It matters if I'm reviewing the applications for a job, and has done in all the software jobs where I've been involved in recruitment. I expect the same when I

It matters if I'm reviewing the applications for a job, and has done in all the software jobs where I've been involved in recruitment. I expect the same when I'm applying for a job, so I always include a cover letter. I feel someone who doesn't make the effort to write a cover letter is more likely to waste our time — cancelling an interview, or not accepting an offer. It's also the applicant's chance to explain why they are a good candidate for this job, and if there's anything odd on their CV. The CV shows you can do something, the cover letter shows you want to.