Cover Letters are useless

Obviously there’s an argument that they are useful. In fact, maybe I’m wrong. But I can’t get over the fact that every one I know simply looks at the resume and moves on. Especially in todays environment with 200+ applicants. Is anyone really reading these? I don’t see why a quick glance over the resume isn’t enough to schedule the intro call.

 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, it seems there are differing opinions on the value of cover letters. Some believe they hold no value and only look at the resume, while others find them useful. For instance, one user noticed a significant increase in callbacks when they included a detailed cover letter catered to the firm.

However, it's important to remember that a cover letter can be a double-edged sword. If it's poorly written, too verbose, or filled with irrelevant information, it can harm your chances. It's crucial to keep it concise, focused on your past work experience, and free of any grammatical errors.

Also, if you're applying to a firm where you have an alumni connection or know the name of the person interviewing you, including a cover letter can be beneficial.

In the end, while a quick glance over the resume might be enough for some, a well-crafted cover letter could potentially give you an edge in a competitive job market.

Sources: Another Non Target Success Story, Cover Letter + Resume Advice, What NOT to put in a Cover Letter/Resume, Fucking Cover Letters Kids

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

Ipsa laboriosam quibusdam ipsam in architecto. Molestiae odit pariatur ullam. Architecto est ut necessitatibus veniam.

Facere cupiditate officia qui quis. Ut adipisci non voluptate quisquam. Eos ipsa quibusdam sint eos vel in. Nostrum officia rem reiciendis quo facere rerum. Et necessitatibus repudiandae reprehenderit. Omnis excepturi facere corrupti optio iusto dolorum quasi.

Enim quaerat blanditiis dolorem et voluptatum eius minima. Quos delectus aliquam qui totam voluptas odio vel omnis. Alias quo ipsum illum ut vel consequatur ea. Voluptatem molestias reprehenderit qui.

Career Advancement Opportunities

May 2024 Investment Banking

  • Jefferies & Company 02 99.4%
  • Perella Weinberg Partners New 98.9%
  • Lazard Freres 01 98.3%
  • Harris Williams & Co. 24 97.7%
  • Goldman Sachs 16 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

May 2024 Investment Banking

  • Harris Williams & Co. 18 99.4%
  • JPMorgan Chase 10 98.9%
  • Lazard Freres 05 98.3%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 97.7%
  • Moelis & Company 01 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

May 2024 Investment Banking

  • Lazard Freres 01 99.4%
  • Jefferies & Company 02 98.9%
  • Perella Weinberg Partners 18 98.3%
  • Goldman Sachs 16 97.7%
  • Moelis & Company 05 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

May 2024 Investment Banking

  • Director/MD (5) $648
  • Vice President (21) $373
  • Associates (91) $259
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (14) $181
  • Intern/Summer Associate (33) $170
  • 2nd Year Analyst (68) $168
  • 1st Year Analyst (206) $159
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (148) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
3
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
4
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
99.0
5
kanon's picture
kanon
98.9
6
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
7
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
8
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
9
Linda Abraham's picture
Linda Abraham
98.8
10
numi's picture
numi
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”