Do you think cover letters are mandatory?

11 Comments

1. AnonymousMarch 18,2025 at 4:53PM UTC

   No, but I always write them anyways - I'd rather have it and not need it than need it and not have it

2. Megan LeasherMarch 18,2025 at 5:18PM UTC

   No. In my experience, non-profits tend to request them when you apply for jobs with them. I like to have a standard cover letter on hand that I can easily adapt if a company requests one.

3. LauraMarch 18,2025 at 5:43PM UTC

   It depends, sometimes they are and sometimes they aren't but it never hurts. The last position I recruited for was for a small family owned company and I specifically requested a cover letter because I wanted to get a sense of who they were outside of a resume. About half of the applicants didn't provide a cover letter even though I stated it was required. They were automatically a "no".

4. AnonymousMarch 18,2025 at 6:50PM UTC

   Only if they're mentioned as part of the application process.

5. Nancy FowlerMarch 18,2025 at 10:41PM UTC

   Cover letters offer a good opportunity to share about your strengths and goals. I have found Chat GPT good for giving a starting point for a cover letter. Then adjust for accuracy and to give it your voice. It's very easy. Just upload the job description and your resume and ask Chat GPT to draft a cover letter for you using the attached job description and resume. I have a 3-page resume that I use so that Chat GPT can pull from all my relevant experience for the cover letter. And then I trim down the 3-pager to a 2-page resume. Hope this helps.

6. AnonymousMarch 19,2025 at 12:34PM UTC

   When I started my career, cover letters were mandatory. After COVID-19, I noticed the trend of only sending a resume, but now I'm seeing more and more companies requesting a cover letter, links to LinkedIn, your website, and a portfolio if you have one.

   I agree with another poster about using AI to draft a cover letter. I use Claude, and it's fantastic. If it's too long, I ask it to shorten it, then read through and edit it. I found this to be the most efficient way for customization. Otherwise, I'd be spending hours writing cover letters.

7. Paulla Fetzek, MSEdMarch 19,2025 at 1:39PM UTC

   Hello!

   I'm on the fence when it comes to Cover Letters. Especially if someone requires one in addition to a resume/CV and you filling out a lengthy application online. However, a CL is a great way to quickly introduce yourself and highlight your strengths. I have a few format CLs, and I adapt one of these depending upon what position I'm applying for.

8. Tina MorenoMarch 19,2025 at 1:43PM UTC

   A cover letter isn't always mandatory—it depends on the company and the specific role. Some employers make it optional, while others require one as part of the application process. However, even when it's not required, submitting a well-crafted cover letter can be a valuable opportunity to set yourself apart from other candidates.

   A cover letter allows you to share insights that might not be obvious from your resume, such as why you're transitioning to a new industry, how your nontraditional career path has shaped your skills, or what specifically draws you to that company’s mission and culture. It’s a chance to tell your story in a way that makes hiring managers see you as more than just a list of qualifications.

   Since a strong cover letter doesn’t take much time to create—especially once you have a general template—it’s often worth the effort. It can be the factor that tips the scales in your favor, especially in competitive job markets.

9. Sue Gordon- retired Career CoachMarch 19,2025 at 2:01PM UTC

   Not mandatory but if well written then it can be helpful. I use them to highlight 1) why you are interested in the job -- focusing on mission/vision of the company not your personal needs (location or budget, for example) 2) Broad synopsis of your qualifications/bio (years in field, education-- highlight of your resume) 3) highlights of 2-3 most relevant skills, possibly demonstrating with an accomplishment.-- ideally in addition to your resume.

   Keep it one page always, proof read and have others proof read-- read aloud.

   Errors in cover letters can kill but a well written letter says "I care about this job, and I'm very well qualified". In short, it can set you apart.

   Worst case scenario for a well-written cover letter? The employer never reads it. Oh well. The best-case (interview) trumps the worst-case.

   So take the time to do it. And if you use ChatGPT, edit it so it doesn't look like every other AI-generated cover letter.

10. Tabbi KinionMarch 19,2025 at 4:58PM UTC

    Only if the job description asks for it, otherwise, consider whether it will help the hiring manager understand why you are applying for the position and if they will even read it.

11. John FlipNovember 7,2026 at 9:23AM UTC

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