There is a lot of verbiage online indicating that the covering letter is no longer required for job applications, they are obsolete, that it’s an archaic legacy that is left clinging to life in a modern, digital world. There are reports that state that many recruiters don’t even get to the stage of reading them when sent as part of an application. So, is there still a case for taking the time to write a covering letter in the first place? The answer is yes….and no (depending on the situation)!
Covering letters have been around for a long time, with the name itself implying that it was a physical letter posted by hand, decades before emails changed the world. While the CV should contain the majority and most important information regarding the work history, the ‘who’ part, the covering letter is there to back up the CV and provide the ‘why’: why this person is perfect for the role and should be considered.
Cover letter benefits
In oil and gas recruitment, it can be challenging trying to land that new job with so much competition around, that’s why a standout cover letter can be a huge asset.
It gives you a chance to explain to the reader why you are the best candidate; it shouldn’t just be a summary of your CV.
It’s a means of showing a recruiter or hiring manager how you align your experience with the role.
Show’s you’ve put in the effort to the recruiter and client by going the extra mile to create one. Creating a letter that is tailored to the role will go even further, highlighting that you are passionate, focused, and have done your homework. If you really want the role, then show it.
If a recruiter is on the fence between two or more similar CVs in terms of qualifications and experience, then adding a comprehensive cover letter could be the difference in selecting yours over the others.
They are still often required by recruiters for applications, so not providing one will be a mark against your application.
Research says
Covering letters are still considered to play a big part by recruiters and hiring managers:
26% of recruiters read cover letters and consider them critical in the decision making
56% of recruiters want applicants to submit a cover letter with their CV
49% of HR Managers consider a covering letter a huge boost to a CV [1]
And the negatives
While there are many benefits of a covering letter, there are also some potential drawbacks:
They aren’t always read
They take time and effort to create, especially if tailoring to each application
They are subjective – content within them could be taken positively or negatively depending on who is reading it
Could be redundant if it’s repeating what’s already on your CV
Cover letter alternatives
There are several different alternatives to a written letter than can help you stand out from the crowd, but use them wisely, as some methods only work well depending on what role and background you come from, and also on the context of the application:
Video cover letter - create a video of yourself, explaining why are perfect for the role – this gives the recruiter a chance to see more of you and your personality.
Online portfolio - if you are coming from a design/media background, then it’s good to have a digital portfolio to showcase your work/brand visually.
Social media platforms - having an up-to-date online presence, e.g. LinkedIn, provides extra information. One report suggests that as much as 92% of recruiters are using social media to learn more about you, your abilities, your work history, and more. [2]
Competitor analysis - doing a competitor analysis shows the employer that you're already thinking about them and how you can be a valuable asset to them. This could be useful in oil and gas recruitment where competition is fierce, and you can demonstrate how you can affect change and make the client stronger.
CCAT (Criteria Cognitive Aptitude Test) - many recruiters use this online method to measure your ability to problem solve, use new information, and think critically.
Take the time to write one
To summarise, if a covering letter is asked for, write it. If including one, try and fashion it to the role you are applying for – a generic covering letter not specific to the role will stand out immediately.
So, should you still write covering letters? Absolutely. While they are deemed old fashioned, many, if not most companies, still ask for them. While some jobs receive hundreds of applications, there are still dedicated recruiting teams that welcomes well written cover letters and respects the time and effort candidates put into them.
At Orion Group, we go the extra mile to meet the needs of both our clients and candidates. We provide both parties with the means to provide as much information as possible, so the candidate has the best chance to obtain that dream job and the best person is hired by the client. A strong and well written covering letter plays a huge role in the oil and gas and energy recruitment process in achieving that success.
For more help in maximising your covering letter and CV, please read the following articles to make yourself stand out more and improve your chances of landing that new role.
