Do cover letters still matter?

It's a fair question. With AI-driven ATS systems, LinkedIn Easy Apply, and one-click applications, does anyone actually read cover letters anymore?

The honest answer: it depends on the role, the company, and the recruiter. But here's why you should still write one — and write it well.

When cover letters definitely matter

For senior or leadership roles, cover letters are almost always read. For roles that require strong communication skills — writing, marketing, PR, strategy, consulting — your cover letter is itself a demonstration of that skill. For companies that explicitly ask for one, not providing a strong one is an immediate disadvantage.

When cover letters are often skipped

High-volume hiring, technical roles with very specific skill requirements, and applications made through platforms like LinkedIn Easy Apply often don't result in cover letters being read at all. In these cases, your resume does the heavy lifting.

The risk calculation

A weak cover letter can hurt you. A strong one can only help. Given that EdgeApply can generate a personalised, compelling cover letter in under a minute, the question isn't whether to write one — it's whether you can afford not to.

The job seekers who stand out are the ones who treat every application as if every element will be read. That discipline is what separates candidates who get interviews from candidates who don't.