When a cover letter actually helps — and when it just wastes time
Generic cover letters annoy everyone. A short, specific one can unblock an otherwise borderline application.
Check before you apply
- Use a cover letter when your story needs context.
- Connect the role to your background in one paragraph.
- Cut anything that just restates the resume.
When it helps
A cover letter earns its place when your application needs explaining: a career switch, a short but relevant stint, a specific reason this company matters to you, or a non-obvious connection between your background and the role.
It also helps when the posting explicitly emphasizes motivation, autonomy, or domain knowledge. In those cases, the letter is what signals you actually read it.
When to skip it
If the letter just restates the resume, it's noise. The recruiter doesn't need a second version of your experience — they need to understand why this specific application makes sense.
Keep it short, specific, and scannable. A dense page with template phrases ("I am writing to express my interest in…") rarely earns a second read.