I wanted to share my experience regarding cover letters, the application process, and maintaining confidence during my job search. After a tough six-month period of unemployment, I applied to a staggering 1,257 jobs before finally landing one. Regarding cover letters, I found that they often go unread. In my experience, HR departments don't prioritize them, and I was only asked for a cover letter by hiring managers during the interview process. So, if you're considering whether to submit one, it might not be necessary unless specifically requested. I kept a detailed spreadsheet of my applications, noting timestamps. I noticed that applying in the morning seemed to improve my chances since many positions receive a flood of applications quickly. I also learned to avoid applying for jobs older than a week, as they are often filled or no longer active. If you have time to spare, you can check if a position is still open by using the Wayback Machine. Many HR departments don't update job titles, so you can see if the same position keeps appearing over time. It's not foolproof, but it can help identify ghost positions. On the confidence front, I realized that my mindset shifted during unemployment. After my first interview, I felt desperate and was willing to accept any offer, which I learned can be sensed by interviewers. It's crucial to be prepared to say no when necessary. For instance, during one interview, they asked me to fly four hours to meet a hiring manager in person, and I declined. I still received an offer for my current job. In another negotiation, they lowballed me significantly, but I stood firm and told them it wasn't what we had discussed. I ended up with an offer closer to my expectations. Just my two cents from my experience in Europe, but I believe these insights are applicable elsewhere too.