Why Cover Letters Still Matter—Even in Data-Heavy Fields

I know what you might be thinking: “Do hiring managers even read cover letters anymore?” As someone who has coached and reviewed hundreds of biostatistician applications, I can tell you—yes, some do. And for roles that require analytical precision and the ability to communicate results clearly (ahem, biostatistics), the cover letter is still your secret weapon.

Some hiring managers may skim, but others read carefully—especially in fields like ours where attention to detail is non-negotiable. And when a role is competitive, a personalized, well-structured cover letter can be the thing that nudges your application into the “yes” pile.

A Cover Letter Is More Than Just Formality

Think of it like this: your resume is the “what,” your cover letter is the “so what.” It’s your chance to connect the dots for the reader—why you, why this role, and why now.

In biostatistics, you’re not just running models—you’re solving real-world problems using data. A cover letter gives you space to explain how you think, what you bring beyond software skills, and how you’ve communicated insights that mattered. That’s something a resume alone can’t fully show.

The Good News: You Don’t Need to Start from Scratch Every Time

Here’s a trick I teach: build yourself a flexible “core” cover letter—something about 70% reusable, with room for 30% customization. That way, each time you apply, you’re just tweaking a few details: pulling in keywords from the job description, briefly referencing the company’s mission, and tailoring a specific example or two that align with the role.

Done right, you can turn around a meaningful, human-sounding cover letter in under 10 minutes. And it will be miles ahead of generic, robotic ones other candidates are sending.

💡 Action Step: What Would You Include In Your Cover Letter Template?
Think about what would you include in your cover letter that highlights your value as a biostatistician—your technical skills, your communication abilities, how you solve real problems with data? Think about which parts of the cover letter you’d customize for each application.