Should I Customize My Cover Letter?

Jessica Walker • February 20, 2019

Many people don’t add a cover letter to their application when applying for jobs.

However, having a cover letter can help when applying for jobs...

Especially when you customise it to a specific role with a specific employer! It may seem that this will create more work for you and can be time consuming, but it can be that point of difference to get you in the door for that important job interview.

You might think why is a cover letter important? Your resume is an important document in your job search, but it only tells part of your story. Having a long resume isn’t always helpful, as hiring managers will not read it all, they could skim over important details. A cover letter helps you break it up in a way that a hiring manager can understand, it can explain why you are applying for this job and why they should hire you. Six seconds is all it takes to grab the attention of the reader and decide whether to ditch your application or move you to the next step. Therefore carefully selecting words that match their job ads will increase your chances of passing through that quick six second review.

Don’t forget to highlight your soft skills that are relevant to the job too. People like to work with people that are like them and that they like, so a work culture is so important to employers. You are more likely to be hired by employers who have similar values and goals to yours.

Good luck!

Find the job you love I Find the right talent
Get in touch with people2people

Australia
   I    United Kingdom

In business since 2002 in Australia, NZ, and the United Kingdom, people2people is an award-winning recruitment agency with people at our heart. With over 12 offices, we specialise in accounting and finance, business support, education, executive, government, HR, legal, marketing and digital, property, sales, supply chain, and technology sectors. As the proud recipients of the 2024 Outstanding Large Agency and Excellence in Candidate Care Awards, we are dedicated to helping businesses achieve success through a people-first approach.

Recent articles

By people2people UK December 15, 2025
Skills-first hiring is gaining momentum, with 85% of organisations now using it in some form. However, challenges around assessment, training and leadership alignment continue to limit consistent adoption. Explore what’s driving the shift and how employers can make skills-based hiring work in practice.
By people2people UK December 8, 2025
As job hopping becomes more common, organisations can take practical steps to reduce unnecessary turnover while supporting a modern, flexible workforce.
By people2people UK November 30, 2025
More UK workers are requesting salary advances and calling for flexible pay options as financial pressures intensify. Discover the latest trends shaping employee pay preferences across the UK.
By people2people UK November 23, 2025
Discover why communication gaps between generations are increasing in UK workplaces and how HR can bridge these divides through shared experiences, team activities, and stronger human connection.
By people2people UK November 18, 2025
A clear guide for UK employers on conducting fair, transparent and legally compliant redundancies during rising unemployment and economic uncertainty.

Latest Media Features


Get in touch

Find out more by contacting one of our specialisat recruitment consultants across Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.

Contact us