Are Cover Letters Read and How Important Are They?

Richard A Meyer
4 min readOct 10, 2024

Are cover letters necessary? With online application processes allowing candidates to submit resumes with a few clicks, it’s easy to question whether employers still read cover letters or if they’ve become obsolete. So, do hiring managers even bother reading them, and how important are they in landing your next job?

Do Recruiters Read Cover Letters?

The short answer is: it depends. While some hiring managers prioritize resumes and focus on qualifications, others still value a well-crafted cover letter. Many recruiters admit that they may only skim cover letters, especially when dealing with a high volume of applicants, but that doesn’t mean they don’t matter.

Why? Because cover letters are often the first opportunity, candidates must make a personalized connection with a potential employer. For certain roles, particularly those in management, marketing, communications, and creative industries, a cover letter can decide when moving forward to an interview.

The Value of a Cover Letter

Here are a few reasons why cover letters can still make a difference in your application:

  1. Personalization:
    Resumes offer a standardized way to present your experience and skills but can’t tell your personal story…

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Richard A Meyer

Healthcare marketing thought leader and CPG marketing consultant with over 20 years of experience.