You only get one chance to make a first impression.  

Cover letters have long been one of the best ways to set yourself apart in a competitive market. But in the era of AI screeners, even the most polished resumes—and their accompanying cover letters—feel like they’re disappearing into the void. With the job market more competitive than ever, job seekers need every advantage they can get.  

Do I Need a Cover Letter? 

Yes, you do need a cover letter. Cover letters can be a pain to put together and personalize, and there’s always the possibility that they go unread. But with a few exceptions (we’ll get to those) they remain the best way to tell hiring managers and recruiters who you are and where you see yourself in their company. 

Let’s put it this way: A resume, no matter how polished, will never carry your voice like a cover letter. Hiring managers may not have the time (or motivation) to read every cover letter sent to their inbox, but you can be sure they’ll read those belonging to the strongest candidates.  

Who is a hiring manager more likely to hire: someone who took time to personalize a cover letter for a specific company and role, or someone who uses the same template for every application?  

Customization matters. Most hiring managers say a tailored cover letter is now non‑negotiable and routinely reject generic letters. 

Here are three situations where you absolutely need a cover letter: 

  • A cover letter is required or even just allowed.  
    If a job application requires a cover letter, include one. If it’s optional, attach one anyway. In many fields, employers still use cover letters to gauge communication skills and motivation. 
  • You need to provide context to your resume.  
    Life happens. If you have an employment gap, you’re hoping to advance your career, or you’re pursuing a job in another city or industry, a cover letter can provide the context your resume can’t. 
  • Someone in the company referred you.  
    If someone referred you, give them a shout-out in your cover letter. It’ll help explain why you’re applying and remind the hiring manager that someone on their team has already vouched for you. 

There are, however, a few rare occasions when a cover letter isn’t needed: 

  • There isn’t an option to include it with your resume.  
    Employers are looking for candidates who can follow directions. If there isn’t an option to include a cover letter or the job description instructs you not to include one, don’t. 
  • You’re applying to high-volume, hourly, or frontline roles.  
    In fast-paced fields like retail and hospitality, employers are more interested in your skills, availability, and track record than a letter. A cover letter still wouldn’t hurt, but you can usually skip it. 
  • You don’t have time to personalize your cover letter.  
    Sometimes, there isn’t enough time, energy, or motivation to write a meaningful letter. In that case, it’s better to skip the cover letter than send one that feels rushed, generic, or copy-and-pasted. 

How to Write a Cover Letter (That Will Actually Be Read) 

Templates are fine as a starting point, especially if you’re applying to many jobs. Just be sure to keep these tips in mind before submitting your next application. 

  • Follow the instructions. 
    Watch for outside-the-box directions meant to trip up inattentive applicants. Some employers test whether candidates actually read instructions—like asking you to mention a specific word in your opening paragraph. (The writer of this post was once instructed to attach a picture of a rubber duck to his cover letter.) 
  • Keep it to one page.  
    Half a page—roughly 200 to 400 words—is all you need to introduce yourself, explain why you’re a perfect fit for the role, and thank the hiring manager for their time and consideration. Short, focused letters are more likely to be read start to finish. 
  • Tailor each letter to a specific role.  
    When your dream position opens up, take the time to rewrite your letter based on the responsibilities and qualifications in the job posting. Emphasize the skills and experiences that match what they’ve asked for. 
  • Inject some personality.  
    Show off those communication skills. Avoid tired clichés like “I’m a team player” or “I thrive in a fast-paced environment.” Instead, use concrete examples and a professional but natural tone that lets your personality come through. 
  • Proofread your cover letter.  
    Nothing will sideline your cover letter faster than grammar or spelling mistakes. Your cover letter represents your work, so give it the same care you’d give an important email to your future boss: Proofread it, ask a friend or colleague to review it, and consider using an AI tool like ChatGPT for a final pass.  

Happy Job Hunting 

Job hunting can be incredibly discouraging at times, but stick with it. In a market where entry‑level roles have declined and competition is fierce, staying committed helps your chances of finding a company that values and rewards your talents. 

Write Your Cover Letter With Confidence 

If you’re halfway through your cover letter and can’t shake the feeling that something’s missing from your professional background, strengthening your education can help. 

The University of Texas Permian Basin offers a diverse catalog of entirely online bachelor’s and master’s degrees and undergraduate and graduate certificate programs, so you can keep working or job hunting while you study.  

Our programs are convenient, affordable, and career‑focused, so you can enhance your resume and write your next cover letter with confidence. As a student, you’ll also have access to our career services, including the resume builder SkillsFirst. 

Explore UT Permian Basin’s online programs to discover how an additional degree or certificate can help you and your application stand out. 

Sources:
https://novoresume.com/career-blog/do-i-need-a-cover-letter
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/resumes-cover-letters/do-employers-care-about-cover-letters
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/cover-letters-2025-out-heres-what-job-seekers-need-know-tealhq-meqwc

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