inviting follow-up. It’s professional, concise and directly tied to the job requirements.

Common Cover Letter Mistakes

Avoid these pitfalls if you want your letter to add value:

1. Making it all about you. Instead, focus on how your skills will help the employer succeed.
2. Recycling the same letter. Tailor each one to the specific job and company.
3. Forgetting the job description. Use the posting as your blueprint and mirror its priorities.
4. Rehashing your CV. Select two or three points worth expanding on instead of duplicating content.
5. Using vague language. “Strong communicator” is forgettable — quantifiable results are not.

Are Cover Letters Still Required?

Not always. Some organisations explicitly say they don’t accept them. But if a job posting allows you to upload one, do it. Think of it as another opportunity to market yourself.

If time is limited, skip the cover letter only for roles you’re not deeply invested in. For jobs you truly want, take the extra step — it signals commitment and professionalism.

How to Structure Your Cover Letter

Keep it to one page, with four or five short paragraphs:

1. Introduction – State the role you’re applying for and why it interests you.
2. Current role – Briefly explain your responsibilities and link them to the new position.
3. Key achievements – Highlight a few results that prove your ability to deliver.
4. Fit and motivation – Explain why this company and role are right for you.
5. Closing – Thank the reader and invite next steps.

In Summary

Cover letters may not always be required, but they can be powerful tools when written with focus and intention. A strong cover letter demonstrates enthusiasm, highlights your most relevant achievements and shows employers why you’re worth interviewing.

Take the time to tailor yours, it could be the difference between getting lost in the stack and making the shortlist.

To find out more, visit our website www.cvpilots.co.uk If you have any further questions, you can either book a consultation call with one of our team, or get in touch via email on team@cvpilots.co.uk