Quick answer: yes, more often than people assume. Include a cover letter whenever the application asks for one, the role is competitive, or you need to explain a career change or gap. Research conducted by Nature for SEEK in 2025 found that 83% of Australian hirers find cover letters useful for getting to know an applicant, and plenty read them even when they are marked optional. A US field study by ResumeGo points the same way, with tailored letters lifting interview callbacks by roughly 50%. The only time to skip it is when the employer explicitly says not to send one, or the form has nowhere to attach it.
| Situation | Cover letter? |
|---|---|
| Job ad asks for one | Yes — mandatory. Skipping it can disqualify you |
| Competitive or client-facing role | Yes — it's your first writing sample |
| Career change, relocation, or employment gap | Yes — the resume can't explain context; the letter can |
| Application form has an optional upload field | Yes — "optional" is a test; most candidates skip it, you shouldn't |
| Ad says "no cover letter required" | Skip it — follow the instruction |
| One-click / Easy Apply with no upload field | Skip it — there's nowhere for it to go |
With the rise of AI screening, one-click applications, and streamlined Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), sitting down to write a fresh cover letter can feel like a relic of the past. But while a cover letter might not be the solitary reason you get hired, omitting one when it's expected—or submitting a poorly written one—can absolutely be the reason you are rejected.
Here is everything you need to know about navigating the new rules of cover letters and how to leverage them to stand out.
Why Employers Still Ask for Cover Letters
Many job seekers assume that because a resume contains all the essential facts, a cover letter is redundant. However, hiring managers look at cover letters for very specific signals that a resume simply cannot provide.
1. Proof of Communication Skills
Your resume tells an employer what you achieved, but your cover letter demonstrates how you communicate. In roles that require heavy cross-functional collaboration, client-facing interactions, or written deliverables, a concise, persuasive cover letter serves as your first work sample.
2. Contextualising Your Career Path
Returning to work after a gap? Moving into a new industry? Resumes are rigid and chronological, which makes them poor at explaining nuance. A cover letter lets you connect the dots for the hiring manager, showing exactly how a non-linear path translates into real value for their team. This matters in the current Australian market, where SEEK has reported applications per job ad at record highs, so anything that helps a hirer quickly understand your story earns its place.
3. Demonstrating Genuine Interest
If an application allows for an optional cover letter and you choose not to submit one, what does that signal? To many recruiters, it signals a lack of effort. Taking the 15 minutes to tailor a letter shows that you actually want this job, not just any job.
When is a Cover Letter Mandatory?
You shouldn't write a novel for every single application, but there are certain scenarios where skipping the cover letter is a massive mistake.
- When the Application Explicitly Asks for It: This seems obvious, but many candidates ignore instructions. If the job description requests a cover letter, failing to include one shows an inability to follow directions.
- When You Are Pivoting Careers: If your past titles don't clearly align with the job you are applying for, you must use a cover letter to explain your transferable skills.
- When You Have a Personal Connection: If you were referred by an employee, the cover letter is the perfect place to mention them directly. "I was excited to hear about this opening from [Name], who spoke highly of your company culture."
How to Write a Cover Letter That Gets Read
The biggest mistake candidates make is writing a cover letter that simply regurgitates their resume in paragraph format. Hiring managers don't want a summary; they want a narrative.
Hook the reader immediately
Forget "To Whom It May Concern." Start with a strong statement of enthusiasm or a direct reference to a company initiative. Example: "When I saw that your team recently launched the new AI feature set, I knew I had to apply for the Senior Product Manager role. As someone who has scaled ML products for three years, I am deeply aligned with your vision."
Focus on Their Needs, Not Just Your Wants
Many cover letters focus entirely on why the job is good for the applicant's career. Instead, flip the script. Highlight how your specific background solves a problem the company is currently facing.
Keep It Concise
SEEK's own advice is that about three-quarters of a page is the sweet spot, which lands around three or four short paragraphs, or roughly 250 to 300 words. If it reads as a wall of text, the hiring manager will skip it. A couple of bullet points to spotlight two or three career wins that map to the ad can help a busy reader scan.
The Role of AI in Writing Cover Letters
With the advent of generative AI, candidates often wonder if they can just automate the entire process. While AI is a fantastic brainstorming partner, submitting a raw, unedited AI-generated cover letter is risky. Hiring managers and recruiters read hundreds of applications and can quickly spot generic, robotic language.
Instead, use AI to help you structure your thoughts, overcome writer's block, or match your tone to the company's brand voice. Always edit thoroughly to ensure your personal voice and genuine passion shine through.
If you are looking for an intelligent way to draft your cover letter, consider using a specialised Cover Letter Generator that takes your unique experiences and tailors them effectively—while still allowing for your personal touch.
Conclusion: Quality Over Quantity
So, does a cover letter really matter? Yes.
In a competitive market, you are looking for every possible edge. A well-written, highly tailored cover letter provides a significant advantage over candidates who submitted a generic resume. Stop sending out 100 generic applications and start sending out 20 highly targeted ones. The results will speak for themselves.
Looking to complement your excellent cover letter with a flawless resume? Try our AI Resume Builder to ensure your entire application package is top-tier.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Do I need a cover letter for my resume?
A: Yes, in most cases. Include one whenever the job ad asks for it, the role is competitive or client-facing, or you need to explain a career change, relocation, or employment gap. Only skip it when the employer explicitly says it's not required or there's nowhere to attach one.
Q: Do employers actually read cover letters?
A: Many do, selectively. Recruiters typically skim them for shortlisted candidates, and hiring managers read them most closely for roles involving writing or client communication. A concise, tailored half-page letter is far more likely to be read than a generic full page.
Q: Does a cover letter improve your chances of an interview?
A: Yes. SEEK research (conducted by Nature, 2025) found 83% of Australian hirers find cover letters useful, and a US ResumeGo field study found tailored letters lifted interview callbacks by roughly 50% versus applying without one. Tailored strongly outperforms generic.
Q: When should you NOT send a cover letter?
A: When the ad explicitly says one is not required, when the form has no upload field, or in one-click apply flows. Following the employer's instructions beats attaching extra documents.
