Is a Cover Letter Ever Really Optional?

According to a study by Resume Genius, 78% of recruiters and hiring managers in the US prefer applicants to submit a cover letter, with 25% of this group indicating that it was very important when deciding which applicants to interview. Only 6% said cover letters were not at all important.

Similarly, in the UK, CV Genius found that 85% of hiring managers consider cover letters influential in their hiring decisions, with 49% reporting they would consider an underqualified applicant with a persuasive cover letter.

From this research, it would seem that cover letters still play an important role in the recruitment process in 2024. But if this is the case, why are they so frequently marked as an ‘optional’ document in the application process?

What Does ‘Optional’ Really Mean?

When a job application indicates that a cover letter is optional, it can seem like a bit of a grey area. For many, the word ‘optional’ is synonymous with ‘not necessary.’ However, in the context of job applications, it often means ‘highly encouraged, but not required to proceed.’

When a company says a cover letter is optional, they’re giving you an opportunity to include extra information to strengthen your case. Whilst they won’t necessarily disqualify you for not providing one, a well written cover letter can give you an advantage.

The reality is that a cover letter can make all the difference when it comes to landing an interview, especially when you’re up against equally qualified candidates, with 56% of hiring managers in the UK believing that cover letters show more passion than CVs. Treating an optional cover letter as a chance to enhance your application, rather than as a non-essential box to skip, can set you apart in a competitive market.

Why are Cover Letters Important?

Cover letters may seem like an outdated requirement in today’s job market, but they still serve a crucial role in the application process. A CV acts as a formal list of your skills and experiences, demonstrating to recruiters your suitability for the role. A cover letter plays a different role; it acts as an opportunity for you to tell your story, adding a more personal touch to your application.

You can express your enthusiasm for the role and the company, add more context to the contents of your CV, and demonstrate the research you’ve done. You can bring your skills and experiences directly in line with the job description to explain how you would contribute to the company’s goals, and show recruiters that you’re not only qualified for the role but that you’d also fit in with the company.

Why Don’t All Companies Require Cover Letters?

If cover letters are so important, then why don’t all companies make them a mandatory step in the application process?

Firstly, many companies – especially large corporations – deal with hundreds or even thousands of applications for a single role. Making cover letters mandatory would add extra time to the screening process, which could already be cumbersome for hiring teams. By marking them as optional, recruiters can focus on cover letters that provide real insight, rather than sifting through those that may have been hastily written out of obligation.

For some companies, making cover letters optional is simply a way of identifying the candidates with the most interest in and genuine passion for the role. Those who have taken the time to write a well-researched, personalised cover letter will demonstrate their commitment to the position at the very first stage in the process, and this undoubtedly makes a strong first impression.

When Should You Write a Cover Letter?

It’s highly unlikely that you’ll be equally passionate about all the jobs you apply for. Especially if you’re in a situation where you need to find a new job quickly, there will undoubtedly be jobs that you’re more invested in than others. Even if a cover letter is optional, if there’s a particular job that you could really see yourself in or a company that you’d love to work for, taking the extra time to include a cover letter can’t hurt.

Another reason to include a cover letter is if there’s something in your CV that you think requires explanation. For example, a career break, a change in industry, or a complete change in career path. You can address these in your cover letter to pre-empt any concerns the recruiter may have about your suitability for the role.

As well as this, sometimes a job posting will subtly hint that a cover letter would be appreciated, even if it’s not explicitly required. Phrases like ‘we’d love to hear why you’re interested’ or ‘tell us about your experience’ are good indicators that a letter would add value to your application. In a similar way, some companies will specifically request that you do not submit a cover letter with your application, so make sure you read the job posting closely to ensure you’re following all application instructions, and that you’re not wasting your time.

What Can You Do Instead of Writing a Cover Letter?

If you don’t have the time to write a cover letter, there are other things you can do to strengthen your application. These include:

• Customising your CV with a tailored summary at the top that showcases your enthusiasm and reflects the keywords used in the job posting
• Networking at industry events or platforms like LinkedIn to help keep your name and face in recruiters’ minds
• Showcasing your work on a professional online portfolio that recruiters can browse at their own leisure
• Optimising your LinkedIn profile and other social media accounts to ensure that if a recruiter looks you up, your digital footprint improves – rather than threatens – your chances of success
• Sending a short message on LinkedIn or via email to the recruiter or hiring manager emphasising your interest in the role, and demonstrating willingness to expand on any element of your application if needed

How is AI Having an Impact?

With so many new AI-powered job searching tools constantly emerging, including generative AI platforms that can help you write content for CVs, cover letters and applications, it might seem as though applying for jobs is easier than ever. However, 74% of hiring managers can tell when a cover letter is AI-generated, and 4 in 5 view AI-generated content negatively. Whilst AI is undoubtedly a useful tool to have in your arsenal, you shouldn’t be relying on technology to do the job for you. You’ll find it hard to truly influence recruiters and hiring managers and make them invested in your candidacy if your applications are clearly missing a human, personal touch.

Is a Cover Letter Ever Really Optional?

In short, if you’re invested in a particular role or company, and you have the time to craft a well-written cover letter, then it is worth taking the extra time to include one. However, you must consider the context of the application and its instructions, as well as everything else you have or haven’t done to support your case. For example, there’s no point spending hours on a cover letter only for a recruiter to take a look at your social media presence and find your accounts full of unprofessional content! If you’re going to write a cover letter, do it well, and absolutely don’t rely on AI to do it for you!