Are Cover Letters Making A Comeback?

Video killed the radio star. AI is killing the resume.
Are cover letters making a comeback?
Maybe.

For years, I considered the cover letter an outdated formality that recruiters and managers often ignored.

Now, I’m seeing an opportunity for a comeback. As AI screens more resumes, human context matters more than ever. Done well, a cover letter can cut through noise, add context, and re-humanize an automated process.

Here’s when a cover letter can make a difference:
✨ Networking & Visibility – when you’re reconnecting or asking for a warm intro.
✨ Career Gaps or Transitions – to explain the “why” behind your story in a way a resume can’t.
✨ Following Up – when your application may have slipped into the AI-hole, a thoughtful follow-up can resurface your candidacy.

Here’s what can make it worth reading:
✅ Why – Connect the dots. Why are you the right fit? Use this space to summarize your value, not regurgitate your resume.
✅ What – Be clear about what you’re seeking. Keep it short, simple, and human.
✅ Who – Be intentional. If the person can’t support your “why” and “what,” don’t spam — outreach with care.

Used wisely, a cover letter can be a strategic differentiator. BUT, it’s not for everyone, or every role. For the right candidate, the right words, to the right person, at the right time can open doors a resume never will.