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By Kelly Lyons
SEO Editor
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Do cover letters matter these days? It depends on who you ask.
Some recruiters love learning more about each job applicant, while others find the practice antiquated. So should you write one if it might not even be read at all?
Keep reading for advice from career coaching experts, plus:
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- When you should (and shouldn't) write a cover letter
- What to do when a cover letter is "optional"
- Tips for writing an effective cover letter
- What an effective cover letter template looks like
Do I Need a Cover Letter?
In most cases, yes—you should submit a cover letter with your resume.
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While the cover letter has increasingly become a divisive topic among recruiters and job seekers, it's still often listed as a requirement on job applications.
But regardless, many recruiters still think cover letters are important.
According to a 2023 study by recruitment website Zippia, more than a fourth (26 percent) of recruiters "always read cover letters" and think they're an important component of the hiring decision. And almost half (45 percent) said that not including a cover letter could get your application rejected.
So in most cases, it's best to be cautious and include one.
In short, including a cover letter will almost never hurt your job search—but it can help.
Here's how:
- It can help you stand out from the crowd. Recruiters read through countless resumes for just one role. If you have similar qualifications as other candidates, a cover letter allows you to showcase your personality and unique skills.
- It shows you're willing to go the extra mile. Searching for a new job is already a lot of effort, so it may be difficult to rationalize writing a customized cover letter for each role. But the Zippia study found that 61 percent of hiring managers consider a customized resume (with a cover letter, portfolio link, etc.) the "number one tactic for applicants to boost their chances of getting a job."
- You can address potential biases. In a perfect world, recruiters wouldn't count you out based on things like employment gaps or "job hopping." Career coach Marlo Lyons recommends using your cover letter to "fill in any gaps" and provide context about these types of situations so recruiters don't get the wrong impression.
When You Should Include a Cover Letter
It's ultimately up to you whether you include a cover letter.
Octavia Goredema, career coach and author of Prep, Push, Pivot, says that the decision to submit a cover letter hinges on "where you are in your career journey and your personal career goals."
In addition to when it's a required part of the job posting, here are scenarios where it's in your best interest to submit one:
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