If you’re applying for a job, the chances are that you spend a lot of time perfecting your resume. But what is a cover letter? Is it really that terrible not to go? The quick answer is yes, it can. While not all job listings require a cover letter, in many cases, omitting one can harm your chances because failing to include one may make your application seem incomplete or poorly considered. As companies receive far too many resumes daily, everything counts in a job market where tens, if not hundreds, of people apply for a single position.
It’s more than a mere formality. It’s your opportunity to let your personality and story shine, setting yourself apart from the rest of the applicant crowd.
Let’s find out why missing a cover letter could work against you when you’re able to get away without submitting one, and how you can make your cover letter the best cover letter you’ve ever written.
Why a Cover Letter Matters
A cover letter can provide more information than a resume because you can express yourself more personally in a cover letter than on a resume. It lets you use your voice beyond your qualifications and allows you to explain the “why” behind your application.
Here’s Why Including One is Usually Considered Professional:
1. It Shows Effort
A personalized cover letter indicates that you’ve made an effort to learn about the company and the position. It communicates to the employer that you’re not spam-applying but rather genuinely interested in the position.
2. It Provides Context for Your Resume
You may be switching careers, have employment gaps, or you’re applying for a position in an industry you’ve never worked in before. Your resume shows what you’ve done, but your cover letter explains why. This setting could help the employer see the larger picture.
3. It Highlights Soft Skills
Your resume conveys the facts of your experience, skills, and accomplishments. Still, a cover letter conveys the tone and style in which you communicate, as well as your professionalism and personality. It can reveal aspects such as motivation, passion, and attitude qualities that are often difficult to quantify on a resume. Writing a great cover letter can take forever. A significant number of job applicants now resort to the best cover letter writing services uae to make their applications polished, personalized, and strong.
4. It Helps You Stand Out
If two candidates are equally qualified for a job, the one who writes a compelling cover letter will receive more attention. It’s your pitch and an opportunity to stand out in a crowded field.
When Is It OK Not to Use a Cover Letter?
While it’s usually best to have one, there are some cases where it may not be required at all:
The job listing reads, “No cover letter required.”
If so, you do as you are told. If you include one, it will seem as if you didn’t read the fine print.
You’re applying via a hiring portal with no option to upload a letter.
Some application systems require only a resume. If there’s no room or choice, so be it.
Someone at the Company Refers You Directly.
A strong internal referral is the most convincing, but even then, a brief, email-style cover letter could offer some value.
You may still want to include a brief note that serves as an icebreaker, particularly if you can paste it in the body of the email, along with the rest of the application.
Are You Unprofessional Without It?
“Unprofessional” may be too harsh a word, but the failure to file a cover letter does suggest a lack of interest or effort, particularly for positions that involve high-quality communication, attention to detail, or extensive customer contact.
One way or another, there are generally two interpretations for a lack of cover letters:
So, why didn’t you write one?
You’re throwing resumes around and seeing what sticks.
Neither of these images is in your interest. Think of a cover letter like the statement of purpose you wrote for your college applications: the goal is to tell your potential employers why you’re a good fit for the job and the company.
What Recruiters Say
The surveys are mixed, but most jobseekers have been skipping this step, although a majority of hiring managers still read cover letters. That first impression matters for mid-level and senior positions. Many will tell you that a fantastic cover letter can also persuade them to interview a candidate if the resume isn’t up to par.
So, even though many hiring managers may not read cover letters, others do and that’s who you’re addressing.
How to Write a Good Cover Letter
If you are submitting a cover letter (and you should), here’s what you need to do to make it great:
1. Keep It Short and Focused
One page is enough. In 3–4 paragraphs, give us a brief sense of who you are, why you’re interested in this work, and some of the skills you bring to the table.
2. Personalize It
Don’t use generic salutations such as “To Whom It May Concern.” If you can, direct it to the hiring manager’s name. Name the company and role specifically.
3. Show Enthusiasm
Allow your passion to show. Why this company? Why this job? Express genuine interest.
4. Match the Tone
Maintain a buttoned-up professional appearance if the company is a more formal one. If the environment is a little looser or more creative, allow a lot of personality to be on display.
5. Finish Strong
Conclude with a strong closing line that invites further conversation: “I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss how my job skills align with your needs.”
Final Verdict
Not including a cover letter isn’t always fatal, but in most cases, it weakens an application. In some cases, it can be the difference between receiving an interview and being overlooked. Consider it a weapon, not something you necessarily have to do. Even if a job doesn’t require one, offering a cover letter shows that you’re serious about the job.
