Same here. They can find out what I'm like in a conversation, not an essay.

The whole concept of a cover letter seems ridiculous. Never wrote one either.

I'm the same. I still read the opening sentences of them, but if it's the usual "cover letter template" shit, it's pointless and I go straight to the CV.

We've hired plenty of people with lacking CVs that had genuine cover letters, though. It's clear when someone is trying to say they're really into their shit, but all they got on the CV is McDonald's.

But as you become more advanced in your field, they're useless. At the end of the day, you don't want to be stuck working for someone that ignores all the skill and experience, declining an interview because no cover letter.

Have I gone my whole life doing cover letters "wrong"? I use them as an opportunity to talk about things I've worked on as it relates to the responsibilities of the job that a resume wouldn't necessarily explain in depth. I've never treated it like I'm meant to ingratiate myself to anpotential employer for the chance. Usually the resume is "Here's where I've worked and my roles there" and the cover letter is "Here's what I've worked on and how that experience is relevant"

I hire for our company and a cover letter is definitely helpful in choosing who to interview since a resume doesn't always give a lot of useful information that helps us.

I don't care about your intentions for working, of course it's money or experience or whatever.

But things like hobbies, travel experiences, location and relocation opportunities, etc all have a factor on if I choose to interview them and often a lot of that doesn't get included in resumes.

That you are clearly not doing it for the money. If money was your incentive, you could invest half an hour in a cover letter, that doubles as basic research for a possible interview.

Sure, selling stuff at the super market does not need an cl, but many other position expect you to do 'basic' research.