Ask HN: Writing cover letters for tech jobs

I really hate writing cover letters as I never know what to write or if anyone is even going to read them. I see a lot of sites offering advice on how to write generic cover letters, but most all of them don’t seem appropriate (at least to me) for tech jobs - more for formal sales, business jobs. I'm interested to know what HN’ers with experience on either or both sides have to say by way of advice - What do you usually write/expect, is it even really a requirement?. Do you attach a separate document or just write an informal email. What tone do you take - formal, familiar. Do you summarize your skills experience or just include a link to Github etc.

I don't really customise my CV to a particular job, so I just use the cover letter as a brief summary of why I'd be great for {advertised role}.

Not that this is advice. I have no idea either and would like to hear what other folk do.

I've used cover letters in the past when applying to a job directly without a warm-introduction from someone. It's been a while.

I had three or four standard cover letter templates I rotated through with a couple of places to add research I'd done about the company and why I would be a good fit for them. Often stuff based on what stack they use, who is on their team, etc.

I think applying to jobs directly is worse than networking and worse than working with a recruiter, in that order. If you do decide to go that route and write a cover letter, only include in it what is directly targeted to that company and the person reading it.

When appropriate I'll write a _concise_ but friendly intro and bottom quote a few key parts of the job description with questions, ideas, or an anecdote.

Try thinking about what could peak the curiosity of the reader and interest them in talking to you on the phone.

I would write one and keep it short. Nobody wants to read a huge block of text. For startups, I've always kept it informal and sent it as an email.

  Hi Team,

  I'm a software engineer in [LOCATION] looking for new opportunities. I have experience with your stack and would love to hear more about the company and openings.

  You can see more from me here:
  [WEBSITE/GITHUB LINK]

  Please have a glance at my resume and see if my skills and experience could be useful.

  Thanks,
  [FIRST LAST NAME]