cover letters needed

Do I Need a Cover Letter in 2024? Are Cover Letters Mandatory?

During the job-hunting process, you might find yourself asking “do I really need a cover letter?”

And honestly, that’s a very good question.

You might’ve heard a lot of recruiters say that cover letters aren’t nearly as important as the resume. Some recruiters even openly admit that they don’t read cover letters at all.

So, no wonder that you’re confused about whether or not you really need a cover letter.

In this article, we’re going to deep dive into the topic and teach you when you really need a cover letter (and when you don’t).

• Whether you need to include a cover letter in your application (and why)
• When to not include a cover letter with your resume 
• When to really put effort into your cover letter   

Do I Need a Cover Letter For My Resume

Short answer: yes , you should submit a cover letter alongside your resume.

Here’s why:

• Most job openings require you to submit a cover letter. Recruiters might not have the time to read ALL the cover letters they receive, but they will definitely read cover letters if they’re on the fence for a candidate. Besides, even if they never get to your cover letter, failing to submit one when it’s required will be a red flag.
• A cover letter shows that you’ve put in the extra effort. So, even if the recruiters don’t read them, they will know that you really want the job and that you are committed to taking all necessary steps to show you’re worth it.
• A cover letter can set you apart from other candidates. Imagine this scenario: a recruiter is looking at two candidates with the same exact professional background and resume. The difference? One submitted an A++ cover letter that showed exactly why they’re the perfect fit for the job, while the other just copied and pasted an internet template. Which one would you pick? Our point exactly!

The above being said, there do exist a few cases where a cover letter isn’t necessary and a few others where you shouldn't just submit a cover letter, but you should really put in the extra effort to make it memorable!

Ready to go through them?

When Not to Include a Cover Letter

The 3 cases where you don’t need to include a cover letter with your application are:

#1. The job opening doesn’t require one. 

Yeap, in some cases, the job description will specifically instruct you not to submit a cover letter when you’re applying for the position. Needless to say, submitting one regardless of the instructions will not make you a poster child for dedication; it will just show you can’t follow instructions. 

#2. You don’t have the time to customize your cover letters. 

If there’s one thing that’s worse than not submitting a cover letter, is submitting a bad cover letter. What do we mean by bad? An uncustomized cover letter, or a cover letter based on a one-fits-all kind of template that you plan on mass-sending to all the jobs you’re applying for.  

So, if you’re applying to many jobs and you just don’t have the time (or creativity) to write a separate cover letter tailored to each job, then just don’t write one instead of making that cover letter mistake. 

#3. There is no place to upload one on the application platform.

When you’re filling out an online job application, you might notice there is no place to upload a cover letter.

Consider that a clear sign that a cover letter is not required for that particular role.  

When Should You Put Extra Effort to Submit a Cover Letter

Now, as we said, the best practice is to submit a cover letter with your resume for any job, internship, or even internal position that you apply for (unless they explicitly ask you not to). 

That being said, there are a few cases in which you should REALLY submit a cover letter—and put in extra effort to make it significant: 

• You have important information to add. It might be a career gap, the need for a relocation, or a career change - anything, basically, that you can’t go into detail about in your resume. Your cover letter is your chance to explain it (especially if it adds significant value to your application).
• There’s a personal connection/referral. If someone has personally referred you to the company, make sure to acknowledge that in your cover letter. A personal referral means bonus points for your application, so don’t miss out on a chance to mention it.
• You have a link to the company. Did you complete an internship at the company? Or maybe you know the hiring manager or someone higher up the ranks outside of work. No matter the case, be upfront about any link you may have to the company in your cover letter. It will probably do your application good or at least show those reading it that you’re transparent.
• It’s your dream job. Without making it a love letter to the company, use your cover letter to express what this job means to you professionally and how it’ll help you thrive. Passion goes a long way!

6 Tips For a Perfect Cover Letter 

The bottom line? 

Overwhelmingly, a cover letter is an essential part of your job application and you should include one with your resume.

