Cover Letters: Do Students Still Need Them?
By CyberSNova Team · August 28, 2026
Cover letters get mixed advice because the honest answer is: it depends on where you're applying.
Skip It For High-Volume Applications
For large-scale campus placements and high-volume applications, a generic cover letter rarely gets read and isn't worth the time — your resume and portfolio carry more weight there.
Write One When You Actually Mean It
For a specific internship you genuinely want, a short, targeted cover letter can help — but only if it says something your resume can't. Explain why this domain interests you, or connect a specific project to what the role needs.
Keep It Short
Under half a page. A long cover letter reads as padding, not enthusiasm — and skip the generic opening lines entirely. "I am writing to express my interest in..." wastes the one sentence you have to make an impression.
Key takeaway: A cover letter should say something your resume physically can't — not repeat it in paragraph form.