In an era dominated by AI-powered application systems and lightning-fast hiring processes, job seekers are asking: Do cover letters still serve a purpose? With large language models making it easier than ever to generate application materials, has the traditional cover letter become obsolete?
The answer, according to six experienced talent professionals across industries ranging from nonprofit to financial services, is nuanced: Cover letters aren't dead, but their role has evolved dramatically.
When Cover Letters Still Make a Difference
Following Instructions Matters
"If a job posting asks for a cover letter, I still think it's important to send one," says Sarah Samarasinghe, Talent Lead at Sandler Search. "It shows that you're paying attention and following the instructions. It gives you a chance to explain why you're interested in the role, and lets you highlight things that don't always come across on a resume."
Samarasinghe notes that even when candidates leverage AI tools, the process still requires them to think critically about the position and customize their message—a valuable exercise in itself.
Quality Over Quantity
Jaime Klein, Partner at Inspire HR, emphasizes that cover letters must now deliver genuine value. "In high-volume hiring, ATS-driven screening doesn't rely on them, and many hiring managers won't review them unless they offer something meaningful," Klein explains.
However, they can still set candidates apart, particularly in smaller organizations or roles requiring strong communication skills. The key differentiator? Specificity. "Generic, AI-generated letters get skipped, while a short, specific note that clearly answers 'why you, why here, why now' shows the judgment and motivation hiring managers actually care about."
Showcasing What Makes You Human
Personality Wins
Bucky Keady, an independent executive recruiter, recommends brevity with impact. "Most likely, a hiring manager and candidate are communicating by email, so make it count," he advises. "Three to four bullets on why you are a strong candidate with your resume/bio is impactful—provided the bullets are very targeted to the top skills needed for the job."
Keady also suggests using follow-up communications strategically: "Another way to stand out is in your follow-up email, thanking the hiring manager for the meeting and expanding on a business challenge that you spoke about in your interview. Again, brief, impactful, and relevant."
While he's comfortable with candidates using AI for editing, Keady warns: "Be careful that you don't lose your personality (tone) that makes you stand out."
Authenticity Over Corporate Jargon
Erica Ravich, Executive Director at Frazer Jones, an HR specialty search firm, values personalized outreach over formal cover letters. "The strongest outreach clearly highlights why the candidate is a fit, demonstrates thoughtful knowledge of the business, and may reference genuine connections or shared communities, without forcing it," Ravich says.
She encourages candidates to "move away from overly corporate language and write in a way that feels natural and human, while staying professional and prioritizing substance and clear evidence over big words."
When Other Factors Take Priority
Not all recruiters place equal weight on cover letters. Lesley Shorr Klein, Managing Partner at Miller Klein Group, notes that while her firm doesn't require them, they evaluate several other components: resume and LinkedIn profile accuracy and alignment, communication quality throughout the hiring process, and performance on assessments when required. "Our clients take the sum of these components into consideration as part of the evaluation process," she explains.
For senior-level roles, cover letters may carry even less weight. Xavier Roux, Partner at Redseeds Recruiting Partners, which specializes in Strategy Consulting Partners, states bluntly: "Cover letters are almost irrelevant. Clients assess candidates primarily on their ability to generate revenue, the strength of their client relationships, their sector expertise, and their cultural fit."
Roux adds that for senior consulting hires, "a highly targeted positioning note can convey more useful information in 60 words than most one-page cover letters do in 500."
The Hidden Value: Preparation Practice
Even if your cover letter never gets read, writing one has merit. The process forces you to articulate your unique qualifications, your enthusiasm for the role, and your alignment with the company—insights and language you can leverage in interviews and networking conversations.
If a recruiter submits your application with a brief positioning note, having prepared a comprehensive cover letter helps them extract the most compelling highlights of your background.
The Bottom Line
Recruiters' practices vary widely regarding cover letters. The smart strategy? Don't put all your eggs in one basket. Invest time across all aspects of your job search: your resume, LinkedIn profile, portfolio, assessments, and ongoing communication with recruiters and hiring managers.
And if you do write a cover letter, make it count: be specific, be authentic, and be human.