do cover letters need dates

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Do you need to put a date on a cover letter in 2024?

A cover letter is a document that accompanies a resume and introduces the job seeker to a potential employer. It is typically one page in length and highlights the applicant’s skills, qualifications, and interest in the job.

Importance of Cover Letter in Job Application Process

While a resume provides a summary of a person’s work experience, education, and skills, a cover letter allows job seekers to communicate their motivations and reasons for wanting to work for a particular company. It also gives candidates an opportunity to showcase their writing style and demonstrate their attention to detail.

A well-written cover letter can make the difference between getting an interview or not. In fact, a survey conducted by the Society for Human Resource Management found that 90% of employers consider cover letters to be important in the hiring process.

The Role of Cover Letter in Job Applications

As a job applicant, you may have heard about the importance of submitting a well-written cover letter, but you might be unsure about what exactly a cover letter is and why it matters. In this section, we will explore the definition of a cover letter, its role in job applications, and the importance of crafting a successful one.

A. Definition of Cover Letter

A cover letter is a document that accompanies your resume when you apply for a job. It is usually a one-page letter that introduces you to your potential employer and highlights your qualifications and skills. Unlike your resume, which is a summary of your job history, a cover letter is an opportunity to explain why you are the perfect fit for the position you are applying for.

B. Role of Cover Letter in Job Applications

The role of a cover letter in job applications is to provide additional context and information about your qualifications and experience to the employer. While the resume is a structured document that presents your work history and achievements, the cover letter is your chance to showcase your personality, interests, and passion for the job.

In addition to introducing yourself, a well-written cover letter will demonstrate your knowledge about the company and position you are applying for. It should also address any specific requirements in the job posting and explain how you are uniquely qualified to meet those requirements.

C. Importance of a Well-Written Cover Letter

Submitting a well-written cover letter is crucial to making a positive first impression with potential employers. It is an opportunity to showcase your writing skills, attention to detail, and communication abilities.

A successful cover letter will help you stand out from other applicants and increase your chances of getting a job interview. On the other hand, a poorly written cover letter can harm your chances of being considered for the role you are interested in.

A cover letter plays a critical role in job applications, especially when submitting an application online. As a job seeker, it is important to craft a well-written cover letter that showcases your qualifications and enthusiasm for the position you are applying for. So, to answer the question, yes, you need to include the date in your cover letter, and ensure that it is well-written and tailored to the job you are applying for.

The Purpose of Including Dates in a Cover Letter

A. Explanation of why dates are included

Dates are important in a cover letter as they provide a clear timeline of when the letter was written and sent. It helps both the employer and the applicant keep track of correspondence and deadlines. The inclusion of dates can also help demonstrate the timeliness and relevance of the information presented in the letter.

In addition, including dates can also show the employer that the applicant has put thought and effort into the application process, as it highlights a level of organization and attention to detail.

B. Importance of dates in a cover letter

The importance of including dates in a cover letter cannot be overstated. It helps to establish a sense of professionalism and organization from the outset of the application process.

From the employer’s perspective, having clear dates on the cover letter can help them to quickly and easily sort through applications and prioritize responses. This is particularly important when there is a tight timeline for the hiring process.

For the applicant, including dates can demonstrate a level of commitment and engagement with the hiring process. It shows that they are invested in the position and are taking the necessary steps to ensure that their application is in order.

Including dates in a cover letter is a best practice that should be followed by all applicants. Not only does it provide a clear timeline of communication, but it also demonstrates organization and attention to detail. As such, it can positively impact the applicant’s chances of receiving a call back and advancing in the hiring process.

When to Include Dates in a Cover Letter

When preparing a cover letter, many job seekers often wonder whether or not to include dates in their application. The truth is that including dates in a cover letter can make a significant difference, as it helps to convey a sense of urgency and provides a reference point for the employer. However, there are times when adding dates is mandatory and others when it may not be that important.

A. The Scenarios When Adding Dates is Mandatory

There are a few specific scenarios where adding dates to your cover letter is absolutely mandatory. If the job listing states an application deadline, including the date in your cover letter serves as a crucial reminder to the employer. This will demonstrate that you are aware of the deadline and have taken the time to get your application in on time.

If the job posting indicates that the position is available for a limited time, it may also be important to include dates. Showing your awareness of this timeline demonstrates your attention to detail as well as your ability to work under pressure.

