In 2023, you don’t need a cover letter for every job, but you do need one when it can improve your odds or when the job posting expects it. Surveys of hiring managers have found that many still read cover letters, so a well-crafted cover letter can be the extra push that gets you an interview.
This guide shows you when to include a cover letter, when you can skip it, and how to write a great cover letter that feels worth the extra effort.
Key takeaways
- Cover letters still matter because many hiring managers read cover letters, even when they aren’t required.
- If the job posting asks you to submit a cover letter, treat it as a requirement.
- A cover letter could help you explain fit, motivation, and details that your resume alone can’t show.
- Some people don’t read cover letters, so your best use is to keep it concise and skimmable.
- If you can’t tailor it, it’s often better to skip than send a generic letter.
Cover letters still: what changed in 2023?
In 2023, online application systems made it easier to apply fast, which also made hiring teams busier. That’s why some recruiters don’t read every separate cover letter from every applicant. At the same time, many employers read cover letters when they’re deciding between similar candidates.
So here’s the reality: whether cover letters are “dead” depends on the company, the role, and the volume of applicants. You don’t want to gamble on being the person who skipped a cover letter when the hiring manager actually cared.
Also, cover letters are still used as a writing sample in many fields. If the position involves communication, a compelling cover letter can quietly prove you can write.
Do employers read cover letters anymore?
Yes, many do. A Resume Genius survey of U.S. hiring managers reported that 83% said they “always” or “frequently” read cover letters, and 45% said they read a cover letter before the resume. The same source also reported that 36% spend less than 30 seconds reading a cover letter, which explains why skim-friendly writing matters.
That doesn’t mean everyone reads them. A Forbes poll shared that over 70% of participants (recruiters, hiring managers, and job seekers) believed cover letters were no longer essential in shortlisting. These two ideas can both be true: some hiring teams rely on them, and some don’t.
Your move is simple: if you really want the job, don’t assume your target company is in the “don’t read cover letters” camp. Play the odds.
When do you need a cover letter?
You need a cover letter when the job posting asks for one, because following directions is part of your job application. You also need one when the role is competitive, the company is smaller, or the hiring manager is likely to value motivation and communication.
A tailored cover letter is especially useful when:
- You’re applying for a dream job and want to show enthusiasm the right way.
- You’re making a career change and need to connect the dots.
- You have a gap, relocation, or context to explain quickly.
- You’re applying to roles where writing and communication are core skills.
A recruiter may not say it out loud, but a strong letter can set you apart when your resume and cover letter are being compared side-by-side.
When is it okay to skip a cover letter?
You can skip a cover letter when the application has no cover letter field and doesn’t allow uploads for a separate cover letter. You should also skip it if the employer clearly says not to include one.
You can also consider skipping when you truly have no time to write a tailored letter. Sending a sloppy, generic letter can hurt more than it helps, because it signals low effort.
That said, skipping doesn’t mean “doing nothing.” If you don’t include one, make sure your resume alone is sharp, keyword-matched, and built for skim reading.
What a cover letter does that a resume doesn’t
Your resume is facts. Your cover letter is a story. A cover letter isn’t a repeat of your bullets; it’s a short explanation of why you’re a fit for the position and why you want to work there.
A cover letter doesn’t have to be long. It should highlight one or two relevant skills and one achievement that proves your qualification. Then it should connect those points to the job description. That’s what makes it a well-crafted cover letter instead of filler.
This is also where you create a strong first impression. If the hiring manager reads your cover letter first, it can frame your resume in a positive way.
How to submit a cover letter the right way
If the posting says “submit a cover letter,” do it. If it says “optional,” the safest move is usually to include one—especially if you want to hire into a competitive role and you can tailor it.
Upload it as a PDF when possible so formatting stays clean across devices. Keep your contact information consistent with your resume and your LinkedIn profile. If the application only allows plain text, paste a simplified version that still looks clean.
One more thing: name your file clearly. A messy filename looks careless, even if the writing is great.
A simple cover letter format that gets skimmed
Since many readers skim, you want a cover letter format that works in under a minute. Remember: Resume Genius reported that 36% of hiring managers spend less than 30 seconds on a cover letter. That’s why the first paragraph must earn attention quickly.
Use this three-paragraph structure:
- Paragraph 1: Name the position and give a one-line “why you” statement.
- Paragraph 2: Match the job requirements with one strong achievement.
- Paragraph 3: Show interest, reinforce fit, and ask for next steps.
Keep sentences short. Use white space. Make it easy to skim.
How to write a cover letter faster (without junk)
You don’t need to reinvent the wheel every time. Start with a base template, then customize the top, middle, and bottom. This keeps it fast while still showing extra effort.
Here’s a simple workflow:
- Read the job description and pull 3 key needs.
- Pick 1 matching achievement from your resume and cover letter notes.
- Write the first paragraph with a clear hook.
- Proofread once for clarity, once for errors.
If you do this, you can write one in 15–20 minutes without sacrificing quality. Speed comes from structure.
How LinkedIn fits into your job search
In 2023, LinkedIn often acts like your “public resume.” If your cover letter says you’re one thing, but your LinkedIn shows another, it can create doubt. Keep your titles, dates, and positioning aligned.
Also, your LinkedIn can support your story when you don’t have room in your resume. If you reference a portfolio project or a certification, make sure it’s easy to find and consistent.
Even if recruiters don’t read cover letters, they may still check LinkedIn. So keep your message aligned across your job search.
A decision table for every job
Use this quick table before you apply. It’ll help you decide when it’s still need-a-cover-letter time.
| Situation | Include one? | Why |
| Posting requires it | Yes | Following directions matters. |
| Posting says optional | Usually yes | Can help differentiate you. |
| No cover letter field | No | No place to upload. |
| You can’t tailor it | No | Generic hurts trust. |
| Career change / gap | Yes | Adds context resume alone can’t. |
TLDR & Frequently Asked Questions
Do you still need a cover letter in 2023?
Sometimes. You don’t need one for every job, but you should include one when it’s required, when you really want the job, or when it helps explain fit.
Do recruiters read cover letters?
Some do, and some don’t. Survey data suggests many hiring managers frequently read them, but time is limited, so they may skim.
Can a great cover letter actually help you get hired?
It can. Survey data reported that many hiring managers read cover letters and sometimes read them before the resume, which means a strong letter can improve your first impression.
What if you don’t have time to write one?
If you can’t tailor it, focus on making your resume as strong as possible. A rushed, generic cover letter can work against you.
Should you send a cover letter for every job?
No. Use it when it’s the best use of your time, when it’s requested, or when you need to explain something important.
Conclusion
In 2023, cover letters are not a thing of the past—but they are a tool you should use strategically. When the posting asks for one, submit it. When you’re close to a perfect fit or making a career move that needs context, a tailored cover letter can set you apart. And when there’s no place to upload one, or you can’t customize it, it’s okay to skip and lean on a strong resume.
If you want a cover letter that sounds like you, matches your resume, and positions you as the candidate employers want to hire, reach out to Resume Fixer Upper for professional cover letter writing and career services. You’ll submit applications with confidence and a message that gets noticed.