The debate about whether cover letters matter is real. Some hiring managers read every one. Others never open them. The question is not whether cover letters matter in theory but whether they matter for this specific application.
When cover letters genuinely matter
They matter when the job posting specifically asks for one, when the role involves communication-heavy work like writing, PR, or client-facing positions, when you are making an unusual career move that needs context, and when you have something specific and compelling to say about the company.
When cover letters matter less
For high-volume applications through large job boards where applications are first screened by ATS, your resume does far more work than your cover letter. In tech roles at companies that evaluate candidates on portfolio work, the cover letter is often the least scrutinized document. For more on this, see our guide on write a cover letter that actually gets read.
The never-hurt rule
A well-written cover letter never hurts you. A poorly written one can. If you submit one, make it good. If you do not have something specific and strong to say, a short professional note (“Please find my resume attached for [role]”) is better than a generic three-paragraph cover letter that signals low effort.
The one case where skipping is a mistake
If the posting says “include a cover letter explaining your interest,” and you do not include one, you are screening yourself out for not following instructions. Always follow explicit instructions.
Read next
- What Hiring Managers Actually Think When Reading Your Cover Letter
- How to Write an Internship Cover Letter That Stands Out
- How to Write a Career Change Cover Letter That Works
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I always include a cover letter?
Include one when requested, when writing ability is core to the role, or when you need to explain context your resume cannot. For high-volume technical roles, it is often not read.
How long should a cover letter be?
Three to four short paragraphs, 200-300 words maximum. If you are writing more, you are probably repeating your resume.
What should the first sentence of a cover letter say?
Start with something specific. “I have spent four years doing exactly what this role requires” beats “I am excited to apply for this position.”
What should I leave out of a cover letter?
Do not restate your resume, explain why you need the job, apologize for gaps, or use clichés. Every sentence should add information not already in the resume.
Most cover letters fail because they summarize the resume rather than add to it. A recruiter reading your cover letter already has your resume in hand. They do not need you to recap it. What they want to know is why this role, at this company, is one you are genuinely excited about, and what specific experience makes you a stronger candidate than the other 150 applicants who also ticked all the required boxes. For more on this, see our guide on write a cover letter for a promotion that actually works.
The best cover letters I have seen treat the format like a brief business proposal. They open with a specific observation about the company or role, connect that observation to a relevant achievement, and close with a clear next step. This structure respects the hiring manager’s time while demonstrating that you have done real research rather than sending a mass application.
Length matters here, too. A cover letter should be between three and four paragraphs. Any shorter and it feels dismissive of the opportunity. Any longer and you are asking a busy hiring manager to read a document they typically spend less than thirty seconds on. Every sentence should either demonstrate fit, show enthusiasm, or move the reader closer to wanting to meet you.
One technique that consistently works is the mirroring approach. Take three words or phrases directly from the job description that describe the ideal candidate, then reflect them back using examples from your own experience. This shows attentiveness to what the employer actually wants while demonstrating that you meet those criteria without copying their language verbatim. For more on this, see our guide on cover letter vs. resume.
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