More than a thousand responses to a single attractive finance position at an internationally renowned organisation. This is no longer exceptional — it is the new normal. The FD described the trend aptly: the cover letter is dead, and AI killed it.
Far more letters, far less distinction
More and more candidates are using AI to write their covering letters. The result is an exponentially growing pile, while the ability to stand out diminishes. Letters are starting to look alike. The proverbial needle in a haystack has become a needle among a thousand identical needles.
Greater reach, greater noise
It is hardly surprising that job seekers are turning to AI en masse. YouGov research commissioned by Indeed shows that more than half of Dutch job seekers use AI in their job search — primarily for the covering letter. And researchers at Yale demonstrated that AI-written letters increase the likelihood of being invited for interview. Writing without assistance now puts a candidate at a disadvantage.
It becomes even more complex when recruiters also use AI to screen applications. Many recruitment models have a built-in preference for AI-written texts. A strange loop emerges: AI writes, AI selects — and the human being disappears from view. Technology that was supposed to make things easier is actually making it harder to identify the right candidate.
The difference lies in what AI cannot do
For a CFO, Finance Director or interim professional at board level, a covering letter has long since ceased to be decisive. What matters is what no algorithm can deliver: do we truly know the candidate? Do we know the organisation, the board and the dynamics into which someone must land?
That is where the distinguishing strength of a boutique executive search firm lies. We do not work with stacks of applications — we work with people we know personally. Not an automated match, but a considered recommendation. In a market full of AI noise, personal advice wins. Every time.
With thanks to the FD article 'De sollicitatiebrief is dood, en AI heeft hem vermoord' as a source of inspiration.