Do You Really Need a Cover Letter in 2025? Experts Weigh In

In 2025, job seekers are asking a familiar question: do recruiters read cover letters, or are they just a formality? With online applications and AI-written resumes on the rise, it's natural to wonder is a cover letter necessary in 2025. The short answer: It depends. Many hiring managers still value cover letters and say they influence their decisions, but others admit they rarely read them. In this blog post, we'll dive into the latest data and expert opinions on cover letters – how often recruiters actually read them, when you should include one with your job application, and tips to make your cover letter effective (and actually get read). Let's explore what 2024–2025 has revealed about cover letters in today's job market.

Do Recruiters Read Cover Letters in 2025?

One of the biggest debates is whether recruiters and hiring managers actually read cover letters. Recent surveys show a surprisingly high number do read them – but not everyone:

• A late-2023 survey of 625 hiring managers found 83% read most cover letters they receive, even at companies where a cover letter isn't required. In the same study, 73% of hiring managers at companies with optional cover letters still took the time to read them. Clearly, many recruiters are still looking at what you write in your letter.

• Other research echoes this: ResumeLab’s 2024 survey reported 74% of decision-makers prefer applications that include cover letters, and 83% of HR professionals consider cover letters important for hiring decisions. Another analysis found that job applicants who include a cover letter are nearly 2X more likely to get an interview invite compared to those who don’t (1.9 times more likely, according to Jobscan's 2024 data).

That sounds encouraging, but here's the catch – not all recruiters read them:

• In an April 2025 LinkedIn poll of 450 hiring managers, 41% admitted they don't read cover letters at all. Only 24% said they read every single one, while the remaining 35% said they read some but not all. This shows that a sizable chunk of recruiters might skip your carefully crafted letter, especially if they're pressed for time or have many applications.

• Some experts estimate even lower readership. For instance, career coach Andy Agouridis noted that roughly “70% of companies don't even read cover letters,” which implies only about 30% do. While that figure may be debatable, it highlights that many job applications are decided on the resume alone.

Why the split? It often comes down to individual preference and industry norms. Anecdotally, recruiters' opinions vary widely. In one LinkedIn discussion, a recruiter confessed she "never read a cover letter until recently" but changed her stance because AI-generated applications have become common – a personalized cover letter now helps “give more information than a resume does” and makes candidates feel more human. On the other hand, another hiring manager in the same thread said “I do not read them. ... A cover letter is still just words. I prefer talking personally to candidates.”. These conflicting views show that whether a recruiter reads your cover letter can be a bit of a coin toss.

Bottom line: Many recruiters do read cover letters (at least sometimes), but you can't count on every recruiter reading yours. However, as we'll see next, cover letters can still influence those who do read them – and not having one may even hurt your chances in some cases.

Is a Cover Letter Necessary in 2025?

Even if some recruiters skim or skip them, you might wonder: is a cover letter necessary in 2025? The answer: it can be very important. Recent data indicates that cover letters still play a significant role in hiring decisions:

• Cover letters sway decisions: An overwhelming 94% of hiring managers say a cover letter influences their decision on whether to interview a candidate (and 1 in 4 call cover letters “very important”). In fact, nearly half of hiring managers (49%) report that a strong cover letter can secure an interview for an otherwise borderline candidate. On the flip side, 18% say a weak cover letter has caused them to reject an otherwise qualified candidate. In other words, a great letter can boost you, and a bad one can hurt you.

• Many employers expect one: Over half of employers still explicitly ask for or require a cover letter. About 60% of companies require cover letters as part of the application. Even when a cover letter is listed as optional, 72% of hiring managers expect to see one submitted anyway. Not sending a cover letter in those cases could subtly signal a lack of effort. As Glassdoor’s recruitment data notes, 63% of employers prefer candidates who customize their resume and cover letter for the role – it shows you put in effort.

That said, a cover letter isn't universally required for every single job. Some hiring managers frankly don’t mind if you skip it:

• A 2024 survey by Robert Half found 37% of HR managers would still consider a candidate who didn't include a cover letter. If your resume is stellar and the role is very skills-focused, you might not be automatically disqualified without a letter. And of course, if a job application platform doesn’t even allow a cover letter attachment, then it’s safe to assume it's not needed in that instance.

• Industry matters: The necessity of a cover letter can depend on your field. In tech and engineering roles (especially junior positions), recruiters often care more about your technical skills, portfolio or GitHub – cover letters in STEM are less emphasized in many cases. As one tech recruiter noted, if a candidate’s code and LinkedIn profile already show the needed skills, a cover letter might not add much. In contrast, roles in communications, marketing, PR, law, academia, or any position that values writing and soft skills tend to expect a cover letter. Recruiters hiring for HR, operations, or finance also often want to see how you communicate in writing – here the cover letter serves as a writing sample and a motivation letter.

