Is a Cover Letter Necessary?

When it comes to job applications, one of the most common questions asked is, "Is a cover letter necessary?" While many CVs provide a basic snapshot of your professional achievements, cover letters offer a window into your personality, career goals, and why you're the perfect fit for a particular role.

In this article, we cover:

• Purpose of a cover letter.

• When to use a cover letter.

• When not to use a cover letter.

Let CVMaker guide you through the cover letter writing process, offering a professional cover letter template to highlight your strengths.

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The purpose of a cover letter

A cover letter bridges the gap between what’s on your CV and what you’d like to communicate directly to the hiring manager. Think of it as your chance to tell your story in a way your CV can’t. 

For example, if you have a career gap or are making a significant career change, a cover letter serves as the perfect space to explain it. Additionally, it allows you to align yourself with the company’s culture, values, and the specific requirements of the role. However, with the increasing prevalence of online job applications and applicant tracking systems (ATS), many wonder if cover letters are still worth the effort.

When to use a cover letter 

Including a cover letter can be a powerful way to differentiate yourself from other applicants. It’s an opportunity to go beyond the CV and show who you truly are—your passion, personality, and motivation. A good cover letter can highlight why you’re the perfect fit for the role, making a strong impression that could set you apart from other candidates. It’s more than just an extra step; it’s a chance to tell your story and connect on a personal level.

1. Personalisation and enthusiasm

A cover letter shows that you’ve gone the extra mile. It allows you to personalise your application, making it less generic and showcasing how your unique skills and experiences directly align with the role. Employers also like to see enthusiasm, and a well-written cover letter can convey your passion for the company and position. 

Example:

Take Sarah, a fictional candidate applying for a support worker position at a community centre. In her cover letter, she wrote passionately about her previous volunteer experience at a local shelter, where she discovered her love for helping people overcome challenges. She highlighted how she took the initiative to develop personalised activity plans for residents, which improved their engagement and morale. Sarah also expressed her excitement about the prospective employer’s mission to foster an inclusive community. She wrote, “I am truly inspired by your commitment to empowering individuals through access to resources and support. I am eager to contribute my interpersonal skills and dedication to making a positive difference.” This heartfelt demonstration of enthusiasm and alignment with the organisation’s values made her application get noticed.

Check out the support worker cover letter example guide for more ideas.

2. Provides context

Your CV summarises your professional achievements, but what about the “why” behind your career decisions? Why was there a career gap? What motivated you to transition industries? A cover letter gives you space to answer these questions effectively without leaving the recruiter guessing. 

Example:

Imagine you took a career break to care for a family member or to pursue further education. A cover letter gives you the opportunity to turn this into a positive narrative. You could write, “During a two-year career break, I dedicated myself to caring for a family member, which reinforced my organisational and problem-solving skills while deepening my empathy and resilience. Now, I am eager to bring these enhanced skills to a professional setting, where I can continue to grow and contribute meaningfully.” By addressing the gap directly and highlighting the transferable skills gained, you assure the recruiter of your readiness to re-enter the workforce.

3. Demonstrates writing skills

For roles where communication is key, such as marketing, public relations, or HR, a thoughtfully crafted cover letter provides a valuable opportunity to showcase your writing abilities and professional tone.

Even if you feel you may not be a naturally strong writer, the advancement of AI tools in today's world can help bridge that gap. You can use these tools to articulate your thoughts in a way that comes across as polished and professional.

Example:

For example, you can start by writing down what you truly want to express in your own words. Then, leverage AI platforms like ChatGPT to rephrase or refine your message, ensuring it aligns with the professional tone required for a cover letter. This approach allows you to maintain the authenticity of your voice while enhancing clarity and presentation, making it easier to leave a strong impression on recruiters.

4. Gives you a competitive edge 

Even if only 50% of employers ask for cover letters, including one in your application, puts you ahead of those who skip this step. Research shows that hiring managers tend to view intentional applications that have a cover letter as more serious. 

Example:

For example, imagine two applicants applying for a Marketing Specialist position. Applicant A submits only a CV, listing their experience and skills. Meanwhile, Applicant B includes a tailored cover letter that not only mentions their CV highlights but also elaborates on how their experience directly relates to the specific marketing tools and strategies the company uses. Applicant B explains how they successfully executed a similar campaign, increasing customer engagement by 30%, and relates it to the current goals mentioned in the company’s recent press release. This level of personalisation not only highlights Applicant B's commitment but also distinguishes them as someone who has gone above and beyond, signalling genuine interest and diligence.