Additionally, adding dates can be important in situations where your employment history requires some explanation. For instance, if you have gaps in your work history, explaining those gaps shows that you have given careful thought and consideration to your job search. It also helps counter any assumptions the employer may make on their own about why you had a gap in your employment.

B. When May it Not Be Important to Include Dates?

While adding dates to a cover letter can be beneficial, there are times when it may not be necessary or even advantageous. If you are applying for a position where you have a personal connection or the job posting doesn’t specify any deadline or timeline, you may want to reconsider including dates. In such a case, adding dates may make it seem like you are only concerned about meeting the deadline, rather than focusing on why you are the best fit for the position.

Moreover, if the job is a remote job, gig work, or part-time work, you may not need to include dates in your cover letter. Remote jobs or gig work may not be tied to a specific timeframe or deadline, and since part-time jobs may not be considered as a primary career, you can get away with not adding dates in these cases.

There are situations where including dates in a cover letter is mandatory, such as when there is a specific deadline or limited timeframe. However, there are other situations where it may not be important or even necessary to mention dates. It is important to exercise your discretion and assess the job you are applying for properly before deciding whether or not to include dates in your cover letter.

Advantages of Adding Dates in a Cover Letter

A. benefits of adding dates.

Including the date in a cover letter can provide a number of benefits. First and foremost, it shows that the job seeker is on top of their communication and organizational skills. It gives the impression that the applicant is proactive and takes their job search seriously.

Another advantage of adding dates is that it provides context for the reader. The hiring manager can see exactly when the cover letter was written and can assume that the applicant is following up within a reasonable timeframe.

B. How adding dates may impact your application

Although adding dates may seem like a small detail, it can actually have a big impact on your application. For one, it can make the applicant stand out from the crowd if other applicants have neglected to include a date.

Furthermore, if a job posting has a specific deadline or start date, including the date on the cover letter can show that the applicant is aware of these details and is ready to start working at the appropriate time.

However, if the applicant misses the deadline or if the date is already passed when they submit their application, it could have a negative impact on their candidacy. This shows that they are not paying attention to details or are not managing their time effectively.

C. Best practices for including dates on a cover letter

When including a date on a cover letter, it is important to do so in a professional and consistent manner. Here are some best practices to keep in mind:

Use the same format for the date every time you submit a cover letter. For example, if you choose to include the day of the week, make sure to do so consistently.

Choose a clear and easy-to-read format. Common formats include “August 5, 2021” or “5th August 2021.”

Always include the date at the top of the cover letter, either aligned with the left margin or centered.

If the job posting specifies a deadline or start date, make sure to include this information along with the date on your cover letter.

By following these best practices, applicants can ensure that they are presenting themselves in the best possible light and making a good first impression with the hiring manager.

Potential disadvantages of including dates in a Cover Letter

When writing a cover letter, you may question whether or not to include dates. There are situations where dates may harm your application and it’s important to weigh the pros and cons before deciding to include them.

A. Situations where dates may harm your application

Employment gaps: If you have an extended period between jobs, including dates may draw attention to employment gaps and potentially raise red flags for the hiring manager.

Age discrimination: Including dates on your cover letter may reveal your age and potentially lead to age discrimination during the hiring process.

Unrelated experience: If you have work experience that is unrelated to the job you’re applying for, including dates may highlight this and create doubt about your ability to perform in the role.

Short-term employment: If you’ve had multiple short-term positions or job hopping, including dates may give the impression that you’re not reliable or committed.

B. Pros vs Cons of including dates in a cover letter

Shows career progression: Including dates on your cover letter can demonstrate your career progression and highlight your relevant experience in the industry.

Helps with organization: Dates can help the hiring manager keep track of your work history and accomplishments.

Demonstrates work ethic: Including dates on a cover letter can showcase your work ethic and dedication to your professional pursuits.

May cause bias: As mentioned, including dates can lead to age discrimination and other biases.

Draws attention to short-term employment: If you’ve had multiple short-term positions, including dates can draw attention to this and potentially harm your application.

May reveal gaps: Including dates may reveal gaps in your work history, which could potentially harm your application.

The decision to include dates on a cover letter should be made based on the individual’s specific situation. It’s important to weigh the pros and cons and consider how including dates may impact your chances of getting the job. Ultimately, the focus should be on the qualifications and experiences that make you the best fit for the role, regardless of whether or not you choose to include dates on your cover letter.

