how much words should a cover letter be

If you’re wondering how long a cover letter should be, this article has everything you need to know (including exactly how many words to make your cover letter).

I’m going to share why most job seekers are making their cover letters far too long, and why you will likely get more job interviews by writing less in your cover letter.

Let’s get started…

How Long Should a Cover Letter Be?

Cover letters should be one page long and total 75 to 250 words. This recommendation applies to both printed and email cover letters. It’s okay if your cover letter doesn’t take up an entire page, but it should never exceed one full page.

Job seekers needing to explain gaps in employment , a recent change in career path, etc., may want to utilize more words in their cover letter than someone with a more standard background.

A job seeker who is staying within their current industry and career path (e.g. moving from Software Engineer to Senior Software Engineer) and not needing to explain a lengthy work gap should aim to be on the lower end of the recommended cover letter word count mentioned above — somewhere between 70 and 150 words.

As an example, my favorite cover letter template from Harvard Business Review has only 76 words:

As you customize this cover letter, the word count will likely rise a bit, but it’ll remain much shorter than what most job seekers send. And that’s a good thing!

This type of letter is going to be very different than what most job seekers are sending and what you’ve seen recommended online, and that’s often a plus.

Coming up soon, I’ll explain why a shorter cover letter may improve your odds of hearing back on a job application.

How Many Paragraphs Should a Cover Letter Include?

The typical cover letter should contain three to six paragraphs. Each paragraph should be relatively short, containing two to four sentences. This is especially important in the first paragraph of your cover letter, where you want to entice the reader and encourage them to keep reading by providing a short, punchy opening.

In general, when writing to grab someone’s attention, focus heavily on making the first paragraph compelling, because this is your first impression or “elevator pitch,” for why they should keep reading.

Now that you know how long a cover letter should be, let’s look at some specific benefits of using this length, which is shorter than some people recommend.

Reasons to Consider a Shorter Cover Letter

Now that you know how many words a cover letter should be, let’s talk about why I recommend this as the ideal length, even though some career experts recommend your cover letter be longer.

There are four things that happen when you keep your cover letter relatively short…

1. You Stand Out by Being Different

Here’s an example of a typical full-page cover letter that many job seekers are sending:

If you’ve sent something like that in the past, it’s NOT your fault…

Almost every website with cover letter templates recommends this format, and it’s what you’re constantly told to send.

But that’s the beauty of limiting your cover letter to my ideal cover letter length of 75 to 250 words. It’s different than what everyone else is doing!

From the first glance, you’re showing the hiring manager that your cover letter is unique and worth reading closely . You show that you’re not going to bore them half to sleep with yet another generic letter containing info from a template or info that’s already on your resume.

Whereas, if you send a full-page cover letter like the image/example above, the hiring manager is thinking, “Okay, here’s another huge page of info to read through that’s probably based on a template.”

This happens to them over and over, all day.

That brings me to my next benefit…

2. You Get Your Cover Letter Read (Not Skimmed!)

Most job seekers send cover letters that so long-winded that nobody wants to read them. The hiring manager may read to the second or third paragraph, but they’re unlikely to through to the end.

Beyond that, job hunters send cover letters that repeat information from their resume, which doesn’t provide any value to the hiring manager or recruiter .

But because your cover letter is short, and ideally has small paragraphs, it’s inviting to read. Hiring managers open your email or letter and think, “Great, I can read this no problem.”

So they read your cover letter from start to finish without skipping a word!

This is why you should always send the hiring manager a short cover letter where each line has a purpose and message and does something to sell them on why you deserve the interview.

You don’t have to take my word for it, though. Test it! Send half of your cover letters in the standard, full-page style seen above, but with the other half, test what I’m suggesting here. Greatly reduce the word count, get right to the point, only offer info that’s not on your resume.

We’ve now looked at two reasons why the full-page cover letter is not the ideal length/approach. But I’ve got two more reasons for you…

3. You Draw Attention to Your Strongest Points/Skills

If you’re naming 20 different skills and qualifications in your cover letter, it’s hard for a recruiter or hiring manager to pick out the most important pieces.

Whereas, if you just name your three or four strongest arguments for why you’d be a great fit for their job description, those points will stand out (and get read, as mentioned above).

Sometimes less is more, and with cover letters, it’s often the case!

So this is another factor to consider when deciding how long your cover letter should be.

4. You Get Your “Call to Action” Read So You Win More Interviews

Finally, you should end each cover letter with a “Call to Action,” which I’ll explain in the next section.

This is where you ask for the interview, which is something many job seekers don’t do properly (or don’t do at all) in their cover letter.

And by keeping your letter brief, this closing paragraph comes relatively quickly… sometimes as the third or fourth paragraph… so it’s much more likely to get the reader’s full attention which means you’ll get more interviews.

Recommended Cover Letter Font Size

The best font size for your cover letter is 12 points, whether you’re sending a printed or an email cover letter. Avoid fancy fonts and choose a simple, easy-to-read font like Calibri or Arial. Include plenty of white space and small, punchy paragraphs. It’s better to have multiple, concise paragraphs in your cover letter than one or two very long paragraphs. This helps with readability.

How to End Your Cover Letter: Ask for the Interview

This is one other mistake a lot of job seekers make with their cover letters, along with repeating info on the resume and just being far too long-winded. They don’t ask for the interview in their closing paragraph!

The whole point of the cover letter is to win you job interviews . So after you’ve got the specific word count you want, make sure to finish up by actually asking the hiring manager to call you and set up a time to discuss in more detail!

Here’s an example of how you could conclude an email cover letter:

I’d love to discuss the position over the phone and provide a bit more context for how I can help you in this role. Are you available for a phone call later this week or early next week? My phone number is 555-218-4987.

Or, simply use the cover letter conclusion from the first example in this article, from Harvard Business Review:

I have attached my resume for your review and would welcome the chance to speak with you sometime.

However, I prefer a slightly stronger conclusion to a cover letter that really prompts the hiring manager to reply to a direct question. That should get you more responses from your cover letter, no matter your cover letter length!

Conclusion: How Many Words Should a Cover Letter Be?

To reiterate how long a cover letter should be, I recommend sticking to 250 words or less and never exceeding one page.

It’s beneficial to keep your letter short and concise for both a printed cover letter and a cover letter sent by email.

The shorter format allows you to focus on your strongest points and grab the hiring manager’s attention without overwhelming them with too much text or info. This will help you get more interviews and separate you from other job seekers who send long, generic, cut-and-paste cover letters with their applications.

However, as mentioned earlier, the length of your cover letter will vary depending on the industry (in a very formal, traditional industry, you may want to go for a slightly longer word count).

If you have an unusual scenario to explain, then your ideal cover letter length may be longer, too.

So don’t take the advice above as a hard-and-fast rule, but just a general guideline on how long a typical cover letter should be to win more job interviews.

As a final step, make sure to proofread everything! Sending a cover letter with a typo or mistake can cost you the job interview even if you have great qualifications and writing style.

More cover letter resources:

• Do you need to send a cover letter?
• How to write a cover letter with no experience
• 3 steps to writing a cover letter that stands out

About the Author

Read more articles by Biron Clark

Continue Reading

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What is the perfect cover letter length?

8 min read · Updated on May 08, 2023

Finding the perfect balance between concise and complete can be a challenge

When applying for a job, the cover letter can often be the key factor that sets you apart from other candidates. A cover letter serves as an opportunity to showcase your skills, experience, and personality and can give hiring managers a glimpse into what you have to offer. 

However, one of the biggest challenges in creating a cover letter is determining the ideal length. So, what is the perfect length for your cover letter? The answer can depend on the job you're applying for, the company culture, and the expectations of the hiring manager. 

In this article, we'll provide tips on how to create a standout letter and offer guidance on determining the ideal cover letter length that will make the right impression on potential employers.

How long should a cover letter be?

While there's no set rule for how many words your cover letter should be, the length will depend on the amount of information you need to convey and the style you choose to write in. 

