Every couple of years I apply for jobs and only recently I noticed there is a field to upload/write such a cover letter. If it was always there I never acknowledged it. And thank you for confirming no one would read it anway which was my first reaction to noticing it.

Who comes up with this stuff? I can only imagine the conversations in HR: "Cover letters. That's it! Now we only get applications from people who are involved. The ones we're looking for. Amazing!"