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The Cover Letter in the Digital Age: Strength or Relic?

Even as digital recruitment tools continue to grow in importance, the cover letter remains one of the few spaces where a candidate can still speak personally. In a world of mass competition and automated hiring, it may be more relevant than ever - read Michalina's insights into hiring process of the modern age.

4 min read · 27 Dec 2025

Michalina Szpyrka ·

Why the Cover Letter Still Matters

Today, every job post attracts dozens—or even hundreds—of applications. The internet has made applying easier than ever; landing your dream job might take just a few clicks. For employers, this means a larger pool of candidates—but also an overwhelming number of nearly identical CVs. For applicants, the challenge is clear: how do you stand out?

This is where the cover letter still plays a key role. Your CV presents facts and achievements, but it doesn’t show your personality or motivation. The letter fills that gap, offering a glimpse into how you see yourself fitting within the company. The irony is that, while many see cover letters as outdated, they often end up being the most human and valuable part of an application.

Personalization as Proof of Commitment

A strong cover letter starts with knowing the company. Applicants who treat recruitment like a numbers game—sending out the same letter to dozens of employers—immediately weaken their chances. Recruiters want to see that you understand not just the job description, but also the company’s values and mission.

A good letter should show alignment between your profile and the company culture. It’s not just about skills—it’s about fit. That’s why each letter should be tailored to the specific role and organization, not copied from a generic template. Personalization is what turns a standard application into a genuine connection.

Keep It Simple, Keep It Real

One of the biggest traps? Using too many words and too much jargon. Many candidates fill their letters with trendy buzzwords or corporate clichés, hoping to sound professional. The result: a document that looks like hundreds of others.

Recruiters rarely have time to read long texts—especially when they receive hundreds of applications. That’s why experts suggest keeping your cover letter to three or four paragraphs. That’s enough space to explain your motivation, your key strengths, and why you’re a great fit. Shorter letters may feel rushed; longer ones risk losing focus.

The Danger of the One-Size-Fits-All Template

With so many applications to send, it’s tempting to write one universal letter and send it everywhere. It saves time—but it also sends the wrong message. Recruiters can instantly tell when a letter isn’t personalized. It signals a lack of genuine interest or effort.

Even small details make a difference—like addressing your letter directly to the hiring manager instead of using a generic greeting. It shows initiative, professionalism, and curiosity—all qualities employers value.

Artificial Intelligence: Helper or Threat?

AI is transforming the way companies hire—from screening CVs to running application systems. But its growing influence raises an important question: is AI helping or hurting the authenticity of cover letters?

The risk is clear. If you let AI write your entire letter, it will sound polished but soulless—devoid of emotion or individuality. Recruiters are increasingly able to recognize such texts: they read flat, repetitive, and impersonal. In the worst cases, they can even harm your chances.

Still, AI can be a useful assistant. It can help analyze job descriptions, identify keywords, or organize your ideas. But the final voice must always be yours—authentic, human, and full of personality.

Rethinking the Role of the Cover Letter

In an era of digital-first recruitment, some wonder if the cover letter is simply too old-fashioned. With so many processes moving online, wouldn’t it be more natural to use modern tools—like a short video pitch instead?

There’s truth on both sides. On one hand, cover letters still act as a filter: they separate engaged, motivated candidates from those who just click “apply.” On the other hand, they can feel like an administrative hurdle, more of a formality than a genuine tool for connection.

Between Tradition and Innovation

Recruitment trends suggest that the cover letter won’t disappear anytime soon—but its role is evolving. It remains the only place where candidates can speak in their own voice before an interview. Yet, as AI and automation continue to reshape the job market, its future is uncertain.

Will the cover letter evolve into a shorter, more personalized message? Or will it be replaced by video pitches, interactive portfolios, or psychometric tests?

For now, one thing is clear: in a world of mass applications and automated screening, a well-written cover letter is still your best chance to stand out—and to show that behind every CV, there’s a real person with a story to tell.

Written by

Michalina Szpyrka

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