Cover letters can be one of the most challenging parts of applying to a job.
Still, 89% of recruiters expect job candidates to submit them, according to Zety's 2025 Future of Work Report, which surveyed 753 recruiters or HR professionals involved in hiring.
HR consultant Stefanie Fackrell, who's worked as a recruiter at companies like Nvidia and Google, is "doubtful" it's really that many.
Still, she says, you should "have a well written, compelling cover letter on hand at all times."
That's because especially in this highly competitive job market, "if someone is submitting a cover letter, if it's optional, that can help somebody stand out from the crowd," she says.
Persons:
Stefanie Fackrell, who's
Organizations:
Nvidia, Google