88% of Job Seekers Say Cover Letters Improve Their Chances — But 66% Want Them Half a Page or Less

Cover letters remain a staple in the hiring process. Sixty-five percent of job seekers regularly submit them, and 88% believe they improve their chances of landing an interview. However, many candidates are rethinking their approach.

A recent survey from MyPerfectResume reveals fresh insights into cover letter trends. The data shows that while many job seekers continue to include cover letters in their applications, they strongly prefer shorter, more focused documents — and even some interest in alternative formats. 

Despite debates about their relevance, job seekers continue to view cover letters as a useful tool in the application process. The survey, which gathered responses from over 1,000 U.S. job seekers, highlights how candidates are adapting to changing hiring practices while remaining confident in the value of cover letters.

Below, we break down the key findings from the 2025 Cover Letter Trends survey and explain what they mean for applicants.

Key findings:

Shorter, More Concise Cover Letters Are Preferred

66% of job seekers believe the ideal cover letter should be no longer than half a page.

Preferred lengths:

Here is a visual representation of the above data:

The Role of AI in Cover Letters

One-third of job seekers report that they are using AI in their cover letters, specifically to:

What this means: Applicants are increasingly leveraging AI to refine their cover letters, ensuring clear communication and a polished finish that meets modern hiring standards.

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Job Seekers Are Open to Creative Alternatives — But Cover Letters Still Win

Unconventional cover letter approaches remain niche – only 15% of job seekers have experimented with formats like video, infographics, or personal websites, with mixed results:

If given the option, job seekers would consider alternative submission formats, including:

See this graphic for a better understanding of the data: 

Honesty in Cover Letters: Where Do Job Seekers Draw the Line?

Ninety-two percent of job seekers have never lied in a cover letter, though some admit to embellishing specific details. Among those who have, the most common areas of exaggeration include:

What this means: Integrity remains a priority. Even though minor embellishments occur, most candidates prefer to maintain honesty in their cover letters.

Cover letters allow job seekers to showcase their enthusiasm, skills, and personality. While technology and creative alternatives are gaining interest, the survey confirms that a well-crafted, succinct cover letter still plays a crucial role in the application process.

The survey shows a shift in cover letter preferences — job seekers are opting for shorter, more focused documents while remaining open to innovative approaches. By emphasizing clear, honest, and concise communication, candidates can better present themselves and stand out to employers. MyPerfectResume remains committed to helping applicants craft cover letters that evolve with the changing landscape of job applications.

For press inquiries, please contact Nathan Barber at nathan.barber@bold.com.

Survey Methodology:

The findings were obtained by surveying 1,000 U.S. job seekers on January 30, 2025. The Pollfish survey included a mix of multiple-choice, scale-based, and open-ended questions to assess the role of cover letters in modern job applications.