Do You Even Need a Cover Letter in 2025? Here's When It Matters
A nuanced look at the evolving role of cover letters in modern job applications. Learn when to include one, when you can skip it, and why a personalised letter still gives you a competitive edge in 2025.
Do You Even Need a Cover Letter in 2025? Here's When It Matters
The hiring landscape has changed dramatically in recent years. Automated screening tools and online forms often replace traditional cover letter uploads, leaving many job seekers wondering: Is a cover letter still worth the effort? The answer depends on context. Surveys show that many recruiters still value cover letters. Creative Lives in Progress reports that 89% of recruiters expect candidates to include one and 81% have rejected a candidate because of their cover letter 1. Meanwhile, some employers openly admit they rarely read them. In 2025, the decision to write a cover letter should be strategic rather than automatic. Here's how to decide when it matters.
Why cover letters still matter
They show effort and interest
A personalised letter signals that you care enough to go beyond submitting a résumé. Novorésumé emphasises that most job openings require a cover letter and that failing to submit one when requested is a red flag 2. Even if recruiters don't read every cover letter, they note whether you took the time to include one; it demonstrates initiative and commitment 2. In close hiring decisions between two similarly qualified candidates, a strong cover letter can tip the scales 2.
They provide context not found in a résumé
Cover letters allow you to explain career gaps, relocations or career changes, mention referrals and express your passion for a role. Novorésumé lists important information you might include—such as explaining a career gap or relocation, highlighting a personal connection to the company, acknowledging a referral or expressing why the job is your dream opportunity 2. Coursera points out that a cover letter gives you space to provide details and context that a résumé cannot convey, such as why a particular accomplishment is relevant to the new role or how your experience will translate 3. It's also a place to mention referrals, which can help your application stand out 3.
They humanise your application
A cover letter lets you convey your writing style and personality. Coursera notes that while a résumé offers a factual overview, a letter gives employers a sense of your communication style and fit within the team 3. MIT's career office advises sharing brief stories that highlight how your experiences prepared you for the role 4; such anecdotes can't be squeezed into bullet points. A compelling narrative may persuade an employer to move you to the interview stage.
When you can skip the letter
Despite these benefits, there are situations where a cover letter isn't necessary. Writing a poor or generic letter is worse than not writing one at all. Novorésumé outlines three cases where you shouldn't include a cover letter: when the job description explicitly instructs you not to submit one, when you lack time to customise the letter for each role, and when the application system doesn't provide a place to upload it 2. Resume.io adds that you should avoid including a cover letter if the technology used for the application doesn't allow attachments or if your letter is poorly written or generic 5. In these situations, focus on tailoring your résumé and LinkedIn profile instead. Submitting an uncustomised or low‑quality cover letter can hurt your chances more than omitting one 2.
Coursera echoes this caution, noting that cover letters aren't always necessary and may only be reviewed once the candidate pool has been narrowed 3. If you're racing against a tight deadline and cannot craft a quality letter, it may be better to spend that time improving your résumé or preparing for interviews.
When to absolutely include a cover letter
When important details need explaining
If your résumé needs context—such as a period out of the workforce, a career pivot, or an upcoming relocation—a cover letter is the place to explain it. Coursera suggests that addressing résumé gaps or career changes positively can reassure employers about your readiness 3. Novorésumé similarly advises using the letter to discuss important information that doesn't fit neatly on a résumé 2.
When you have a referral or connection
Having someone within the company refer you is a major advantage. A cover letter allows you to mention this referral and briefly explain your relationship, giving the hiring manager additional context 3. Novorésumé notes that acknowledging personal connections or previous internships at the company can strengthen your application 2.
When you're applying for a dream job
If the role is particularly important to you—whether it's a dream job, an internship or an entry‑level position—submitting a thoughtful cover letter is advisable. Novorésumé emphasises that passion goes a long way and that your letter should express what the job means to you and how it aligns with your professional goals 2. For internships or entry‑level roles, the site also notes that cover letters allow you to convey enthusiasm and highlight transferable skills 2.
When you have the time to customise
Coursera stresses that a generic cover letter is worse than none at all 3. However, if you have time to research the company, analyse the job description and tailor your letter, your investment will likely pay off. The University of Cincinnati advises that a well‑crafted cover letter can make your application 38% more likely to get noticed 3 and notes that 45% of employers may skip applications lacking a cover letter 3.
Final thoughts
In 2025, a cover letter isn't always required, but it remains a valuable tool. Use it strategically: include one when you need to provide context, mention a referral, or demonstrate enthusiasm for a job, and skip it when time constraints or application platforms make it impractical. When in doubt, lean toward writing a short, personalised letter rather than sending nothing. After all, many recruiters still expect to see a cover letter, and a well‑written one can differentiate you from candidates with similar résumés. If you do choose to write a letter, be sure to customise it, tell a concise story and proofread carefully. In a hiring landscape filled with automated applications and AI screenings, a human voice can still make all the difference.
Not sure if a cover letter is worth your time? Let Cirby.ai guide you on when and how to write one that actually helps you land interviews.