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Author: Nicole Darby
Do you need a cover letter to land your dream job? A recent LinkedIn poll shows 70% of professionals think cover letters don't matter for shortlisting anymore. The reality paints a different picture. Hiring managers still value cover letters greatly - 68% rate them as important. Even better, 82% of them would interview candidates with weaker resumes if they submit compelling cover letters. I am still not sure I am buying these results, but this is what the data is showing – so, let’s dive in!
Cover letters started in the 1950s, and hiring practices have changed dramatically since then. Our research reveals that customized cover letters boost interview chances by almost 6% compared to applications without them. The numbers get more interesting - 45% of hiring managers read every cover letter they receive. These professionals can spot the difference between generic and personalized letters 78% of the time.
This piece will show you when cover letters matter most and help you decide if your application needs one. You'll learn what makes hiring managers eager to read your letter.
Current State of Cover Letters in 2025
Recent data from 2025 shows some eye-opening facts about cover letters. The debate about their value continues, but 83% of HR professionals see cover letters as vital to their hiring decisions. 60% of companies make cover letters a must-have in their application process.
The numbers vary based on company size. Medium and large organizations (100+ employees) are twice as likely to value cover letters highly (34%) compared to small businesses (15%). 72% of hiring managers expect to see cover letters from candidates even when marked "optional".
Tech companies tell an interesting story. While old-school cover letters are less popular now, 65% of tech startups ask specifically for cover letters. 69% of large-size companies still need them consistently.
Recruiters spend different amounts of time on these letters. 48% of hiring managers take between 30 seconds to 2 minutes to read each one. 45% of recruiters check cover letters before they look at resumes.
These questions help you decide if you need a cover letter:
1. Does company size matter?
• Bigger companies (100+ employees) value cover letters more
• Small businesses don't put as much weight on them
2. Which industry interests you?
• Tech startups often need them
• Traditional industries expect cover letters
3. What's your application status?
• 78% of recruiters prefer applications that include cover letters
• 49% of hiring managers believe strong cover letters help candidates with weaker profiles get interviews
The numbers show that 83% of hiring managers read cover letters regularly. 73% of recruiters read cover letters even when they're not required. A well-written cover letter helps you stand out, especially since 59% of recruiters use them to learn about candidates' personalities and attitudes.
When Cover Letters Actually Matter
The numbers only tell part of the story - you just need a cover letter to boost your application in specific situations. A compelling cover letter can make all the difference, as 82% of hiring managers would interview candidates who might lack qualifications after reading one.
Cover letters play a particularly important role in remote position applications. Your letter should highlight any remote work experience and showcase skills like self-motivation and time management. Previous work-from-home projects or volunteer activities count as valuable experience too.
A cover letter becomes vital when changing careers. The letter bridges your past experiences with your future goals. You can use it to showcase transferable skills and show genuine interest in the new field instead of apologizing for experience gaps.
These situations make cover letters particularly important:
• Remote Work Applications: Showcase your experience with virtual collaboration tools and autonomous work habits
• Career Changes: Talk about your transition and highlight relevant transferable skills
• Dream Job Applications: Show professional passion without overdoing it
• Entry-Level Positions: Display enthusiasm and commitment when experience is limited
• Internal Promotions: Highlight your growth and readiness for advancement
68% of hiring managers call cover letters significant, though their importance varies across industries. Tech startups want them to assess cultural fit, while traditional sectors use them to evaluate communication skills.
Jobs that need strong writing abilities make cover letters extra important. 51% of hiring managers say a poor cover letter can stop them from interviewing qualified candidates. Your letter directly shows how well you communicate.
Note that including a cover letter shows professionalism and attention to detail unless told otherwise. 73% of recruiters read cover letters even when they're marked "optional". This makes them valuable tools in competitive job markets.
Industry-Specific Cover Letter Requirements
Cover letter expectations vary widely across industries in 2025. Technical roles like engineering and IT positions put a lot of emphasis on specific skills and experiences. These positions let you explain your technical expertise that might not fit in your resume.
Smaller companies and startups look at cover letters differently than big organizations.
Cultural alignment matters most in these settings, and hiring managers look for candidates whose values match their company's vision. Sales and hospitality roles that deal with clients just need cover letters showing people skills and customer service focus.
You should ask yourself these questions to know if your industry needs a cover letter:
• Does the role involve direct client interaction?
• Is the company size relevant to cover letter expectations?
• What's the industry's typical hiring process?
Traditional sectors still have strict cover letter rules. Finance, law, and government jobs require formal cover letters as part of applying. These fields value standard formats that show professionalism and respect for protocol.
Tech companies use cover letters in their own way. They prefer letters that show problem-solving skills and innovative thinking instead of following rigid formats. Tech startups care more about what you've achieved than formalities.
A well-written cover letter is vital for jobs that need strong communication skills. 51% of hiring managers turn down qualified candidates who write poor cover letters. This matters especially when you have roles that need excellent writing abilities.
Industry-specific keywords make cover letters stronger by a lot. Using relevant terms shows you understand the sector and its technical aspects. Each letter should be customized to the company's goals and values.
Some fields care more about cover letters than others. All the same, sending a personalized cover letter shows professional initiative unless told otherwise. A thoughtfully written cover letter might give you an edge in today's job market, even in industries where they seem optional.
Conclusion
The debate about cover letters continues, but data shows they remain important in 2025's job market. Hiring managers at large companies and traditional industries still read them carefully. A compelling cover letter can increase your interview chances by 6% and help less experienced candidates secure interviews.
Consider these key questions before you decide to write a cover letter:
• Does the job posting specify cover letter requirements?
• What's the company size and industry standard?
• Are you switching careers or applying to work remotely?
• Does the role need strong communication skills?
Tech companies might make cover letters optional, but a well-laid-out letter shows your initiative and eye for detail. Your letter becomes a powerful way to show your personality, explain career changes, and showcase relevant experiences. Reach out to Coach Darby today to learn more about cover letters and boost your chances of securing that dream job.
Recruiting, hiring managers, HR teams – Are you reading cover letters? Do you appreciate when candidates send them or do you groan upon receipt?
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