Alternatives to Including a Date on a Cover Letter

When it comes to writing a cover letter, including a date may seem like a given. However, there are some situations where you may want to take a different approach. Here are some alternatives to using a date in your cover letter:

A. Other Approaches to Using Dates in a Cover Letter

• Using a Season or Month Instead of a Date

If you are concerned about appearing too specific with a date, consider using a season or month instead. For example, instead of saying “I graduated in May 2015,” you could say “I graduated in the spring of 2015” or “I graduated in May.” This can still give the employer an idea of your timeline without providing an exact date.

• Using Years Only

Another option is to use only the year in your cover letter. This can be helpful if you have a longer history of experience and do not want to list every date on your resume. For example, instead of saying “I worked at XYZ company from January 2016 to October 2018,” you could say “I worked at XYZ company from 2016-2018.”

B. How to Handle Gaps in Employment When the Date is Ambiguous?

If you choose not to include dates on your cover letter or resume, you may encounter a situation where there is a gap in your employment history that is not immediately apparent. Here are some tips for handling this situation:

If there is a gap in your employment, be upfront about it. Employers appreciate honesty and transparency, and it is better to address the gap in your cover letter than to wait for the employer to ask about it later.

• Focus on Transferable Skills

If you have been out of work for some time or have gaps in your employment history, focus on the transferable skills you gained during that time. For example, if you took time off to care for a family member, you may have developed strong communication and problem-solving skills.

• Highlight Professional Development

If you have been out of work, use your cover letter as an opportunity to highlight any professional development you have undergone during that time. This could include taking classes, attending workshops, or volunteering in your field.

Including a date on your cover letter is not always necessary. By using alternative approaches to dates and being honest about any gaps in your employment history, you can still present yourself as a qualified and professional candidate for the job.

Examples of Cover Letters with and without Dates

A. sample cover letters with dates.

Here is an example of a cover letter that includes a date:

As you can see, the date is included at the top of the letter, just under the contact information. This is a common way to format a cover letter that includes a date.

B. Sample Cover Letters without Dates

Here is an example of a cover letter that does not include a date:

While this cover letter does not include a specific date, it is still clear and professional in its tone and content.

C. Analysis of Cover Letters with and without Dates

The question of whether to include a date on a cover letter is one that many job seekers face. While it can be helpful to include a date to provide context and show that your application is timely, it is not always necessary or expected.

Cover letters with dates, like the sample above, can be useful in situations where you are responding to a specific job listing or have a connection to the company or position that you are applying for. In these cases, the date can help demonstrate that you have taken the time to research and tailor your application to the specific opportunity.

However, there are also times when it may be more appropriate to leave the date off of your cover letter, as shown in the second sample. For example, if you are submitting an application through a general job board or website, or if you are applying to a company without a specific job opening in mind, including a date may not be necessary.

Ultimately, the decision of whether to include a date on your cover letter should be based on the specific circumstances of your application. Consider the context of the job listing, the expectations of the company or hiring manager, and the nature of the position you are applying for. By being mindful of these factors, you can craft a cover letter that is professional, targeted, and effective at making a strong first impression.

Practical Tips for Writing a Strong Cover Letter

A. how to make your cover letter stand out.

Your cover letter is your first opportunity to impress a potential employer. Here are some tips to make sure it stands out:

• Personalize it: Address the hiring manager by name and include details about the company and position you’re applying for.
• Be concise: Keep your cover letter to one page and use bullet points or short paragraphs to break up blocks of text.
• Highlight your accomplishments: Use specific examples of how you’ve contributed to previous companies or organizations to demonstrate your skills and experience.
• Use keywords: Tailor your cover letter to the job posting by including important keywords and phrases.

B. Common Mistakes to Avoid

There are a few common mistakes that can make your cover letter less effective. Here’s what to avoid:

• Being generic: Don’t use a one-size-fits-all approach. Tailor your cover letter to each job posting.
• Focusing too much on yourself: Your cover letter should focus on how you can help the company, not just on your own career goals.
• Using cliches: Avoid overused phrases like “team player” or “detail-oriented”. Instead, use specific examples to demonstrate your skills.
• Making errors: Proofread your cover letter carefully for spelling and grammar mistakes.

C. Suggestions for Improving Your Cover Letter

To improve your cover letter, try these tips:

• Keep it focused: Stick to the most important details and avoid unrelated information.
• Show your personality: Use your cover letter to showcase your personality and enthusiasm for the job.
• Proofread: Read your cover letter out loud to catch errors or awkward phrasing.
• Get a second opinion: Ask a friend or mentor to review your cover letter for feedback.

