Hacker News Reader

What I've noticed is that it's optional for most places I applied to. There was this time where I applied to a startup and added a cover letter. The interviewer remembered of me as "the guy who wrote a cover letter".

That made me realize that since most people aren't doing it, a cover letter would help me standout. Seeing a cover letter is rare enough that people value it more. Nowadays, I make one for any role I'm very excited about.

unfortunately yes, last few places I've shot off a resume to hit back that I need a cover letter.

I'd be curious how many are asking for cover letters and run resumes through the HR grinder. I like to believe the ones still asking for them actually read the cover letter/resume, manually.

Some companies require or encourage them (HashiCorp, Shopify for ex)