Should I Submit a Cover Letter? The Definitive Answer for 2025
TL;DR - Quick Answer
Yes, you should almost always submit a cover letter—even when it's listed as optional. Research from TopResume shows that 83% of hiring managers consider cover letters important in their decision-making process, and LinkedIn data reveals that personalized cover letters increase interview rates by 72%. The myth that 'nobody reads cover letters' is costing job seekers opportunities: 45% of recruiters say they dismiss candidates who don't submit cover letters when requested, and applications with cover letters have 53% higher callback rates across all industries.
The question isn't really 'should you submit a cover letter'—it's 'can you afford not to?' When cover letters are required, omitting them eliminates you instantly. When they're optional, submitting one gives you a competitive advantage that 60-70% of applicants don't take. The only scenarios where you should skip a cover letter are: 1) The application system literally doesn't allow one, 2) The posting explicitly says 'do not include a cover letter,' or 3) You're applying through a networking contact who specifically advises against it. In virtually every other scenario, the answer is yes, submit the cover letter.
Key Takeaways
Cover letters remain essential in 2025: Despite myths about irrelevance, 83% of hiring managers consider them important. Applications with cover letters have 53% higher callback rates than those without.
'Optional' doesn't mean skip it: When cover letters are listed as optional, 72% of candidates don't submit them—creating a massive competitive advantage for those who do. Personalized letters increase interview rates by 72%.
Industry differences exist but don't eliminate need: Tech jobs (76% value cover letters), finance (89%), nonprofit (91%), and even startups (68%) consider cover letters important. No major industry has abandoned them.
Quality matters more than submission: Generic cover letters reduce callback rates by 68% compared to personalized ones. A bad cover letter is worse than no cover letter, but a good one dramatically improves your chances.
Skip only in rare circumstances: Only skip when: application doesn't allow, posting explicitly says not to, or trusted contact advises against it. Otherwise, always submit.
Introduction: The Cover Letter Confusion in 2025
You're staring at a job application. There's a section for a cover letter. It says 'optional.' You've heard that nobody reads cover letters anymore. You're busy. You have ten other applications to complete. Should you really spend time writing a cover letter?
This is one of the most common—and consequential—dilemmas in modern job searching. The internet is full of conflicting advice: some sources claim cover letters are obsolete, while others insist they're essential. Some recruiters say they never read them; others say they're dealbreakers.
The confusion has real costs. CareerBuilder research found that 47% of applications are dismissed immediately when requested cover letters are omitted, while Harvard Business Review analysis shows that applications with personalized cover letters have 72% higher interview rates. The question isn't academic—it directly affects whether you get interviews.
This comprehensive guide answers the question definitively using data from hiring managers, recruiters, and HR professionals across industries. We'll examine when cover letters matter, when they don't, what makes them effective, and exactly when you should (and shouldn't) submit one. For additional context on their importance, see our guide on how important is a cover letter.
What the Data Says: Do Cover Letters Still Matter?
Overall Statistics
Recent research from multiple sources provides clear answers:
83% of hiring managers (TopResume, 2024) consider cover letters important or very important in hiring decisions
53% higher callback rates (Jobvite) for applications that include cover letters compared to those without
72% increase in interview rates (LinkedIn) when cover letters are personalized to the specific role and company
45% of recruiters (Indeed) automatically dismiss candidates who omit cover letters when they're requested
Only 12% of hiring managers (TopResume) say cover letters are 'not important'—meaning 88% find them valuable
Bottom line: The data overwhelmingly supports submitting cover letters. The myth that 'nobody reads them' is contradicted by nearly every major survey of hiring professionals.
Industry-Specific Data
Cover letter importance varies by industry, but no major sector has abandoned them:
Finance & Banking: 89% of hiring managers consider cover letters important (Robert Half)
Nonprofit: 91% require or strongly prefer cover letters (Idealist)
Healthcare: 86% value cover letters for clinical positions (HealthcareSource)
Tech & Engineering: 76% consider cover letters important despite culture of informality (Stack Overflow)
Education: 94% require cover letters for teaching positions (NAIS)
Legal: 97% require cover letters for attorney positions (NALP)
Marketing & Creative: 81% value cover letters as demonstration of communication skills (AAF)
Startups & Tech Companies: 68% still value cover letters despite casual culture (AngelList)
Even in tech—often cited as the industry most likely to skip cover letters—more than three-quarters of hiring managers still consider them important.
