Always include a cover letter unless the job posting explicitly says not to. Recruiters consistently rank cover letters as tie-breakers for qualified candidates. Skipping one is only safe for bulk job board applications at companies using automated ATS screening with no human first-review stage.
A cover letter is a one-page document submitted alongside your resume that explains why you want the specific role and what makes you the right fit. It's your chance to add personality, address gaps, and connect your experience to the employer's needs. Its greatest strength is giving hiring managers context that a resume simply cannot provide, making you a three-dimensional candidate rather than a list of bullet points.
Skipping a cover letter means submitting only your resume, relying on your credentials and experience to speak for themselves. This approach is common on high-volume platforms like LinkedIn Easy Apply or Indeed, where many employers expect it. Its main strength is speed — you can apply to far more jobs in less time. However, it removes any opportunity to differentiate yourself or provide context that your resume alone cannot convey.
| Aspect | Cover Letter | No Cover Letter |
|---|---|---|
| Time Investment | 30–60 minutes per tailored letter on top of resume prep | Zero additional time — submit resume and apply immediately |
| Differentiation | Lets you stand out by showing specific motivation and personality | You compete solely on resume credentials with no added context |
| Best For | Roles you genuinely want, competitive positions, career changers, or gaps to explain | Mass applications via Easy Apply, roles clearly stating 'no cover letter needed,' or ATS-only screened positions |
Write a cover letter whenever you genuinely want the job. For targeted applications — especially at companies under 500 employees, senior roles, or positions requiring a culture fit — a strong cover letter measurably improves your chances. Choose to skip it only when applying through platforms that don't support them, when a posting explicitly says not to include one, or when you're casting a wide net on automated job boards. If you're going to write one, make it specific to the company and role — a generic cover letter is worse than none at all.
Yes, but selectively. Studies show around 26–49% of hiring managers read cover letters for every candidate, and 72% expect one even if they don't always read it. At smaller companies and for senior roles, cover letters are read far more consistently than at large corporations using ATS software.
Absolutely. A generic, error-filled, or copy-paste cover letter signals low effort and can disqualify you faster than no letter at all. If you don't have time to tailor it specifically to the company and role, you're better off skipping it entirely than submitting a weak one.
Generally no — LinkedIn Easy Apply is designed for quick submissions and most employers using it expect no cover letter. However, if the role allows an optional document upload and you're highly motivated by the position, attaching a short, tailored letter can still set you apart from the majority who don't bother.