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

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.