Experts in Denmark’s recruitment field say the traditional cover letter — known as the “motivated application” — no longer serves a purpose. Instead, job seekers and employers are urged to rethink how positions are filled.
The “Motivated Application” May Be on Its Way Out
For decades, Danes have been taught to sell themselves through carefully written “motivated applications,” explaining why they are the right fit for a job. But that habit is losing its relevance, says employer branding expert Tine Stallkneckt Ottesen, who believes the format should disappear entirely.
She argues that recruiters should evaluate candidates strictly by their skills and qualifications, not by their ability to write persuasive letters full of stock phrases about being “team players” or “flexible workers.”
According to Ottesen, the hiring process must mirror actual work situations. If a company needs a runner, for example, they should observe candidates on the track rather than requesting essays about running ability. Similarly, when seeking an engineer, her advice is to present a realistic case task aligned with the job’s time demands.
Recruitment Research and Reality Don’t Match
She points out a clear gap between recruitment research and the methods hiring managers still use in practice. In her view, Denmark’s hiring system focuses too much on formality and too little on what really matters: the person behind the résumé.
Modern hiring, she argues, should emphasize human qualities and practical tests instead of traditional paperwork. With more job seekers now using AI to draft applications, she believes that is yet another reason to retire the old format.
Meanwhile, unemployment centers and job platforms have started encouraging people to use new tools to improve their job-hunting strategy. Many wonder whether handwritten applications still make sense in a world driven by algorithms and online recruitment.
Few Recruiters Actually Read Applications
Ottesen, who spent ten years in corporate recruitment, admits that she often skipped reading applicants’ full motivational letters. Instead, she relied on scanning the CV to decide whom to interview.
This mirrors frustrations shared by many job seekers across Denmark. One of them, Celina Bjerring Esbensen, recently voiced her concerns on LinkedIn, asking openly whether employers read applications at all. After spending entire days customizing letters, she felt her effort was often wasted.
Her experience reflects a broader sentiment among Danes looking for work. Many think job postings are too broad or unclear, leaving applicants uncertain about what employers really want. This lack of clarity is pushing people to look for smarter, faster, and more transparent approaches.
A New Approach Could Simplify Hiring
Ottesen believes companies should adopt more efficient recruitment models that treat hiring as an integral business function, like sales or finance. Too often, she argues, managers claim not to have time to read applications. But finding the right person for a role, she says, should not be rushed or handled superficially.
Her suggestion for job seekers is straightforward: emphasize the CV instead of writing long-winded motivational letters. A short introductory paragraph at the top of the CV can briefly summarize intentions, while the main focus remains on measurable qualifications and past experience. For job seekers unfamiliar with the Danish market, understanding how to find work in Denmark is essential to navigating this evolving process.
Given today’s competitive job landscape, it may be time for both employers and applicants to modernize their methods. The shift away from the traditional application could make hiring faster and more reliable — centering attention on skills, not scripted words.
Sources and References
The Danish Dream: How Do I Find Work in Denmark?
The Danish Dream: Best Job Portals in Denmark for Foreigners
TV2: Den motiverede ansøgning skal dø, mener ekspert
