Is a Cover Letter Still Necessary? 2025 Verdict for Canadian Job Seekers

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Introduction: Why This Question Matters in 2025

If you’re applying for jobs in Canada in 2025, you’ve probably asked yourself: “Do I still need a cover letter?” The job market has changed dramatically over the past few years. Between AI-powered Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), ChatGPT-generated resumes, and employers scanning hundreds of applications daily, it’s no wonder job seekers are debating whether a cover letter still carries weight.

Here’s the truth: while some recruiters admit they don’t read every single cover letter, many still expect them — especially in professional roles, executive searches, or industries like healthcare, IT, and finance. In fact, surveys by Job Bank Canada show that more than 60% of Canadian hiring managers consider cover letters “important or very important” when evaluating applications.

So, is a cover letter still necessary in 2025? The answer isn’t as simple as yes or no. It depends on your industry, career stage, and the company culture you’re targeting. This guide breaks down the latest trends, recruiter expectations, and real examples from the Canadian job market. By the end, you’ll know when to use a cover letter, how to write one that actually gets read, and how to pair it with a modern ATS-friendly resume for maximum results.

Do Employers in Canada Still Read Cover Letters in 2025?

Hiring managers today have less time than ever. Between automated resume scans and AI tools, applications are filtered quickly. Yet, cover letters still act as a personal differentiator.

  • Yes, they matter in industries where communication, leadership, and client interaction are key (e.g., healthcare, IT project management, executive leadership, marketing).
  • Sometimes optional in technical fields like software development, where portfolios and project results often speak louder.
  • Less important for entry-level retail or warehouse roles where bulk hiring is the focus.

But here’s the catch: even when employers don’t explicitly require a cover letter, including one can give you a competitive edge. It signals effort, professionalism, and alignment with Canadian workplace culture — qualities recruiters value.

👉 Need help writing one? Explore our Cover Letter Writing Services for tailored, ATS-friendly letters that match your resume.

2025 Resume Trends That Affect Cover Letters

To understand whether cover letters are still relevant, you need to see the bigger picture: how resumes themselves are evolving.

Top resume trends in Canada for 2025 include:

  • ATS-Friendly Formatting: Recruiters in Toronto, Vancouver, and Calgary report rejecting up to 70% of resumes that fail ATS scans. This means your cover letter must complement — not duplicate — your resume.
  • AI-Enhanced Resumes: Many candidates now use ChatGPT or AI-based resume builders. But a generic AI cover letter often feels robotic. Recruiters still want a human voice.
  • Industry-Specific Resumes: Whether it’s Healthcare Resume Writing or IT Resume Writing, tailoring both your resume and cover letter to your field is more important than ever.
  • LinkedIn Integration: Employers cross-check your application against your LinkedIn profile. A cover letter can help bridge any gaps between your resume and your online brand. (Check out our LinkedIn Profile Optimization services.)

The Canadian Job Market Reality: Do You Really Need Both?

Statistics Canada reports that Canada’s unemployment rate sits around 6% in 2025 — slightly higher than pre-pandemic levels. Competition is fierce in cities like Toronto, Ottawa, and Vancouver, especially for white-collar jobs.

Here’s what recruiters often say:

  • Resume = what you did.
  • Cover letter = why it matters.

A strong resume alone may secure you an ATS pass. But a strong cover letter can win you the interview — particularly in finance, healthcare, government, and executive-level roles.

When You Must Include a Cover Letter (2025 Guidelines)

Not every application requires one. But in these situations, it’s non-negotiable:

  1. When the job posting asks for it. Ignoring instructions is an instant red flag.
  2. When applying through Canadian job portals like Indeed or Job Bank where an optional cover letter field is offered. Recruiters notice when you leave it blank.
  3. When targeting competitive industries (IT leadership, healthcare, law, finance).
  4. When career-changing. If you’re moving from marketing into project management, your cover letter explains the “why” behind your transition.
  5. When applying in smaller companies or startups where hiring managers read applications personally.

When You Can Skip the Cover Letter in 2025

There are cases where it’s acceptable to skip the cover letter:

  • High-volume applications like warehouse, retail, or seasonal work.
  • Automated ATS applications where cover letters aren’t even displayed to recruiters.
  • Recruiter referrals where your contact has already vouched for you.

Even then, a short note in your email can replace a full cover letter.

