The Case Against Cover Letters – Why Some Say It’s Time to Let Go
For every hiring manager who appreciates a cover letter, there’s another who never opens it. Critics argue that the cover letter is outdated, inefficient, and often inequitable.
Here’s why some companies are ditching it:
Low ROI: Most cover letters are templated, repetitive, or generic. Few add meaningful value.
Bias Amplifier: Writing styles vary widely across cultures, languages, and backgrounds—potentially skewing perception unfairly.
Barrier to Entry: Requiring a cover letter may discourage strong candidates who are neurodivergent, non-native speakers, or working multiple jobs.
Time-Consuming: In high-volume hiring, cover letters slow down the process for both recruiters and applicants.
Many tech firms, startups, and even some enterprise companies have removed cover letters from their process—replacing them with structured applications, skills assessments, or “why this role?” fields.
Tomorrow, we’ll explore modern alternatives that balance personalization and efficiency.