Are Cover Letters Still Necessary?
I know—writing a cover letter can feel like an extra step, maybe even unnecessary. After all, isn’t your resume the most important thing? I used to wonder the same thing. After gathering insights from hiring managers and observing discussions across professional communities, I’ve realized that while cover letters aren’t always required, they can still be incredibly valuable.
The truth is, it depends. Some recruiters read them carefully, while others barely glance at them. Some jobs won’t require one at all, but for others, it might just be the reason you stand out.
So, should you write one? Let’s talk about it.
A Cover Letter Shows How You Communicate
One hiring manager put it perfectly:
“It tells me how well you can write. That may not be important for all jobs, but I’d argue it’s important to most.”
Even if a role isn’t focused on writing, you’ll still need to send emails, communicate professionally, and organize your thoughts clearly. A cover letter can show that you’re capable of doing that.
I know it’s easy to think, "But I’m not a writer!" That’s okay! Your cover letter doesn’t need to be poetic—it just needs to be clear, professional, and thoughtful.
It Can Make Up for a Resume That’s Not Perfect
I’ve heard from former hiring managers who only looked at a cover letter when a resume wasn’t strong. That might sound discouraging, but it’s actually an opportunity. If your resume doesn’t immediately stand out—maybe you’re changing careers, have an employment gap, or don’t have traditional experience—a cover letter can give you the chance to explain.
“Some people haven’t had the opportunity to have their resumes looked at. A cover letter can at least let me know if you have writing skills and looked into the company.”
This means if you’re feeling unsure about your resume, a cover letter might just be the thing that helps you get noticed.
One recruiter shared this insight:
A Cover Letter Can Set You Apart in a Competitive Market
Not every company expects a cover letter. In fact, some might even say not to send one. But from personal experience—and from what I’ve heard from job seekers—a well-written cover letter has often made a difference.
If you’re only kind of interested in a job, maybe skipping the cover letter makes sense. But if you’re genuinely excited about an opportunity, taking the time to write a short, thoughtful letter can show the hiring team that you care.
Some Jobs Don’t Require It, But It Can Still Help
In today’s job market, where employers often receive dozens—if not hundreds—of applications for a single role, standing out can be challenging. Many applicants may have similar qualifications, experience levels, and even resumes that look alike. So how does a hiring manager decide who moves forward? Sometimes, it comes down to the small things, and a well-crafted cover letter is one of them.
If you’ve spent years working in hospitality but now want to transition into a corporate office role, your resume might not scream "perfect fit" at first glance. However, in your cover letter, you can highlight the transferable skills you’ve gained—customer service, problem-solving, adaptability—and explain how they make you a great candidate for this new path.
Taking the time to write a thoughtful, tailored cover letter shows a hiring manager that you’re not just sending out applications randomly—you’re genuinely interested in this role at this company. And in a sea of qualified applicants, that extra effort can make all the difference.
“When I have 50 qualified applicants, a good cover letter that shows an interest in the company and the role can make the difference.”
So, Should You Write One?
Here’s our honest advice:
✔ If a job posting asks for one, always write it.
Some companies make cover letters optional, but if a job posting specifically requests one, consider it mandatory. Skipping it could signal a lack of attention to detail or interest in the role—two things you definitely don’t want to communicate to a potential employer.
✔ If you really want the job, write one.
A well-crafted cover letter can be the extra push that gets you noticed. It’s a chance to express your enthusiasm, share why this role excites you, and connect your experience to what the company needs. If you’re genuinely excited about the opportunity, a cover letter helps show it.
✔ If your resume doesn’t fully explain why you’re a great fit, write one.
Resumes provide the what—your experience, skills, and achievements. But sometimes, they don’t fully explain the why. A cover letter gives you the space to highlight transferable skills, explain career changes, or fill in gaps that might otherwise leave recruiters with questions.
✔ If the application says not to include one, skip it.
Some companies explicitly state that they do not want a cover letter. In these cases, it’s best to follow instructions. Overlooking that detail could suggest you didn’t read the job posting carefully—something hiring managers take seriously.
I know cover letters can feel like extra work, but if you’re excited about a role, it’s worth it. It doesn’t have to be perfect—it just has to be you. Thoughtful, clear, and intentional. 🧡
And who knows? That one letter might just open the door to your next opportunity.