Sunday Lessons
Do Employers Still Read Cover Letters in 2025?
Let’s be honest. Writing a cover letter is not usually anyone’s idea of a fun weekend activity. You sit there staring at a blank page, wondering if recruiters even bother to read them anymore. With job applications now streamlined through one-click tools, AI writing assistants, and LinkedIn’s “Easy Apply,” it is a fair question: are cover letters still relevant in 2025?
The short answer: yes… but with a twist.
Why Cover Letters Still Matter (Sometimes More Than You Think)
Employers may not read every single cover letter line by line, but many still use them to answer one key question: Does this person really want the job, or are they just applying to everything?
Think of your resume as the facts. Your cover letter is the context. It shows recruiters what the numbers and job titles on your resume actually mean for their role. According to a 2024 Jobvite survey, nearly 45 percent of recruiters said a strong cover letter influenced their decision to call someone in.
So yes, cover letters are still being read in 2025, especially when:
- The role involves communication or writing.
- The company culture values personality and fit.
- You are changing careers and need to explain the shift.
- You are applying to a smaller company where every hire matters.
The Twist: Cover Letters Look Different Now
What has changed is the way people write cover letters. Long, formal essays packed with buzzwords are no longer the vibe. Hiring managers want something short, personal, and easy to skim. Think three tight paragraphs: who you are, why you are interested, and how you can help.
How to Write a Cover Letter That Gets Attention in 2025
If you decide to include one, here’s what matters most today:
- Keep it short. Half a page or 3–4 paragraphs max.
- Tell a story. Share one example of impact, not your life history.
- Tailor it. Use the company name, the role, and why it matters to you.
- Skip the fluff. “I’m passionate” is out. Real results are in.
Recruiters don’t want to read walls of text. They want a quick, human peek into who you are and why you fit.
Still don’t know where to start? Try Sunday Morning’s AI Cover Letter Assistant, designed to help you write a personalized, professional cover letter in minutes.
A Fun Way to Think About It
Imagine you are at a party. Your resume is your name tag: it tells people who you are and where you are from. Your cover letter is the conversation starter. Without it, people may know your name but they will not remember you.
Do You Always Need a Cover Letter?
Not always. If the application says it is optional, many job seekers skip it. But here is the thing: sending one anyway shows extra effort. In a competitive market, that can set you apart. Even if it only takes five minutes to customize, it could be the difference between your resume sitting in a pile or landing an interview.
So, do employers still read cover letters in 2025? Yes, but they are looking for clarity, personality, and effort, not fancy words or long essays. A short, thoughtful cover letter can be the quiet advantage that gets you noticed.
Next time you see “cover letter optional,” treat it as your chance to stand out. You might be surprised how far that little extra effort goes.
Want to make your resume easier to skim too? Read our guide on How to Make Your Resume Easy to Scan with F-Pattern and Z-Pattern Design
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