Do Cover Letters Still Matter in 2025?

The short answer: yes, in the right context. For many corporate and creative roles, a compelling cover letter can be the deciding factor between two equally qualified candidates. For high-volume tech applications processed entirely by ATS, they matter less. The key is knowing when to invest in one — and when you do write one, making it exceptional.

According to a ResumeLab survey, 83% of HR professionals said cover letters were important to their hiring decision when provided. The problem is that most cover letters are boring, generic, and forgettable. Here's how yours won't be.

The Opening That Gets Them Hooked

Never open with "I am writing to apply for..." — it's the cover letter equivalent of a beige wall. Instead, open with something that immediately demonstrates your understanding of the company's challenge or your genuine enthusiasm for their mission. Examples:

  • "When [Company] launched [Product], it solved a problem I'd been struggling with for years as a [relevant background]. That's when I knew I wanted to be part of the team building what comes next."
  • "I've spent the last 5 years helping B2B SaaS companies reduce churn — and after studying [Company]'s approach to customer success, I believe I can bring that same impact to your team."

You have 5 seconds to make them want to keep reading. Make those seconds count.

The Body: Proof, Not Promises

The middle section should do two things: connect your specific experience to their specific needs, and provide one or two concrete examples with quantified results. Don't summarise your resume — that's what the resume is for. Instead, pick one story that illustrates exactly why you're the right person for this role.

Structure it as: "You need [X]. I've done exactly that: at [Company], I [action] which resulted in [measurable outcome]. Here's how I'd apply that approach to [specific challenge they face]."

The Closing That Prompts Action

End with confidence and a clear call to action. Avoid weak phrases like "I hope to hear from you" or "Thank you for your consideration." Instead: "I'd love the chance to walk you through how I'd approach [specific challenge] in the first 90 days. I'm available for a conversation at your convenience and can be reached at [phone/email]."

Formatting Rules

Keep it to one page, three to four short paragraphs, and a clean font matching your resume. Use the same header as your resume for visual consistency. Address it to the specific hiring manager if you can find their name — "Dear Hiring Team" is the fallback, never "To Whom It May Concern."

Using AI to Draft and Refine

AI tools can generate a solid cover letter draft in minutes when given the job description, your resume, and a few key talking points. The trick is to then personalise heavily — add a specific detail about the company that only someone who has genuinely researched them would know. That personal touch is what separates a compelling letter from a generated one.

A great cover letter is a competitive advantage. Most candidates either don't write one or write a mediocre one. Investing 30 minutes in a genuinely compelling letter puts you in the top 10% before the interview even begins.