However, as a general guideline, it's recommended to keep your cover letter to one page, with each paragraph consisting of 3-4 sentences. This works out to between 300 and 500 words and ensures that your document is concise and easy to read - while still providing enough detail about your qualifications and experience . 

Additionally, it's important to focus on quality over quantity and make sure that each sentence is relevant and impactful to the overall message of your cover letter. On top of that, some employers may have specific guidelines for cover letter length. 

Guidelines on cover letter length

1 page or 300-500 words

One commonly accepted guideline is to keep your letter to one page, with a cover letter word count of approximately 300-500 words. This length allows you to provide enough information to highlight your skills and experience, while remaining on point.

Exceptions to the rule

How long is too long? Many people wonder if it's okay to have a two-page cover letter. There are some instances where you can exceed one page; however, they are few and very far between. If the job posting specifically requests a longer cover letter, you can consider writing a more detailed document that addresses the specific requirements of the position. In some fields, such as academia or research, a longer cover letter may be expected in order to provide a comprehensive overview of your experience and qualifications. But in normal circumstances, one page is plenty. 

Breaking down the cover letter

When determining the length of your cover letter, it can be helpful to think about the different sections of the document and how much space each one should take up. Breaking down a cover letter into its different sections and knowing what to include in each paragraph can help you to create a document that is well-organized, effective, and concise. 

What should a cover letter include, though? Here's a breakdown of what you could cover in each paragraph:

Paragraph 1: Introduction

The first paragraph of your cover letter should introduce you and explain why you're applying for the job. You can start with a sentence that grabs the reader's attention and makes it clear that you're excited about the opportunity. For example, you might say something like, "I am thrilled to apply for the [Position] at [Company Name], as I have a long-term interest in [field or industry]."

You should also summarise why you're a good fit for the position and why you're interested in working for the company. This is your chance to make a connection with the reader and demonstrate your enthusiasm for the job. 

Paragraph 2: What you bring to the table

The second paragraph of your cover letter should provide more detail about your skills and experience and how they align with the requirements of the job. This is where you can explain what you bring to the table and how you can contribute to the company's success.

It's important to be specific and provide examples of your accomplishments , as well as any relevant education or training that you've completed. This is also a good place to mention any soft skills that are important for the position, such as communication, teamwork, or leadership abilities.

Paragraph 3: Career achievements and supporting information

The third paragraph of your cover letter can be formatted into bullet points, if you prefer. This is where you can demonstrate your expertise and show the reader that you have the skills and experience needed to excel in the position.

Be sure to tailor your examples to the requirements of the job posting and focus on achievements that are relevant to the company's goals and mission. This is also a good place to mention any relevant certifications, awards, or publications that you've earned.

Paragraph 4: Closing and call to action

The final paragraph of your cover letter should wrap up your document and provide a call to action. This is where you can thank the reader for considering your application and express your enthusiasm for the position once more.

You should also provide your contact information and encourage the reader to get in touch with you for further discussion or to schedule an interview. This is your chance to leave a lasting impression and show the reader that you're a qualified and keen candidate for the job.

Tips on crafting effective cover letters 

Crafting an effective cover letter within word count limits can be challenging, but it's always possible. Here are some tips that can help you to stay on track and make the most of the space you have:

Focus on the essentials: Be concise and avoid including irrelevant or redundant information

Use the active voice: This helps to convey confidence and clarity and makes your writing more engaging

Use bullet points: When appropriate, bullet points can help you to present information in a more efficient and visually appealing way

Customize your letter: Tailor your letter to the specific job and company you're applying to, highlighting the skills and experience that are most relevant to the position

Proofread: Make sure to carefully proofread your letter for errors, typos, and grammar mistakes; consider asking a friend or mentor to review your letter as well

Use a consistent format: Use a consistent format for your letter, with the same font and header that you used on your resume

Be confident and positive: Use confident, positive language to convey your enthusiasm for the position and your ability to excel in it

Example of a successful cover letter

[Your Name]

[Your Address]

[Your Email Address]

[Today's Date]

[Company Name]

[Company Address]

Dear Mr Carlson, 

Having seen the job posting for a Project Manager, I would like to offer you adaptability, leadership skills, and a willingness to take initiative in this role. As someone who has demonstrated an ability to embrace change and lead others through it, I can also bring a wealth of knowledge surrounding project management to your team. I have earned recognition for bringing innovative and creative approaches to business and for embracing technical solutions. 

I am proud to have successfully transitioned from a QA role to a Project Manager with my current employer, in response to a sudden shift in the business structure. I demonstrated strong leadership by being one of the first employees to embrace the changes and execute the transition. I encouraged and inspired other QA team members to take on the challenge and shone a positive light on making the transition.

Please also consider the following qualities that I could bring to your team:

Emerging technologies: Business and tech changes at the speed of light, or so it seems sometimes. I am adept at keeping up with those changes and assimilating new ways of doing things. I bring fresh perspectives to processes and procedures and strongly feel that transformational change and adaptation are imperative to driving innovation. 

Leadership: I truly enjoy stewarding the career progression of others and have been trusted by management on several occasions to lead projects and to motivate teams to success.

Commitment to improvement: I proactively seek opportunities to expand my skills and knowledge through professional development activities. I'm also not afraid to take on new challenges and can make autonomous decisions despite ambiguity and tight deadlines.

While my resume does go into more detail and provides additional insights into my background, please feel free to contact me on [cell phone number] if you have any questions about my candidacy.  I look forward to discussing further how my professional goals are perfectly aligned with your organization's priorities.  

Thank you for your time and kind consideration.

Yours sincerely,

Remember, the goal of your cover letter is to get your foot in the door and secure an interview, so put in the effort to make it the best it can be. Good luck with your job search!

If you need help, TopResume writers are experts at crafting compelling cover letters that highlight skills, qualifications, and achievements. We'll not only make sure you have the perfect cover letter length, we'll write it in such a way that you won't fail to impress recruiters!

Recommended reading:

What to Say in a Cover Letter: 5 Things You Should Include

Career-Specific Cover Letter Samples & Examples

How to Start a Cover Letter That Grabs Attention  

Related Articles:

Do Hiring Managers Actually Read Cover Letters?

How to Create a Resume With No Education

Why You Lose When You Lie on Your Resume: Learning From Mina Chang

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How Long Should a Cover Letter Be in 2023? (+Examples)

Do you want to know what the perfect length of a cover letter is? What is the ideal number of words that a cover letter should have? And how many paragraphs should you include?  If you are looking for answers to these and more cover letter questions, you are in the right place.

The quick answer is that a cover letter should never be longer than a page, 400 words, or six paragraphs.

However, if you want to dive deeper into the cover letter nuances and become a real expert, you are in the right place. So, if you want to learn in detail how to write the perfect cover letter of a perfect length, just keep reading.

For more general information about cover letters , go and have a look at the first article from our series Cover Letter Guide: What is the Cover Letter. There, you will find a definition of what a cover letter is, what makes it different from a letter of motivation, and a short guide on how to write a great cover letter.

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What is the ideal cover letter length for 2023?

When it comes to cover letters,  the longer, the better  does not apply.  Even if you have years of expertise and you worked extremely hard on gathering professional skills and experiences  — and now you want to show it off all in detail on four pages — don’t.

Sometimes, less is more. This is the case for a good cover letter. It is crucial to highlight the experiences that are truly relevant to the advertised position. Don’t worry, there will be plenty of time to talk about your skills and achievements in more detail once you get the interview.

Rather, think of a cover letter as a tasteful, comprehensive, short advertisement. You want to catch the attention of a hiring manager and make it clear that you are a highly experienced professional fit for the role. Yet, at the same time, you don’t want to bore and overwhelm the person who is making the selection in the first round of the hiring process.

It is important to realize that in large companies, the hiring manager and the HR department have a very short time to go through your application.  On average, per one vacancy, there  are  up to 250 applicants. This means you must make your cover letter stand out from the crowd – but also be easy to read.

What follows are the tips on how to do it!

Read the instructions

Always make sure you read the employers’ instructions properly.  In many vacancy announcements, there is a clear list of what is required from an applicant. Often, these also indicate the expected length and form of a cover letter.

