Should You Include a Cover Letter If It’s Not Required?
Discover whether optional cover letters are worth your time and how they impact your job application success.
The job application process can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re faced with decisions about what to include and what to skip. One of the most common dilemmas job seekers encounter is whether to submit a cover letter when it’s optional. While many job postings explicitly state that a cover letter is optional, the question remains: should you bother writing one if it’s not required?
The answer is more nuanced than a simple yes or no. Your decision should depend on several factors, including the industry you’re targeting, the specific job requirements, and how competitive the position is. Understanding the true value of a cover letter in today’s job market can help you make a strategic decision that strengthens your application and increases your chances of landing an interview.
Do Hiring Managers Actually Read Cover Letters?
One of the biggest misconceptions about cover letters is that hiring managers rarely read them. However, recent data suggests otherwise. In a 2020 survey of 236 hiring managers and recruiters conducted by ResumeGo, 87% of respondents reported that they read cover letters, while only 13% did not. This statistic alone demonstrates that cover letters are far from obsolete in the modern hiring landscape.
The reality, however, is more complex. While the majority of hiring managers do read cover letters, they don’t necessarily read every single one. The decision to read a cover letter often depends on whether your resume qualifies you for the position. If your resume doesn’t meet the minimum requirements or doesn’t align with the job description, a hiring manager is unlikely to spend time reading your cover letter, regardless of how well-written it is.
That said, if your resume passes the initial screening, your cover letter becomes a crucial differentiator. It’s an opportunity to showcase your personality, communication skills, and genuine interest in the role—elements that a resume simply cannot convey.
The Impact of Cover Letters on Interview Callbacks
When considering whether to include an optional cover letter, the data on interview callbacks is compelling. Research has shown that applications with tailored cover letters are approximately 53% more likely to receive an interview callback compared to applications without a cover letter. Even generic cover letters outperform applications with no cover letter at all, improving callback rates by 17%.
These statistics suggest that investing time in a cover letter, even when it’s optional, can significantly improve your chances of moving forward in the hiring process. The difference between a 53% improvement and a 17% improvement also highlights the importance of customization—a generic cover letter is better than nothing, but a tailored cover letter is substantially more effective.
When Cover Letters Are Absolutely Essential
While optional cover letters can boost your application, there are situations where including a cover letter becomes critically important or even mandatory for your candidacy.
Required Cover Letters
The most obvious scenario is when a job posting explicitly requires a cover letter. If the application instructions state that a cover letter must be included, submitting your application without one sends a message to the employer that you either cannot or will not follow directions. This oversight can result in automatic rejection, regardless of your qualifications. When an employer requires a cover letter, they’re signaling that it’s an integral part of their evaluation process.
Writing-Focused Positions
For positions that prioritize writing, editing, or communication skills, cover letters take on heightened importance. Marketing professionals, journalists, content writers, and other communications-oriented roles typically expect and carefully review cover letters. These professionals understand that a cover letter serves as a writing sample that demonstrates your communication abilities, which are directly relevant to job performance. If you’re applying for a position where written communication is a core responsibility, omitting a cover letter is a missed opportunity to prove your value.
Addressing Career Gaps or Transitions
If you have employment gaps, are changing careers, or are taking an unconventional path in your job search, a cover letter provides essential context. You can explain what you were doing during periods of unemployment, highlight transferable skills from different industries, or demonstrate how you’ve prepared yourself for a career change. This narrative context helps hiring managers understand your journey and increases their confidence in your ability to succeed in the new role.
Geographic Relocations
When applying for jobs in a different location than where you currently live, a cover letter is valuable for explaining your relocation plans. Hiring managers may wonder why your application is coming from a different state or country, and a brief explanation in your cover letter can alleviate concerns about your commitment to the position and the likelihood that you’ll follow through with the move.
Leveraging Personal Connections
If you’ve been referred to a position by someone in your network or have a personal connection to the company, your cover letter is the appropriate place to mention this. While a resume might not have space for this information, a cover letter allows you to highlight mutual connections and explain how you learned about the opportunity. This personal touch can significantly strengthen your application.
Industries and Roles Where Cover Letters Matter Most
The importance of cover letters varies significantly across different industries and job types. Understanding where cover letters carry the most weight can help you prioritize your effort.
| Industry/Role Type | Cover Letter Importance | Key Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Writing, Editing, Marketing | Very High | Writing samples are essential for evaluating job performance |
| Journalism and Publishing | Very High | Communication skills are directly relevant to the role |
| Management and Leadership | High | Cover letters demonstrate vision and communication abilities |
| Creative Fields (Design, Art) | High | Provides context for your creative vision and approach |
| Tech and Engineering | Moderate | Less critical if resume demonstrates technical skills |
| Administrative and Support Roles | Moderate | Can help you stand out in competitive markets |
| Contract or Temporary Positions | Low | Streamlined hiring process often bypasses cover letters |
When Optional Cover Letters May Not Be Necessary
While cover letters can strengthen applications, there are specific situations where they may be less critical or even unnecessary.
Simplified Digital Application Platforms
Some companies streamline their application process to make it faster and easier for both applicants and hiring teams. If you’re using features like Indeed’s Quick Apply, which doesn’t include an option to attach a cover letter, the company has already made the decision that a cover letter isn’t part of their process for that particular role. In these cases, you cannot include one, so the decision is made for you.