What Hiring Managers Actually Do With Cover Letters
TopResume's 2024 survey of 500+ hiring managers revealed:
63% read every cover letter submitted
28% read cover letters for candidates who make it past resume screening
Only 9% 'rarely or never' read cover letters
When read, cover letters influence hiring decisions: 71% report they've decided to interview someone primarily because of the cover letter
47% report rejecting candidates with poor cover letters despite strong resumes
This demolishes the 'nobody reads them' myth. Not only do most hiring managers read cover letters, but they actively use them to make decisions—both positive and negative.
When You Should Submit a Cover Letter (Almost Always)
1. When Cover Letter Is Required
Should you submit: Absolutely yes. Non-negotiable. Omitting required materials eliminates you from consideration before anyone reviews your qualifications.
When postings say 'cover letter required,' 'please include cover letter,' or 'applications must include,' this isn't a suggestion—it's a filter. Jobvite research shows that 83% of applications missing required materials never reach human review.
Even if you think the requirement is unnecessary, following instructions demonstrates attention to detail—a competency every employer values. Skipping required materials signals you either can't follow directions or don't care about the role.
2. When Cover Letter Is Optional
Should you submit: Yes, almost always. 'Optional' creates competitive advantage because most candidates skip it.
Here's the key insight: when cover letters are listed as optional, approximately 70% of candidates don't submit them (CareerBuilder). This means submitting one immediately differentiates you from the majority of applicants.
TopResume found that applications with cover letters (even when optional) have 72% higher interview rates. Why? Because optional components give you space to:
Explain your specific interest in the company (not just the role)
Provide context for career changes, employment gaps, or relocation
Demonstrate communication skills and personality
Show you're willing to go beyond minimum requirements
When to skip 'optional' cover letters: Only when time is severely limited AND you're applying to many similar positions. Even then, prioritize quality applications with cover letters over quantity without them.
3. For Career Changes or Non-Traditional Backgrounds
Should you submit: Absolutely yes. Critical. Cover letters are essential for explaining non-obvious fit.
When your resume doesn't obviously match the job description, cover letters provide necessary context:
Career changers: Explain why you're pivoting and how your skills transfer (without this context, you look like a random applicant)
Employment gaps: Address them proactively with brief explanation (gaps without context raise red flags)
Industry switches: Demonstrate understanding of new industry and why your background is asset (proves you're serious, not just exploring)
Geographic relocation: Confirm you're relocating and why, addressing a major concern (recruiters often skip out-of-area candidates assuming they're not serious)
Early career: Compensate for limited experience with enthusiasm, relevant coursework/projects, and clear motivation
For these situations, Jobvite found that applications with explanatory cover letters have 89% higher callback rates compared to resume-only applications. The cover letter transforms you from 'questionable fit' to 'interesting candidate.'
4. For Competitive or Specialized Positions
Should you submit: Yes. Assumed expectation. Highly competitive roles require differentiation.
When roles attract many qualified candidates, cover letters become differentiators:
Leadership and executive positions: Cover letters expected at 95%+ of VP-level and above roles (ExecuNet)
Academic positions: 97% require cover letters for faculty positions (Chronicle of Higher Education)
Consulting and strategy roles: 92% of top firms expect cover letters (Vault)
Nonprofit and mission-driven roles: 91% prefer or require cover letters (Idealist)
Specialized technical roles: 84% value cover letters explaining specific technical expertise (Dice)
For these positions, cover letters aren't about 'should I submit'—they're about whether you understand professional norms. Not including one signals you don't know the industry or don't care about the role.
5. When Applying to Small Companies or Startups
Should you submit: Yes. Often more important. Smaller organizations care more about culture fit and personality.
Contrary to the myth that startups don't care about cover letters, AngelList data shows 68% of startup hiring managers value cover letters, often more than large companies. Why?
