Why Cover Letters Still Matter – Even When They’re Not Required

In today’s job market, there’s an ongoing debate about whether cover letters are necessary. Some job seekers believe they’re outdated, arguing that recruiters don’t read them and that submitting one is a waste of time. However, the evidence strongly suggests otherwise.

A well-crafted cover letter can be a game-changer, setting you apart from other applicants and increasing your chances of landing an interview. At Arlyn Recruiting, we’ve seen firsthand how a compelling cover letter can make a candidate stand out—especially in competitive legal and administrative roles where attention to detail and communication skills are critical.

The Data: Recruiters Are Reading Cover Letters

Despite the perception that cover letters are ignored, surveys show that many hiring managers and recruiters still value them highly.

• A 2023 Resume Genius survey of 625 U.S. hiring managers found that 83% of them frequently or always read cover letters, even when they weren’t required.
• A 2024 Zety survey of 753 recruiters revealed that 89% expect candidates to submit a cover letter—and 81% have rejected candidates based solely on their cover letter quality.
• Nearly half of hiring managers read cover letters before reviewing a candidate’s resume, making it the first impression for many applicants.

These statistics prove that a cover letter isn’t just an extra step—it’s an opportunity to engage decision-makers early in the hiring process.

What a Cover Letter Can Do That a Resume Cannot

A resume is structured, factual, and highlights your qualifications. A cover letter, on the other hand, is your chance to showcase personality, communication skills, and motivation for the role.

• Here’s what a cover letter can do that a resume cannot:
• Showcase your enthusiasm for the role and company. Hiring managers want to see why you’re excited about the job beyond just meeting the qualifications.
• Highlight key personality traits. Collaboration, adaptability, attention to detail—these are difficult to convey in a resume but can shine in a well-written letter.
• Explain career gaps or transitions. If you’re switching industries, took time off, or have an unconventional career path, a cover letter provides the context a resume lacks.
• Demonstrate strong writing skills. This is especially important in roles where communication is key, such as legal assistants, paralegals, and administrative professionals.

What Recruiters Look for in a Cover Letter

To be effective, a cover letter must be tailored to the role. It shouldn’t just summarize your resume but rather explain why you want the job and how your experience aligns with the company’s needs.

Recruiters and hiring managers look for:

• Clear enthusiasm for the role and organization – Show why you’re interested.
• Specific connections to the job description – Demonstrate how your background aligns.
• Concise and compelling writing – Keep it to one page, avoiding repetition.
• A glimpse of your personality – Let your passion and professionalism come through.

When to Submit a Cover Letter

While some companies, like Amazon, explicitly state they don’t accept cover letters, those instances are rare. In most cases:

• If a cover letter is required, you must submit one.
• If a cover letter is optional, you should still submit one—it can only improve your chances.
• If a job posting doesn’t mention a cover letter, it’s still a good idea to include one unless there are clear instructions against it.

How to Structure an Effective Cover Letter

A strong cover letter follows a simple structure:

1. Engaging opening statement – Show enthusiasm and reference the specific role.
2. Connection to the job requirements – Highlight how your skills match the company’s needs.
3. Relevant personal experiences – Mention past projects, achievements, or motivations.
4. Briefly address potential concerns – Explain career transitions or gaps if applicable.
5. Closing with confidence – Reiterate your excitement and interest in contributing to the company.

Example:

“The Legal Administrative Assistant role at [Firm Name] aligns with my passion for the legal industry, my experience managing high-volume case files, and my strong organizational skills. I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to your team.”

AI and Cover Letters: A Helpful Tool, Not a Replacement

With the rise of AI tools, some candidates use automated cover letter generators. While these can help with formatting and structure, they should not replace a personalized, well-thought-out letter. Hiring managers can quickly spot generic, robotic writing. Make sure your cover letter reflects your unique voice and genuine interest in the role.

Conclusion: Cover Letters Are Still a Smart Investment

Despite changing hiring practices, cover letters remain a critical tool in a successful job search. When written effectively, they help candidates stand out, address potential resume concerns, and demonstrate strong communication skills—qualities that hiring managers value.

At Arlyn Recruiting, we encourage job seekers to take every opportunity to make a strong first impression. A well-crafted cover letter may be the difference between getting an interview or being passed over—so don’t underestimate its power!

Source: https://hbr.org/2025/03/cover-letters-still-matter-even-if-theyre-not-required