The Changing Role of Cover Letters in The Job Market

Jobtrees Career Poll

What We Asked

We ran a poll in August 2025:

"Cover letters are outdated and no longer useful."

Here’s how people voted:

45 % strongly agree

19 % agree

18 % feel neutral

18 % disagree

That means 64 percent agree cover letters may no longer be worth the effort in today’s job market.

What People Are Saying

We also took a look at what real job seekers and recruiters are saying on Reddit.

Some shared that recruiters rarely read cover letters, especially when they're buried in stacks of applications. Others mentioned that with all the fake job postings out there, it’s hard to know if a cover letter will even be seen.

But not everyone thinks they’re useless. One commenter said a well-written cover letter can still make a difference if the recruiter takes time to read it. Another pointed out that it depends on the industry. For example, cover letters might not matter much in retail or sales, but they’re still expected in academia and research.

How AI Can Help You Write a Better Cover Letter

Even if cover letters feel outdated, there are still times when you need one. That’s where AI can be a huge time-saver.

Using your favorite AI tool, you can quickly create a solid draft using your resume, LinkedIn profile, or a job description. With the right prompt, you can tailor a letter to the specific role without starting from scratch each time.

But here’s the important part. You still need to edit and review what AI gives you. Recruiters can tell when something is written entirely by a bot. Personalizing your letter makes it more authentic and helps your voice come through.

Want help getting started?

Check out our full guide:

How to Write a Cover Letter with AI

You’ll find:

1. What to include in your AI prompt
2. How to edit and improve the output
3. Real examples of how AI-generated letters can be polished for impact

You can also explore more resources in our AI for Job Seekers blog section.

Free and Guided Tools to Help With Resumes and Cover Letters

If you want extra support, there are many tools available that help walk you through the process of writing resumes and cover letters. Many of these tools use AI in the background, offering suggestions, formatting help, and structure to guide you. They can be especially helpful if you are feeling stuck or unsure how to get started.

You can browse our curated list of Resume and Cover Letter Tools to find one that fits your style. Some are free, some offer templates or coaching, and others are more hands-on.

If you're comfortable writing on your own, we recommend starting with a free tool and one of the AI prompts, then revising your draft manually. Whichever path you choose, the key is to make sure you revise. AI can give you structure, but only you can bring in your voice and story.

💡A helpful tip is to write your cover letter in your own words first, then ask AI to clean it up or improve clarity. This gives you a solid base while still saving time.

When Cover Letters Still Matter

While cover letters are losing importance in many industries, there are still times when it’s smart to include one. For example:

1. The job posting asks for it
2. You need to explain a career change or employment gap
3. You are applying to a traditional or writing-heavy field
4. You want to tell a personal story or connection that adds value

Final Take

Cover letters are not completely gone, but they are no longer expected in every job application. Focus on a strong resume, make direct connections when possible, and use AI tools to save time when a cover letter is required.

Whether you use a step-by-step tool or write your own and get AI feedback, what matters most is that you take the time to revise it. A well-edited cover letter that sounds like you can still go a long way.