Networking and Referral Opportunities
When you’ve met a recruiter at a professional networking event, been referred by a current employee, or connected with a recruiter on LinkedIn who has already reviewed your qualifications, a formal cover letter may be unnecessary. The personal relationship or established connection already provides context and credibility that a cover letter would otherwise offer.
Rehiring and Contract Positions
If you’re being rehired by a company where you previously worked, the employer already understands your qualifications and work history. Similarly, temporary contract roles often forgo formal application components like cover letters in favor of speed and efficiency. In these situations, your existing relationship or employment history speaks for itself.
High-Volume Application Screening
Some positions receive hundreds or thousands of applications, and hiring teams use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to narrow the candidate pool based on resume keywords and qualifications. However, even in these scenarios, if you make it past the ATS screening, a tailored cover letter can still differentiate you from other qualified candidates who submit generic or no cover letters at all.
Strategic Considerations for Optional Cover Letters
When a cover letter is truly optional, your decision should be strategic rather than based on convenience or effort savings. Consider these factors:
Competition Level
If you’re applying for a position that has attracted numerous applicants, an optional cover letter becomes more valuable. In highly competitive job markets, anything that sets you apart from other qualified candidates—including a well-crafted cover letter—can be the deciding factor between getting an interview and being passed over.
Your Resume Fit
If your resume is a perfect match for the job description, a cover letter may be less critical. However, if your experience is somewhat tangential to the role or if you’re transitioning from a different industry, a cover letter becomes more important for explaining how your background prepares you for the position.
Company Culture and Values
Some companies emphasize cultural fit and personal connection in their hiring process. If the job description or company website suggests that they value personality, passion, and alignment with company values, a cover letter is an excellent opportunity to demonstrate these qualities.
Role Seniority
For mid-level to senior positions, cover letters are generally more important. These roles often require strategic thinking and communication skills that are best demonstrated through a well-written cover letter. Entry-level positions may rely more heavily on resume screening and skills assessment.
Best Practices for Optional Cover Letters
If you decide to include an optional cover letter, follow these best practices to maximize its impact:
Customization Is Key
A generic cover letter is better than no cover letter, but a customized cover letter is substantially better. Take time to research the company, understand the specific role, and tailor your letter to address the hiring manager’s needs. Reference specific projects, company values, or recent news about the organization to demonstrate genuine interest.
Keep It Concise
Hiring managers often spend only seconds reviewing each application component. Your cover letter should be brief and punchy—typically three to four short paragraphs. Make every sentence count by focusing on your most relevant qualifications and enthusiasm for the role.
Professional Formatting
Your cover letter should be properly formatted with your contact information, the date, the hiring manager’s details (if available), a professional salutation, body paragraphs, and a closing. Use a standard font like Arial or Calibri, maintain consistent margins, and ensure the document is error-free. Professional formatting signals that you take the application seriously.
Highlight Transferable Skills
If you’re changing careers or applying for a role where you lack direct experience, use your cover letter to highlight transferable skills. Explain how your previous roles have prepared you for this new opportunity and demonstrate your genuine interest in the field.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can you get a job without a cover letter?
A: Yes, you can get a job without a cover letter. In the ResumeGo survey, only 26% of hiring managers said they would penalize candidates for not including an optional cover letter. However, including one—especially a tailored cover letter—significantly increases your chances of getting an interview callback.
Q: How much does a cover letter actually improve my chances?
A: Research shows that applications with tailored cover letters are 53% more likely to receive an interview callback compared to applications without one. Even a generic cover letter improves your chances by 17%, making the investment worthwhile in most cases.
Q: Should I write a cover letter for every application?
A: While cover letters can improve your chances, you should strategically decide when to include them. For highly competitive positions, writing-focused roles, or situations where you need to explain career gaps or transitions, a cover letter is definitely worthwhile. For simpler roles or high-volume applications where you’re a perfect resume match, the decision may depend on your time and energy.
Q: What if I don’t have direct experience for the role?
A: A cover letter is particularly valuable when you’re transitioning careers or don’t have direct experience. Use it to explain your transferable skills, highlight relevant coursework or training, and demonstrate your genuine interest in the field. This context helps hiring managers envision how you can succeed in the role despite lacking traditional experience.
Q: Are cover letters obsolete in 2025?
A: No, cover letters are not obsolete. When written and formatted correctly, they remain an effective way to stand out among applicants in competitive hiring environments. The key is customization and demonstrating genuine interest in both the role and the company.
Q: How long should my cover letter be?
A: Your cover letter should be concise, typically one page with three to four short paragraphs. Aim for between 250–400 words. Hiring managers appreciate brevity and clarity over lengthy explanations.
Q: Do recruiters read cover letters differently than hiring managers?
A: Recruiters and hiring managers may have different approaches. While some recruiters don’t read every cover letter due to high volume, they still encourage candidates to submit tailored letters because hiring managers and team members often review them. A cover letter can help you advance from the recruiter screening stage to conversations with actual hiring decision-makers.
References
- Finally, an Answer To: Are Cover Letters Still Necessary? — The Muse. 2020. https://www.themuse.com/advice/do-i-need-cover-letter
- Are Cover Letters Necessary? Their True Value Exposed — BeamJobs. 2025. https://www.beamjobs.com/cover-letter-help/are-cover-letters-necessary
- Cover Letters Still Matter—Even If They’re Not Required — Harvard Business Review. March 2025. https://hbr.org/2025/03/cover-letters-still-matter-even-if-theyre-not-required
Similar Articles
Read full bio of medha deb