Check out the marketing cover letter example guide for more ideas.

When not to use a cover letter

Cover letters can be powerful, but do we really need them? Let’s dive into the other side of the debate.

1. Employer preferences are shifting

Not every employer expects or values a cover letter, especially in industries like IT or for positions that require highly technical skills. Many larger firms simplify hiring processes, asking for just a CV and some competency-based questions instead. 

With advancements in AI and the sheer volume of applications larger companies receive—often in the hundreds or even thousands—it becomes almost impossible for hiring managers to review every cover letter. This is where ATS come into play, scanning and filtering applications to identify the most suitable candidates based on their CVs. While ATS tools focus primarily on CV content, a good cover letter might add an extra layer of differentiation for those applicants who make it past the initial screening, potentially giving them an advantage in the next stage of the hiring process. However, the reliance on automation raises questions about the continued relevance of cover letters as a standard requirement.

2. Time constraints

Writing a customised cover letter for each role can be time-intensive for job seekers who are sending out multiple applications. The pressure of tight application deadlines might make it tempting to skip the cover letter entirely. 

However, with AI, you can speed up the process of crafting tailored cover letters. AI-powered tools and writing assistants can generate personalised and professional cover letter drafts in a fraction of the time, using inputs like job descriptions and candidate profiles. This technology allows job seekers to focus on refining their applications rather than starting from scratch, reducing the burden of customisation while maintaining quality and relevance.

3. Reliance on applicant tracking systems (ATS)

Increasingly, companies use ATS software to screen applications. These systems prioritise keywords found in CVs over formulating personal context from cover letters, making some question their overall impact. 

As mentioned above, it can really depend on the type of company and job when it comes to this. Since some larger companies use ATS and others do not, it’s best to evaluate it on a case-by-case scenario. Of course, this is also dependent on your specific situation and the role you are applying for.

4. Perceptions of generic cover letters

Hiring managers often complain about receiving cover letters that seem copied and pasted. A bad or generic cover letter can sometimes do more harm than good. 

Even in saying this, it is worth noting that some people or hiring managers can actually tell if a cover letter is AI-generated. For this reason, it is best to use AI to your advantage, leveraging it as a tool to enhance your writing, but not being fully reliant on it. Interested in AI? Refer to our guide on AI CV writing.

Key takeaways

• Cover letters are not always essential but can provide an extra layer of personalisation and professionalism. 

• If the job posting requests one, it’s unwise to skip it. Not including a cover letter could indicate a lack of attention to detail. 

• Evaluate factors like the job’s seniority level, role requirements, and your specific circumstances (career gaps, changes in direction) to decide whether a cover letter is worth including. 

• A good cover letter complements your CV by explaining why you’re the perfect candidate for the position, while a rushed or generic one can work against you. 

Next steps?

For those unsure where to start, we’ve created tools to make the process seamless. Our Cover Letter Builder and customisable cover letter examples are designed to fit all career levels and scenarios, including internships, career changes, or entry-level positions such as apprenticeships.

Land more interviews with a good cover letter

Try Our Builder

FAQs

Is it unprofessional to not have a cover letter? 

Not necessarily. It depends on the industry, employer preference, and whether the job listing explicitly asks for one. However, if a cover letter is optional, including one can demonstrate your commitment. 

Is it bad to apply without a cover letter? 

If the job listing doesn't require a cover letter, applying without one isn't inherently bad. Just ensure your CV is tailored for the role to make up for it. 

Are cover letters still necessary in 2025? 

The necessity of a cover letter is situational. Some industries and recruiters still value them, while others focus solely on having a good CV. When in doubt, include one for extra impact. 

Is a cover letter necessary for an internship? 

Absolutely. Internships are competitive, and a cover letter can show your eagerness to learn and connect your studies to the hands-on experience offered by the role. 

Is a cover letter necessary in the UK? 

While UK employers generally value concise CVs, including a cover letter is still a great way to ensure your application stands out, especially for entry-level jobs. 

Is a cover letter necessary for entry-level jobs or part-time roles? 

For entry-level jobs, a cover letter allows you to make a strong case for your transferable skills. Part-time roles may not always demand a cover letter, but adding one shows extra initiative and professionalism.