Do you need a cover letter? when it is required, when it helps, and when to skip it.
Some applications require a cover letter, some make it optional and some have nowhere to put one. Knowing which situation you are in saves time and puts effort where it changes the outcome.
Send a cover letter whenever the posting asks for one, and when it is optional but you need to explain something the resume cannot: a career change, a gap, a move, a referral or a strong reason for wanting this job. Skip it only when the application has no place for one or explicitly says not to. When in doubt, a short, specific letter does more good than harm.
How to decide
- Read the application instructions. If a cover letter is required, it is required. Missing it can end the application.
- Ask what the resume cannot say. A career change, a relocation, a gap or a referral is best explained in a letter.
- Consider how much you want the job. For roles you really want, a tailored letter is one more chance to make your case.
- Check for a place to put it. Some systems have no upload slot; then a short note in a message field may be enough.
- Keep it short when optional. Three short paragraphs, specific to this employer.
- Never send a generic letter. A letter that could go to any employer adds nothing and can hurt.
Illustrative examples to adapt
Illustrative: every name, employer, school, date and number in these samples is fictional or a bracketed placeholder. Replace each bracket with your own true details; never copy a result you did not achieve.
Short optional cover letter
When to use: When a letter is optional but you have something to add.
Dear [Hiring manager's name], I'm applying for the [job title] role at [Employer]. [One sentence on why this role and employer]. At [Employer or most recent role], I [one result that matches their top requirement]. [One sentence on the extra context: career change, relocation or referral]. I'd welcome the chance to talk about how I can help with [priority from the posting]. Sincerely, [Your name]
Short note in a message field
When to use: Applications with a message box but no upload slot.
I'm applying for [job title] because [specific reason]. My most relevant result: [result that matches the posting]. My resume has the details, and I'd welcome a conversation.
Disclosure: TryHired makes HIRED, a paid job-search program, so we have a conflict of interest when we mention it. Every sample on this page is free to use without buying anything.
Do you need one?
| Situation | Cover letter? | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Posting says it is required | Yes | Missing it can disqualify you. |
| Optional, and you are changing careers | Yes | Explains the move. |
| Optional, with a referral | Yes | Names the connection. |
| Optional, with nothing to add | A short one helps | Shows interest in this employer. |
| No upload slot | Use a message field if there is one | Keep it to a few lines. |
| Posting says not to send one | No | Follow instructions. |
The same line, rewritten
Illustrative example with placeholders.
| Version | Example |
|---|---|
| Weak | To whom it may concern, please find my resume attached for your consideration. |
| Strong | I'm applying for [job title] because [specific reason]; at [Employer] I [result matching their top requirement]. |
Why it matters: The weak line is a cover letter in name only. The strong one gives the reader a reason and evidence in two sentences.
Before you send it
- You checked whether the posting requires a letter.
- The letter adds something the resume cannot.
- It names the employer and the role.
- It is short and specific.
- It is saved in the format requested.
- Nothing in it could be sent unchanged to another employer.
Mistakes to avoid
- Skipping a required letter.
- Sending a generic letter that could go anywhere.
- Repeating the resume line by line.
- Writing a long letter when a short one would do.
- Ignoring a message field that could hold a short note.
Build yours
Questions people ask
Do I always need a cover letter?
Do employers read cover letters?
What if the application says a cover letter is optional?
Can a bad cover letter hurt?
How this page is built
Written by Maid Dizdarevic, a career coach and 8x LinkedIn Top Voice. Advice is labelled as advice. Every sample uses a fictional person marked '(illustrative)' or a 'Your name' placeholder, and every employer, school, date and result is a bracketed placeholder for your own true details.
- What a specific employer screens for: always read the posting.
- Your results: we never invent numbers, and you should never copy a result you did not achieve.
- Outcomes: no resume, letter, profile or program can promise an interview or a job.
- TryHired editorial guidance by Maid Dizdarevic, career coach, Nov 4, 2026.