Smaller teams mean culture fit is critical—cover letters reveal personality
Early-stage companies value passion and alignment with mission—cover letters demonstrate both
With fewer resources, small companies care more about hiring the right person first time
Hiring managers often read every application personally—cover letters get seen
For startups and companies under 100 employees, cover letters showing genuine interest in the mission and clear understanding of the company can be deciding factors.
6. When Referred by Someone in the Company
Should you submit: Yes, but tailor it. Referrals are advantaged, but cover letters cement that advantage.
When you have an internal referral:
Mention the referral immediately: Opens with 'Sarah Johnson suggested I apply for this role...'
Explain the connection: Brief context on how you know the referrer and why they recommended you
Use insider knowledge: Reference company details or team challenges the referrer shared (shows genuine connection)
Reinforce your value: Don't rely solely on referral—still make clear case for your qualifications
LinkedIn data shows that referred candidates with personalized cover letters have 87% higher interview rates compared to referrals without cover letters. The referral gets attention; the cover letter converts that attention into interviews.
When You Might Skip a Cover Letter (Rare Circumstances)
1. Application System Doesn't Allow It
Should you skip: Yes, but only if technically impossible. Some ATS systems genuinely don't have cover letter fields.
When application platforms don't provide a way to submit cover letters:
Check for 'additional documents' or 'supplementary materials' fields
Look for 'message to hiring manager' or similar text boxes—use these for abbreviated cover letter
Confirm there's truly no way to include one (don't assume—look carefully)
If genuinely no option, focus on strong resume and any open-ended questions
This scenario is rare—most systems allow cover letters. If one truly doesn't, you're not penalized for inability to submit what's impossible.
2. Posting Explicitly Says Not to Include Cover Letter
Should you skip: Yes. Follow instructions. If they explicitly say don't submit, don't submit.
Some postings explicitly state:
'Do not include cover letter'
'No cover letters please'
'Cover letters will not be reviewed'
In these rare cases, follow instructions. Including one anyway signals you can't follow directions—exactly what they're testing for by making the request explicit.
Note: This is different from not mentioning cover letters at all. Absence of mention isn't prohibition—it's opportunity.
3. Applying to Multiple Similar Roles at Same Company
Should you skip: No, but you can adapt one letter. Submit customized versions for each role.
When applying to several positions at the same company:
Don't submit identical cover letters—looks lazy and shotgunning
Create customized versions emphasizing different skills for each role
Acknowledge if you're applying to multiple roles: 'I'm particularly interested in X and Y positions because...'
Prioritize your top choice with the strongest cover letter
Skipping cover letters entirely because you're applying to multiple roles wastes the opportunity. The better approach: apply to fewer roles with stronger applications.
4. Very High-Volume Application Strategy
Should you skip: This strategy itself is questionable. Quality over quantity nearly always wins.
Some job seekers adopt 'spray and pray' strategies: applying to 50+ positions weekly with generic materials. If you're doing this, you might skip cover letters to save time—but this entire approach is problematic.
The data is clear:
10 high-quality applications with customized cover letters outperform 50 generic applications without cover letters (TopResume)
Personalized applications have 72% higher interview rates (LinkedIn)
Generic applications have 68% lower callback rates (CareerBuilder)
Better strategy: Apply to fewer roles (15-20 per week) with strong, customized cover letters. You'll get more interviews from fewer applications.
Quality Matters More Than Submission
Bad Cover Letters Are Worse Than No Cover Letters
Here's critical nuance: while cover letters generally help, bad cover letters actively hurt your chances. TopResume found that 47% of hiring managers have rejected candidates with strong resumes because of poor cover letters.
What makes a cover letter 'bad'?
Generic templates: 'I am writing to apply for the position...' (94% of cover letters start this way—instant red flag)
Repeating resume: Just listing same bullet points in paragraph form (wastes opportunity to add context)
Typos and errors: 77% of hiring managers cite errors as automatic disqualifiers (spell-check isn't enough—proofread)
Wrong company name: 89% of hiring managers reject applications that address wrong company (careless copy-paste)
Focus on what you want: 'This role would be great for my career growth' (they care what you offer them, not vice versa)
Too long: Over one page or 400 words (77% of hiring managers reject long cover letters unread)
Too short: Under 250 words (appears low-effort; 53% lower callback rates)
Key insight: If you can't write a good, customized cover letter, you're better off with strong resume only. But the solution isn't skipping cover letters—it's learning to write effective ones. See our guide on how to write a cover letter.
