Are Cover Letters Still Important in This Year?

Updated June 17, 20221.3k

An effective, professional cover letter can take a lot of time to get right. Do recruiters really expect you to write a cover letter for job applications these days?

Are Cover Letters Necessary?

Any career advice website will tell you that your job application is not complete without a professional, well-crafted cover letter. But taking the time to write a cover letter for each job can be time-consuming. So, is it worth it? Do hiring managers see cover letters as essential components of the application process?

What Do Recruiters Think?

It should come as no surprise that recruiters and hiring managers value cover letters. That’s because your cover letter helps build a picture of you as an individual. While they can see the skills, education, and work history listed on your resume, a cover letter lets you connect your experiences to the advertised role. A resume is a good foundation, but a great cover letter can really set you apart in the hiring process.

Cover Letter Benefits

When evaluating whether or not to write a cover letter, it’s best to think of all the benefits of writing a good cover letter. Simply put, if you omit a cover letter for your prospective employer, you’re missing out on all these benefits:

Allows you to explain your relevant experience, making the connection for the reader
Allows you to demonstrate soft skills like communication skills
Shows the potential employer you care about the role
Allows you to feature skills and experiences tailored for the specific job
Allows you to establish a direct connection with the employer
Can give you the chance to explain any employment gaps, especially if you’re changing careers
Puts you ahead of those who didn’t bother to write one
Increases your chances of landing a job interview

There are plenty of reasons to write a cover letter. Even though it may be time-consuming, you should make an effort if you want to land your dream job. The perfect cover letter may make all the difference to the recruiter’s hiring decision. To get started on your cover letter, check out our cover letter templates for inspiration. And the cover letter builder is full of cover letter tips to guide you through every step of the process. We've got you covered with plenty of helpful advice, from how to display your contact information to which fonts to choose.

When a Cover Letter Isn’t Needed

Generally speaking, you should always include a cover letter to show you are eager to land a new job. Career coaches and career experts will tell you it's an essential step in the application process. However, there are a couple of occasions when you shouldn’t write a cover letter:

If the job description or job posting specifically tells you not to write a cover letter
If you are applying through an online application like LinkedIn, and there isn’t an option to add a cover letter

In other words, you should include a cover letter unless something during the job search specifically tells you not to.

FAQ: Are Cover Letters Necessary?

Should I use a cover letter template?

It’s always good to use a cover letter template to ensure your cover letter looks professional. Using a template gives you a proven framework to ensure you have all the bases covered in your cover letter. It will also help you eliminate common mistakes associated with formatting and layout. Use our templates and cover letter examples to help take the pain out of crafting your cover letter.

I already have a resume, so why do I need a cover letter?

Cover letters and resumes achieve different purposes, but both work together in a job application. A resume serves as a professional summary that recruiters can quickly glance at. They should be able to see your education, work experience, and skills in separate sections.

A cover letter should expand on the information you present in your resume to show the recruiter why you are perfect for the role. It gives you a chance to draw the line between your work history and the advertised role with more explanation than your resume. It also allows you to personalize your application by building a better picture of yourself as an individual. Use our resume builder and resume templates to craft an effective resume with expert advice.

What happens if you don’t include a cover letter?

In the current job market, not including a cover letter means that any candidates who took the time to write and submit one are already ahead of you in the hiring process. It means missing out on an opportunity to impress the recruiter and encourage them to invite you to an interview.

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About The Author

Cindi Cervone Carlson

Cindi Cervone Carlson is a Senior Vice President for Challenger, Gray & Christmas, Inc. Cindi is responsible for developing, delivering, and implementing a dynamic, world-class organization dedicated to delivering outplacement consulting, training, support, and executive coaching. Cindi started her career at Challenger as a client who had lost her job. Over the past nine years, she has risen from an entry-level, part-time professional to Senior Vice President.