Market Brief: Cover Letters
Fam, it’s time to revisit one of my favorite topics… But this time, we have fresh reporting—and some actual data behind the shift!
You know I love to ask: Are cover letters dead?
And my response for the 847th time? It depends. 😭
The thing is, as we near the end of 2026, AI can produce a polished, tailored-looking cover letter in seconds.
I mean, a really good cover letter!
Which means a beautifully written letter no longer proves that someone spent time researching the company, thoughtfully connected their experience to the role, or even cared enough to write it themselves.
Add in record application volume and overwhelmed recruiting teams, and that lovely page of prose may never be read.
So should you stop writing cover letters?
HA! Not necessarily. 😉
Here’s my new decision rule (which actually kinda mirrors my former decision rule):
✅ If it’s required: Write it. Follow the instructions precisely.
✅ If it’s optional, and you have something meaningful to add: Write it.
Maybe you’re making an unusual career transition, you have a genuine connection to the company, or you need to explain something the résumé cannot. Maybe you have a story that makes your fit much more compelling.
❌ If it's optional, and you’re only going to repeat your résumé: Skip it.
❌ If it's not requested: Don’t go hunting for somewhere to upload one just to prove you did extra homework.
And if you do submit a cover letter, please don’t send 4 paragraphs of: “I was thrilled to discover this exciting opportunity at your innovative organization…” And then wax poetic only about your accomplishments.
Nobody talks like that. And nobody but your mother wants to read all that.
Tell them:
✏️ Why this particular opportunity makes sense
✏️ What you understand about their needs
✏️ One or two examples that prove you can meet them
✏️ Anything important your résumé cannot communicate
The cover letter isn’t necessarily dead.
But the generic, AI-polished résumé recap?
We can go ahead and let that one rest in peace.
Before writing, ask yourself: What can this letter tell the reader that my résumé cannot—and is that information strong enough to justify the letter?
If you don’t have an answer, you may not need one.
