But do recruiters really care about cover letters?
…”I mean, what am I supposed to do with it? Summarize my CV? Share something personal? And honestly, does anyone even read it?”- I get these questions all the time.
It’s almost as if the cover letter is an appendix, something every job seeker sees as unnecessary, hard to write, and with no real added value.
But trust me, that’s not the case.
At least, not if you write it yourself (and not 100% with AI - sorry, not sorry - it’s still a bad choice) and put real personality and insights into it that complete your application.
I’ve been based in the Netherlands for 5 years. As an Italian with work experience in Italy and Switzerland, I was surprised by how much motivation matters in the hiring process here.
In Italy and Switzerland, motivation wasn’t completely irrelevant, but more often than not, my interviewers did most of the talking. They would go into detail about every single skill their “unicorn candidate” needed to have. It felt like they were trying to make me understand what they were looking for, rather than actively asking the right questions to see if I had what they needed.
The most crucial factors in their decision were my degree, the courses I had taken, and the names of the companies I had worked for. Experience, that’s it.
In the Netherlands, it’s completely different. No one cared whether I had worked for companies they had never heard of. My degree was just a detail. What really mattered was why I had applied to their company. What was I looking for at this stage of my career? What made this role special to me? What was my real potential and what have I accomplished?
The questions were specific, there were a lot of them, and the curiosity was refreshing. It wasn’t just about skills and preparation. They were looking for a true team player, someone they’d want to organize events, drinks, and dinners with. Someone they’d be happy to see every morning and feel comfortable collaborating with. They wanted a new motivated member for their community.
The more I applied to different positions, the more I saw that a cover letter was mandatory. There were often specific questions I couldn’t skip.Iif I didn’t answer, the field turned red, and a message told me I couldn’t proceed without completing it.
So, I had to start seriously reflecting on why I wanted to work for each company. And that was a some kind of wake-up call. I stopped from wasting time on useless applications. Sometimes, I wasn’t 100% sure about the company, but I liked the role. I’d start the application process, but as soon as they asked me these motivation questions, I stopped. Honestly, I just wasn’t motivated enough to join them. The idea of going through all that effort to get an interview, only to realize I had nothing meaningful to say, made me understand that the job wasn’t right for me.
In places like the Netherlands, the cover letter couldn’t be more far from a formality. It truly helps you stand out and clearly demonstrate that you’re genuinely committed to your choice.
How to use it to maximize your chances of getting an interview:
Step 1 → Reflect honestly on why you’re applying for that position. What are your motivations? Focus on:
- The intersection between some of the company’s values and your own
- What specific things you’ve discovered about them (find 1-2 niche details—like their sustainability report, a TEDx talk by the founder, or a new product launch)
- What aspects of the role truly excite you and why
- A significant, measurable fact that proves you’re a top candidate
- A unique learning opportunity you see in this role
Step 2 → Write freely without worrying about structure. Edit later.
Step 3 → If you struggle to write it in English, try writing it in your native language first, then use Deepl or ChatGPT to translate. Adjust the wording to match your own style.
Example of a draft you can use:
Dear (recruiter’s first name – you can usually find it in the job post, and if not, write “Dear [Company Name] Hiring Team”),
I was very excited to see the job posting for the () position at (). Your commitment to (sustainability, innovation, diversity, etc.) strongly aligns with my values. (Now, give a concrete example of how your values align with theirs).
I was impressed by (a project, a founder’s interview, a report, or a new product launch) because it closely relates to (a project I recently led, my beliefs, my interest in a specific cause, etc.). I would love to discuss this further with you.
At (my current company), I have been (leading, implementing, working on, collaborating on - briefly describe something crucial but don’t repeat your whole resume). Your company has been on my radar for a while, and at this stage in my career, I’m looking for a role that allows me to have a greater impact in an international environment (I know you have employees from X nationalities!).
I am fluent in (languages), and my international background enables me to collaborate easily with diverse teams and clients (example: from C-level executives to trainees from 50+ nationalities). I have already done extensive research on the Netherlands, from housing to work culture, and I am ready to relocate as soon as possible.
I would love to bring my experience to (Company Name) and support your mission to (insert mission). Please find my resume attached. I am available at (mobile number) for a conversation.
Looking forward to hearing from you.
Best regards,
(Your Name)
I have reviewed a huge number of resumes, cover letters, portfolios, and LinkedIn profiles. If you need an expert to help you increase your number of interviews and job offers, you’re in the right place! I can’t wait to work with you.
Don’t underestimate the power of a cover letter. The best opportunities are the ones you’re genuinely motivated for, and trust me, recruiters can tell right away.
For every job you apply to, you’re competing with people who are applying out of frustration, boredom, or just for practice, but also with those who would do anything to get into that company. Show them who you are and choose what’s best for you. I’ll be by your side to keep you motivated, help you reflect on the right things, and make sure you get what you truly deserve!
Contact me here on MentorCruise today!