Are Cover Letters Still Relevant in 2025? A Guide for Juniors and Seniors
The classic cover letter – also called a motivation letter – has long been part of job applications. But in 2025, recruiters and candidates alike are asking: is it still worth writing one?
The answer is yes. But with nuance. Traditional, lengthy letters are fading. Instead, short, tailored, and strategic cover letters are making the difference, especially when used wisely depending on your career stage.
Why Cover Letters Are Changing
Recruitment has become faster and more digital. With LinkedIn Easy Apply, high-volume hiring, and Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), not all recruiters have the time to read one-page letters anymore.
Yet, cover letters still matter when motivation, context, or storytelling make the difference: for example, in graduate programs, career changes, relocations, or senior leadership applications.
For Junior Profiles: First Impressions Count
For young graduates or students applying to their first role, the CV alone rarely tells the whole story. A cover letter helps show motivation, transferable skills, and enthusiasm. Example Junior Cover Letter (Customer Service role in Barcelona):
Dear Hiring Manager,
I recently graduated with a degree in Business Administration and I am eager to begin my career in customer service. During my studies, I developed strong communication and problem-solving skills through group projects and part-time work in retail. What attracts me to your company is its international team and commitment to excellent client support. I am motivated to apply my language skills in English and French to help your customers feel supported and valued. I would be excited to discuss how my enthusiasm and adaptability can contribute to your team. Best regards, [Name]
👉 Tip for juniors: Keep it short, show motivation, and highlight adaptability and soft skills.
For managers or experienced professionals, the cover letter is not about proving motivation but about framing your career story: why this role, why now, and what value you bring. Example Senior Cover Letter (Sales Director role in Lisbon):
Dear Hiring Manager,
With over 12 years of experience in international B2B sales, I have built and led teams that consistently exceeded revenue targets across Southern Europe. My expertise lies in developing scalable strategies and managing multicultural sales operations. I am particularly interested in joining [Company Name] because of its strong position in the SaaS sector and its expansion into the Iberian market. I believe my experience in driving regional growth and building strategic partnerships could directly support this ambition. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my track record and leadership approach could bring value to your organisation. Sincerely, [Name]
Tip for seniors: Use the cover letter to clarify your “why now” – whether it’s leadership, relocation, or a new challenge.
In many companies, the first “reader” of your application is not a human, it’s an Applicant Tracking System (ATS)or an AI-powered screening tool. These systems scan your documents for structure and keywords. Yes, AI may scan your cover letter first. Missing relevant keywords (e.g., “customer support,” “B2B sales,” “multilingual”) can lower your chances. But humans still decide. Recruiters look for clarity, motivation, and a personal touch that AI cannot evaluate. Write for both audiences: include relevant keywords naturally, but keep your tone human, concise, and authentic.
Should You Use AI to Write Your Cover Letter?
AI tools are everywhere, and many candidates use them to draft applications. They are excellent for structuring, polishing language, or suggesting keywords. But recruiters quickly spot letters written entirely by AI, they feel generic and impersonal. The best practice is hybrid:
Use AI to save time and improve clarity.
Add your personal touch: why you want this role, how your experiences fit, and what value you bring.
In other words: let AI assist you, but don’t let it replace you.
When Cover Letters Still Matter
Graduate programs, NGOs, and institutions: still very formal, letters are mandatory.
Career changes or relocations: the cover letter explains context that the CV can’t.
Senior positions: especially in consulting, management, or finance.
SMEs and mid-sized companies: often more attentive to personal motivation.
For high-volume roles (customer service, retail, entry-level sales), many recruiters no longer read letters. Instead, a short motivational note in the application form can be enough.
In 2025-2026, cover letters are not dead, they are evolving. They are shorter, more strategic, and often adapted for both AI and human recruiters.
For juniors, it’s about showing energy and transferable skills.
For seniors, it’s about framing your career path and clarifying your motivation.
For everyone, it’s about striking the right balance between keywords and authentic storytelling.
At Blu Selection, we help candidates whether juniors taking their first step abroad or seniors looking for leadership roles craft applications that stand out. And we support companies in finding motivated, multilingual professionals who bring value beyond their CV.
Your cover letter isn’t obsolete, it’s just transformed. Use it wisely, and it can still open the right doors.