If specific regulations are not included, don’t worry. In this case, you can go for the standardized version of a cover letter.

Junior vs Senior

If you are at the start of your career  and are applying for a junior position   where it is expected to have a lack of practical experience, writing around 200 words is perfectly acceptable. A cover letter for an internship can be equally long. If you don’t have prior experience, you can focus on your inner motivation, education, and extra-curricular activities.

For an experienced candidate , the word count can be doubled. However, it really shouldn’t exceed 400 words in any scenario – unless specifically requested. At the same time,  a cover letter should never exceed 1 page.  If you do so, you completely disobey all the rules of this genre, and it won't work to your advantage.

While this length may sound too short, and you may feel tempted to write more about many of your professional accomplishments, it may eliminate you from the selection process. Being selective and cutting straight to the point makes you a better candidate as opposed to one who writes their whole life story.

Career vs Academic cover letter

The rules listed in the previous paragraph are almost universally true when we speak of a career cover letter.

However, an academic cover letter is conventionally longer. If you are wondering how long an academic cover letter should be, know that  the standard length is one page and a half . On the other hand, it is never longer than two pages.

Cover letter heading length

The same cover letter rules apply here, too. A short, simple, and catchy heading will get you far.

Do not exceed two sentences; one is advisable. Either use your full name or a catchphrase, such as: “ Why am I the best for the role of XY ”. However, do this only when you are sure that the company and the position that you are interested in aren't too formal.

How long should the first paragraph be

This paragraph is to capture the attention of the reader.  It does not have to be longer than two or three sentences.  State who you are, where and how you found the opportunity, and why you are interested in it. Do this in a catchy way, though! If you heard about the position from a person in common, do not hesitate to mention their name.

Remember, the first paragraph is short – do not waste words. Make yourself an attractive candidate right from the beginning, and mention your biggest assets right here – such as the length of experience or quality of your education.

How long should the second paragraph be

Arguably the most important part of your cover letter. Therefore,  you should make the second paragraph the most extensive and longest part of your cover letter.  Write about your accomplishments and past work experiences in detail. Explain why you are the best candidate for the role and what your skills are that no one else has.

On the other hand, remember —  you still must write at least one more paragraph in the body of the cover letter, as well as the closing paragraph. Therefore, don’t go overboard with the length.

The best thing to do is to initially write freely and more. Then, you can cut the number of words down later during later stages of editing. This way, you won’t limit your creativity from the start by being too focused on the correct word count.

How many words/paragraphs should a cover letter be

• As we've already stressed, your cover letter shouldn’t be too long. Keep it under one page. However, sometimes only half a page may not be long enough. Find the right balance.
• When it comes to the number of words, never exceed 400 words. 250-300 words are the ideal length of an average cover letter.
• The perfect number of paragraphs in a cover letter ranges from three to four.  The maximum number of paragraphs that are acceptable is six.

Cover letter examples by length

If you want to see the instructions applied in real life, have a look at the cover letter examples of various lengths examples below. All three of these people managed to land the job by using the kickresume cover letter template ! 

Cover letter example 1: Short version: Half a page

Cover letter example 2: Medium version: Between half a page and a page

Cover letter example 3: Long version: A page

If you liked these  cover letter samples  and you want your cover letter to look the same, use  one of our  cover letter templates!  You can go for the free or the premium version. It is super easy to use, so you’re just a click away from the cover letter of your dreams!

Cover letter formatting

Not only length but also the way you format the cover letter matters. Your goal is to  make it very easy to read.  You will achieve this by keeping your cover letter structured, nicely designed, and well-formatted. Here are the tips on how to achieve this:

• When it comes to the font of a cover letter,  try to imagine being a busy hiring manager. You want to make their job as easy as possible – so go for a font that is easy to read. At the same time, you want to create a professional impression. In other words, the best font for your cover letter would be the classic  Times New Roman, Arial , or  Calibri . However, if you are confident enough to experiment and you want to make your cover letter stand out from the crowd with a more eye-catching design, go for it. But forget to ensure that the text should be easy to navigate and read – that is the priority. 
• The letter size  matters, too. Anything between 10.5 and 12 is good. You don’t want to make the letters too small, so they would be hard to read, or too large, so you don’t exceed one page.
• The margins  of a cover letter are conventionally 1.5 or 1.
• A cover letter should never be   double-spaced. You want to fit all the information on one page — with double spacing, you wouldn’t be able to.

How long should an email cover letter be? 

Today, unless specifically instructed to do otherwise, the cover letter is conventionally sent as an email attachment.

Just like with the cover letter itself, sending a short and precise email is better than a long and overly complicated one.

In your email you must include:

• a relevant subject:  if the subject title is not included in the vacancy instructions, use the name of the position for which you are applying;
• a polite greeting:  address the person by their full name/if not available, Dear Sir/Madam will do
• refer to your attached cover letter and resume;
• express hopes for the future , consider attaching a phone number where they can reach you;
• close with best regards/best wishes and your full name and surname;

Email cover letter length examples

Email cover letter example 1.

Email cover letter example 2

Email cover letter example 3

And that’s about it. There is no need to make it too elaborate – all the important information is in the attachment.

Now hit that send sign and wait for the response. After listening to all the advice, we have no doubts you will receive positive news. The Kickresume team wishes you the best of luck!

Now, when you have that cover letter in your pocket, we are sure you also want an amazing-looking resume. The good news is that you are just a click away from our Kickresume CV templates!  You can even easily  turn your LinkedIn profile into a great resume .

FAQ: How long should a cover letter be in 2023

What is the ideal word length of a cover letter.

Your cover letter should be between 250 to 400 words long.

A cover letter isn't required – should I still send it?

Yes, this is your chance to stand out from the crowd of applicants and make it clear that you’re willing to put in the effort.

Is a 1000-word cover letter too long?

Yes, it is. It's never advised to exceed 400, max. 500 words.

Is it ok to have a cover letter that is two pages long?

No, you should always limit your cover letter to only one page. Recruiters don't have time to read long essays. They also like familiarity and known formats.

Kaja Jurčišinová

Kaja Jurcisinova is a fresh graduate and a junior copywriter at Kickresume. Kaja completed her undergraduate degree in Art History at the University of St Andrews in 2018 and graduated with a Master’s in Arts and Culture from the University of Groningen in 2021. She was an intern at multiple cultural institutions across Europe, including the Dutch Museum Association in Amsterdam, the Matter of Art Biennale in Prague, and the European Cultural Centre in Venice. At the moment, she resides in Visby on the Swedish island of Gotland.

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How Long Should Should A Cover Letter Be? (With Examples)

• Cover Letter Format
• Salutation and Greeting
• Who To Address When Unknown
• How To Start A Cover Letter
• How To End A Cover Letter
• Best Cover Letter Font And Size
• Cover Letter Spacing
• Cover Letter Length
• Key Elements Of A Cover Letter
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• Official Letter Format
• Cover Letter Opening

Find a Job You Really Want In

Along with your resume , crafting a standout cover letter is one of the most important things you can do to get an interview for your dream job. In almost all cases, you should send a cover letter when applying for a job, unless the job posting explicitly says not to.

Now comes the tricky part: how long should a cover letter be? If you write too little, an employer may think you haven’t put much effort into your application and that you, therefore, aren’t serious about getting the job. But if you write too much, an employer may not bother reading it at all.

We’re here to show you what cover letter length employers find just right, so hiring managers will give your cover letter the attention it deserves.

Key Takeaways:

Your cover letter should be one page with three to six paragraphs and roughly 200-400 words long.

Use the STAR method (situation, task, action, and result) to write your cover letter.

Tailor your cover letter to each job which can help keep it short.

Check Length Requirements

How long should a cover letter be, what to include in your cover letter, how to keep your cover letter concise, cover letter examples, tips for cover letter length.

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Before we get into a bunch of advice on getting your cover letter to the proper length for most jobs, it should be clearly stated that your primary goal when applying for jobs is to show that you can follow instructions.

