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.