Cover Letters in 2025: Are They In or Out? Here’s What Job Seekers Need to Know!

As 2025 approaches, so does a new chapter in the ever-evolving world of job hunting. One big question remains on every applicant’s mind: “Do I still need to write a cover letter?”

Love them or hate them, cover letters have held a place in the job search process for years. But is it time to move on?

Based on recent trends, feedback from hiring managers, and our own LinkedIn poll (with over 1,000 votes!), we’re here to break it all down and help you make the best choice for your 2025 job applications.

The Great Cover Letter Debate – Why It’s Still Relevant in 2025

It's almost 2025, why is this question still up for debate?

• Team Keep It: Cover letter advocates say they’re the best way to inject personality and give context to resumes.
• Team Skip It: Those who think cover letters are relics of the past and that resumes should speak for themselves.

While some find cover letters to be a chore, others see them as a chance to stand out.

What Our LinkedIn Poll Revealed – Job Seekers Weigh In

We recently ran a LinkedIn poll to see what job seekers and hiring pros think about cover letters, and the results were surprising! While some still see them as essential, others are ditching them entirely. Here are the highlights from 1,394 votes:

84% say cover letters are outdated.

18% think cover letters still have value.

It seems that most people agree that cover letters are outdated and are opting for a more modern, streamlined application process.

Let's check out the comment section to see what people really think in their own words ??

Anne Donovan says, "I never read a cover letter until recently. In the world of AI job-bots spamming my inbox with resumes, I like the cover letter. It gives more information than a resume does. For years, I didn't find the value in them, but they are making a comeback."

While, Tracy Kyle says, "I do not read them. I prefer talking personally to the candidates. I am old school. A cover letter is still just words. I like to get to know people. Even if the candidate is not a fit for the current role, networking is key for pipeline building!"

It's clear that there are many conflicting opinions about cover letters. So, is it time to hit “delete,” or should you keep that draft handy? Let’s break down the pros and cons to help you decide.

Pros and Cons of Cover Letters in 2025 – What You Need to Know

Pros:

1. Stand Out from the Crowd: A cover letter can help your application feel a little more human. It’s a chance to show some personality, tell your story, and highlight why you’re the perfect fit.
2. Showcase Passion: Especially for roles where culture fit or company loyalty matters, a cover letter gives you room to express your genuine excitement for the position.
3. Address Gaps or Career Changes: If your resume doesn’t tell the whole story—like gaps in employment or switching industries—a cover letter can help connect the dots.

Cons:

1. Not Always Read: In many cases, hiring managers are too busy to read every cover letter. They may go straight to your resume, LinkedIn profile, or portfolio.
2. Time-Consuming: Cover letters can take a lot of time to personalize, and if it doesn’t make a difference, you might be better off focusing on other areas.
3. Not as Valued in Some Industries: In tech and other fast-paced fields, employers are often more focused on skills and achievements than on formalities.

Bottom line: If you’re targeting a role where personality, creativity, or cultural fit matters, a cover letter could be a good idea. But if you’re in a skills-first industry, it might be safe to skip.

How to Write a Stand-Out Cover Letter for 2025 (When It’s Worth It!)

If you’re going to write a cover letter, make it count! Here’s a quick formula to keep it fresh, snappy, and impactful in 2025.

1. Keep It Short: Aim for half a page or around 200-250 words. Hiring managers are busy, make every sentence count!
2. Personalize It: Do a bit of research to address the hiring manager directly and mention specific reasons you admire the company.
3. Highlight Your Unique Skills: Use the cover letter to go beyond the resume and mention one or two specific strengths that make you a great fit.
4. Show Enthusiasm: Let them know why you’re excited about this role. Genuine enthusiasm can go a long way, especially in creative or customer-focused fields.

Pro tip: Tools like Teal’s Resume Builder make it easy to optimize your application materials, helping you stand out, whether you’re including a cover letter or not!

Preparing for 2025’s Job Market – Your Best Move

So, what’s the verdict? As we head into 2025, cover letters aren’t gone, but they’re no longer a “must” for every job.

The key is to be flexible and strategic. Look at each role you’re applying for and decide if a cover letter adds value. In some cases, a well-crafted letter can set you apart, while in others, your skills and experience may speak for themselves.

Keep in mind that with tools like Teal, you can streamline your application process, ensuring you put your best foot forward without extra stress.

So, whether you’re Team Keep It or Team Skip It, you’ll be ready to tackle the 2025 job market with confidence!

-The Teal Team ??