In this context, that means reading the job posting carefully for any details a company provides with regards to your cover letter . If they give you a prompt or questions to answer, then respond to them. If they provide instructions about word count or page length, do what they say and forget everything else you read here vis-a-vis length.

You only get one chance to make a first impression , and ignoring the instructions listed in a job posting is a surefire way to make a bad one.

So you’ve checked the job posting and they’ve requested a cover letter, but haven’t given any guidelines for how long it should be. Or maybe they’ve stated that a cover letter is optional. Should you still send one? Emphatically, yes, you should. As for how long you should make it, follow our guidelines below.

Page count. In all circumstances, your cover letter should never exceed one page . Ideally, you should shoot for between half a page and a page, always aiming for the lower end of that spectrum. About 70% of employers want a half-page cover letter or feel that the shorter the better.

Word count. Considering that preferred page count leaves us with about 200-400 words with 10 or 12-point font, single-spaced, with spaces between paragraphs.

The shorter the better approach continues here; if you can say everything you need to in a 200-word cover letter, great! Stop right there and don’t worry that you’re being lazy or not including enough information.

Paragraph count. The standard advice is to aim for between 3-6 paragraphs. Three is the absolute minimum to do the following: introduce yourself, state your qualifications, and express interest in the specific company. However, it may be a good idea to give yourself four paragraphs, so you have more time to tout your credentials.

We don’t recommend going over 4 paragraphs in most scenarios, because otherwise, each paragraph is going to look super short if you’re working with ~300 words. Additionally, it shouldn’t take multiple paragraphs to introduce yourself , express interest in the company, or thank the reader for their consideration.

No matter what job you’re applying for, cover letters follow a standard format . A pysical cover letter should include the following, in order:

Employer’s Address

Your address

Body paragraphs

Closing lines

For an email cover letter, you can omit the date and addresses. You also don’t need to actually sign it. However, if you can sign it and then scan it, it’s a nice touch.

Make sure to follow the employer’s directions for how you save your cover letter file. PDFs keep their formatting across devices and operating systems, making them a safe choice. However, if the employer specifically prohibits PDFs or requires a particular file type, like DOCX, follow those instructions.

Great, you’re thinking, but how do I fit how awesome I am into such a tight length limit? Fear not; once you’ve broken down a cover letter into sections , it’s easy to say what needs saying efficiently.

First paragraph. This may be the only paragraph a hiring manager will read in full; sad, but true. Make your opener count and get straight to the point: what job are you applying for, what do you know about the company, and how much experience do you have?

Second paragraph. The meat of your cover letter , and your chance to show off. This is probably the part where people have the most trouble keeping things concise.

The trick is to narrow down your greatness; what is the company looking for in a candidate for this position? Read the job posting , underline all verbs and industry-specific nouns.

Then, try to use those same words when talking about your qualifications. Think: what about your work history, your skills, or accomplishments are most fitting for the specific job for which you’re applying.

Whenever possible, include numbers to back up your claims. For instance, saying you provide great customer service is one thing, but showing evidence of that fact by stating you increased customer satisfaction by 17% is quite another.

Third paragraph . This is your chance to express interest in the company. Why do you want to work for them ? Research the company so you know what sort of projects they’ve developed and what their future goals are.

Don’t stop at simply mentioning that you know what the company is up to, though. Tell the hiring manager what you could do to further the company’s goals. It’s also appropriate to call back to your qualifications here: “I know I can be an asset in developing XYZ project successfully, because of my outstanding results with ABC project at [former employer].”

Fourth paragraph. Your closing paragraph should have three things: a reiteration of your interest in the position, a thank-you , and a call-to-action.

Remind the reader why you’re perfect for the position and what you can offer the company, not what the company can offer you (e.g., don’t say you look forward to learning more skills — you should already have those skills!)

Express gratitude for being considered for the position. People like polite people.

More optional paragraphs. Your introduction and conclusion should always be just one paragraph. If you feel you need more than four paragraphs, do so by breaking your second and/or third paragraphs into two paragraphs. However, we strongly recommend keeping your cover letter to four paragraphs.

We’ve been discussing cover letter length in abstract terms so far. Let’s look at a couple of cover letter examples to see all this advice in practice:

Cover Letter Example 1:

Dear Ms. Macnamara, When I saw the NextMark was hiring a Marketing Manager , I knew I had to apply. With over 8 years of experience in the marketing industry, I have a wide breadth of knowledge and am eager to apply my skills to open up new and exciting business opportunities for NextMark. I currently work as a Marketing Manager at MyComp, where I developed a digital marketing campaign that saw revenue increase by 34% YoY. I accomplished this through various SEO efforts built on a backlinking campaign worth $2M and a content marketing strategy that saw organic traffic increase threefold in just under six months. Additionally, I’ve worked side-by-side with the sales and product teams to ensure customer satisfaction never fell below 98%. For the past 3 years, I’ve managed a budget of $5-7M, including brand management, product launches, and promotional materials. I’ve also designed new social media elements targeted at environmentally-conscious consumers that saw our new Green Line reach record profits. My proudest achievement has been turning our social marketing strategy into a few hundred subscribers to over a million, with engagement through the roof. My background of business acumen and marketing know-how is just what NextMark needs to take its new product launch to the next level. Thank you for considering my application, and I look forward to discussing the next steps. Sincerely, Margaret Tanner

Cover Letter Example 2:

Dear Mr. Brown, As a person who loves selling technology solutions that make consumers’ lives easier, I was excited to see an opening for the Sales Representative position open up at Green Mosely. With over 4 years of experience selling software and customer support solutions, I have all the skills and qualifications you’re looking for. In my current role as Junior Sales Associate with TT Organization, I’ve achieved a number of impressive results: Leveraged negotiation skills to increase up-selling and cross-selling of sister products, resulting in a 44% boost in customer lifetime value Exceeded sales quotas by a minimum of 20% each quarter since 2017 Named “Top Salesperson” in March 2019 for making over $500,000 in sales, setting a new company-wide record for junior sales staff I’m confident that I can accomplish the same results and then some for Green Mosely. Additionally, your mission to provide software solutions for underserved communities in the third world really resonates with me. I volunteer time each weekend to help negotiate better deals for inner-city schools to make sure their technology is competitive. I appreciate you taking the time to read over my application. I look forward to speaking with you more about how we can make sure that Green Mosely is the top name that comes to mind when people think of software solutions at scale. Sincerely, John Tressel

Don’t be afraid of white space. You may think your cover letter looks sort of bare with four short paragraphs taking up just half a page. Don’t sweat it; keep to our formatting tips and your cover letter will be readable and nice to look at.

Don’t be super wordy. People often fall into the trap of thinking that a formal document (like a cover letter) has to be chock full of big words and complicated sentences. The opposite is actually true. Focus on keeping your sentences short and sweet — readers prefer it.

Cut your stories down. It’s great to give examples of when you did something particularly excellent at your previous job. But the hiring manager doesn’t need to know every little detail.

Just like you would in an interview, use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, and Result) for your cover letter. Set the scene, describe what your job was, what you did, and what the result was. Any other information is superfluous.

Don’t tell too many stories. You may be delighted that you used the STAR method to get your anecdote in at just 60 words and think you have room for another now. Resist the temptation.

Get a second pair of eyes. It’s always good to get a second opinion . You might think you’ve written the most beautifully crafted sentence in the world, but if your friend can’t understand it, then there’s a chance the hiring manager won’t be able to either.

Tailor your cover letter. It’s okay to have a master cover letter, but make sure to customize it to each job. Make sure to include the company or organizations name in the letter, and why you would want to work there.

Employers are able to tell when you use a cover letter for each application, so make sure to customize it so you stand out.

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Matthew Zane is the lead editor of Zippia's How To Get A Job Guides. He is a teacher, writer, and world-traveler that wants to help people at every stage of the career life cycle. He completed his masters in American Literature from Trinity College Dublin and BA in English from the University of Connecticut.

Matt Warzel a President of a resume writing firm (MJW Careers, LLC) with 15+ years of recruitment, outplacement, career coaching and resume writing experience. Matt is also a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) and Certified Internet Recruiter (CIR) with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (Marketing Focus) from John Carroll University.

