Should You Fill Out Optional Sections on Job Applications? Here’s Why It Matters

You’re applying for a job. You upload your resume and feel like you’re almost done... but then the form asks for a personal summary. And a cover letter. Both marked as “optional.”

It’s easy to think, “Do I really need to do this too?”

Here’s the truth: most people skip these. That’s exactly why filling them out can help you stand out.

Why you should fill out optional parts of a job application

A personal summary lets you speak directly to the hiring team. It’s a chance to explain who you are, what drives you, and why you’re applying... something a resume alone doesn’t always capture. A cover letter lets you take that even further, tying your experience to the specific job and showing that you actually took the time to understand the role.

Do you have to write both?

No. But should you? If you want a better shot at standing out, yes.

Think of it this way: hiring teams are scanning through dozens (sometimes hundreds) of applications. When they see someone who took the time to write a few thoughtful sentences, it signals genuine interest. And that can make all the difference.

How long should it be?

A good personal summary or cover letter doesn’t need to be long. A short paragraph with clear intent, a little personality, and relevance to the job is often more effective than a full page of filler.

If you're not sure what to say, tools like Yotru can help. We guide you through what to include, how to structure it, and even tailor it to the job you’re applying for. No generic templates, but just smart, clear writing that works for both humans and applicant tracking systems.

Bottom line: Optional sections are where you can stand out. Most applicants won’t take the time. But you can and it might be the easiest way to get noticed.