The reality
Most recruiters don't read cover letters. Greenhouse's own data shows cover letters are opened <20% of the time on tech roles. On mass-market corporate roles, it's lower.
Skip it when
- The application says "optional."
- You're applying through a job board (LinkedIn Easy Apply, Indeed, ZipRecruiter).
- You're at volume — 20+ apps a week. Your time is better spent on 5 more tailored resumes.
Write one when
1. You have a specific referral or connection at the company. Name-drop in the first sentence. 2. You're changing industries or functions. The resume can't tell that story. The letter can. 3. The role is at a small company (<100 people) where the hiring manager is likely reading everything. 4. The application explicitly asks for one AND asks a specific question ("Why this company?"). Answer the question, not a generic pitch. 5. You're applying to a founder-led role. Founders read letters.
The 4-paragraph format that works
1. Why this specific company (2 sentences, specific — not "your mission resonates"). 2. The single most relevant thing you've done. One story. Numbers. 3. What you'd do in the first 90 days. Concrete. 4. Ask for the conversation. Sign off.
Under 250 words. Every time.