Every few years, the internet decides something in the job search is dead. We’ve all seen it: resumes, networking, working with recruiters, and of course, cover letters. We’ve rebuked most of these rumors, but what about that last one? Are cover letters dead—really? The brief answer is, “It depends.” The truth is a bit more nuanced than that.
In a market where speed is of the essence, and recruiters are spending mere seconds on an initial review of a resume, do cover letters have a place? The debate rages on, so let’s dive in and see what we can uncover.
A History of Cover Letters
The cover letter dates back to a much different hiring process, when applications were mailed, resumes were shorter and more formal, and employers expected a personal introduction alongside professional credentials. In that time, these letters “covered” the resume and explained why the applicant was writing. In fact, you may have heard them called “covering letters” before we shortened the name to just “cover letter.”
Over time, cover letters became deeply embedded in hiring culture, particularly for professional and corporate roles. They were a way to individuate applicants, showcasing their writing ability, communication style, and personality. Plus, before LinkedIn entered the scene, they were a way to add context to an applicant’s experience.
While the importance of cover letters has changed in the digital age, the purpose behind them hasn’t changed. At their core, they explain why you’re interested in the role and how you fit with the organization. A well-written cover letter focuses less on repeating your resume and more on communicating alignment, value, and interest.
The Problem of Bad Cover Letters
Perhaps one main reason these introductory letters lost their importance is simply that most are just horrible. They can be two pages or more of drivel, most of which has no bearing on your qualifications or fit. And since AI entered the conversation, they’ve gotten to be something worse: generic.
Bad cover letters often open with, “I’m writing to apply for. . .” followed by a rehashed resume summary and generic interest in the role. The person reading this type of letter is no better for having done so.
Where it shifts is when you step away from boring, same-old introductions and delve into the world of strategy, separating yourself from the pack in the best way possible. Then, a cover letter can be a true advantage.
If Asked for a Cover Letter, Send One
Some job descriptions ask you to skip the online applicant tracking system (ATS) and send a resume, cover letter, and usually something else to an email address. You might also run into an online application that has an asterisk next to the area to upload a cover letter. In both of these cases, you won’t be asking, “Are cover letters dead?” Clearly, you’re required to submit one. If you don’t, you have demonstrated that you can’t follow directions, meaning you’ll get rejected.
Often, this situation occurs in smaller firms where they don’t have recruiters (and probably don’t expect hundreds of applications). Even if they receive a multitude of resumes, they can easily parse them out by looking for the cover letter: no letter, not moving forward. Period.
You may also be asked to include something specific, such as salary requirements, what you like about the company’s culture, or your favorite ice cream (yes, I have seen all these). If your letter doesn’t answer these questions, you’re out.
Follow directions, include what they require, and put a bit of effort into it. If it’s important enough for them to ask, it’s important enough for you to follow through.
Are Cover Letters Dead to Recruiters?
Some recruiters will skip over cover letters—and they’re not shy about sharing their dislike of them. Others boast that they always read these introductory notes. Then there’s the group that will go where the wind blows them, heading to a cover letter when they have questions about the resume they hope the letter will answer.
It’s the last group we want to focus on because they’re looking for context.
In this scenario, a well-written cover letter gives you space to explain:
- Why this role?
- Why this company?
- Why now?
- How you fit.
What you share can help shed light where a resume doesn’t and provide a recruiter with a reason to move forward with your application.
When Cover Letters Are Not Dead
While cover letters may be dead to some, that is absolutely not the case across the board. If not required, don’t feel obliged to include one. However, there are some instances when they can be exceptionally helpful and effective. Here are just a few:
Career Pivots
If you’re transitioning industries or functions, a cover letter can help bridge the gap between your previous experience and your future direction. Without that explanation, a recruiter may simply think: “Interesting background, but not relevant.” Your well-written cover letter helps connect the dots.
Networking Connections
If someone referred you internally or encouraged you to apply, a cover letter can reinforce that connection naturally. It creates familiarity and gives additional context to your application. And context matters more than ever right now.
Mission-Driven Organizations
When organizations are deeply tied to a mission, cause, or values system, a tailored cover letter can demonstrate alignment in a way a resume can’t. This is especially true for nonprofits and in healthcare, education, and purpose-driven companies. Your well-written cover letter helps employers know that you understand what’s important to them.
Mid- and Senior-Level Roles
At the executive level, hiring becomes less transactional and more relational. Leadership hires are often evaluated not just on qualifications, but on communication style, strategic thinking, and organizational fit. A thoughtful cover letter can help reinforce those qualities—especially when it sounds like an actual human wrote it.
Should You Use AI to Write Cover Letters?
I can’t ignore the fact that job seekers are using AI in their search. While it’s not great across the board, in many areas, it can be incredibly helpful—and that includes cover letters.
The problem is that most people ask AI to “write me a cover letter.” Yuck. That creates something that’s generic, boring, and just like everyone else who’s inputting the same prompt. That’s a fail of epic proportions. Instead, try something like this:
“Write a cover letter for this JD for [position] at [company]. Call out 3 key skills that the position is looking for and highlight how I can fulfill them; bullet these. Also include something about the mission, vision, and/or values of the organization and how they align with my goals.”
This approach is more effective because it:
- creates focus
- aligns the letter to the role
- forces specificity
- adds personalization
Even with a great prompt, though, AI is still a “yes man,” and you must edit any outputs AI provides. Incorporate real results from your experience; integrate your passion for the company or role; and above all, make sure the letter shares your authentic voice.
What Hiring Managers Actually Want
That two-page cover letter in which you explain everything about your career journey? Yeah, that’s not what’s going to encourage a hiring manager to call you.
Instead, they want clarity. In other words, get to the point and share:
- Why you’re interested in the role.
- How you fit with the culture.
- Why they should call you for an interview.
That’s it. Keep it short, focused, and relevant. In some cases (especially at higher levels), concise communication is often part of the evaluation itself.
The Bigger Shift in the Job Search
Today, you can head to LinkedIn and get validation for any viewpoint you have in the job search—and there are many:
- Resumes should be all bullets and one page long.
- You can make a resume multiple pages as long as it shares value.
- Recruiters are all out to scam job seekers.
- Cover letters are dead.
“The truth is out there,” as Scully and Mulder would say. All these above are fodder for discussion, but the bottom line is that job seekers are looking for certainty and a strategy that works. As much as I would like to say otherwise, there’s not one thing that’s 100% guaranteed in a job search. Instead, an overall strategy that works for you is key. It may or may not work for others. And it may or many not include cover letters.
Are cover letters dead? For some people, I’m sure they are. For others, they can help steer you toward an interview. This isn’t a black-and-white issue; it’s nuanced.
Cover letters aren’t a requirement for most applications in 2026, but they can help to:
- create context
- reinforce alignment
- demonstrate communication skills
- and help you stand out in a crowded market
If you choose to include one, share yourself in that letter and explain why you’re awesome. Be brief and keep them wanting more. Communicate with your authentic self. That’s what leads to interviews.
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Need help navigating the job-search process? There’s a reason I named my company Your Career Advocate: I’m here to guide and support you from initial application through salary negotiation. Learn about my services.