One of the strangest interview experiences I've ever had.
I was called for a phone interview, and during the call, I was asked to submit a cover letter. The caller asking seemed quite upset that I hadn't submitted one even though the application didn't request one. It seemed like they took it very personally that I hadn't submitted a cover letter, but I was told the hiring manager liked my resume which is why they called. I was told if the cover letter was written to their satisfaction I could pass to the next stage. I thought it was a little ridiculous considering the point of a cover letter is to get them to read your resume, and I had already achieved that. But I thanked them anyway and then wrote and sent a cover letter written to their specifications that afternoon.
I then received a form rejection from Plymouth Housing a week later. I think the interviewer just wanted to waste my time. Totally bizarre power move and probably a show of what it is like to work for this place. I would recommend avoiding.