• Regional differences: Norms can vary by country. For instance, many UK recruiters “really appreciate a cover letter, even if they haven’t specified they’d like one,” because it provides context and the motive behind your application. In the U.S. and Canada, cover letters are common too, though some employers are more ambivalent. In Australia, it’s often expected to include a brief cover letter unless stated otherwise. Knowing the regional and company culture can guide you.

So, do you need a cover letter in 2025? In most cases, it's highly recommended to include one, unless the job posting explicitly says not to. The data shows a majority of recruiters value them, and many companies use them to differentiate between similar candidates. A well-crafted cover letter can be the tiebreaker between you and another applicant with a similar resume.

However, there are scenarios where you might safely skip the cover letter – or at least not hurt your chances by omitting it. The key is to be strategic, as the Teal career team advises: “Look at each role you’re applying for and decide if a cover letter adds value. In some cases, a well-crafted letter can set you apart, while in others, your skills and experience may speak for themselves.” In the next section, we’ll break down exactly when a cover letter is a must and when you can breathe easy without one.

Should I Include a Cover Letter with My Job Application?

"Should I include a cover letter with my job application?" The safest approach for a white-collar job seeker is usually yes, but with some nuance. Here are some clear examples of when you should definitely submit a cover letter and when it can be okay to skip it:

✅ Include a cover letter when...

• It’s required or requested. Always submit a cover letter if the job posting or application instructions ask for one. Failing to include a required cover letter can be an automatic deal-breaker. Recruiters often treat this as an attention to detail test – one expert warns that employers may “eliminate applicants that didn’t follow the instructions in the job ad.” If there's a field to upload a cover letter, use it. Not doing so when it's expected could hurt your chances immediately.

• The role emphasizes communication, writing, or culture fit. If you're applying to roles in fields like marketing, public relations, journalism, law, consulting, or HR – basically any position where writing skills or personality fit are critical – a cover letter is often a must-have. It’s your chance to demonstrate your written communication skills and enthusiasm. For example, in creative industries or the "visitor economy" (hospitality, travel, etc.), hiring managers say a cover letter showing you can pitch yourself and communicate effectively gives them confidence in your abilities on the job. Similarly, roles that value interpersonal skills or leadership (like management or nonprofit roles) are often better served with a cover letter to showcase your passion and people skills.

• You need to explain something not obvious from your resume. A cover letter is the perfect place to address things like career changes, employment gaps, or unusual career paths. If you’re pivoting industries or applying for a role that isn’t an obvious next step from your resume, use the letter to connect the dots for the hiring manager. “If your resume doesn’t tell the whole story — like gaps in employment or switching industries — a cover letter can help connect the dots,” one career advisor notes. Similarly, if someone referred you to the job or you have a personal connection at the company, mentioning that in your cover letter can give your application a boost. Basically, any time you have extra context or a compelling story behind your application, a cover letter is the place to share it.

• It’s your dream job or target company. When you are especially passionate about a job, a cover letter is your chance to convey that enthusiasm. Hiring managers do pick up on genuine excitement. If this is a role at a company you admire, use the letter to express why the company and role excite you (while still focusing on how you can add value, of course). As one career coach puts it, if you’re truly excited about a job, “use a cover letter to show them why you’re the best person for the job”. Passion can go a long way in differentiating you. In fact, Novorésumé’s career blog suggests treating the cover letter almost like a motivation letter for roles you deeply care about – not a love letter to the company, but a professional explanation of why this job means a lot to you and how you’ll thrive in it. That kind of earnest detail can stick in a hiring manager’s mind.

🤔 You can consider skipping the cover letter when...

• The employer explicitly says no cover letter. This is straightforward – if the job ad or online application system tells you not to include a cover letter, then don't. Some companies only want a resume (or other materials) and won't read a letter even if you provide one. Likewise, if the application form doesn’t have a field for a cover letter or only allows you to submit a resume, it's usually safe to assume a cover letter isn't expected. In such cases, adding one via email or extra attachment could come off as not following directions. Always read the application instructions carefully (many will state “cover letter optional” or “no cover letter needed”). When in doubt, follow what’s asked. As a rule, never attach a cover letter when the process explicitly omits or forbids it.

