Do I need a cover letter?
If the posting asks for one: yes, always. If it is optional, it depends on your situation. Answer four questions for a straight recommendation.
Answer the questions to see a recommendation.
When a cover letter matters most
- Career changes: the letter is where you connect your past work to the new field.
- Employment gaps: one calm sentence of context beats leaving the reader to guess.
- Relocation: say when you are moving so you are not filtered out as non-local.
- Referrals: name the person who referred you in the first line.
- Small companies and direct applications: the person hiring is more likely to read it.
- Writing-heavy roles: the letter is a writing sample whether you like it or not.
When you can skip it
- The posting says not to send one, or the form has no way to attach it.
- Quick-apply and high-volume roles where your résumé is an obvious match.
- A recruiter has already submitted you and says it is not needed.
If you decide to write one, keep it short: see how long a cover letter should be and the short cover letter template.
Frequently asked questions
Are cover letters still necessary?
Not always, but often enough that it is worth having one ready. When a posting asks for one, it is required. When it is optional, a short tailored letter can set you apart, especially if you are changing careers, have a gap, or are applying somewhere you really want to work.
Do recruiters actually read cover letters?
Many do, particularly for shortlisted candidates, smaller companies and roles that involve writing or client contact. Surveys of hiring managers regularly find a sizeable share read them, but practice varies by company, so assume yours might be read.
Can a bad cover letter hurt my application?
Yes. A generic letter, the wrong company name or obvious errors can do more harm than no letter at all. If you send one, make it short, specific and checked.