What I Heard from HR – Cover Letters Still Matter  

“Does anyone even read cover letters anymore?” 
 
Yes — and recruiters told me they can always tell who took the time to write a thoughtful one. 
 
Here’s the secret: your cover letter isn’t about restating your qualifications. It’s about telling your story — why you’re drawn to the company, how your skills translate, and what motivates you. 
 
Think of it as your personal trailer: engaging, authentic, and memorable.  

If your cover letter reads like ChatGPT wrote it (don’t worry, I won’t take offense), rewrite it until it sounds like you. 
 
Recruiters read hundreds of these — make yours the one they remember. 

For more resources, check out these pages below. 

By Esther Choi
Esther Choi McDougal Career Fellow