What Recruiters in Toronto and Vancouver Say About Cover Letters

At OMY Resumes, we’ve interviewed recruiters across Toronto, Vancouver, and Calgary. Here’s what they shared:

  • “A resume shows me skills. A cover letter shows me communication ability. That matters.” — Toronto HR manager, Finance sector.
  • “For IT developers, I mostly skip cover letters unless the role is client-facing.” — Vancouver tech recruiter.
  • “In healthcare, empathy and professionalism are key. A resume alone doesn’t show that.” — Calgary healthcare recruiter.

👉 This is why our Resume Writing Services are paired with tailored cover letters that meet industry expectations.

Common Cover Letter Mistakes to Avoid in 2025

Many job seekers in Canada still sabotage their chances with weak cover letters. Avoid these:

  • Copy-pasting from ChatGPT without editing. Recruiters can tell.
  • Repeating your resume. Instead, explain why you’re applying and how you’ll add value.
  • Using outdated templates. A generic “Dear Sir/Madam” screams careless.
  • Writing too long. Aim for 3–4 short paragraphs.
  • Forgetting keywords. Just like resumes, cover letters should include role-specific keywords for ATS scanning.

Step-by-Step: How to Write a Modern Canadian Cover Letter

  1. Header: Match your resume format.
  2. Greeting: Address the recruiter by name (use LinkedIn or company websites to find it).
  3. Opening: State the role and why you’re excited about it.
  4. Body: Highlight 1–2 achievements that prove you can do the job.
  5. Closing: Reiterate your interest and call to action.

Example (IT role in Toronto):

“When leading a cloud migration project at XYZ Corp, I reduced costs by 18% and improved system uptime. I see parallels with your company’s upcoming digital transformation. I’d be excited to contribute that expertise as your next IT Project Manager.”

AI and Cover Letters: Should You Use ChatGPT in 2025?

Many candidates now use AI to generate cover letters. The upside: speed and structure. The downside: generic, lifeless tone.

Our advice: use AI as a draft tool but personalize the final version. Add Canadian-specific details, industry knowledge, and company values. That’s what makes your application stand out.

For those who struggle, our Career Consultation Services help clients understand how to use AI tools without sounding robotic.

Industry Examples: When a Cover Letter Seals the Deal

  • Healthcare (Nurses in Ottawa): Employers value empathy and patient communication. A resume can’t show this — a cover letter can.
  • IT (Toronto Developers): Technical resumes highlight skills, but cover letters show teamwork and leadership.
  • Finance (Vancouver Analysts): Numbers are on your resume. Your reasoning and problem-solving mindset go in the cover letter.
  • Engineering (Calgary): A cover letter helps showcase safety culture and project management mindset.

Case Study: From Zero Callbacks to Multiple Interviews

One of our Toronto clients applied to 30 jobs with just resumes and got zero responses. After working with OMY Resumes, we created an ATS-friendly resume plus a tailored cover letter. Within three weeks, she landed three interviews — one of which turned into a full-time offer in finance.

👉 Want the same results? Explore our Toronto Resume Services.

Beyond Cover Letters: Building a Complete Job Search Strategy

A cover letter is just one piece of the puzzle. To succeed in Canada’s 2025 job market, you need:

Together, these elements create a consistent professional story — making you unforgettable to Canadian employers.

Conclusion: The 2025 Verdict on Cover Letters

So, is a cover letter still necessary in 2025? Yes — in most cases. While not every Canadian job application requires one, a well-written cover letter still increases your chances of landing an interview. It demonstrates effort, communication skills, and cultural fit — things that resumes and AI tools often can’t capture.

The Canadian job market is competitive. Whether you’re applying in Toronto’s finance sector, Vancouver’s tech scene, Calgary’s engineering firms, or Ottawa’s healthcare institutions, a tailored cover letter remains one of the best ways to stand out.

Here’s the bottom line:

  • If a job asks for it, always include a cover letter.
  • If you’re changing careers or applying for professional/leadership roles, write one.
  • If you want to get ahead of ATS-driven rejections, combine it with a customized resume and LinkedIn strategy.

Ready to stand out in the competitive Canadian job market? Our Resume Writing Service team creates ATS-friendly resumes and tailored cover letters that land interviews faster. Book your free consultation today and give yourself the advantage in 2025.