Why Cover Letters Still Matter in 2025 (And How to Write One) | CV Pilots
Why Cover Letters Still Matter in 2025 – And How to Write One That Gets Read
For years, people have debated whether cover letters are worth the effort. Some job seekers skip them, assuming recruiters don’t read them. Others send the same generic letter for every role. Both approaches are mistakes.
In 2025, a strong, tailored cover letter is still one of the most effective ways to stand out in a competitive job market. Done well, it goes beyond the bullet points on your CV to tell the story of who you are, why you’re applying and why you’re the right fit.
Think of your CV as the facts and your cover letter as the narrative that connects those facts into a compelling case for your candidacy.
Here’s how a cover letter adds value – and why you should never apply for a role without one if you’re serious about getting hired.
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1) Cover Letters Let You Expand on Key Achievements
Your CV is designed to be concise. But what if a project, deal or initiative you led is highly relevant to the role you’re applying for?
A cover letter gives you the space to explain the “how” behind the “what.” Don’t assume recruiters will connect the dots themselves – make it easy for them by spelling out why your experience matters.
For example:
“While at Bupa UK, I led the integration of six newly acquired facilities, increasing revenue by £50M. This experience would directly support your organisation’s current expansion strategy.”
2) They Help You Prove You’re the Right Fit
If you don’t tick every box in the job description, your cover letter is where you bridge the gap. Highlight transferable skills, relevant training or industry knowledge that show you’re prepared to hit the ground running.
For example, if you’re moving from sales into finance:
“I recently completed a financial modelling certification in Excel and applied these skills to create revenue forecast models in my current role, resulting in a 12% accuracy improvement.”
This not only demonstrates initiative but also reassures recruiters you’re serious about the transition.
3) They Allow You to Tailor Your Application
Most professionals use one base CV. That’s fine – but a cover letter is where you personalise your pitch.
Scan the job description, pull out the core skills the employer is looking for and link them to specific examples from your career.
This shows you’ve done your homework and aren’t just firing off CVs at random – a major differentiator in 2025’s competitive market.
4) They Give You a Chance to Address Red Flags
Gaps in employment, a non-linear career path, frequent moves or even relocation questions – these are all issues better explained upfront than left to a recruiter’s imagination.
Keep it brief, professional and forward-looking. For example:
“In 2023, I took a one-year career break to support my family during a medical issue. With this resolved, I’m now ready to return to the workforce in a senior finance role.”
Employers today, particularly post-pandemic, are far more understanding of non-traditional career paths – as long as you’re transparent and focus on what you bring to the table now.
5) They Show Why You Want This Role, Not Just Any Role
One of the biggest frustrations recruiters voice is receiving generic cover letters – sometimes even with the wrong company name.
A tailored cover letter tells an employer why you want to work with them specifically. Maybe it’s their culture, a recent news story, their innovation in the sector, or even a personal recommendation from a connection.
This kind of detail demonstrates genuine motivation – and instantly sets you apart from candidates who make no effort.
In Summary
In 2025, cover letters remain a non-negotiable for candidates who are serious about landing an interview. While some recruiters may skim them, you only need one line to resonate and tip the decision in your favour.
Skip it, and you risk looking careless. Write it well, and you’ve just given yourself a decisive edge.
If you’d like expert help crafting a compelling, tailored cover letter to complement your CV, explore our professional CV & cover letter writing service.
To find out more, visit our website www.cvpilots.co.uk If you have any further questions, you can either book a consultation call with one of our team, or get in touch via email on team@cvpilots.co.uk
