how long should a cover letter typically be

What’s the Ideal Length for a Cover Letter? —Plus Tips to Get Yours There

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When you have a task to complete, it helps to know what the end product should look like. It's especially true when you’re doing something you might find difficult—like writing a cover letter . How long should it be? What information do you need to include?

Hiring managers and recruiters are busy people, so you don’t want to disqualify yourself by writing a cover letter that’s too long. But you do want to make sure your cover letter is effective. “The cover letter should serve as an introduction to your resume, highlighting why you’re interested in the position, what you’re looking for in your next role, and how you can potentially add value to the position or company,” says Muse career coach Yolanda Owens , who has over 20 years of recruiting experience.

So how much space do you have to do all that? And how can you make the best use of that space?

How long should a cover letter be?

The ideal cover letter length is:

Less than one page
Three to five paragraphs
Less than 400 words

At least that’s the approximate consensus we came to based on research and input from a few experts who have worked as hiring managers, recruiters, or both.

If this feels short, “Keep in mind that the cover letter is not a tell-all of everything you've done,” says Muse coach Emily Liou , a recruiter and HR professional. “You just want enough to position yourself as a fit and to pique the curiosity of the reader.” You don’t need pages and pages to do that.

In a survey of 205 HR professionals, ResumeLab found that 42% of respondents preferred cover letters between half and one page and 40% preferred cover letters that were less than half a page. Only 18% said they preferred cover letters longer than one page. Muse coach Steven Davis , a technical recruiter, advocates for a cover letter that “can be comfortably read in less than a minute.”

How do you write a cover letter that's just the right length?

Here are a few tips that'll get your cover letter to the ideal length:

1. Pay attention to your structure.

You may remember the five-paragraph essay from school: introduction paragraph, body paragraphs, and conclusion paragraph. Cover letters are structured similarly.

Basically, you should lay out your cover letter like this:

Introduction (one paragraph): Your cover letter opening should be original and creative to draw your reader in. It should show your connections to the employer and your interest and excitement for the position, Liou says. You might also use this paragraph to explain that you’re making a career pivot or re-entering the workforce after an employment gap .
Body (one to three paragraphs): Your body paragraphs should focus on the ways you can help the organization or team, Owens says. Talk about what skills and experience you bring to the company, and back up what you’re saying with past examples—but keep them concise.
Conclusion (one paragraph): Your conclusion should be “a final paragraph thanking the reader for their time and reiterating your interest,” Owens says.

2. Figure out what matters to the employer.

“This is a great time to dissect what is most important to this position,” Liou says, so you can focus your cover letter on what your prospective employer cares about most. Go back to the job description and read it thoroughly. What’s listed first and what’s repeated? From there, Davis says, you should be able to identify the top skills and experiences they’re looking for.

Then, think about what in your background most exemplifies these qualifications—with an emphasis on situations where you’ve made an impact for your past employers, Liou says. These are the experiences you should recount in your cover letter.

3. Use concise examples to pique your readers’ interest.

Davis suggests using the “the STAR format without any details to create curiosity and motivate the interviewer to review the resume.” If you’re unfamiliar, the STAR method is a way of telling stories in an interview where you make sure that you hit on the situation, task, action, and result of the experience you’re recounting. Using a compact version of the STAR method in your cover letter will help show the impact you’ve had in past roles and how without adding too much length. So you might write something like:

“When my last company redesigned their website, I took the lead on layout, and by working as a constant liaison between our product team and our users, I helped produce a website that our users found 50% more intuitive and drew 33% more repeat users.”

4. Go beyond your resume—without regurgitating it.

“The cover letter should be a supplemental piece to your resume, not a summary,” Owens says. So don’t waste space regurgitating other parts of your application. “Use the cover letter to tell the employer what you want them to know about you that’s not on your resume,” or anywhere else, Owens says.

Focus your precious page or less on highlighting your relevant achievements and explicitly connecting your resume to the position. Don’t worry about including all of the context and details about your past jobs. For anything you talk about in a cover letter, your resume can “continue your narrative—filling in the remaining details of the where, when, and what of your work experiences and history,” Owens says.

5. Consider using bullet points.

And we don’t mean repeating your resume bullet points . We mean using a few bullet points to concisely relay a few key pieces of information that aren’t on your resume, but contribute to your qualifications as a candidate, without taking up too much space.