So, as you can imagine, your cover letter should be on par with your resume. Before you start writing your cover letter, here are a few tips to make the process easier for you:

• Keep it short. One page is more than enough when it comes to cover letters. Actually, the optimal length for a cover letter is between 250-400 words long.
• Follow submission instructions. In the job description, look out for specifics on the cover letter format (Word or PDF), fonts and margins, and content (such as which sections or information to include).
• Proofread your cover letter. Once you’re done writing, make sure your cover letter doesn’t have any grammar or spelling mistakes. Use spell check software such as Grammarly to be on the safe side.
• Avoid cliches. Saying you’re a “great team player” or “effective communicator” will get you nowhere. Instead, aim to show it by backing it up with your experience. Think, “I’m a great communicator” versus “I’m a great communicator, having closed 50+ sales per month at my last job.”
• Enhance your personal brand. Opt to use the same fonts, margins, colors, and style in both your resume and cover letter. In this way, you can highlight your personal brand and make more of an impression on the hiring manager.
• Use action verbs . To make your achievements stand out, use action verbs. So, instead of repeating “I was responsible for” or “I was in charge of,” you can use action verbs such as “managed” or “coordinated.”

Do you still have some unanswered questions? Here are the most frequently asked questions on whether cover letters are mandatory.

Do I need a cover letter for a part-time job?

You should follow the same practice with your part-time job application as you would with a full-time one. That means you should definitely submit a strong cover letter with your resume (unless otherwise indicated in the job description).

Do I need a cover letter for an internal position? 

When you apply for an internal position within the company, you should create a cover letter to highlight your experience and professional interest in the position. 

Do I need a cover letter for an internship?

Yes, you should include a cover letter with your resume when you’re applying for an internship. The cover letter should focus on your skills and strengths, your education, and your dedication to the internship program. 

Not sure how to write a cover letter for an internship from scratch? This article will tell you all you need to know!

Do I need a cover letter for an entry-level job?

Yes, an entry-level cover letter is a must.

You might not have many professional or relevant experiences to list on your resume (e.g. you’re a recent college graduate or you’re changing career paths), so the cover letter is where you can convey your enthusiasm and commitment. Plus, you can also (in words) explain how your skills from your university or past career translate into the job you’re applying for. 

Do employers read the cover letter or resume first?

Generally, employers will first read your resume to see if you have the relevant experience or skills for the position. From there, they decide whether your cover letter is worth reading or not.  If you send your cover letter in the body of the email where you have attached your resume, though, the recruiter will probably skim through it before opening your resume.

Keep in mind that in such a case your cover letter should be perfect, especially in terms of spelling and business etiquette. If the recruiter spots a “u r” instead of “you are,” or a smiley face, they might not even get to your resume.    

Want your cover letter to match your resume? We are confident that the hiring manager will appreciate the effort. Do it effortlessly by using Novorésumé's matching cover letter and resume templates !  

Key Takeaways

Well, that was all on whether cover letters are mandatory in 2023. We hope that we answered all your questions on the topic. 

Here’s a quick review of the main things we covered:

• In 98% of cases, you should include a cover letter in your job application. Although recruiters might not always read it, they expect candidates to submit one. A cover letter will considerably boost your chances and set you apart from other candidates with similar backgrounds and resumes.
• Don’t include a cover letter if the job opening specifies it’s not necessary, if you don’t have time to customize it to the position, or if there is no place to upload one in the application platform.
• Put extra effort in your cover letter if you have extra information to add to your resume if you have been personally referred for the job, if you have a link to the company, or if you’re applying to your dream job.

Related Readings: 

• How to Start a Cover Letter
• How to End a Cover Letter
• How to Address a Cover Letter

To provide a safer experience, the best content and great communication, we use cookies. Learn how we use them for non-authenticated users.

What to include in a cover letter

A well-written cover letter is the key to capturing the attention of employers and encouraging them to read your CV so that you can secure job interviews.

However, it’s tricky to know exactly what to include in a cover letter.

What essential information should you incorporate to impress recruiters?

This article shows you everything you need to include in your cover letter to be successful in your application, plus three cover letter examples.

CV templates 

What is a cover letter?

Before we begin, it’s important to know exactly what a cover letter is and why it’s paramount.