• It's a highly technical or fast-paced application process. In certain industries and roles, cover letters carry less weight. For many software engineering, IT, data analysis, or other tech roles, hiring is often more project- and portfolio-based. Recruiters might jump straight to your resume, LinkedIn, or GitHub and skip the cover letter. One tech recruiter noted that she didn’t read cover letters for every developer role because the candidates' code samples and profiles already told her what she needed. Similarly, some large firms that receive hundreds of applications may not prioritize cover letters (unless they’re looking for something very specific). If you know the company culture is extremely fast-paced or the hiring process is recruiter-driven (e.g., via an agency or referral where a recruiter pre-screens you), a cover letter might be less critical. That said, when applying cold to a tech company, including a brief, tailored cover letter still won’t hurt – it’s just less likely to be the deciding factor.

• There’s no way to tailor it (and a generic letter is your only option). A bad cover letter can be worse than none at all. If you’re crunched for time or don’t have enough information to write a targeted cover letter, you might be better off not including one than sending a cookie-cutter template. Recruiters can quickly spot a generic cover letter that just repeats your resume or, worse, has placeholders and mistakes. A cover letter should add value; if yours isn’t customized, it likely won’t help your cause. Career experts advise not to include a cover letter if you can’t personalize it to the role. For example, if you’re mass-applying to 50 jobs in one day, it’s probably not feasible to write 50 tailored letters – in such cases, focus on the resume for quantity, or slow down and write quality letters for the jobs you care most about. Remember, a boilerplate cover letter that doesn’t speak to why you’re a fit for that job will do little to impress a hiring manager (and might even signal low effort).

• You’re lukewarm about the job. If this is a role you’re not particularly excited about – maybe you’re just throwing your hat in the ring – then a cover letter might not be worth your time. As one LinkedIn expert quipped, “if you’re so-so about a job, feel free to pass on the cover letter. However, when you’re excited about one, use a cover letter to show why”. Your energy is better spent tailoring applications for positions you truly want. That said, be cautious with this approach: you never know which opportunity will come through, and not having a cover letter could be a disadvantage if the employer expected one. Use this skip strategy sparingly and wisely.

In summary, including a cover letter is generally beneficial unless there's a clear reason not to. Cover letters are your opportunity to communicate directly with the employer in your own voice. When you provide one, you control part of the narrative beyond your bullet-pointed resume. As long as you make it relevant, most recruiters will view it as a plus (even if a few won't read it). Next, let's look at how to craft a cover letter that actually gets read and makes an impact in 2025.

Cover Letter Tips for 2025: Short, Strategic, and Personalized

If you do send a cover letter, you want it to be worth the reader's time. Here are some actionable cover letter tips for 2025 to ensure your letter is short, effective, and actually gets read by busy recruiters:

• Keep it concise. Long, dense cover letters will get skimmed at best – or ignored at worst. Aim for about half a page, roughly 200–300 words in length. In fact, hiring managers today prefer shorter cover letters; a good target is no more than 250-400 words. By keeping it brief, you respect the reader’s time and force yourself to focus on the most important points. Every sentence should add value, so cut the fluff. (Pro tip: If your letter runs longer than one page, definitely edit it down.)

• Personalize and tailor it to the job. A generic, one-size-fits-all cover letter won’t impress anyone in 2025. Take a few minutes to tailor each cover letter to the specific role and company. Address the hiring manager by name if you can find it, and mention the company or role in a meaningful way (e.g. “Your company's recent expansion into AI-driven healthcare caught my attention…”). Showing that you did a bit of research can go a long way. Remember, 72% of hiring managers say customization is important in a cover letter. Glassdoor data likewise shows 63% of employers prefer candidates who customize their application to the job. So, mention why this job excites you and how your specific skills fit their specific needs. This level of personalization signals genuine interest and effort.

• Highlight your unique value (beyond your resume). Use the cover letter to add something new that isn’t explicitly on your resume. Don’t just regurgitate your work history – the hiring manager has your CV for that. Instead, pick one or two key strengths or accomplishments that are highly relevant to the job and elaborate on them briefly. For example, you might share a quick story of a problem you solved that demonstrates a required skill, or explain how your background gives you a unique perspective that would benefit the company. The goal is to answer the employer’s question: “What makes this person special for this role?” A ResumeGo study noted 83% of HR pros feel a great cover letter can secure an interview even if the resume is subpar. So, use the space to persuade them with a tailored narrative or insight that your resume alone can’t convey. And make sure your opening line is compelling – 41% of hiring managers say the intro is the most impactful part of a cover letter. Hook them early with a strong statement or an interesting relevant anecdote (e.g., “As a product manager who led a remote team to launch 3 successful apps last year, I was excited to see your opening for a Senior PM…”). A boring or formulaic first sentence (“I am writing to apply for X position…“) can lose the reader’s interest, so grab their attention from the start.