For example, Owens says you might create a “What I bring to the table” section with three to four bullet points (one or two sentences each). In a section like this, you can touch on a few more disparate topics such as your management or leadership style, pain points you can help your next employer with, or work environments you have experience thriving in, Owens says.

6. Use standard formatting.

Did you ever make your font size a bit larger or choose a slightly wider font to hit a page count on an essay for school? What about widening those margins? Did you ever do the opposite to slip in under a page maximum without having to do another editing pass at 3 a.m.? (Guilty!)

These tactics won’t fly for your cover letter (or your resume for that matter). Instead, stick to standard, easy-to-read formatting. Generally this means:

Common fonts like Arial, Helvetica, or Times New Roman
Font sizes between 10 and 12 point
Margin sizes of about one inch on the top, bottom, and sides
Lines that are single spaced (1.15 max) with an additional space between paragraphs if you'd like.

Don’t make your cover letter harder to read by cramming as much onto a page as possible. Also keep in mind that your cover letter often passes through the same applicant tracking system (ATS) that your resume does—so any flashy formatting could trip up the software that parses your application materials.

7. Trim the excess.

If your cover letter is still too long, take another look and trim out anything extra that doesn’t need to be there. Some things to cut include:

Content about how much you’d enjoy doing the work, Davis says—beyond what you need to express enthusiasm.
Mentions of years of experience: While the job description may call for three years of experience with a CRM (customer relationship management) program, you don’t need to use your cover letter to write a word problem where your six months experience from one internship, three months each from two classes, and two years at your last job equals three years.
Extra details in your examples, especially those that are found on your resume or don’t contribute to your strength as a candidate
Filtering language: This includes phrases like “I think” and “I feel.” You don’t “believe you can help” a company solve a problem, you can help a company solve a problem.
Overused or cliché phrases
Anything about what the job would do for you : Focus on what you can do for them.

Read More: How to Cut Your Cover Letter Down to One Page (Because Any Longer and No One's Reading)

8. Follow any instructions in the job description.

Finally, all of the above are just guidelines. The best indicator of what an employer is looking for in a cover letter—length-wise or otherwise—is the employer itself.

So if a job posting tells you that a cover letter should be a different length than we’ve indicated, default to the job description. If a job posting tells you that a cover letter should include different things than we’ve indicated, default to the job description. If a job posting tells you that you shouldn’t include a cover letter at all, default to the job description.

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.

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
How To Write An Address
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.

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

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.

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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Cover Letter

How long should a cover letter be?

Simply structured

Cover letter greeting, cover letter introduction, cover letter body, cover letter closing.

How long should a cover letter be? There’s one simple answer — short. Two unequivocal conditions assure that result. Without exception, a cover letter should:

Always fit on a single page.
Never exceed 400 words.

Both of these mutually inclusive goals are attainable each and every time you write a cover letter . If you do everything else right, your cover letter will automatically be short enough. It will also completely cover everything you need to say.

And what’s left unsaid should make the reader curious enough to find out more in an interview. That’s the whole idea.

Let’s look at how to create a perfectly sized cover letter that wows the reader, from start to finish. Here’s what we’ll cover:

The purpose of a cover letter
Why everyone should submit a cover letter even if it’s not requested
How to write a cover letter and the structure of each section: header, greeting, introduction, body and conclusion
General word bloat-busting tips
Cover letter layout and design guidelines

Purpose of a cover letter — what’s the point?

Cover letters are like a written handshake in an era when job-seekers no longer walk into offices with no appointment asking to see the hiring manager. Cover letters enhance the first impression you make on hiring managers and could improve your chances of a job-winning interview.

Why? Because your resume can only do so much on its own. It’s designed that way. A cover letter compensates for the resume’s limitations. It can start earning you points as the best job candidate before anyone even looks at your resume. It can even make a difference in whether your resume gets read at all.

As a resume companion document , your cover letter serves these key purposes.

Provides a personal introduction : You form an immediate, direct connection with the employer by addressing your cover letter recipient by name. Resumes are not addressed to anyone.
Reveals the person behind the professional : The free-form writing style makes your cover letter a storytelling device providing personal insights. It adds narrative depth to your relatively impersonal resume, which is a barebones factual synopsis in mostly list format.
Bridges your past and future : A successful cover letter paints prospective employers into the picture of your next ideal career move, while resumes are background-oriented.
Intrigues the reader : By saying just enough without giving away too much, cover letters motivate curious readers to dig deeper for the details in your resume.

