‍Are Cover Letters Necessary in 2025?

Despite all the tech-driven changes in hiring, one question keeps popping up, are cover letters necessary in 2025?

The short answer is sometimes. But it depends on how, when, and why you use them.

For some recruiters, cover letters still offer context that a resume alone can’t. For others, they're ignored completely. If you're job hunting this year, it's worth understanding where the line is—because sending the wrong type of cover letter can do more harm than good.

This guide breaks down what’s changed, when it’s still smart to include one, and how to make yours worth reading (if you need it at all).

 Related: Do You Still Need a Cover Letter in 2025?

Why Cover Letters Still Matter (Sometimes)

Because some situations still need a personal touch

Here’s when a cover letter still helps:

• The job listing asks for one
  
  
• You’re changing industries or roles
  
  
• You need to explain a resume gap
  
  
• You’re applying through a referral or networking contact
  
  
• You’re entering a senior or leadership role
  
  

In short: if your application could benefit from context—you probably need a cover letter.

 Related: How to Explain a Resume Gap in 2025

When to Skip the Cover Letter

Because not every job requires one—and some recruiters don’t care

You can usually skip a cover letter if:

• The form doesn’t allow you to attach one
  
  
• You’re applying through “quick apply” buttons (e.g. LinkedIn Easy Apply)
  
  
• The job is high-volume or entry-level
  
  
• You’re not customizing it
  
  

A generic cover letter is worse than none.
If you’re just copy-pasting something that could apply to any company, skip it and focus on your resume instead.

What a Good Cover Letter Looks Like in 2025

Modern, short, tailored—and written to complement your resume

Here’s what works now:

• Keep it under 300 words
  
  
• Open with a strong hook or direct value statement
  
  
• Show enthusiasm, but avoid fluff
  
  
• Use bullet points or short paragraphs
  
  
• Never repeat your resume—expand on it instead
  
  

 Example intro:

“I’m excited about the [Job Title] role at [Company] because your mission around [specific detail] aligns with the work I’ve done at [Previous Company]. In that role, I led [achievement]. I’m eager to bring that energy to your team.”

Not sure where to start? Use Jobcamp’s AI Cover Letter Generator to build a draft in seconds.

Do Recruiters Still Read Cover Letters in 2025?

Yes, but only if they’re worth reading

Recent surveys show:

• 58% of recruiters read cover letters only if a resume catches their attention
  
  
• 26% skim them looking for relevance or a referral mention
  
  
• 16% ignore them completely
  
  

So they’re not mandatory, but they’re still a tool.
Think of your cover letter as a strategic bonus—not a requirement.

 Related: Why Your Resume Isn’t Getting Interviews

How to Use a Cover Letter to Boost Your Resume

Instead of repeating your experience, add missing context

Use your cover letter to:

• Explain career changes or gaps
  
  
• Show specific interest in the company’s work
  
  
• Mention a referral or connection
  
  
• Clarify how your values or skills align with the role
  
  

If your resume says what you did, your cover letter should explain why it matters.

What to Include in a Cover Letter (Checklist)

• Your contact info and the company’s name
  
  
• A personalized greeting (no “To Whom It May Concern”)
  
  
• A hook that shows genuine interest or value
  
  
• 1–2 key examples that prove you're a match
  
  
• A clear, polite CTA at the end
  
  

Still unsure how to format it? Use a cover letter template inside Jobcamp’s builder and personalize from there.

Final Verdict: Are Cover Letters Still Necessary in 2025?

Yes—but only if they’re good.

Not every job needs a cover letter. But when it’s required—or when it helps tell your story—you should absolutely write one.

So, are cover letters necessary in 2025?
Only if they add value.

And if they don’t?
Spend that energy sharpening your resume instead.

💬 FAQs

Q: Are cover letters still necessary in 2025?
Yes—in select cases where the job requires one or your resume needs context.

Q: Do recruiters even read cover letters anymore?
Some do. Especially when they’re personalized and short.

Q: What’s the best length for a 2025 cover letter?
200–300 words max. Anything longer risks being skimmed—or skipped.

Q: Can I use AI to write my cover letter?
Yes, but edit it. Start with an AI-generated draft and tweak it for tone, clarity, and company alignment.

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