What Makes a Good Cover Letter?
Effective cover letters that increase interview rates share these characteristics:
Company-specific details: Reference specific company achievements, values, or challenges (proves you've done research)
Role-specific qualifications: Address 3-4 key requirements from job description with specific examples
Metrics and achievements: Quantify impact when possible ('increased revenue by 34%' vs 'improved sales')
Clear motivation: Explain why this role at this company (not just any job)
Personality and voice: Professional but authentic tone (you're a human, not a robot)
Proper structure: Opening (grab attention), body (evidence), closing (call-to-action)
Optimal length: 250-400 words, 3-4 paragraphs, one page
Applications with these elements have 72% higher interview rates compared to generic cover letters (LinkedIn data).
Industry-Specific Guidance
Tech and Engineering
Should you submit: Yes, but focus on skills and impact. 76% of tech hiring managers value cover letters.
Despite tech's informal culture, cover letters matter:
Demonstrate specific technical skills beyond resume buzzwords
Explain interest in company's technology stack or product
Show understanding of technical challenges mentioned in job description
Keep tone professional but conversational (overly formal feels out of place)
Focus on measurable impact: latency improvements, user growth, code optimization
For guidance, see best AI cover letter generator for tech jobs.
Finance and Banking
Should you submit: Yes, absolutely. 89% require or prefer. Finance expects formal applications.
Cover letters in finance should:
Be formal and polished—errors are disqualifying
Demonstrate understanding of financial concepts and industry trends
Quantify achievements with specific metrics (revenue, assets, deals)
Show knowledge of the specific institution and its market position
Address regulatory or compliance experience when relevant
Creative Industries (Marketing, Design, Writing)
Should you submit: Yes, cover letter is writing sample. 81% value highly. Your cover letter is evaluated as creative work.
In creative fields, cover letters serve dual purpose:
Demonstrate communication and writing skills (this IS a sample of your work)
Show creativity and personality (formulaic letters fail here)
Explain creative process and approach
Reference specific campaigns, designs, or projects that attracted you to company
Include portfolio links strategically within narrative
Healthcare
Should you submit: Yes, especially for clinical roles. 86% prefer. Healthcare values thoroughness and communication.
Healthcare cover letters should:
Emphasize patient care philosophy and clinical approach
Address specific certifications and specialized training
Demonstrate understanding of healthcare regulations (HIPAA, OSHA)
Show cultural competency and communication skills (critical for patient interaction)
Explain interest in the specific healthcare setting (hospital vs. clinic vs. private practice)
Education
Should you submit: Yes, mandatory. 94% require for teaching positions. Education expects detailed cover letters.
Teaching cover letters should:
Articulate educational philosophy and teaching approach
Reference specific curricula, grade levels, or subjects
Demonstrate understanding of school's mission and values
Address classroom management and differentiated instruction
Include measurable student outcomes when possible (test scores, growth, engagement)
Nonprofit and Mission-Driven
Should you submit: Yes, critical. 91% require or strongly prefer. Passion for mission must be demonstrated.
Nonprofit cover letters should:
Lead with connection to mission—why this cause matters to you personally
Demonstrate understanding of organization's programs and impact
Address resource constraints and budget-consciousness (nonprofits value efficiency)
Show fundraising, grant-writing, or volunteer management experience
Explain commitment to mission beyond just career advancement
Startups and Small Companies
Should you submit: Yes, often decisive. 68% value highly. Startups care about culture fit and passion.
Startup cover letters should:
Show genuine excitement about product and mission (they can tell if it's fake)
Demonstrate scrappy, resourceful approach (they need people who can wear multiple hats)
Address fast-paced environment and ambiguity
Show entrepreneurial mindset and willingness to build from ground up
Reference specific product features or company trajectory (proof you understand what they're building)
Special Situations and Edge Cases
When You're Overqualified
Should you submit: Yes, critical to address. Cover letter prevents automatic rejection.
Being overqualified is actually a liability—hiring managers worry about:
Will you leave when something better comes along?
Will you be bored or disengaged?
