Your cart is currently empty!
The Importance of Customized Cover Letters
Recent statistics highlight the continued importance of customized cover letters in the job application process. Here are some key findings:
Hiring Manager Perspectives
Customization Importance
- 72% of hiring managers consider customizing a cover letter “important” or “very important”. Specifically:
- 27% view customization as “very important”
- Only 5% consider it “not at all important”
Impact on Applications
- 76% of hiring managers immediately reject applications with generic cover letters
- 83% of hiring managers say a good cover letter can earn an interview, even if the resume isn’t strong enough
Reading Habits
- 83% of hiring managers read the majority of cover letters they receive
- Even at companies not requiring cover letters, 73% of hiring managers read them anyway
Applicant Practices and Outcomes
Customization Rates
Only 23% of job seekers consistently customize their application materials
30.5% of job seekers use the same cover letter for every application
Impact on Success
- Customized cover letters can increase interview chances by up to 50%
- 49% of hiring managers say a strong cover letter can convince them to interview an otherwise weak candidate
Company Size Considerations
Medium and large companies (100+ employees) are about twice as likely as small companies to consider tailoring cover letters “very important”.
- This is likely because:
Larger companies receive more applications per open position
Cover letters help differentiate between applicants with similar qualifications
These statistics underscore the significant role that well-crafted, personalized cover letters continue to play in the job application process, particularly for positions at larger companies.