Cover letters have been a standard part of job applications, often viewed as a candidate’s opportunity to explain their background and express interest in a role. But as hiring processes become more automated and digital, their relevance in 2025 is questionable. Do recruiters still value cover letters? Do candidates use them to showcase their potential, or are they just another tool to insert the right keywords, get past automated screening systems, and land in front of a hiring manager?

Here’s what recent research and hiring trends reveal.

Do Cover Letters Still Make a Difference?

For some recruiters, cover letters still serve a purpose. A 2024 Jobvite survey found that 70% of hiring managers see them as valuable, particularly for roles where communication, problem-solving, or creativity matter. They provide context beyond what’s on a resume, helping hiring managers understand why a candidate is applying for a role or how their experience connects to the position.

But not all recruiters rely on them. The same survey found that 40% of hiring managers often skip cover letters entirely, focusing on resumes and portfolios instead. In more technical fields, where measurable skills are the priority, cover letters may not be a deciding factor in hiring.

The ATS and AI Cycle: Are Cover Letters Becoming Too Generic?

One major shift is how technology is shaping hiring. Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) now filter applications before a recruiter even sees them. Many of these systems prioritize resumes based on keywords, meaning a detailed, personalized cover letter may not even make it to the hiring manager’s desk. According to CareerBuilder's 'AI in Hiring: 2024 Trends, Insights & Predictions,' 52% of hiring decision-makers report using AI for analyzing resumes and applications, streamlining the candidate evaluation process.

The report also indicates that 40% of recruiters plan to add AI solutions to their in-house tools if they are not already using them extensively, reflecting a growing trend toward automation in recruitment.

This has created a cycle: Candidates are learning to optimize applications for ATS, which means using templates, AI tools, and keyword-heavy language to get through the system.

The result? A hiring process where both sides—recruiters and candidates—are adapting to automation, but in doing so, cover letters are becoming increasingly standardized and worthless.

When Cover Letters Still Matter

Cover letters may not be essential for every application, but they remain useful in certain situations:

• Explaining Career Gaps or Transitions. Candidates switching industries or returning to the workforce can use a cover letter to explain their career path.

• Creative and Communication Roles. Industries like marketing, media, and PR still value well-written cover letters as a way to assess a candidate’s style and messaging skills.

• Highly Personalized Applications. Some companies still expect cover letters, especially for roles where motivation and cultural fit are important.

Cover Letter Trends

Shorter, More Targeted Letters: Instead of long narratives, recruiters prefer concise, 200 or 300-word letters focused on key achievements.
Video Introductions: Some companies are replacing written cover letters with video introductions, particularly in customer-facing roles.
AI-Assisted Personalization: Many candidates use AI to draft cover letters, optimizing them with the right keywords to pass ATS filters. However, adding a personal touch is still key to standing out to recruiters.
More Context, Less Repetition: Instead of summarizing a resume, modern cover letters focus on explaining career decisions and motivations.

Should You Still Write a Cover Letter in 2025?

It depends on the role, industry, and company. If a job listing asks for a cover letter, you have to include one. For roles that emphasize communication, creativity, or company culture, a well-crafted letter can help a candidate stand out.

For technical or skill-based jobs where recruiters prioritize portfolios and measurable experience, focusing on the resume may be a better strategy.

For larger international organizations with thousands of applicants, use a cover letter with the right keyboards

Know your audience. If a cover letter will add value, write one. If it won’t, your time might be better spent refining other parts of your application. Stay ahead with AI-driven work trends, explore more on NewStardom.com

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