This is actually a controversial question! Many Israeli HR professionals say they don’t read them and that writing one is a waste of time. Other hiring managers say that they do read them and that they help them get a better feel for the candidate.
In some cases, the application system or the job ad request a cover letter. In these cases, it is important to include one, since HR managers may discount your application simply because you didn’t follow directions. If a cover letter was not requested, it’s best to write a short text in the body of the email in which you attach your CV and not include a cover letter in a separate document.
What to include in an Israeli cover letter
The cover letter should not be a regurgitation of what you’ve already written in your CV. Instead, write a few sentences that include things that don’t appear on the resume, such as:
- Why you’re right for this job – what skills you have that are important for the job and what sets you apart from other candidates
- If you have informal experience which is relevant to the job, this is the place to include it
- Express enthusiasm for the position and show that you’ve done some research about the company by mentioning that you connect to their mission or they type of work they do
Formatting the cover email
Start the letter with Dear X, if you know the hiring manager’s name. If not, Dear Hiring Manager works too. Don’t use Dear Sir/Madam or To Whom It May Concern, as those are old fashioned ways of addressing a letter. On the other hand, Hi or Hello might be considered too informal.
After introducing yourself, format the body of the email with bullet points, numbers or moderate use of bold to make the main points stand out. This is important because the hiring manager is probably skimming and not actually reading.
Mention that your CV is attached, just in case the recipient didn’t notice it. And don’t forget to thank them for their time.
Keep it brief – no more than 3-4 sentences total. HR professionals are short on time and you want to respect that.
Apply through a friend
Hiring managers agree that the best way to get your CV to the top of the pile in an Israeli company is by applying through an employee already working there. A recommendation from a friend (or a friend of a friend) is worth more than a well-written cover letter.
Many companies offer their employees bonuses if they refer new employees. Even if not, they will get brownie points for bringing in someone good. Add to that the Israeli tendency to want to help others (we are a nation of chesed, after all) and you are likely to find that even tenuous connections will be happy to pass on your CV. In any case, it doesn’t hurt to ask.
Wishing you luck in your job search!
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