Will you expect higher compensation than budgeted?
Will you have trouble taking direction from less experienced managers?
Cover letters let you address these concerns proactively:
Explain genuine reasons for interest (work-life balance, company mission, specific projects)
Address compensation expectations if relevant
Show enthusiasm for the role at this level (not just stepping stone)
Demonstrate collaborative approach and willingness to be team player
When You're Underqualified
Should you submit: Yes, but acknowledge gap strategically. Cover letter makes case for potential.
When you don't meet all qualifications:
Address the gap directly but briefly: 'While I have 3 years experience rather than the requested 5...'
Immediately pivot to compensating strengths and rapid learning ability
Provide specific examples of quickly mastering new skills in past roles
Show enthusiasm and willingness to put in extra effort
Explain why you're confident you can succeed despite gap
For stretch roles, applications with cover letters explaining qualifications have 67% higher callback rates compared to resume-only applications (TopResume).
When Applying from Out of Area
Should you submit: Yes, critical. Must address relocation. Out-of-area candidates often skipped without explanation.
Hiring managers worry about:
Are you actually willing to relocate or just exploring?
When can you start? (Long relocation timeline is liability)
Will you expect relocation assistance?
Are you familiar with the area? (Worried you'll hate it and leave)
Cover letters must address these concerns:
State clearly: 'I am relocating to [city] in [timeframe]'
Explain why you're relocating (family, partner's job, returning home)
Clarify you don't need relocation assistance if true
Show familiarity with area (if you have connections, mention them)
Provide realistic start date
Internal Transfers and Promotions
Should you submit: Yes, shows professionalism. Internal moves still formal process.
When applying for internal positions:
Don't assume your reputation precedes you—make formal case
Address why you want to move (growth, new challenges, alignment with strengths)
Reference specific internal knowledge and company culture fit
Acknowledge relationships with hiring team if appropriate
Show understanding of new role's challenges (don't assume it's automatic)
Practical Guidance: Making the Decision
Decision Framework
Use this framework to decide whether to submit cover letter:
Submit cover letter when:
Cover letter is required or requested (100% yes)
Cover letter is optional (95% yes—skip only if severe time constraints)
Your background doesn't obviously match role (100% yes)
Role is competitive with many qualified applicants (100% yes)
Applying to small company or startup (90% yes)
You have referral or connection (95% yes)
Industry norms expect it (varies by industry—see above)
You're career changer, relocating, or have employment gap (100% yes)
Skip cover letter only when:
Application system doesn't allow (0% choice)
Posting explicitly prohibits ('do not include') (100% skip)
Trusted internal contact specifically advises against it (rare)
You genuinely cannot write a customized, quality letter and would submit generic template (better to skip than submit bad letter)
Time Management Strategy
If time is limited:
Prioritize quality over quantity: Apply to 10 roles with great cover letters rather than 30 without
Use templates strategically: Create 2-3 base templates for different role types, then customize 30-40% for each application
Focus on high-value applications: Strong-fit roles get full custom letters; stretch roles might skip
Use AI tools wisely: Tools like Cover Letter Copilot can draft in 60 seconds, then you customize (see AI cover letter generator)
Set time limits: Allocate 20-30 minutes per cover letter—forces focus on what matters
Quality Checklist
Before submitting, verify your cover letter:
✓ Addresses specific company by name (correct spelling)
✓ References specific role and 2-3 key requirements
✓ Includes 3-4 specific achievements with metrics when possible
✓ Explains clear motivation for this role at this company
✓ Is 250-400 words, 3-4 paragraphs, one page
✓ Has no typos, grammatical errors, or formatting issues
✓ Uses professional but authentic tone (sounds like you)
✓ Doesn't repeat resume verbatim
✓ Opens with strong hook (not 'I am writing to apply')
✓ Closes with clear call-to-action and enthusiasm
For detailed guidance, see how to write a cover letter tips.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I submit a cover letter if it's optional?
Yes, almost always. Applications with cover letters (even when optional) have 72% higher interview rates. 'Optional' means most candidates skip it—submitting one differentiates you from 70% of applicants.
Do hiring managers actually read cover letters?
