Is a cover letter required or recommended to land a job?

Question

Specifically a job in the aerospace industry, I currently work in the industry but am looking for another opportunity. I just don’t know when a cover letter is really necessary for applications

Chazmatazz269 · Accepted Answer

A cover letter is kind of an exercise in ass kissing.
If you suspect that your training and experience are inadequate, a cover letter gives you an opportunity to shmooze the people and organization. It’s your way of saying that you would rather work for them than any other company doing the exact same things for the same amount of money. It’s also important to sell yourself as an asset to them in ways that an otherwise slim resume might not be able to.
You mentioned an “application”. I’ve never used a cover letter with an application. I consider it more part of a resume, but if you think it increases your chances, do what you gotta do!

exitseven · Accepted Answer

My daughter is a technical recruiter and she tells me that nobody reads cover letters. Resumes are scanned into tome software application and it looks for key phrases. I used to always include cover letters. When I hired for my own department I always looked st cover letters.

lilBigPotato · Accepted Answer

It doesn't matter if it's necessary or not.

By showing that you put in the extra effort to write one, you increase your chances. If it's a job you really want, I'd just write one and not take the gamble just because you were too lazy to write one.

confident666 · Accepted Answer

Since ChatGPT and other LLMs, I think employers don't care about cover letters anymore since most of the applicants if not all submit some AI generated bs. Even before 2022 cover letters weren't really important.

Advisor Smith · Accepted Answer

In my experience (including coaching aerospace professionals), think of cover letters as *strategic*, not automatic.

Use a cover letter when:
- The posting asks for one (then it’s mandatory).
- You’re changing role/function (e. g., test engineer → systems engineer).
- You have a non‑linear background to explain (gaps, career shift, relocation).
- You have a strong referral or specific motivation for that company/project.

You can usually skip it when:
- It’s a high‑volume, online portal with no option/interest in letters.

If you write one, keep it targeted, short, and metrics‑driven.

MrChinaski · Answer

If you are applying for an entry-level job then CV and academics are critical. If you are 34, the cover letter (why you will excel at that particular company/role... at that age, you are interviewing them for the right fit too, yes, not just looking for a paycheck) and references are more important.

FunkyMonkee · Answer

It'll possibly help but, unless you're going after some big-time office job, it's not likely you'll ever need one. Burger King just needs bodies, they don't care if you can do something besides flip burgers and shuck fries.

Ariesman81Nshiiit · Answer

Depends which sector. If engineering, I'd say skip it. Frivalous waste of paper that ends up in the trash. Or do something eye catching like an F35 or Sydney Sweeney. After all, they gotta work with you everyday.

Is a cover letter required or recommended to land a job?

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When should I use a cover letter for a job?

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