The Secret Code of Cover Letters: Do You Really Need One?

"Do I really need a cover letter?" It is the most common question we get.

The short answer: It depends.

When You MUST Write One

1. The Job Description Asks For It: Ignoring instructions is an automatic fail.
2. You Are a Career Changer: Your resume shows what you did; your cover letter explains why you are pivoting.
3. You Have an Employment Gap: Use the cover letter to control the narrative.
4. You Are Referred: Mention the person who referred you in the first sentence.

When You Can Skip It

• The application form has no upload field for it.
• You are applying for a role where your portfolio speaks louder (e.g., Graphic Design), though a short intro is still nice.

The Secret Formula

If you do write one, don't just repeat your resume.

Bad: "I am writing to apply for X. I have 5 years of experience." (Boring!)

Good: "As a longtime user of [Company Product], I was thrilled to see the opening for X..."

Check out our Cover Letter Builder to create a persuasive letter in minutes.