Do cover letters still matter? When to write one — and how, per Ask a Manager
Often skipped, sometimes decisive. Here's when a cover letter is worth it and how to write one that's actually read.
Most applications no longer require a cover letter and many go unread — but Alison Green of Ask a Manager, who has probably read more of them than anyone, argues a good one still tips close decisions, because so few people write a good one.
When to bother
Write one when the application asks for it, when you're changing industries or explaining a pivot, or when you genuinely want a specific company and can say something concrete about why.
How to make it good
Green's core rule: don't restate your resume. Use three short paragraphs — why this role, one proof point mapped to their needs, and a brief close — and write like a human, not a template. A cover letter that adds context your resume can't is the one that gets read.
Sources & further reading
- How to write a cover letter (and the ones that stand out) — Alison Green, Ask a Manager
Put this into practice
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