Cover Letter vs. Resume: What Recruiters Actually Read

When you’re applying for jobs in the UK, one of the first questions that comes up is:

Do recruiters really read cover letters or do they just skim your CV? With so many job seekers uploading both documents to an ATS it’s easy to wonder which one actually gets the recruiter’s attention.

The truth? Both matter but in very different ways.

The Role of the CV

Your CV is always the main document. Think of it as your professional “passport.” It’s the first file an ATS scans and it’s what recruiters use to make a quick yes/no decision about whether you meet the baseline requirements.

In the UK, most CVs should:

• Stay between 1–2 pages (depending on your experience).

• Highlight skills and achievements, not just duties.

• Use clear, ATS-friendly formatting

• Include keywords from the job description naturally.

  
  

Recruiters usually spend around 7–10 seconds on the first scan of your CV. That’s why clarity, structure, and keyword alignment are critical.

The Role of the Cover Letter

If the CV is the facts, the cover letter is the story. Many ATS platforms will allow you to upload or paste a cover letter and while not every recruiter reads it, the ones who do are usually looking for one thing: context.

A good cover letter in the UK should:

• Explain your motivation

• Fill gaps

• Show personality

• Be targeted

  
  

What Recruiters Actually Do?

Here’s what typically happens behind the scenes:

1. ATS Scan

2. Recruiter’s First Scan

3. Context Check

4. Shortlisting 

   
   

In short: The CV always gets read, the cover letter sometimes does but when it’s read, it can make the difference.

Should You Still Write a Cover Letter in 2025?

The short answer: yes.

Even though many recruiters admit they don’t read every cover letter, a well-written one can tip the balance in your favour, especially in competitive industries like finance, consulting, publishing, or law. In the UK job market, employers often expect candidates to put in the extra effort.

Think of it this way: you’ll never be penalised for writing a strong cover letter but you might miss out if you don’t include one.

Quick Tips for Writing an ATS-Friendly, Human Cover Letter

1. Use a standard format

2. Keep it to one page

3. Write naturally

4. Mirror the job description

5. Focus on value

   
   

Final Word

Recruiters in the UK will almost always read your CV first. That’s your ticket through the ATS and the initial shortlist. The cover letter, however, is where you get to sound like a person, not just a set of bullet points.

So, while the CV is essential, the cover letter is your edge especially if you’re competing against candidates with similar experience.

If you want to stand out in 2025, treat them as a pair that works together: the CV gets you seen, and the cover letter gets you remembered.