Unpopular opinion: Skipping the cover letter got me more interviews

I spent weeks tailoring cover letters for every job and got zero callbacks. Out of frustration, I applied to 15 roles with just a resume and a direct link to my portfolio. Landed 4 interviews within 10 days. So is the cover letter actually dead or did I just get lucky with the market in Austin?

4 comments

4 Comments

ward.jamie1mo ago

Saw a TikTok from a hiring manager who said she reads them maybe 20% of the time. Your results track with what I've heard from people in tech and creative fields.

emmam891mo ago

Heard a recruiter say the same thing as @emery290, cover letters are mostly ignored now.

emery2901mo ago

Same here. Recruiters barely glance at them anymore, just want your skills up front.

-1

carter.joseph1mo ago

Just started leaving my cover letters blank and still get the same callbacks.