A cover letter is just a way to say hello!

Yes, I do agree posting a cover letter is important, however most jobs ask for too much, first you post a resume then a cover letter, then their applications which ask the same repetitive question on the resume, not to mention the quiz then they only paying about 8.00 an hour. Dang it takes 2 hr to do and you still get no reply

Its important in my opinion, because you tailor it to the job description, and highlight your skills more in a cover letter.

If the employer asks for a cover letter, I provide one. Otherwise, when replying to a posting on an internet job site, I use the body of my e-mail as my cover letter when attaching resume.