When Should a Cover Letter Be Submitted for a Job | Complete Guide

When applying for a job, most candidates focus on crafting a strong resume — but many overlook one crucial detail: when and whether to submit a cover letter. Knowing the right time to include a cover letter can significantly improve your chances of landing an interview.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explain when you should submit a cover letter, when it’s optional, and how to make it count when you do.

📝 What Is a Cover Letter and Why It Matters

A cover letter is a one-page document that accompanies your resume. It introduces you to the employer, highlights your most relevant achievements, and explains why you’re a strong fit for the position.

Unlike a resume — which lists facts — a cover letter tells your story. It gives context to your experience, demonstrates your enthusiasm, and connects your skills directly to the company’s needs.

When written correctly, a cover letter can make you memorable and show that you’ve gone beyond simply clicking “Apply.”

You can also create one easily using a free cover letter generator on MyCVCreator.com — simply enter your job title, skills, and tone, and get a professionally written letter instantly.

📅 When You Should Submit a Cover Letter

Here are the most common — and most strategic — situations where submitting a cover letter is essential or highly recommended.

1. When It’s Required in the Job Posting

This is the most straightforward case: if the job description explicitly asks for a cover letter, include it.

Employers who request one do so for a reason. They want to:

• Evaluate your communication skills,

• See your motivation for the role, and

• Assess how well you fit into their company culture.

Failing to include it can signal that you don’t follow instructions — a big red flag for hiring managers.

Example:

“Please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your qualifications.”

If you see wording like this, a cover letter is mandatory.

2. When You’re Applying Through a Company’s Career Portal

Many corporate portals (like Workday, Taleo, or BambooHR) include a section labeled “Upload Additional Documents” or “Attach Cover Letter.”

Even if it’s not marked “required,” adding a cover letter here gives you a competitive advantage — especially when recruiters are reviewing similar resumes.

Think of it as an extra chance to stand out and explain why you’re perfect for the role.

3. When You’re Referred by Someone

If a friend, colleague, or professional contact referred you to a job, a cover letter helps you formalize that connection.

Start your letter by mentioning the referral:

“I was excited to learn about this opportunity from [Name], who works in your marketing department. After discussing the company’s mission, I’m confident my skills align perfectly with your team’s goals.”

This personal touch increases your credibility and shows initiative.

4. When You’re Changing Careers or Industries

If your background doesn’t directly match the role, a cover letter helps you explain how your transferable skills make you a good fit.

For example:

• A teacher moving into corporate training can highlight communication and leadership skills.

• A journalist applying for a marketing job can emphasize storytelling and audience engagement.

Without a cover letter, your resume alone might not tell the full story — and you could be overlooked.

5. When You’re Applying for an Internship or Entry-Level Job

Most entry-level applicants have limited professional experience. A cover letter gives you the opportunity to show motivation, personality, and career goals.

You can discuss:

• Relevant coursework or projects,

• Extracurricular involvement,

• Volunteer experience, or

• Passion for the industry.

Employers often value enthusiasm and attitude as much as hard skills at this stage.

6. When You’re Applying to a Small or Medium Business (SMB)

Smaller companies tend to read applications more closely and appreciate personalized communication.

A cover letter addressed directly to the hiring manager shows respect and genuine interest in the role — something that’s often missing in larger, automated systems.

7. When You Want to Explain Something Unusual

A cover letter is the perfect place to address gaps or unique situations, such as:

• Career breaks,

• Relocations,

• Freelance work history, or

• Returning to the workforce.

For example:

“After taking a two-year break to care for a family member, I’m eager to return to a full-time marketing role where I can apply my proven digital strategy skills.”

This approach reframes potential concerns as strengths — and gives hiring managers clarity.

🚫 When You Can Skip the Cover Letter

Although a cover letter is usually beneficial, there are rare situations where it’s okay to skip it.

1. When the Job Listing Says “Do Not Include a Cover Letter”

If the employer explicitly says not to send one, follow instructions. Submitting extra materials can appear careless.

2. When There’s No Upload Option and No Contact Email

Some automated job portals have no option for attachments or additional notes. In that case, make your resume as strong as possible and focus on a compelling LinkedIn profile summary.

3. When Applying via Quick Apply (Indeed, LinkedIn Easy Apply)

If you’re using a one-click system for quick submissions, the platform may not support attachments. However, if there’s an “Add Note” or “Message to Employer” field, use it to write a short paragraph version of your cover letter.

Example (Mini Cover Letter):

“Dear Hiring Manager, I’m very interested in the Marketing Coordinator position. With 3 years of experience in social media management and content strategy, I’m confident I can contribute immediately to your team’s success.”

📋 Tips for Writing a Great Cover Letter When You Do Submit One

Whenever you attach a cover letter, make sure it’s polished, concise, and tailored to the job. Here are key tips:

1. Customize for Each Job

Don’t send the same letter to every employer. Mention the company name and reference specific details from the job posting.

2. Start Strong

Your opening line should grab attention. Avoid generic intros like “I am writing to apply for the position of...”

Instead, try:

“As a marketing professional passionate about wellness branding, I was excited to see the Social Media Manager role at PureLife Health.”

3. Highlight Accomplishments

Use numbers and outcomes:

“Increased engagement by 45% in three months through creative campaign strategy.”

4. Keep It Short

Stick to one page — ideally three to four paragraphs.

5. Match the Tone

If it’s a creative company, use a warm, conversational tone. For corporate jobs, maintain a professional voice.

6. End with a Call to Action

Conclude confidently:

“I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how I can contribute to your team.”

🧠 Recruiter Insight: Why a Cover Letter Still Matters

According to data from CareerBuilder and ResumeLab, 49% of hiring managers say they are more likely to call a candidate for an interview if a cover letter is included.

A well-written letter signals:

• Attention to detail,

• Strong communication skills, and

• Real enthusiasm for the role.

Even when it’s optional, recruiters often use it to differentiate motivated applicants from those who are applying blindly.

🕒 Timing Matters Too: When to Send Your Application

In addition to whether you should include a cover letter, when you apply can also affect your chances.

Research from TalentWorks found that submitting applications between Monday and Wednesday mornings (6–10 AM) yields the highest response rates.

So, when submitting your resume and cover letter, aim to:

• Apply early in the week,

• Avoid weekends (when HR may be off-duty), and

• Submit in the morning before the inbox fills up.

📂 Where to Get Free Cover Letter and Resume Templates

If you want to create a professional-looking application quickly, visit MyCVCreator.com/word-template for:

• Free Cover Letter Download

• Free Resume Download

• Customizable CV Templates

You can also use the AI Cover Letter Generator to produce personalized letters for each job title.

✅ Key Takeaways: When to Submit a Cover Letter

✍️ Final Thoughts

A cover letter is never “just an extra.” It’s your voice, your first impression, and often the reason a recruiter decides to read your resume.

You should submit a cover letter whenever the opportunity allows — especially if the employer requests it, the role is competitive, or you want to explain your story beyond what a resume can show.

By pairing a strong resume with a thoughtful cover letter — or by using tools like the MyCVCreator free cover letter download — you position yourself as a serious, detail-oriented candidate ready to take the next step in your career.