Do I still need a cover letter in 2026?

In the German market: mostly yes. According to surveys by the Bundesagentur fuer Arbeit and Stepstone, 60-70% of German employers still expect a cover letter — especially SMEs, the public sector and traditional industries. In tech startups and at international corporations it is increasingly optional or replaced by a 'cover note' in the application form. Caveat: In markets with skills shortages (BA skills shortage analysis 2024: IT, nursing, trades) formal requirements are losing weight. Practical recommendation: Always write a cover letter unless it is explicitly excluded — a convincing cover letter sets you apart from candidates who skip it. A poor one does harm.