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How Long Should a Cover Letter Be in 2024?

Finally, an organization posted your dream job. You crafted a flawless resume and now you’re ready to apply. You land on the cover letter section of the application and see that it is optional. Is it truly optional?

Will not submitting make me less likely to land the job? Where do I even start and how long should the cover letter be?

These are some things that might run through your head. But don’t panic, we are here to help. No matter what your career level is, your cover letter can set you apart from the other applicants. But how much do you have to write?

This can be a complicated question. Too much text? The hiring manager might glance over it. Too short? The recruiter may think that you didn’t put much thought or effort into writing the cover letter . 

Cover letters should range from a half-page to one full page. Your cover letter should never exceed one page in length.

• Page Count: 0.5 to 1
• Word count: 250 to 400
• Paragraph count: 3 to 6

How to Keep Your Cover Letter to One Page

Tip #1: keep it concise.

While the cover letter is a great way to showcase your personality, it is also very important to be concise. Hiring managers are sifting through dozens, and maybe even hundreds, of applications.

They do not have time to read a full two-page article about your daily tasks. Instead, highlight any relevant experiences that show your qualifications for the specific job.

Demonstrate your passion for the industry and end the letter. The decision-maker will appreciate your brevity and may even reward you with an interview . 

Tip #2: Highlight Only Relevant Experiences

Unless the employer requests a specific word count, keep it short. Take only the amount of space required to show that you are an ideal candidate for the job.

Highlight your qualifications and any relevant stories. It’s important to be specific, and not regurgitate the content on your resume. 

It is very important here to showcase how your past achievements can help the company solve their current challenges and how you will use your skills if chosen for the position.

Doing so will show the recruiter or hiring manager the value you can bring to their organization. 

Tip #3: Break Your Cover Letter into Sections

An effective cover letter contains three to four paragraphs. It’s important to keep the sentences short so the reader can quickly navigate your cover letter.  

Paragraph #1: The Intro

The first paragraph should grab the decision-maker’s attention. This is an opportunity to show your interest in the position and knowledge of the company. Make sure you address your cover letter to the correct person or department. Always be sure to research the company and customize each cover letter to the position you are applying for. 

Example: “I am excited to submit my application for the position of [insert position name] with [insert company name]. I have watched your growth for years and really appreciate the devotion to serving your customer’s needs.” 

Paragraph #2: Your Qualifications

The second paragraph should highlight relevant stories or stats that impress your qualifications. For example, “In the previous company, I grew sales by 150% in my first year and 200% in my second year.” It is helpful if you can be specific in how you achieved success or benefited the company in some way. This highlights what you bring to the table and how you can make an impact on the hiring manager’s business. 

Paragraph #3: Your Interest in the Company

The third paragraph, if you choose to include it, can speak to what drew you to apply to the specific company. This can sway the hiring manager's decision by showing passion and loyalty to the company. 

Paragraph #4: The Closing

The final paragraph should reiterate your interest in the position. It is a great time to thank the reader for their consideration and request an in-person meeting. It’s important to have a call-to-action so the reader knows what to do next. Always include detailed contact information. 

Tip #4: Experience Level

Cover letters can vary based on your experience level. If you are applying for jobs right out of college, don’t include metrics measured in school, such as GPA, unless requested. Instead, focus on your experiences, projects and achievements that make you a strong candidate. 

If you are in the middle of your career, pick out relevant accomplishments and state your experience level. For example, “With 12 years of teaching experience, I am writing to express my interest in the open position in your Mathematics Department.” 

If you have more experience, you likely have more relevant qualifications and stories. This may entice you to make your cover letter longer. Do not fall into the trap.

Longer does not mean better . Select a few key successes and leave others for the interview process. 

Tip #5: Formatting

The format is just as important as the length of your cover letter. Pay attention to the amount of white space on the page. More white space keeps the content easier to read for the recruiter or hiring manager.

You want to make sure that you use a font that is legible (as the ones handpicked by our team together with recruiters). Keep standard margins and align your text to the left. 

Writing a cover letter can be intimidating. If you remember to keep your writing concise and highlight only your relevant experiences, you will be on your way to snagging an interview in no time.

Suggested Reading:

• How to Write a Cover Letter in 2024
• Resume Formats Guide: How to Pick the Best in 2024
• Cover Letter Examples

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Why Include a Cover Letter

Email cover letter length, cover letter word count, use a concise subject line, how to format a cover letter.

Cover letters are an important part of the  job application process . You should  almost always send a cover letter  with a job application unless the hiring manager specifically asks you not to.

However, one thing that is less clear is how long your cover letter should be. If it is too short, employers might think you do not care much about the job. If it is too long, employers might not take the time to read your letter and may not consider you for an interview.

Read below for more advice on how long your cover letter should be, as well as additional advice on writing a strong cover letter.

Should you include a cover letter with your resume? Some employers  require cover letters , and you can find out if they do by reading the job posting. If a cover letter is required, the job advertisement will mention it.

Jobvite's Recruiter Nation Survey reports that only 27% of recruiters said that cover letters are important in their hiring decisions, up from 8% in 2017. A CareerBuilder survey reports that 40% of human resources managers responded that a cover letter would help an applicant get noticed.

Cover letter requirements vary between employers, industries, and the jobs the organization is filling. They also vary depending on whether you're sending an email cover letter, sending a printed letter attachment, or uploading your document.

Even when a cover letter isn't required, it can boost your chances of getting hired if you include one when you apply for a job.

Therefore, only leave out a cover letter when the employer specifically asks you not to send one.

How Long Should Your Cover Letter Be?

Should you keep your cover letter short, or should it be a full page or even longer? Your cover letter should be no longer than one page. If you're sending an email letter, it can be even shorter.

In fact, as far as how long your cover letter should be, shorter is better. The exception would be when an employer requests a letter that's a specific length or number of words.

• Your cover letter should be a maximum of one page, and shorter than that for an email cover letter.
• Some employers want even less. A Saddleback College survey reported that almost 70% of employers wanted a cover letter of a half page or shorter, 20% had no preference, and 12% expected a full page letter.

Your letter should concisely highlight your most relevant qualifications for the job and what you have to offer the employer.

When sending an  email cover letter , it's even more important to be concise. The first paragraph is what readers pay attention to when reading an email. The rest of the message is typically skimmed. Two paragraphs—one that serves as an introduction, and one that explains your qualification for the job—and then a closing is sufficient.

There is no specific word count you should aim for when writing a cover letter (unless the employer gives you a specific word count). Instead of focusing on the number of words, focus on making your cover letter one page or less, with a readable font and font size, and enough white space between paragraphs and in the margins.

Your goal is to  highlight your most relevant qualifications for the job , not to repeat everything that's on your resume.

However, if you use a 12-point font, a full page letter, not including the heading or signature, would be approximately 250 to 400 words.

You might want to hand a printed out version of your cover letter to a friend or family member and ask them if the letter seems too wordy, or too difficult to read.

You can also make your email cover letter stand out with a clear, concise email  subject line . Typically, you want to include the title of the position that you are applying for and your name. For example: Editorial Assistant-John Smith (try to keep it less than 30 characters).

This is about as much as people can see on their mobile devices, which is often how people check their email.

Just as important as the length of your cover letter is the  format . You will want to choose a  font  that is simple and legible (such as Arial, Calibri, Verdana, or Times New Roman) in a readable font size (typically 12 point).

Your  letter should include the following:

• Heading (hard copy letter)
• Introductory Paragraph
• Your Qualifications (one to three paragraphs or a list of bullet points)
• Signature (include your contact information in your signature when sending an email letter)

Your  margins  should be 1-inch all around, with the text aligned to the left.

You also want to leave space between paragraphs in your cover letter , as well as between your salutation and the text (and between your text and the signature), so that your letter is easy to read.

A good rule of thumb is that you always want a  good amount of white space on the paper . This will prevent your letter from looking too cluttered and difficult to read.

Jobvite. " Recruiter Nation Survey ," page 19. Accessed Jan. 3, 2022.

