Are Cover Letters Still Necessary? A Data-Driven Look

For decades, the cover letter was a non-negotiable part of any job application. It was your chance to introduce yourself, express your interest, and make a case for why you were the perfect candidate. But in today's fast-paced, technology-driven job market, many question if the cover letter has become a relic of the past.

So, what's the verdict? Are cover letters still necessary? The answer is a resounding "it depends," but the data strongly suggests that a well-written cover letter can still be a powerful tool in your job search.

What the Statistics Say

Recent surveys and studies reveal a divided opinion on the importance of cover letters:

A 2023 survey by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) found that 49% of hiring managers still consider cover letters valuable when evaluating candidates.
However, a poll of recruiters on LinkedIn showed that only 18% believe cover letters are a critical part of the application process.
ResumeGo, a resume-writing service, conducted an experiment where they sent out thousands of job applications. They found that applications with a tailored cover letter had a 26% higher chance of landing an interview than those without one.

The takeaway: While not every recruiter reads them, nearly half of hiring managers do. Submitting a cover letter, especially a tailored one, can significantly increase your chances of getting noticed.

When a Cover Letter is a Must

In some situations, a cover letter is not just recommended—it's essential.

The job posting explicitly asks for one: If the application instructions say "submit a cover letter," you absolutely should. Ignoring this signals that you can't follow directions.
You're changing careers: A cover letter is the perfect place to connect the dots between your past experience and your new career path. You can explain your motivation for the change and highlight transferable skills that might not be obvious from your resume alone. Check out our guide on navigating a career change for more on this.
You have a gap in your employment history: A cover letter allows you to briefly and professionally address any gaps, turning a potential red flag into a non-issue.
You're applying for a highly competitive role: When there are hundreds of applicants, a compelling cover letter can be the factor that sets you apart from other qualified candidates.

How to Write a Cover Letter That Gets Read

If you're going to write a cover letter, it needs to be exceptional. A generic, poorly written letter is worse than no letter at all.

Tailor it to the job: Just like your resume, your cover letter should be customized for each application. Reference the specific role and company, and explain why you're a great fit for that job. For tips on customization, read our post on tailoring your CV for each job.
Highlight your value proposition: Don't just rehash your resume. Use the cover letter to tell a story that showcases your most relevant accomplishments and skills.
Use keywords from the job description: This is crucial for getting past Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and for grabbing the attention of the hiring manager.
Keep it concise: No one has time to read a novel. Aim for three to four paragraphs that are clear, concise, and to the point.
Let AI help you: Writing a tailored cover letter for every application can be time-consuming. This is where a tool like Flashy can be a game-changer. By analyzing the job description and your resume, Flashy can help you identify the most important keywords and skills to include, making the process of writing a compelling cover letter faster and more effective.

The Final Verdict

Are cover letters dead? No, but the generic, one-size-fits-all cover letter certainly is.

In a competitive job market, you want to use every tool at your disposal to stand out. A well-crafted, tailored cover letter is a powerful way to do just that. It shows that you're a serious candidate who is willing to go the extra mile.

So, the next time you're on the fence about whether to submit a cover letter, remember this: it might just be the thing that lands you the interview. And if you need help crafting the perfect one, our perfect cover letter guide is a great place to start.