The cover letter has been around for years, though some people wonder if the cover letter is still useful when sending a job application. The speed of recruitment, the use of keywords by HR to identify candidates and classify applications: all of these elements do not favor the reading of excessively long writings. So it seems that this practice is fading. But we are still far from it. Even if the cover letter becomes shorter or is included in the body of an email, the cover letter is still important.

Know, in general, that many recruiters and including those who only read the CV, recognize that the absence of a cover letter is a factor which does not favor a candidate.  So on your CV, if you indicate that you are “open to opportunities”, or on social networks, it is only advisable to express this motivation, even in a few lines on a page or at the top of your CV.

So candidates wonder what should be done when a job ad asks to send a CV only. So major advice from professionals is that if you manage to identify the organization that is recruiting, still accompany your CV with a brief sentence, explaining why you are applying. But do not make it too long, your training and work experience will interest the recruiter more.

But sending only a CV, without a cover letter introducing it, is sometimes a candidate’s choice. So it’s up to you as candidate to take the risk, depending on your personality and determination.

On the other hand a CV alone can also be useful on recruitment forums, trade shows, or sufficient when you are already recommended by someone.

If you decide not to add a cover letter however it is advisable to indicate on your CV the job or function for which you are applying and adding some information about your professional project. Overall, candidates should read the full  description for a job ad and follow the application instructions on it.