CareerBuilder. " How to Create a Cover Letter That Gets Attention ." Accessed Jan. 3, 2022.

CareerOneStop. " Write Effective Cover Letters ." Accessed Jan. 3, 2022.

Saddleback College. " Your Resume is Your 1st Interview ." Accessed Jan. 3, 2022.

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How long should my cover letter be?

If you are a job seeker, you must have come across this question in your mind. But, what does length have to do with a cover letter?

Well, majorly everything. A very pressing question in the recruitment circles is: how long should a cover letter be for a job?

Quite literally, it asks, how far you should go in order to impress your employer?

So how long should cover letters be? The immediate answer is 1/2 of an A4 page.

Read on to find how and why this rule is applicable. Always customize it according to your target recruiter. In this blog, we will answer some of your questions:

How long should your cover letter be?

• How to correctly make your cover letter length right?
• How to structure a cover letter for optimum length?
• What should be the cover letter font size?

How many words should a cover letter be of?

How long should a cover letter be.

Let's look at the length of the following example:

The length of the cover letter varies with what your cover letter needs to do.

Now a quick review of what your cover letter should do:

• Introduce yourself
• Reassure your knowledge about the company and the position
• Demonstrate 2 - 3 examples of how your skills and experience match the recruiters' requirements
• Share your enthusiasm for working for the company/institution
• Imply an insight into your personality

And you need to do all of it in less than half a page!

Also Read: How to write a cover letter?

You shall be surprised to find that most cover letters are 2 pages in length. Professionally speaking, this is wrong. Most hiring managers do not read long cover letters.

The longer your cover letter, the lesser are your chances of getting shortlisted. Let's look at some examples of how should a cover letter look:

How long are Cover Letters?

The 2019 edition of cover letter length saw a rapid elaboration and justification of one's skills and interests. This was followed by explanatory interviews and resulted in wasting a longer time before hiring the most relevant candidate.

The 2022 edition of cover letter length has been made concise and to the point. This allows recruiters to find the exact candidate they need for shortlisting more relevant candidates.

Trends suggest that the 2022 edition of cover letter length will not necessarily compromise on space but shall highly prioritize the simplicity of language and directness of impact.

This shall enable recruiters to:

• spend lesser time before contacting the right applicant
• apply quicker filters to find the necessary candidate
• spend lesser time writing fluff and adding information
• highlight key points you want the recruiters to see

How long does a cover letter have to be?

Your cover letter should be less than one page .

Only highlight:

• your most relevant skills for the job
• what you have to offer the employer
• Awards/recognition across your career
• certifications that prove your merit

In fact, a recent survey found out that, almost 70% of employers want a cover letter of less than 1 page, and about 25% responded that a shorter cover letter is better.

The usual preferences around the question - how long should a cover letters be:

Ensuring Readability - Cover Letter Length

Here are the few things to consider for the ideal cover letter length:

Cover Letter Formatting

The second most important thing after the length of cover letter is the format.

You must choose a legible font. Resume experts at Hiration suggests Calibri or Open Sans.

Ensure a readable font size of about 12 points.

Your margins should be about 1 inch all around, with the text left aligned or justified.

To ensure maximum readability, add spaces between:

• salutation and text
• text and signature

Also Read: Key Tips for writing a cover letter

Do not Waste Key Blank Space

This brings us the very next rule: do not waste the space you are supposed to cover with useless information.

• over-explaining your contributions
• apologizing for skills you don’t have

Examples of wasteful sentences are: “Despite my limited experience with marketing…”, etc.

How long does a cover letter need to be?

There is no specific word count you should aim for when writing a cover letter (unless the employer gives you a specific word count).

Instead of focusing on the number of words, focus on making your cover letter one page or less, with a readable font and font size, and enough white space between paragraphs and in the margins.

In order to get a second opinion on your cover letter before posting it or sending it somewhere, give a print out of it to your family member or friend and ask if it looks too cluttered.

Highlight the Right Experiences

Not sure what skills and experiences you should be featuring? Drop the text of the job description into a word cloud tool like Wordle, and see what stands out. The words with higher frequencies are what the recruiter is looking for.

Email Subject Line

When emailing your cover letter, it is even more important to be concise.

Most readers pay attention to the first paragraph when reading an email. Most will ignore the rest of the message. 2 paragraphs of which the first one consisting an introduction and second describing why you are eligible for the job is enough with a closing paragraph at the end.

You can also make your email cover letter stand out with a clear, concise email subject line.

Typically, you want to include the title of the position that you are applying for and your name. For example, Editorial Assistant - John Smith.

If possible, try to keep the meat of your subject line (specifically, the job title and your name) under 30 characters . This is about as much as people can see on their mobile devices, which is often how people check their email.

How to make cover letter length right

To understand how long can a cover letter be, imagine you need to buy a car.

Do you ever read the long literature or spend hours listening to a salesman describe the functionalities of a particular car?

You only listen to the necessary specifications matching your needs.

The same goes for a cover letter. Check out the following length of a cover letter example:

This example shows how long a cover letter first paragraph should be, and why.

Here's another:

Structuring your Cover Letter

First, enter your name as the largest text. Then enter your contact information:

• Phone number
• Email Address

After the header, start your actual cover letter.

Let us break the above example into the following steps to understand exactly how to optimize the paragraphs to make it most effective.

Also Read: How to start a cover letter?

Cover Letter Length: Salutation

The following example portrays how to write the salutation in your cover letter.

Dan Wilkins HR Manager Bro Code Limited

Cover Letter Length: 1st paragraph

Let's look at the corresponding example:

CCP & TTL1 Certified Collection Manager & Credit Analyst with a prolific 16-year track record of overseeing collection management and credit control for Fortune 500 companies. Adept at conceptualizing and implementing initiatives to drive continuous process improvement within the control and compliance framework to achieve operational excellence, I am extremely interested in the profile of Collection Manager & Credit Analysis Expert at Bro Code.

How long is a cover letter first paragraph?

It has all the elements of the first paragraph of an ideally long cover letter:

• It starts with the certificate name
• It displays your profile title(s)
• It shows your years of experience
• It substantiates your most pressing contributions
• It then exemplifies why you are such a great fit for your target position

It's 2 sentences long with 64 words.

There is no generic element in it. It displays your genuine interest and proposes why you think you are the best candidate for the job.

And it is based on your experience. That's how you write a job-winning cover letter.

Cover Letter Length: 2nd paragraph

In my present tenure as the Assistant Manager at Accenture, I have been independently managing 11 accounts while incubating and managing a team of 15 to supervise collections from Expedia on behalf of Marriott. As the Lead at IBM UK across London, Manchester & Liverpool, I spearheaded the Cash & Collections Application team to steer process development and deliver stellar levels of customer service. In my previous role as the Process Developer at Miss Effective, I effectively executed the Green Belt project (US/London) while steering process migration for USA Business Credit Services.

How long is a cover letter second paragraph?

The second paragraph of the cover letter is slightly longer, about 93 words long.

It does not pound its chest and claims "I'm the best". Instead, it simply showcases the right numbers. Again, not a generic cover letter.

But, how do you do it?

First, read the job description very carefully. Secondly, go down memory lane and brainstorm about the times you delivered what the target job is exactly looking for.

Cover Letter Length: 3rd paragraph

I was declared a recipient of the Top Collector Award & Maintenance Award while demonstrating the capability to achieve 99% accuracy and productively managing a portfolio of USD 1.5 M per month.

How long is a cover letter third paragraph?

The hiring manager should have not stopped skimming and started reading your cover letter.

Here's why it worked:

• It did not just say, "I like the company."
• It proved the same, based on numbers
• It showed your exact skills

Read their mission statement and "about us" page. Read news articles about them. Find out their philosophy on training and staff development.

In short, state the reasons why that particular organization is the dream company for you.

