Is the Cover Letter Becoming Obsolete in Life Sciences Recruitment?

For decades, the cover letter has been a staple of the job application process. However, in today’s fast-paced recruitment landscape, its relevance is being questioned. A recent poll conducted on LinkedIn confirms this shift—most professionals agree that experience and a well-crafted CV are often sufficient. At Novellas Healthcare, we recognize this evolution and have adapted our recruitment process accordingly.

Most cover letters follow the same template, making them predictable and uninspiring. Hiring managers often receive dozens, if not hundreds, of applications, and reading repetitive letters adds little value to the selection process.

With AI-powered writing tools, candidates can generate cover letters in seconds.

While this increases efficiency, it also dilutes authenticity, making it harder for employers to gauge genuine motivation.

Recruiters and hiring managers now prioritize skills, experience, and cultural fit over generic formalities.

In an industry like life sciences, where talent shortages exist in specialized roles, the focus has shifted toward assessing competencies rather than evaluating writing skills.

While the traditional cover letter is fading, it remains valuable in specific cases:

• Highly competitive roles: A well-crafted, personalized letter can set a candidate apart.
• Companies with traditional hiring practices: Some organizations still see the cover letter as a must-have.
• Roles requiring strong writing skills: If communication is a key part of the job, a cover letter can serve as a writing sample.

For those who still need to submit a cover letter, the key is personalization.

Avoid generic phrases, directly address the hiring manager, and clearly articulate why you’re a great fit for the role.

At Novellas Healthcare, we embrace innovative recruitment solutions to better evaluate a candidate’s motivation and suitability.
Instead of requiring a cover letter, we leverage and have in mind to use:

• Video questionnaires: Candidates answer pre-set questions in short video clips, allowing recruiters to assess motivation and communication skills effectively.
• Video CVs: A creative way for candidates to introduce themselves and highlight their experience beyond a written document.
• Motivation and value-based assessments: Custom tests that align with company culture and job expectations, offering deeper insights into a candidate’s drive and work ethic.

Recognizing the inefficiency of traditional cover letters, Novellas Healthcare no longer requests them by default. Instead, we focus on streamlined, interactive methods that provide real insights into a candidate’s potential.

By embracing modern hiring techniques, we ensure a more engaging and effective recruitment process—one that benefits both candidates and employers.

Are you ready to experience a new era of hiring?

Let’s get in touch to discover how Novellas Healthcare can help you find the right talent through innovative solutions.