We receive this question from clients all the time:
“Why do I need a cover letter? Employers won’t read it, right?”
The truth is, it depends on the employer—but we’ve seen firsthand how much of a difference a tailored cover letter can make. Some hiring managers may focus on the resume, but many others expect to see a cover letter as a sign that you’re truly interested in the position. Without one, you could be automatically screened out, especially when the competition includes applicants who take that extra step. Adding a thoughtful, customized cover letter can dramatically increase your chances of landing an interview.
In fact, recent hiring data backs this up. A 2024 survey from ResumeLab revealed that 83% of hiring managers consider cover letters to be important in their hiring decisions. Even more striking, 72% expect a cover letter even when it’s marked optional. In other words, skipping it may send the message that you’re not fully invested.
What a Cover Letter Can Do That a Resume Can’t
Another key reason to include a cover letter? It gives you space to communicate important details that might not fit neatly into your resume. You can clarify:
If you’re relocating or available to interview during a specific time frame
How you’ve navigated employment gaps or career changes
Your remote work setup or preferences
Specific reasons you’re drawn to the organization or mission
This kind of personalization helps humanize your application—and positions you as someone who’s done their homework.
What to Include in a Great Cover Letter
When writing your cover letter, always tailor it to the job posting and keep these best practices in mind:
Address the hiring manager by name, rather than using “To Whom It May Concern”
Highlight how your background aligns with the job responsibilities
Show enthusiasm and interest in the company or role
Mention specific accomplishments relevant to the position
Reference the organization’s mission or values to show alignment
End with a strong call to action that invites them to schedule an interview
And don’t forget: the cover letter gives you an opportunity to incorporate keywords from the job posting—boosting your visibility in applicant tracking systems (ATS).
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even the best intentions can fall flat if the cover letter isn’t handled with care. Avoid:
Using a generic template for every role (hiring teams can tell!)
Including personal information that’s irrelevant to the job
Boasting or sounding arrogant
Demanding salary or benefits upfront
Referring to the wrong company name or job title
Ignoring application instructions (e.g., wrong file format or submission method)
And always, always proofread before submitting—or better yet, get professional feedback!
📢 Want Cover Letters That Get Results?
Explore our two powerful options:
- Customized Cover Letters – Handcrafted by expert writers to fit your goals.
- Unlimited AI Cover Letters – Generate tailored letters on demand with our AI-powered platform. 💡 Perfect for job seekers applying to multiple roles each week!
Bonus: Maximize Your Job Search Results
If you’re applying to several roles each month, we recommend building a cover letter toolkit:
Start with a professionally written, customized cover letter: Order yours here
Then use our Unlimited AI Cover Letter Generator to quickly produce targeted letters for future jobs
Pair with our resume writing services or interview prep for a full-career strategy
🎯 Final Tip: Your cover letter is your first chance to make a personal connection—don’t miss the opportunity! Tailored communication shows you’re serious, thoughtful, and ready to add value. For many hiring managers, that’s what sets you apart.