Remember, your cover letter is your chance to make a good first impression. Use these tips to make sure it catches the hiring manager’s attention and demonstrates why you’re the best candidate for the job.

Frequently Asked Questions about Including Dates in a Cover Letter

When it comes to creating a cover letter, many job seekers wonder whether or not they should include the date. While there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, we’ve compiled some of the most commonly asked questions about date handling in a cover letter to help clear up any confusion.

A. Answers to Some Common Questions About Date Handling in a Cover Letter

Do I need to include a date on my cover letter?  There is no hard and fast rule about whether or not you need to include the date on your cover letter. However, many job seekers choose to do so as a way of showing that their application is up-to-date.

If I do include a date, where should it go?  If you choose to include a date on your cover letter, it should be positioned at the very top of the letter, either aligned with the left margin or centered.

What format should I use for the date?  The date should be written in full (e.g., May 26, 2021) and be free of any abbreviations or shorthand.

If I’m sending my cover letter via email, do I still need to include the date?  If you’re sending your cover letter via email, it’s not strictly necessary to include the date in the body of the message, since your email program will usually timestamp the message automatically. However, it’s still a good idea to include the date on your cover letter as a way of showing that your application is current.

B. Misunderstandings That Job Seekers Regularly Have About Putting a Date on a Cover Letter

Misunderstanding:  If I don’t include the date, my application will look more recent than it actually is.  Correction:  While it’s not strictly necessary to include the date on your cover letter, omitting it won’t make your application appear more recent. In fact, it may have the opposite effect, since employers may perceive your application as incomplete or out-of-date without a timestamp.

Misunderstanding:  The date format doesn’t matter as long as it includes the month, day, and year.  Correction:  While it’s true that you should include the month, day, and year in the date, it’s also important to make sure that you follow the standard format for dates in your region. For example, in the United States, dates are typically written as Month/Day/Year (e.g., 05/26/2021), while in Europe, they are often written as Day/Month/Year (e.g., 26/05/2021).

Misunderstanding:  I should use the same date format that I use on my resume.

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It is generally recommended to include the date on a cover letter, as it provides context for when the letter was written and can be important for scheduling and follow-up purposes. Additionally, having a date on the cover letter can also indicate to the employer that the letter is current and relevant.

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How to Address a Cover Letter: From Heading to Date to Salutation + More

We’ll discuss how to address a cover letter with examples, and then we’ll look at specific parts of each cover letter address area in detail..

Writing a cover letter might be one of those things that make you want to bang your head on your keyboard.

Fortunately, though, addressing a cover letter is a piece of cake (we’ll help you with the other bits in a different article).

In this short article, we’ll walk you through how to address a cover letter effectively and easily, with examples, and then we’ll guide you through the specific parts of each cover letter address area in more detail.

Let’s get to it!

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How to Address a Cover Letter

Here’s an example of how to address a cover letter:

Your First & Last Name Your Address Line 1 Your Address Line 2 January 1, 2021 Jessica Schwartz Human Resources Manager Name of Prospective Company Prospective Company Address Line 1 Prospective Company Address Line 2 Dear Jessica:

And there you have it! 

As you can see from the cover letter address sample above, it’s really quite simple. Feel free to copy and paste that into your cover letter opening and tweak to your needs!

Next, we’ll go into detail about each of the various subsections of the cover letter address area.

Related Read : 10+ Cover Letter Tips & Tricks Sure to Score Interviews

Structure of a Cover Letter Address Section

1. cover letter heading (sender’s information).

At the very top of your cover letter, in what’s called the cover letter header, you’ll place your contact details. 

As we showed you above, it’s quite simple:

Your First & Last Name Your Address Line 1 Your Address Line 2

If you want, you can include your phone number or email address, as well.

Cover letters follow a business letter or formal letter format, but, you don’t have to necessarily stick to the styling of the example above. If you have a stylized heading with your name and contact details from your resume contact information section, feel free to use the same heading here!

However, for the remainder of the cover letter, stick as close to the business letter format as possible.

2. The Date

The entirety of addressing a cover letter is quite simple, and that’s true for the date as well.

Here’s how to add a date on a cover letter:

January 31, 2022

Just remember to leave a line break space both above and below the date to keep things looking neat and organized.

Related Read : Career Glossary: 45+ Job Terms, HR Vocab & Employment Words to Know

3. Inside Address (Recipient’s Information)

After the date, it’s time to add the recipient’s information, also known in formal letter writing as the “inside address.”

