I hate writing cover letters. It feels like shouting into a void. I used to copy-paste the same generic template to 50 companies, changing only the company name. I never got a reply. One day, I really wanted a specific job at a startup, so I scrapped the template and wrote a real letter to the CEO. It changed everything.
You have spent hours perfecting your resume. You have optimized your LinkedIn profile. You are finally ready to submit your application.
Then you see it.
“Upload Cover Letter (Optional).”
You freeze. Do you write one? Is it a waste of time? If you skip it, does it look lazy? If you write it, will anyone actually read it?
In 2025, the Cover Letter is the most controversial document in the hiring process. Some experts say it is dead; others say it is your secret weapon.
We analyzed the current job market and looked at what real recruiters are saying to give you the definitive answer.
The Short Answer: It’s Complicated
If you are looking for a simple “Yes” or “No,” you won’t like the answer. The truth is: It depends entirely on the company size and the role.
Here is the breakdown of the current landscape.
Camp “NO”: The Big Tech & Corporate Recruiters
For massive companies (like Google, Amazon, or Deloitte), the hiring process is heavily automated. They receive thousands of applications per day.
Recruiter Insight:
“I have 6 seconds to scan a resume. I do not have time to open a second PDF and read a 300-word essay about why you love our company. If your skills aren’t on the resume, I move on.” — Tech Recruiter, NY
Verdict: If you are applying through a massive online portal (Workday, Taleo) or using “LinkedIn Easy Apply,” you can often skip the cover letter without hurting your chances.
Camp “YES”: The Startups, Creatives, & Small Teams
For smaller companies, non-profits, or creative agencies, culture fit is everything. They aren’t just hiring a set of skills; they are hiring a human.
Recruiter Insight:
“We are a team of 10. One bad attitude ruins the whole office. I read every cover letter to see if the person has a personality and if they actually understand what we do.” — Startup Founder, Austin
Verdict: If you are emailing your application directly to a human or applying to a small company, you MUST write a cover letter.
The 3 Scenarios Where a Cover Letter is MANDATORY
Even if a job posting says “Optional,” there are three specific situations where you simply cannot afford to skip it.
1. You Are a Career Switcher
If your resume shows you were a Biology major but you are applying for a Marketing job, your resume looks confusing.
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The Resume shows what you did (Biology).
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The Cover Letter explains why you are switching (Marketing). Without the letter, the recruiter just thinks you applied to the wrong job by mistake.
2. You Have “Zero Experience”
If you are a student with no internships (see our guide on Landing an Internship with Zero Experience), your resume might look thin. A cover letter allows you to highlight your Soft Skills like adaptability and enthusiasm, which don’t always fit on a resume bullet point.
3. The Job Requires Writing
Applying for Communications, PR, Marketing, or Sales? The cover letter is the test. If you can’t sell yourself in a letter, they won’t trust you to sell their product.
The “New” Cover Letter Format for 2025
If you decide to write one, do not use the old-school format from 2010.
The Old Way (Bad):
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“To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to apply for X. I have 4 years of experience. I am hard working. Thank you.” (This is boring and repeats your resume. Delete it.)
The New Way (Good): The “Value-Add” Letter In 2025, cover letters should be short, punchy, and disruptive.
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Length: 200–250 words max.
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The Hook: Start with a specific reason you love the company (not generic flattery).
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The Bridge: Connect one specific accomplishment to their problem.
A Modern Template (Copy This)
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
I’ve been following [Company Name] since you launched the [Specific Product] last year. I love how you are solving [Industry Problem], and I want to help you scale that mission.
In my last project as a [Student Role], I managed [Task] which resulted in [Result]. I know you are currently looking to improve [Company Goal], and I’d love to bring my experience in [Skill 1] and [Skill 2] to the team.
I’ve attached my resume and linked my portfolio. Thanks for your time!
Final Verdict
The CEO actually replied to that email personally. He said, ‘I usually delete these, but yours actually sounded like a human wrote it.’ That taught me a valuable lesson: In a world of copy-paste, authenticity stands out.
Do you still need a cover letter in 2025?
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If you are spamming 50 applications a day: No. Focus on your resume keywords.
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If you really, really want this specific job: Yes. It is the only place you can show your voice.
A generic cover letter helps no one. A great cover letter can turn a “Maybe” into an “Interview.” If you take the time to write one, make sure it says something your resume doesn’t.