Cover Letter Length: 4th/5th paragraph

Let's look at the following example:

It is difficult to come away un-awed by the passion for excellence that Bro Code has displayed in its meteoric rise to become a stalwart in this domain. Despite a presence in 9 countries, it values its employees & ensures a continuous learning environment. Hence, I consider Bro Code to be my most preferred employer. Enclosed for your consideration is my resume. I’d appreciate the opportunity to further discuss my suitability and qualifications with you on call or in person.

How long is a cover letter fourth paragraph?

The fourth paragraph always entertains the nature of the organization and your reason for wanting to attend to the same. You should:

• Read about the company before writing the concluding paragraph
• Show eagerness for the company and the recruiter

Cover Letter Length: Signature

Always end on a sincere note as does the following example.

Sincerely, Sussane Stephens Enclosure: Resume

Ensure a sustainable gap between the text and the signature.

Still not clear about how long should a cover letter be? You may read our guide on the same.

The following is a concise guide for the same thing.

Academic Cover Letter Length

An academic cover letter could run up to 2 pages.

The question - how long should a cover letter be for an academic position - enables us to rethink the scope of an academic cover letter length.

Basically, it incorporates evidence, enthusiasm, and rationale.

On a larger scale, the academic cover letter covers highlights the following:

• Current Position
• Research Interests/Affiliations
• Scholarly Publications
• Selected Awards & Honors
• Conference Presentations/Papers
• Invited Talks
• Additional Publications
• Teaching Experiences

Further, if asked, it may also encompass a "Statement Of Purpose". The SOP relates to the readers the motivation/inspiration of the candidate behind opting for the particular position he/she is seeking.

This may easily run from 750 - 1000 words.

Also Read: How to write a cover letter enclosure?

Cover Letter FAQs

How long does a cover letter need to be? Here are the common questions.

Should a cover letter be of 2 pages?

No, a cover letter should not be of 2 pages.

A cover letter that is of 2 pages violates both the definition and the parameters - a short summary of why you're the best bet for the job.

In fact, a resume can extend to 2 pages only if you possess 10+ years of experience.

Should a cover letter be of 1 page?

The best cover letter length is less than 1 page. Smart and short cover letters allow a detailed eye-time with the manager.

In fact, a long cover letter often sends the message that you are unsure about your capabilities.

Is my cover letter too lengthy?

If your cover letter is of 1 full page or longer, then it will be considered lengthy.

A 2 - 3 page length of cover letter is a waste of paper.

A cover letter consists of 3 paragraphs explaining why you're the perfect candidate for the profile you're applying for.

What should be the font size for my cover letter?

The font you use for your cover letter should be of the same font size as that of your resume.

This said, the ideal font size for both is 12 pts.

Cover letter should be 250 - 300 words long.

This is because that's the number of words that take up a little more space than half a page with 12-pt. size.

How long should a digital cover letter be?

The length of a digital cover letter should be the same as that of a paper cover letter. Mainly

• <1 full page
• 250-300 words
• 3 paragraphs

The difference in an electronic cover letter would be in the address section in the starting and the subject line.

Should there be double spacing in a cover letter?

There should not be double space in a cover letter.

The line spacing of your cover letter should effectively be between 1 - 1.5.

Also, after ending each paragraph, give space of one blank line to clearly distinguish between the paragraphs.

How long should a cover letter be for an internship?

Your resume for cover should not be more than 1 page, and ideally withing 400-500 words.

The basic principle of a cover letter for an internship and a cover letter for a job is the same. The only differene is that, in internship cover letter, you need to focus more on your academics and extracarricular activities.

What length should an academic cover letter be?

Usually, an academic cover letter is called an SOP or a "Statement Of Purpose".

This can be 2 pages long - which is enough to demonstrate your:

• research work
• accomplishments
• relevant accolades
• departmental service

In general, an academic cover letter length is usually 1.5 - 2 pages long. This is about 5 - 8 paragraphs.

Does the length of a cover letter matter?

The right length of a cover letter signifies that you are able to justify your profile and highlight the most relevant experiences.

The number of interviews that you'll get very much depends on the length of your cover letter. So the question now is, how to make the cover letter of the right length?

How long does it take to write a Cover Letter?

Well, you should ideally spend 30 minutes writing a cover letter and 10 minutes proofreading it.

The examples on the page shall help you answer how long should a cover letter be.

Follow the ideal cover letter length for the most number of responses from your hiring manager.

You may also get it reviewed by industry-specific professionals at Hiration.

Key Takeaways

Here are the most important points to practice while reducing your cover letter length:

• Limit your cover letter to half a page
• Structure your cover letter in 3 paragraphs
• Research about the company to ensure that the cover letter is tailored to the job listing
• Sell Yourself Subtly
• Be Concise to ensure that the recruiter is presented with a quick snapshot of your achievements
• Customize the cover letter as per the profile you're targeting
• Proofread to make sure there are no errors and mistakes
• Limit your contact information to Phone number, Email Address & location

Go to Hiration career platform which has 24/7 chat support and get professional assistance with all your job & career-related queries. You can also write to us at [email protected] and we will make sure to reach out to you as soon as possible.

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The 18 Do’s and Don’ts of Cover Letters Every Job Seeker Should Know

Posted: May 8, 2024 | Last updated: May 8, 2024

Most job seekers don’t spend nearly enough time working on their cover letters, assuming that their resume is enough to get them an interview. But when there is competition, a great cover letter can be the difference between getting an interview and getting passed over. 

Your cover letter is your first impression when you’re applying for a new job, and it should be a good one. It’s also an opportunity to show your personality and demonstrate why you’re a perfect fit for the role.

Writing a cover letter can be a daunting task, but you can do a few simple things to make the process easier. Here are some easy do’s and don’ts that can help you write a great cover letter that will impress employers.

Sell Yourself

Like your resume, your cover letter is your chance to brag (professionally) about why they should hire you. Be proud of your skills and accomplishments, and use them to explain why you are the best candidate for the job.

When you sit down to write a cover letter, think about what will grab the hiring manager’s attention and make them want to learn more about you. What can you say about your skills and experience that will set you apart from the other candidates?

If you can, include specific examples of times when you have excelled in a similar role.

Answer the Question: Why Do You Want to Work Here?

You can be more human and personable in your cover letter than in your resume. So be sure to tell the reader why you want the job . This is especially true if you are making a career change or have been out of work for a while. 

Briefly explain your situation so that the hiring manager doesn’t have any questions about why you’re applying. 

For example, you can say something as simple as: “After ten years of working in office administration, I am interested in finding new challenges in the marketing industry.” 

Address How You Meet the Needs of the Organization

There’s a reason most job applications require a resume and a cover letter. A cover letter gives you a chance to communicate with the organization and elaborate on your resume. It’s your opportunity to explain how you meet the organization’s needs and why you should be selected for an interview.  

When writing a cover letter, it’s important to focus on how you can help the company reach its goals. You need to do your research to do this.

Find out the company’s goals and plans for achieving them. Then, craft a cover letter that demonstrates how your skills and experience can help the company succeed. 

You can also use your cover letter to address some of the other job needs that may be difficult to include on your resume. These are things like having a driver’s license and access to a vehicle or details about your availability, such as when you can start.

Personalize Each Letter

Each employer should receive a personalized cover letter, but don’t worry! You can create one or two cover letter templates and tailor them for each job, just like you should do for your resume.

People still expect your cover letter to follow the formal letter format that includes the date, your name and contact information, and the company’s contact information. Be sure to update each cover letter so that it has the correct details and is addressed to the right person. Addressing your cover letter to the wrong person or sending the wrong letter with your resume probably won’t get a second look. 

If you can’t find who to address the letter to, it’s better to use something generic like “hiring manager” or “hiring team” than the wrong name.

Keep it Short

Almost everyone will tell you that your cover letter must be one page. In most cases, this is great advice. Limiting yourself to one page helps you avoid repetition and really focus on what the hiring manager needs to know.

But the truth is, your cover letter should be as long as it needs to be. 

I have been successful in submitting a two-page cover letter in the past. In this case, I was applying for a position that was actually two part-time jobs combined into one full-time job. The two roles were related but required different skills, so there was no way to address them all with a single-page cover letter.