As we showed you above, here’s how to write the company’s info:

Jessica Schwartz Human Resources Manager Name of Prospective Company Prospective Company Address Line 1 Prospective Company Address Line 2

We start with the name of the person you are addressing the cover letter to, usually the HR manager or hiring supervisor, followed by their official title at the company. Do your best to find someone’s name so it is tailored by researching the company and its LinkedIn profile.

If you still can’t find someone’s name, simply put “Hiring Manager” or “ATTN: Hiring Manager” above the company name and address.

4. Salutation

The last part of the cover letter address section before reaching the body is the salutation. 

And here’s how simple that is:

Dear Jessica:

Easy as that! 

You can tweak that a bit, if you prefer not to use “dear,” for example. You could also choose to use their last name (“Dear Ms. Schwartz”) or their full name. However, in most cases, I think the first name is most powerful (and we’re in the 2020s now, as well).

Finally, use a colon after the name and you’re through!

Related Read : Resume Sections: 10+ Things to Include on a Resume to Land Interviews

Well, that’s it for our guide on how to address a cover letter, and we hope it helps answer all your questions about addressing cover letters right. Got any further questions or feedback about how to format the address on a cover letter? Let us know below in the comments, and thanks for reading!

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thank you for this article, Goodwall! It’s easy, simple, and so useful for me, because I search for a job right now and have to send out many cover letters. Wish me luck 🙂

Thanks for your comment, Anastasia, and for stopping by! I’m so happy if it helped, and I wish you the best of luck on your job search!

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Do I Need a Cover Letter in 2024? Are Cover Letters Mandatory?

During the job-hunting process, you might find yourself asking “do I really need a cover letter?”

And honestly, that’s a very good question.

You might’ve heard a lot of recruiters say that cover letters aren’t nearly as important as the resume. Some recruiters even openly admit that they don’t read cover letters at all.

So, no wonder that you’re confused about whether or not you really need a cover letter.

In this article, we’re going to deep dive into the topic and teach you when you really need a cover letter (and when you don’t).

• Whether you need to include a cover letter in your application (and why)
• When to not include a cover letter with your resume 
• When to really put effort into your cover letter   

Do I Need a Cover Letter For My Resume

Short answer: yes , you should submit a cover letter alongside your resume.

Here’s why:

• Most job openings require you to submit a cover letter. Recruiters might not have the time to read ALL the cover letters they receive, but they will definitely read cover letters if they’re on the fence for a candidate. Besides, even if they never get to your cover letter, failing to submit one when it’s required will be a red flag.
• A cover letter shows that you’ve put in the extra effort. So, even if the recruiters don’t read them, they will know that you really want the job and that you are committed to taking all necessary steps to show you’re worth it.
• A cover letter can set you apart from other candidates. Imagine this scenario: a recruiter is looking at two candidates with the same exact professional background and resume. The difference? One submitted an A++ cover letter that showed exactly why they’re the perfect fit for the job, while the other just copied and pasted an internet template. Which one would you pick? Our point exactly!

The above being said, there do exist a few cases where a cover letter isn’t necessary and a few others where you shouldn't just submit a cover letter, but you should really put in the extra effort to make it memorable!

Ready to go through them?

When Not to Include a Cover Letter

The 3 cases where you don’t need to include a cover letter with your application are:

#1. The job opening doesn’t require one. 

Yeap, in some cases, the job description will specifically instruct you not to submit a cover letter when you’re applying for the position. Needless to say, submitting one regardless of the instructions will not make you a poster child for dedication; it will just show you can’t follow instructions. 

#2. You don’t have the time to customize your cover letters. 

If there’s one thing that’s worse than not submitting a cover letter, is submitting a bad cover letter. What do we mean by bad? An uncustomized cover letter, or a cover letter based on a one-fits-all kind of template that you plan on mass-sending to all the jobs you’re applying for.  

So, if you’re applying to many jobs and you just don’t have the time (or creativity) to write a separate cover letter tailored to each job, then just don’t write one instead of making that cover letter mistake. 

#3. There is no place to upload one on the application platform.

When you’re filling out an online job application, you might notice there is no place to upload a cover letter.

Consider that a clear sign that a cover letter is not required for that particular role.  

When Should You Put Extra Effort to Submit a Cover Letter

Now, as we said, the best practice is to submit a cover letter with your resume for any job, internship, or even internal position that you apply for (unless they explicitly ask you not to). 

