While there has been healthy debate as to whether or not cover letters are expected, they are still arguably a key piece of applying for a job since they allow applicants to introduce themselves and their accomplishments. They also give applicants the opportunity to highlight specific “wins” that are pertinent to the position, but which may not be visible on their resume.
A 2016 CareerBuilder survey found that only about 29 percent of employers require a cover letter. However, not having one could force hiring managers to rely solely on someone’s resume, which isn’t always the best indicator of the candidate’s personality, writing style, or goals in applying for the job.