Knowing these two things will make it easier to write a standout cover letter that catches the attention of employers.

Your cover letter is a friendly introduction that you send together with your CV to would-be employers and recruiters.

It’s a way to say hi, express your interest in the position, and get them excited about your CV.

Build your CV now 

Your cover letter needs to entice hiring managers and recruiters.

Here’s the essential information that you will need to include in order to do that.

Start by addressing the hiring manager

You will need to begin your cover letter by addressing the person handling the job post to build a rapport with them.

Make sure your greeting is amicable yet professional – don’t make it sound too laidback or unduly formal.

For example, you could address the hiring manager by saying:

• Hi [Insert recruiter’s name]
• Hi [Insert department/team name]

To locate the person’s name, you can sometimes find it on the company’s website by going to the “About” page. Search for names such as the hiring manager, internal recruiter or someone from HR. Then use their name in your cover letter.

Alternatively, you can find their name by quickly searching for the company on LinkedIn. You’ll then see a list of employees and most will have LinkedIn profiles . This is a great way to find the correct name.

Include a friendly greeting

When you’re putting together your cover letter , you will need to include a friendly greeting. This shows that you’re someone who can converse well and connect with others.

However, if your friendly greeting is too casual and overly friendly, it won’t look that professional.

On the flip side, if it’s extremely formal and doesn’t have much personal warmth, you may come across as socially distant.

So, aim to be both professional and approachable. For example, begin with a friendly greeting such as, “I hope you’re doing well.”

And don’t forget – your spelling and grammar need to be spot on in your cover letter. Typos and mistakes won’t impress recruiters.

Specify the job you’re applying for

So, you’ve greeted and warmed up the hiring manager with a friendly opening – great.

Next, you need to get to the point and tell the recruiter which position you’re applying for.

You could say:

Don’t forget – some hiring managers handle numerous job vacancies , so be as precise as you can.

Explain why you’re the best candidate for the position

In the main part of your cover letter describe why you’re suitable for the position in around 3-6 sentences. This is what will encourage the recruiter or hiring manager to explore your CV.

This section gives you a golden opportunity to emphasise what makes you perfect for the position – you must give recruiters a quick overview of your skills , experience, and knowledge.

But, more importantly, connect these skills directly to the requirements of the role you’re applying for.

And don’t be shy – share your achievements to show why you’re the ideal applicant. These are accomplishments and skills you can bring to the company – they prove why you’re a great fit.

Here are some examples of how you can mention your achievements in your cover letter:

• Project manager – “I’ve successfully managed complicated projects, boosting efficiency by 40% and finishing them well before the deadline.”
• Teaching position – “I am passionate about the subject of maths and have been teaching the secondary curriculum for over 10 years. I run the after-school maths sessions, and have acted as head of maths for Bentley Secondary School for the past two years – achieving excellent results for both students and the school alike.”
• Sales position – “In conjunction with my ability to create and deliver long-term sales and marketing strategies in a pressurised environment, I am also multilingual with the ability to speak English, Russian, and Spanish to high standards.”

Conclude and discuss availability

In your final paragraph , say when you’re available for an interview .

For instance, you could say:

“I’m available for an interview at your earliest convenience,” or “I am available for interviewing from 10 th July.”

This communicates your flexibility and enthusiasm and it’s an excellent way to end your cover letter on a high note.

To wrap up your cover letter, include a friendly salutation like “Regards” or “Kind regards”. Not only does this show you’re courteous and have excellent email etiquette, but it also leaves an approachable, positive impression on the recruiter reviewing your application.

End with a formal sign-off

Add a professional signature at the bottom to give recruiters your important contact details.

As well as providing them with various ways to get in touch with you, it also looks extremely professional and demonstrates that you know how to converse in the working environment .

Your professional signature should include:

• Your full name – This helps hiring managers identify who you are.
• Your phone number – Give the contact number employers can reach you on. Ensure it’s working and accurate so that would-be employers can get hold of you during the recruitment process.
• Your email address – Share a professional email address but avoid using excessively casual or unprofessional email addresses like [email protected] or [email protected] .

Optionally, you could include:

• Your professional title – For example, Key Stage 2 Teacher or Account Manager .
• Your professional social network – For example, LinkedIn.

