Why Your Cover Letter Matters Less Than You Think
Applying for a new job can be daunting. If the thought of changing careers isn’t enough to make you nervous, the idea of writing about yourself for an extended period can cause even the most frustrated employee to delay their job search.
There’s no denying it—applying for a job takes time. However, many candidates make the process harder than it needs to be. While refining your CV is essential, too many applicants spend just as much—if not more—time perfecting their cover letter. In most cases, this effort is largely wasted.
Why Your CV is More Important Than Your Cover Letter
Employers primarily care about your CV. If well-crafted, your CV should succinctly communicate your skills, experience, and career aspirations while demonstrating how you’d be a valuable asset to their organisation. As a leading recruitment agency in Leeds, we’ve seen firsthand that hiring managers prioritise strong CVs over long cover letters.
On the other hand, a cover letter should be short and to the point. It should only include:
- Who you are
- The role you’re applying for
- Why you’re the right fit
Anything beyond this either duplicates information from your CV or forces you to remove crucial details to fit within the cover letter. This results in an application that is less impactful overall—the opposite of what you want.
The Perfect Cover Letter Formula
Since a cover letter still plays a minor role in your application, here’s a simple formula to follow:
[Your Name]
[Your Contact Information]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager’s Name]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I am excited to apply for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. With my experience in [relevant skills/industry], I am confident in my ability to contribute to your team. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my skills align with your needs.
Please find my CV attached for review. I would welcome the chance to speak further about this role.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Final Thoughts
While we wouldn’t recommend skipping the cover letter entirely, keeping it concise will save you valuable time. Instead, focus on perfecting your CV—that’s what really makes an impact on hiring managers.
Need help crafting the perfect CV? Check out our comprehensive CV writing guide and make your application stand out! If you’re searching for sales jobs in Leeds, marketing recruitment in Leeds, or business development jobs in Leeds, we can help.
For expert job search advice and the latest career opportunities, visit POST–Recruitment Ltd—the best Leeds recruitment agency for sales, marketing, tech, and business support recruitment. Whether you’re looking for Leeds job vacancies or a recruitment consultant in Leeds to help you find the right career opportunity, we’re here to support your journey.