Cover Letters in 2025: Do They Still Matter?
📌 This article is part of our Quick Wins & ATS Mastery series. If you’re new here, start with The 10-Minute ATS Fix: Simple Résumé Tweaks That Boost Interviews, then read Résumé Keywords: How to Mirror Job Descriptions Without Keyword Stuffing, Formatting That Survives ATS Parsing (Without Looking Outdated to Recruiters), How Recruiters Skim: The 6-Second Test for Your Executive Résumé, and Applicant Tracking Systems in 2025: What Changed and What Hasn’t. This is the sixth of seven posts, covering ATS Mastery.
With applicant tracking systems (ATS) screening applications before recruiters even see them, many professionals wonder: is the cover letter dead?
The truth: cover letters still matter — but their role has shifted. Instead of being the centerpiece of an application, they’re now a supporting tool that gives recruiters context beyond the résumé. At the executive level, a strong cover letter can set you apart from equally qualified peers.
Do Cover Letters Still Matter in 2025?
Yes. Recruiters may not always read them first, but they use them to understand your story, motivation, and cultural fit. Cover letters are especially useful when you need to:
- Explain a pivot — such as moving industries or functions.
- Address a gap — like time away from the workforce.
- Show alignment — why you want this company and role.
👉 FAQ: Do employers still require cover letters in 2025?
Yes. Many ATS platforms list them as optional, but most employers — especially for senior positions — still expect one.
How ATS Interacts With Cover Letters
Unlike résumés, cover letters aren’t usually scored by ATS. But they are scanned, stored, and sometimes keyword-searched within the candidate profile. If you include a cover letter, recruiters can reference it later in the process.
👉 FAQ: Should I optimize cover letters with keywords?
Yes, but keep it natural. Reference the role title and sprinkle in key skills mentioned in the job description.
What Makes an ATS-Era Cover Letter Work
1. Personalize Every Time
If possible, address the hiring manager by name. Avoid generic greetings — they feel outdated and impersonal.
2. Keep It Tight
One page maximum. State why you’re applying, why you’re the right fit, and what impact you’ll bring.
3. Add Value, Don’t Repeat the Résumé
Use the letter to tell the “why” behind your career moves, highlight one or two key wins, or explain context your résumé alone can’t provide.
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4. Structure Matters
Think of it as three parts:
- Introduction: Why you’re interested.
- Body: Why you’re the right fit.
- Close: Confident call to action.
👉 FAQ: How long should a cover letter be?
Three to four short paragraphs, under one page.
5. Match Tone to Seniority
Executives should write with authority and clarity. Avoid buzzwords like “self-starter” or “go-getter.” Instead, let results speak for themselves.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Copying the same letter across multiple jobs.
- Repeating your résumé verbatim.
- Writing too formally (or too casually).
- Typos or sloppy formatting.
👉 FAQ: Should I submit a cover letter if it’s optional?
Yes. Candidates who include one look more engaged and intentional, giving them a competitive edge.
Final Thought
In today’s hiring process, cover letters aren’t dead — but they’ve evolved. Think of them as your chance to explain the why behind your résumé. Done well, they provide the missing piece of your professional story.
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These resources cut through the uncertainty so you know exactly what
recruiters and ATS software are looking for.
📌 This article is part of our Quick Wins & ATS Mastery series. If you’re new here, start with The 10-Minute ATS Fix: Simple Résumé Tweaks That Boost Interviews, then read Résumé Keywords: How to Mirror Job Descriptions Without Keyword Stuffing, Formatting That Survives ATS Parsing (Without Looking Outdated to Recruiters), How Recruiters Skim: The 6-Second Test for Your Executive Résumé, and Applicant Tracking Systems in 2025: What Changed and What Hasn’t. This is the sixth of seven posts, covering ATS Mastery.