5 tips for writing a successful cover letter

Here are five tips for writing a cover letter that packs a punch.

Keep it succinct

To ensure hiring managers and recruiters actually look at your cover letter, keep it short and concise.

They’re often incredibly busy people, and receive hundreds of cover letters daily, so aim to make yours between 3 and 6 sentences to hold their attention.

Your cover letter’s job is to engage their interest and make them want to review your CV – it serves as an introduction to the potential employer, demonstrating how suitable you are for the role.

But save the more exhaustive details for your CV.

Read the job advert thoroughly

Before creating your cover letter, you must know what the employer is searching for in candidates. Spend some time reading the job advert thoroughly and ascertain the key responsibilities they’re looking for.

Pay particular attention to hard skills such as specific languages, industry experience, and computer programming.

You don’t need to highlight soft skills such as teamwork or problem-solving because these are standard in many jobs and won’t give you much of an edge over other applicants.

When you know what the recruiter is specifically looking for in a successful applicant, you can present these qualities as you write your cover letter.

Mention your relevant skills

You want recruiters to notice your CV, right? So show them how your skills and experience match the job requirements.

Begin by carefully scanning the job ad to identify the most significant skills they’re seeking.

Next, describe how your previous experiences have prepared you for these. Be sure to mention any requirements that are absolutely necessary for the job.

Don’t forget – concentrate on what suitable skills you can bring to the table rather than what you want.

For instance, if you’re applying for a marketing role and the job advert specifies you need to be “ excellent at implementing marketing strategie s”, you could say something like:

State why you’re applying

Recruiters will want to know why you’re applying for the job. So always address this in your cover letter.

Your motivation for applying should be positive and signify your dedication to the recruiter or hiring manager.

For instance, say something like, “After working as a Senior Manager for five years at my current company, I’m keen to take on a larger team in a more specialised market.”

Refrain from negative reasons such as, “ My previous company let me go, and I’m looking for a new position immediately .”

Concentrate on your incentive for applying and what you can offer the employer.

Highlight what you’ve accomplished for employers

If you’re an experienced applicant with a lengthy employment history, it’s best to allude to the results you’ve delivered for your existing or previous employers.

For example, mention things like:

• Attracting new clients – Explain how you’ve introduced new business opportunities or expanded the customer base through successful outreach, relationship building or marketing.
• Saving money – State how you have reduced costs, optimised budgets or introduced economic strategies that resulted in savings for the company.
• Enhancing processes – Mention how you simplified operations, boosted workflow, or implemented new ways to boost productivity within the company.
• Making successful sales – Share how you surpassed sales targets, landed noteworthy contracts or always contributed to revenue growth.

In your cover letter, give a snappy overview to keep things succinct. Save the nitty-gritty info for your CV.

3 cover letter samples

To give you some inspiration and ideas for what to include in your cover letter, here are three examples.

Student cover letter example

Students still studying at school or university usually write slightly lengthier cover letters because they may lack work experience. This enables them to concentrate on explaining their education and transferable skills.

Internal promotion cover letter example

You would use this type of cover letter when you’re already working at an organisation and wish to apply for a new role within the same company.

Here, you can present your qualifications, enthusiasm and achievements to showcase why you’re perfect for the position.

Experienced candidate cover letter example

If you have more employment history to share, this example will help you see how to showcase your skills and experience to stand out in your job application.

What not to include in a cover letter

Here are five things you should never include in your cover letter:

• Salary expectations – Never mention your salary expectations . It’s best to talk about this later on in the recruitment process.
• Personal info – Avoid sharing your home address, age or marital status. This information isn’t relevant to your job application and may lead to discrimination concerns.
• Embellishments or dishonesties – Never include made-up previous job roles or qualifications that you don’t actually possess. Doing so can put you in an awkward situation.
• Dear Sir or Madam – Start your cover letter with a friendly “Hi” instead, as the former is a dated greeting that lacks a personal touch.
• Typos – Never include grammatical errors in your cover letter as these can hurt your professionalism. Always proofread your cover letter and make sure it’s written, and error-free.