Do You Still Need a Cover Letter in 2025? Here's the Truth

The short answer? Your CV still comes first

Let’s be honest: recruiters almost always look at your CV before reading your cover letter. In many cases, they don’t read the cover letter at all — unless the CV makes them curious first.

That doesn’t mean the cover letter is dead — but it does mean you should put most of your energy into making your CV shine. It’s your first impression. Your pitch. Your passport into the shortlist.

So: focus on clarity, structure, and relevance. A strong CV can get you the interview. A cover letter can reinforce the message — but it rarely saves a weak application.

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When a cover letter still makes a difference

While it’s true that cover letters are often skipped, there are moments when they can help you stand out:

• You’re making a career change or switching industries
• You’re applying to a smaller company or NGO
• You were referred and want to explain the connection
• The job ad specifically asks for one
• You want to show extra motivation or clarify something

In those cases, a short, clear, tailored letter can absolutely support your CV. Just don’t repeat what’s already there — use the letter to show personality, motivation, or context.

What to prioritize — and how to make both work

Still not sure where to focus? Here's your simple order of priorities:

✅ Step 1: Write a strong, focused CV tailored to the role
✅ Step 2: Only write a cover letter if it adds something valuable
✅ Step 3: Keep it short (half a page is fine!)
✅ Step 4: Always follow the instructions in the job post

And if you want to be sure your CV is strong enough to stand alone, get it checked by someone who reads dozens of them every week — a recruiter.