• Show enthusiasm and alignment. Tone matters. You want to come across as genuinely enthusiastic about the opportunity and aligned with the company’s mission or values. Let your passion for the role and company show, in a professional way. For instance, you might briefly mention why the company’s work resonates with you or how the role fits your career passions. Hiring managers do notice a motivated candidate – it can even tip the scales in your favor. “Show them why you’re excited about this role,” advises a LinkedIn career expert. This doesn’t mean gushing or flattery; it means conveying authentic interest. Also, make clear how you can help them succeed – tie your enthusiasm to what you can do for them. For example, “I’m excited about this role because I thrive at the intersection of finance and sustainability – and your company’s focus on green investing is exactly where I want to apply my 5 years of experience to drive impact.” This kind of statement shows you get what the company is about and you’re eager to contribute.

• Follow instructions and format professionally. Little details can make a big difference. Always adhere to any guidelines given in the job posting for the cover letter. If they specify a PDF format, font type/size, or ask you to answer specific questions in your letter – do exactly that. Many hiring managers treat the cover letter as a test of whether you can follow directions. Also, keep your format clean and easy to read: use a standard business letter layout or something simple and modern; avoid walls of text by using short paragraphs or bullet points if appropriate. Use a professional tone – friendly and confident, but not overly casual. And of course, proofread carefully! Spelling or grammar mistakes in a cover letter can knock you out of contention quickly. Consider using a tool like Grammarly or having a friend review it. This letter is a sample of your best communication skills, so it must be error-free. As Indeed’s career guide notes, “the key to writing an effective cover letter is to clearly show how your experience fits the role and the culture of the company” – you can’t do that if the letter is poorly written or sloppy. Double-check names (get the company and hiring manager’s name right) and make sure you didn’t accidentally leave in a mention of a different company from a template. By following directions and presenting a polished letter, you demonstrate professionalism and attention to detail.

By implementing these tips, you'll craft a cover letter that stands out for the right reasons. A short, customized letter that conveys your value and enthusiasm is far more likely to be read – and appreciated – by recruiters and hiring managers. In fact, many experts say that even skeptics can be won over by a truly compelling cover letter. As one hiring manager put it, “Even hiring managers and recruiters who say they never read cover letters may find themselves drawn in by a particularly compelling letter.” So make it compelling!

Conclusion: Refresh Your Cover Letter Strategy for 2025

So, do you really need a cover letter in 2025? In most cases, yes – but only if you use it wisely. The hiring landscape is evolving, and cover letters are no longer a check-the-box formality; they’re an opportunity to differentiate yourself when it counts. As we’ve seen, many recruiters do read them and are influenced by them, especially when deciding between closely qualified candidates. A well-crafted cover letter can communicate your personality, motivation, and fit in ways a resume can’t.

That said, it’s clear that you should be selective and strategic. Save your cover letter efforts for the positions that matter most to you, and make each one count. If a job posting doesn’t require a cover letter or you know the industry doesn’t value them, you can allocate your time elsewhere (like networking or refining your resume). But if the cover letter could add value – and you’re serious about the role – invest the extra effort to send a tailored letter.

Now is a great time to review and refresh your cover letter strategy. If you’ve been using the same template since 2019 or skipping letters altogether, consider updating your approach. Take the insights from 2024–2025 experts and data: keep it short and targeted, highlight what makes you a great hire, and don’t be afraid to show some enthusiasm. Make sure your cover letter is adapted to the modern hiring context (yes, recruiters are busy and ATS systems are scanning text – so get to the point quickly and use keywords naturally).

Before your next application, ask yourself: What’s my cover letter doing for me? If the answer is “not much,” then it’s time to rewrite it or choose not to include one depending on the scenario. But don’t dismiss the cover letter outright. Many white-collar job seekers in the US, UK, Canada, and Australia are still finding that a strong cover letter opens doors – or at least, it removes an obstacle between you and that interview slot.

Your call to action: Take a few moments to assess your current cover letter (or draft one if you haven’t been using one). Does it reflect 2025 best practices? Is it concise, tailored, and impactful? If not, use the tips above to refresh it. Even if only one in two recruiters reads it, you want to be the candidate who impresses that 50% and has a great resume. By aligning your cover letter strategy with what recruiters and hiring managers now expect, you’ll give yourself an edge in the competitive job market.

Good luck, and happy job hunting! Here’s to your success in landing those interviews – with a cover letter that helps, not hinders, your chances.