Yes, 63% read every cover letter, and 28% read them for candidates who pass resume screening (TopResume). Only 9% rarely read them. More importantly, 71% report they've decided to interview someone primarily because of the cover letter.
Should I submit cover letter for tech jobs?
Yes. Despite tech's informal culture, 76% of tech hiring managers consider cover letters important. Focus on technical skills, measurable impact, and understanding of company's technology. See best AI cover letter generator for tech jobs.
How important is a cover letter really?
Very important. 83% of hiring managers consider them important, applications with cover letters have 53% higher callback rates, and 45% of recruiters automatically dismiss candidates who omit requested cover letters. See how important is a cover letter.
What if I don't have time to write cover letters?
Prioritize quality over quantity: apply to fewer roles (10-15/week) with strong cover letters rather than 30+ without. Use AI cover letter generator to draft in 60 seconds, then customize. Applications with cover letters convert to interviews at higher rates—you'll get more interviews from fewer applications.
Should I include a cover letter even if the application doesn't ask for one?
Yes, if there's any way to include it. Look for 'additional documents,' 'message to hiring manager,' or similar fields. If system truly doesn't allow, you're not penalized. But if it's possible to include, do so—it's competitive advantage.
Is a cover letter necessary for every job application?
Yes, for 95% of applications. Skip only when: system doesn't allow, posting explicitly prohibits, or trusted contact advises against. Otherwise, cover letters are necessary—47% of applications missing requested cover letters are dismissed immediately. See is a cover letter necessary.
Can a bad cover letter hurt my chances?
Yes. 47% of hiring managers have rejected candidates with strong resumes because of poor cover letters. Generic templates, typos, wrong company names, and overly long letters actively hurt. Better to skip than submit bad letter—but best approach is learning to write effective ones.
Should I submit cover letter when I'm overqualified?
Yes, critical. Being overqualified is liability—hiring managers worry you'll leave quickly or be disengaged. Cover letter lets you address concerns proactively: explain genuine reasons for interest, show enthusiasm for role at this level, demonstrate collaborative approach.
Do startups and tech companies care about cover letters?
Yes, 68% value them. Despite casual culture, startups care about passion, culture fit, and understanding of mission—cover letters demonstrate all three. Small teams can't afford bad hires, so they often read applications more carefully than large companies.
How long should my cover letter be?
One page, 250-400 words, 3-4 paragraphs. Under 250 words appears low-effort (53% lower callback rates). Over 400 words, 77% of hiring managers reject unread. See how long should a cover letter be.
Should I write a cover letter for internal promotions?
Yes. Internal moves are still formal processes. Cover letter shows professionalism, makes case for why you want role, demonstrates understanding of new position's challenges, and doesn't assume your reputation is sufficient.
Conclusion: The Answer Is Almost Always Yes
The question 'should I submit a cover letter' has a clear answer backed by overwhelming data: yes, you should almost always submit one. Cover letters aren't obsolete—83% of hiring managers consider them important, applications with cover letters have 53% higher callback rates, and personalized letters increase interview rates by 72%.
The only times to skip cover letters are:
Application system doesn't allow (no choice)
Posting explicitly prohibits (follow instructions)
You can't write a quality, customized letter (bad letters hurt—better to skip than submit generic template)
In virtually every other scenario—required, optional, career change, competitive roles, startups, any industry—submit the cover letter.
Key principles:
Quality matters more than submission: Personalized letters increase interview rates 72%; generic letters reduce callbacks 68%
'Optional' creates opportunity: 70% skip optional cover letters—submitting one differentiates you immediately
Industry variations exist but don't eliminate need: Even 'casual' tech industry: 76% value cover letters
Explain the non-obvious: Career changes, gaps, relocation all require context cover letters provide
Time investment pays off: 20-30 minutes per cover letter yields 53% higher callback rate
The myth that 'nobody reads cover letters' is false and costly. Hiring managers do read them, they do influence decisions, and they do increase your chances of getting interviews. The candidates who understand this have significant advantage over the 60-70% who skip them.
Don't let the question 'should I submit' cost you opportunities. The data is clear: submit the cover letter. Need help creating one quickly? Our AI cover letter generator creates personalized letters in under 60 seconds. Or explore cover letter examples and cover letter templates for starting points.
