​For years, the cover letter has been seen as an essential part of any job application. But in 2025, with so many digital tools, online profiles, and fast-paced recruitment processes, many candidates are wondering whether it still has a place. Is the traditional cover letter still necessary, or has it become a thing of the past?

At NMS Recruit, we see both sides every day. Some employers still value a thoughtful cover letter as a way to understand a candidate’s motivation and communication skills, while others barely glance at them, preferring to go straight to the CV or LinkedIn profile. The truth is that the cover letter isn’t dead, it’s just evolving.

A strong cover letter can still make a real difference, especially in roles where personality, communication, and cultural fit are key. It’s an opportunity to explain why you want the role, what draws you to the company, and how your skills translate to real impact. While a CV focuses on what you’ve done, the cover letter explains why you’ve done it and why it matters. Employers often tell us that the most memorable applications are those where the candidate has clearly taken the time to personalise their approach rather than sending the same generic statement to every role.

However, it’s also true that the hiring process has changed dramatically. With applicant tracking systems filtering CVs by keywords, many cover letters never even reach a human reader. And in busy sectors like IT or Sales, hiring managers simply don’t have time to read hundreds of lengthy documents. That’s why modern cover letters need to be short, clear, and focused. The best ones are now more like a short pitch than a formal essay. Three or four concise paragraphs that demonstrate enthusiasm and relevance are far more effective than a page of repeated information from your CV.

We often advise candidates to think of their cover letter as a way to answer the question “Why you, and why this job?” in just a few sentences. Mention the company by name, show that you’ve done your research, and explain briefly what value you can bring. Use your own voice, authenticity is much more engaging than formal jargon. Even if not every recruiter reads your letter in detail, those who do will notice the effort, and that can make the difference between getting an interview or not.

Interestingly, we’ve seen that the value of a cover letter often depends on the type of role. In more technical fields like IT and Engineering, a well-structured CV often does the heavy lifting, while in client-facing or creative positions, a short, compelling cover letter still holds weight. One of our clients recently told us that a candidate’s cover letter convinced them to offer an interview, even though their CV didn’t tick every box, it showed curiosity, initiative, and the willingness to learn, which ultimately mattered more than direct experience.

So, is a cover letter still necessary in 2025? We’d say yes but with a modern twist. It’s no longer about following a rigid format or writing a full page of text. It’s about showing personality, intent, and alignment in a concise and thoughtful way. If you can do that, your cover letter will still give you an edge.

At NMS Recruit, we help candidates position themselves in the best possible way whether that’s refining a CV, tailoring an application, or preparing for interviews. If you’re looking to make your next career move or want advice on standing out to employers, please feel free to speak to our team today!