Make sure your cover letter is free of spelling and grammatical errors. Use Grammarly (which is free) to catch spelling errors, grammar mistakes, and other language issues that you may overlook. This attention to detail will show the employer that you are taking the time to make sure that your letter is professional and that you are taking the job seriously. 

Proofreading your own cover letter (and resume) can be difficult because you have likely read it so many times that you no longer see the mistakes. Having someone else take a look at it with fresh eyes can be helpful. In addition, they may be able to offer suggestions for improvements or point out information that is missing.

Get Their Attention Right Away

Almost every cover letter starts in the same boring way: “I am writing to apply for the [position] job at [company].” This does not tell the employer anything about you or why you are qualified for the job. 

Instead, use the first paragraph to grab the employer’s attention and make them want to read more. 

You can do a few things to make your first paragraph truly stand out: 

• Tell them right away why you are qualified for the position. If you have work experience that matches the required qualifications, mention it first. 
• Use strong, active language to engage the employer and show that you are enthusiastic about the position. 
• Talk about your transferable skills, such as those you gained from previous jobs, volunteering, leadership roles, or your side hustle. Use specific examples to demonstrate how you have used these skills in the past and how they will help you succeed in the position you are applying for.

Starting your cover letter with a strong hook will immediately set you apart from other candidates and demonstrate your dedication and enthusiasm for the role.

Use Action Words

Use strong action words on your cover letter, such as: created, managed, oversaw, and implemented. These words will demonstrate your ability to take charge and get things done. Hiring managers are looking for candidates who can take the initiative and get the job done, so make sure to highlight your relevant experience and skills by using descriptive words .

Address Employment Gaps or Potential Concerns

Your cover letter is also an opportunity to explain any gaps in your employment history or to address any concerns that the employer might have about your candidacy. For example, if you took a few years off to raise your children, use your cover letter to explain how this has prepared you to return to the workforce and be an even better employee.

If you are out of work, don’t try to hide it. Employers may eventually discover the truth, so it’s better to be honest with them from the start.

Explain your situation briefly and focus on the positive – what you have been doing to stay busy and how you are excited to put your skills to use in a new role. Honesty is always the best policy, and employers will appreciate your transparency.

Don’t Repeat Your Resume

Now that you know what you should be doing on your cover letter, let’s talk about some of the things you need to avoid. 

Your cover letter is meant to elaborate on your resume, not repeat it. If it doesn’t tell us anything more than your resume already does, why are you even bothering to write one?

Hiring managers don’t want to read the same information twice. They want to see how you can add value to their organization, not just a list of your past accomplishments.

Use your cover letter to talk about your skills and experience in a more natural way. Expand on what you want an employer to know about yourself and your application. 

Don’t Be Negative

If you are applying for a new job, you are either unemployed or underemployed, hate your current job , or are worried that you may be about to lose it. None of these situations are fun to be in, but you can’t let that show in your cover letter. You have to keep it positive!

You want to show the employer that you are excited about the opportunity and are confident in your ability to do the job. 

If you hate your current job, focus on how you are looking for a new challenge and how you believe this job will be a better fit for you. Or, if you are worried you may lose your job, focus on how you are proactive and are already looking for new opportunities. 

Don’t Discuss Why You Need the Job

Everyone knows that you need a job to make money to support yourself and your family. You don’t need to explain this or the details of your specific situation in your cover letter. Mentioning that you are hoping to buy a new house next year doesn’t matter to an employer. 

What does matter to an employer is what you can do for them. They want to know how you will:

• make their company more money
• save them money
• make their company more efficient
• help them to avoid potential problems

In your cover letter, focus on what you can do for the employer, not on what they can do for you. 

Don’t Make Excuses

Making excuses will only draw more attention to your weaknesses or make you sound like a difficult person to work with.

If you don’t meet 100% of the qualifications they are looking for, that’s okay – just don’t point it out! Let them decide if it’s a deal-breaker or if they are willing to train you in that specific area. They might not even notice!

Avoid making excuses for past job experiences or choices that might negatively reflect on you. If you were fired from a job, for example, simply state that the job wasn’t a good fit and move on. Don’t try to justify your actions or make excuses—this will only make you look bad.

Don’t Lie Or Exaggerate

Many people feel the temptation to lie or exaggerate their skills and experience when applying for a new job. Although lying on your application may seem like a harmless way to make yourself look more qualified, it can lead to serious consequences.

When an employer is interested in hiring you, they will conduct a background check and call your references. If you’re caught lying on your job application, you will likely be immediately disqualified. In some cases, you may even be banned from applying to that company in the future.

Lying on your application can also be a form of fraud, which is a crime in many jurisdictions. Depending on the severity of the lie, you could lose your job, be sued, or even be prosecuted for falsifying documents.

Lying or exaggerating about your experience or education can also lead to problems down the road if you are hired for a position based on false information. For example, if you claim you are proficient at using a specific program that you don’t really know much about, you will struggle in your new role. Not being able to do your job will be stressful and raise questions with your employer. Unless you’re a quick learner, you will probably find yourself job searching again within a few months. 

So, the next time you’re tempted to fudge the truth on your application, remember the potential consequences. Be honest on your applications, and you’ll be much better off in the long run.

Don’t Send a Generic Letter

As mentioned, your cover letter should be unique to each employer and job opportunity. Don’t simply copy and paste the same letter for every job application. A few small tweaks are all you need to make your cover letter specific to each job and increase your chances of getting an interview. 

If it’s obvious that you’ve created one cover letter and are using it repeatedly to apply to dozens of jobs, it gives the impression that you don’t really care if you get this job or not – you just want any job. And while that may be true, you don’t want to create any apprehension with an employer. 

Don’t Use Clichés or Slang Terms

Avoid using clichés, slang, and overly casual language when writing a cover letter. Such language can come across as unprofessional and may not convey the message you are trying to get across in the best way possible. 

Clichés include phrases like “I’m a people person” or “I’m a go-getter.” These phrases are overused and do not add anything unique to your letter. 

Using slang can give the impression that you are not taking the process seriously. It can also make it difficult for the reader to understand what you are trying to say. Instead, focus on using clear and concise language, which will get your point across in a way that is both professional and respectful.

While it is important to be friendly and personable in your letter, being too casual can make you seem unprofessional and could hurt your chances of getting the job.

Don’t Include Unnecessary Personal Information

There are a few reasons why you should not include personal information in your cover letter. First, it is not necessary. The employer is only interested in your qualifications and not your personal life.

Second, while it may seem like a good idea to make yourself seem more relatable, including personal information can actually have the opposite effect. It can make you appear unprofessional.

Third, including personal information on your cover letter can be a privacy concern. If an employer knows too much about your personal life, they could potentially use this information against you. For example, if you mention that you have young children, the employer may assume that you will need to take time off for childcare. As a result, you may be passed over in favor of a candidate without the same responsibilities.

Lastly, sharing personal information in your cover letter could also lead to identity theft. If you include your home address or phone number, a savvy thief could use this information to steal your identity. By including personal information in your cover letter, you could be putting yourself at risk.

Overall, you should always err on the side of caution to protect your privacy. Stick to the facts and let your qualifications speak for themselves.

Cover Letters Are Tricky But Beneficial

It can be difficult to strike the right tone in a cover letter. You want to sound enthusiastic and professional without coming across as desperate or pushy. The goal is to show that you’re a good fit for the company, so focus on that. 

If you’re not sure how to get started, plenty of cover letter examples are available online. Just make sure to tailor the letter to the specific company and position you’re applying for, and only include the skills and experience that you actually have.

With these tips, you should have no problem creating a cover letter that will stand out and help you get hired.

Quick Resume Tips

If you want to make a good impression and stand out from the competition, here are 20 resume do’s and don’ts . Following these simple tips, you can be sure that your resume will make a great impression on employers.

Add Your Side Hustle to Your Resume

Job seekers are told they need to stand out if they want to get hired. But how? One of the easiest ways is to include their side hustle on their resumes . Your side hustle is teaching valuable job skills that can make you a stronger candidate. Not mentioning this on your resume or cover letter is a mistake! 

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