That being said, there are a few cases in which you should REALLY submit a cover letter—and put in extra effort to make it significant: 

• You have important information to add. It might be a career gap, the need for a relocation, or a career change - anything, basically, that you can’t go into detail about in your resume. Your cover letter is your chance to explain it (especially if it adds significant value to your application).
• There’s a personal connection/referral. If someone has personally referred you to the company, make sure to acknowledge that in your cover letter. A personal referral means bonus points for your application, so don’t miss out on a chance to mention it.
• You have a link to the company. Did you complete an internship at the company? Or maybe you know the hiring manager or someone higher up the ranks outside of work. No matter the case, be upfront about any link you may have to the company in your cover letter. It will probably do your application good or at least show those reading it that you’re transparent.
• It’s your dream job. Without making it a love letter to the company, use your cover letter to express what this job means to you professionally and how it’ll help you thrive. Passion goes a long way!

6 Tips For a Perfect Cover Letter 

The bottom line? 

Overwhelmingly, a cover letter is an essential part of your job application and you should include one with your resume.

So, as you can imagine, your cover letter should be on par with your resume. Before you start writing your cover letter, here are a few tips to make the process easier for you:

• Keep it short. One page is more than enough when it comes to cover letters. Actually, the optimal length for a cover letter is between 250-400 words long.
• Follow submission instructions. In the job description, look out for specifics on the cover letter format (Word or PDF), fonts and margins, and content (such as which sections or information to include).
• Proofread your cover letter. Once you’re done writing, make sure your cover letter doesn’t have any grammar or spelling mistakes. Use spell check software such as Grammarly to be on the safe side.
• Avoid cliches. Saying you’re a “great team player” or “effective communicator” will get you nowhere. Instead, aim to show it by backing it up with your experience. Think, “I’m a great communicator” versus “I’m a great communicator, having closed 50+ sales per month at my last job.”
• Enhance your personal brand. Opt to use the same fonts, margins, colors, and style in both your resume and cover letter. In this way, you can highlight your personal brand and make more of an impression on the hiring manager.
• Use action verbs . To make your achievements stand out, use action verbs. So, instead of repeating “I was responsible for” or “I was in charge of,” you can use action verbs such as “managed” or “coordinated.”

Do you still have some unanswered questions? Here are the most frequently asked questions on whether cover letters are mandatory.

Do I need a cover letter for a part-time job?

You should follow the same practice with your part-time job application as you would with a full-time one. That means you should definitely submit a strong cover letter with your resume (unless otherwise indicated in the job description).

Do I need a cover letter for an internal position? 

When you apply for an internal position within the company, you should create a cover letter to highlight your experience and professional interest in the position. 

Do I need a cover letter for an internship?

Yes, you should include a cover letter with your resume when you’re applying for an internship. The cover letter should focus on your skills and strengths, your education, and your dedication to the internship program. 

Not sure how to write a cover letter for an internship from scratch? This article will tell you all you need to know!

Do I need a cover letter for an entry-level job?

Yes, an entry-level cover letter is a must.

You might not have many professional or relevant experiences to list on your resume (e.g. you’re a recent college graduate or you’re changing career paths), so the cover letter is where you can convey your enthusiasm and commitment. Plus, you can also (in words) explain how your skills from your university or past career translate into the job you’re applying for. 

Do employers read the cover letter or resume first?

Generally, employers will first read your resume to see if you have the relevant experience or skills for the position. From there, they decide whether your cover letter is worth reading or not.  If you send your cover letter in the body of the email where you have attached your resume, though, the recruiter will probably skim through it before opening your resume.

Keep in mind that in such a case your cover letter should be perfect, especially in terms of spelling and business etiquette. If the recruiter spots a “u r” instead of “you are,” or a smiley face, they might not even get to your resume.    

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Key Takeaways

Well, that was all on whether cover letters are mandatory in 2023. We hope that we answered all your questions on the topic. 

Here’s a quick review of the main things we covered:

• In 98% of cases, you should include a cover letter in your job application. Although recruiters might not always read it, they expect candidates to submit one. A cover letter will considerably boost your chances and set you apart from other candidates with similar backgrounds and resumes.
• Don’t include a cover letter if the job opening specifies it’s not necessary, if you don’t have time to customize it to the position, or if there is no place to upload one in the application platform.
• Put extra effort in your cover letter if you have extra information to add to your resume if you have been personally referred for the job, if you have a link to the company, or if you’re applying to your dream job.

Related Readings: 

• How to Start a Cover Letter
• How to End a Cover Letter
• How to Address a Cover Letter

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