What Should You Do When a Job Post Requires a Cover Letter?
“Do employers actually read cover letters in 2025?
Should I just send the same one I used years ago?
Is it enough to write “See CV”?
Wouldn’t ChatGPT write something better than me in seconds?
Or should I invest the time to craft a tailored, value-based message?”
For many professionals, cover letters feel outdated and unnecessary. And in many cases, they are. But when a job posting specifically requires one, your response can reveal a lot about your motivation, professionalism, and ability to follow instructions.
At senior level, a cover letter can be more than just a formality. It can either strengthen your application or quickly undermine it, even if your CV is excellent.
Let’s look at the options you have when a role requires a cover letter.
1. Reuse a Template from 2010
Why it may not work: A decade-old template usually sounds generic and outdated. Recruiters and hiring managers can recognize cookie-cutter phrases instantly, especially if they have seen the same wording hundreds of times before. It makes you look like you haven’t evolved with the market and that you are not genuinely motivated. Instead of helping your application, a recycled template may damage your credibility.
2. Write “See CV” in the Attachment
Why it may not work: Writing only “See CV” signals a lack of effort and can be perceived as dismissive of the process. If the employer asks for a cover letter, they expect you to provide additional context: your motivation, your alignment with their company, and your unique value. By skipping that step, you show that you are unwilling to follow instructions, which can immediately disqualify you from consideration.
3. Create a Tailored, Value-Based Message Aligned with the Company
Why it may not work: This option takes time and effort. If you approach it without a clear strategy, you may end up repeating what is already in your CV or writing a motivational essay that misses the employer’s expectations. A poorly executed cover letter can feel generic despite your best intentions and may even weaken an otherwise strong application.
When it may work: A tailored message is powerful when done right: it highlights your fit, differentiates you from other candidates, and demonstrates genuine interest. The key is value alignment, showing how your track record connects with the company’s goals, challenges, or culture. If you are unsure how to strike that balance, working with a Career Consultant can help you craft a concise, executive-level message that strengthens your positioning and saves you time.
4. Ask ChatGPT to Write It (And Leave It Unedited)
Why it may not work: AI tools can generate text instantly, but unedited cover letters usually sound formulaic and lack authenticity. They rarely capture the nuances of your career story, your tone of voice, or your unique positioning. Recruiters can quickly spot AI-generated writing, and relying on it without refinement risks diluting your credibility instead of enhancing it.
5. Copy-Paste from the Job Description
Why it may not work: Copying the job description word for word might feel like the safest choice, but it comes across as lazy and unoriginal. Recruiters immediately recognize their own text and see it as an attempt to impress without substance. Instead of adding value, this approach shows a lack of initiative and critical thinking, both of which are essential at senior level.
6. Keep It Extremely Generic (“Dear Sir/Madam…”)
Why it may not work: A generic letter that could be sent to any company shows minimal effort and little interest in the specific role. It misses the opportunity to connect with the employer’s mission, values, or requirements. At executive level, a non-personalized “Dear Sir/Madam” opening can make you look disengaged and reduce your chances of being taken seriously.
7. Write a Very Long, Overly Detailed Letter
Why it may not work: Some professionals treat cover letters as autobiographies and end up submitting two or three pages of dense text. Recruiters do not have the time to read lengthy documents and will quickly lose interest. They are looking for focus and relevance, not your life story. A long, unfocused letter will most likely be skimmed or ignored, no matter how impressive the content is.
8. So, what’s the best option for a Senior Professional?
Given who has prepared this post, you know what we’ll suggest ;)
Ask a Career Consultant who specializes in senior professionals and executives for advice. Someone who:
- Understands how cover letters are (and aren’t) read today.
- Knows how to translate your achievements into a compelling, value-driven message.
- Can adapt your communication to senior-level recruitment processes.
- Helps you save time while making sure your materials work for you.
In the last 5 years, we have consulted 4,396 experienced managers and executives who expected a straight answer – and got one! Over 80% of our clients recommend us.
If you are a senior professional, reach out to Career Angels by email to Contact@CareerAngels.eu to book a free* Career Consultation; discuss your cover letter or any career-related topic.
* Why is it free?
That’s a real question we sometimes receive, as “free probably means that there’s no value”.
Our thinking is slightly different: we know how many “people” try to sell something to executives or want something from you. And by “people”, we mean: service provides, sales representatives, consultants, current or former or potential employees… We believe that if we do a great job during our first consultation, you’ll see the value and hire us.
For us, that’s a fair deal. What say you?
