Do I Need a Cover Letter? (When to Send One)

The Short Answer

It depends. In some situations, a cover letter is required. In others, it is a powerful differentiator. And in a few cases, it is genuinely optional. Understanding when to send one — and when not to — saves you time while maximizing your chances.

When a Cover Letter Is Required

Some employers explicitly require a cover letter as part of the application. If the job posting says "cover letter required" or "include a cover letter with your application," you must submit one. Failing to do so will get your application filtered out immediately.

Cover letters are typically required for:

• Academic and research positions — Where a statement of purpose is standard.
• Government jobs — Many federal and state applications require detailed cover letters addressing specific qualifications.
• Nonprofit organizations — Where mission alignment matters and cover letters demonstrate passion for the cause.
• Creative roles — Where the letter itself demonstrates writing ability and communication skills.
• Senior and executive roles — Where the cover letter serves as a leadership statement.

When a Cover Letter Helps (Even If Not Required)

Research from ResumeLab found that 83% of hiring managers say cover letters influence their hiring decisions. Even when not required, a well-written cover letter gives you an advantage because:

• Most candidates do not submit one. Sending one immediately differentiates you.
• It gives you a chance to tell a story your resume cannot — why you want THIS job at THIS company.
• It demonstrates communication skills in a way a resume cannot.
• It allows you to address potential concerns (career change, employment gaps, relocation) proactively.

You should send a cover letter when:

• You are changing careers and need to explain how your skills transfer.
• You have a specific connection to the company (referral, alumni, former employee).
• You want to address an employment gap or unusual circumstance.
• You are applying to a small company where the hiring manager reads every application personally.
• You have a genuine passion for the company's mission or product.

When You Can Skip the Cover Letter

There are situations where a cover letter adds little value:

• The employer explicitly says "no cover letters." Respect the instruction.
• You are applying through an ATS-only portal with no option to upload documents beyond your resume.
• You cannot write a strong, customized letter in the time available. A bad cover letter is worse than none.
• You are applying for a high-volume, entry-level role where the screening process is purely automated.

Cover Letter Impact: By the Numbers

Statistic	Source
83% of hiring managers say cover letters influence their decision	ResumeLab Survey
72% of recruiters expect a cover letter even if not required	Jobvite Recruiter Nation Report
Candidates who submit cover letters are 50% more likely to get an interview	Resumeble Research
Only 26% of job seekers include a cover letter	TopResume Survey

The data is clear: most candidates do not write cover letters, but most hiring managers want them. This gap is your opportunity.

The Bottom Line

When in doubt, write the cover letter. It takes 30 minutes to customize a strong letter, and the return on that investment is disproportionately high. The only time you should skip it is when you cannot make it genuinely good, or when the employer explicitly does not want one. For guidance on writing one, see our Cover Letter Format Guide.