But do you really need one?

Job applicants often wonder if there’s any point writing a cover letter with no guarantee it will be read or influence hiring decisions. Not being required to include one with your resume is typically welcomed as a reason to skip it. This is understandable, but not advisable. You have everything to gain — and nothing to lose — by regarding cover letters as essential, not just a smart idea. Studies have shown they can give you a 40% job-winning edge over other qualified applicants who do not submit one.

Myth-busting research has concluded that the cover letter is not “dead.” The opposite is true. Not submitting a cover letter with your resume could actually jeopardize your job-winning chances. Why risk it?

Even with no requirement to include a cover letter with your resume, there is only reason not to do so — if the application instructions stipulate that it be excluded.

According to one survey , 90 percent of hiring professionals consider a hiring manager invaluable when making hiring decisions. Even if cover letters are optional, about three-quarters of recruiters still expect to receive them, prefer to receive them, always read them and show a preference for applicants who include one.

HR professionals find cover letters important and useful to:

Explain a job candidate’s motivation to join the company — 63% of respondents
Describe career objectives — 50%
Explain the reasons for changing careers — 50%
Explain employment gaps — 49%
Highlight professional achievements — 47%

The do’s of writing a spectacular cover letter

Would you rather spend the next hour organizing your socks drawer than writing a cover letter? We get it. Even for published authors, getting started is typically the hardest part of any writing task.

Take heart in the simplicity of a cover letter’s framework to feel less overwhelmed. Breaking it into separate parts can make the writing process seem less daunting. So should our assurance that there’s a learnable knack for putting all of these components together in a single-page cover letter document:

Greeting / salutation
Introduction
Middle section (body)
Closing (conclusion and sign-off).

The following sales representative example packs equal parts passion and professionalism into a compact 300 words.

Dear Ms. Underhill,

With a seasonal product such as garden furniture, you need a sales rep who can go into marketing mode for half a year and sales mode for the other half. Having been a rep for two gardening manufacturers previously, I understand the investment that this requires.

My career began with a sales management degree from Northwestern University and a graduate placement selling hot tubs. It was a perfect introduction to selling a high-value seasonal product and many conferences and events later, I had perfected my sales pitch. In my first two years as a sales rep, I skyrocketed my region’s sales by 80%, attracted 55 more customers and won the national sales prize in my second year.

I have just left a role with your competitor due to a change of company ownership – they brought in their own sales team. This was disappointing, as I took great pleasure in eating away at your market share (the net gain for my previous employer was 6%), but after an acrimonious exit and on finishing my gardening leave, I am keen to stay in garden furniture and feel that my three years of direct experience will prove useful.

My accomplishments there are readily transferable:

Developed a marketing brochure that increased ATV by 35% on tables and chairs.
Cultivated a sophisticated sales pipeline, including social media in the sales funnel.
Negotiated payment terms from 60 days to 51 days on average.
Sourced new products at exhibitions and sourcing trips with the company buyer.

I know that we have met before, but as I was a rival rather than a potential hire, I hope that the current circumstances may be a little more interesting. I would love the opportunity of an interview to discuss the market and how I might contribute to your sales team.

Tyler Bellinger

While “sales representative” is one of the broadest job titles in existence, this cover letter example fully illustrates how to target each specific position and employer. Let’s look at how to optimize the impact of each cover letter part.

Start your cover letter off on a professional, yet approachable, note in the greeting. Science has proven that positive responses are triggered by people hearing or reading their own name. That’s why all cover letters should be addressed to someone by name if possible.

“To Whom It May Concern” is an old-fashioned way of writing a letter greeting when you don’t know the name of the correct person to address. But it should never be used in a cover letter in which you’re seeking a job. Here are some alternatives.

In the few seconds it would take in person to shake hands and be seated for an interview, your cover letter introduction facilitates the same connection in writing. Recruiters will expect you to jump in right away with your relevant strengths and experience. And so you should. But the “why you need me” hook is what they will find irresistible. Our sales representative sample letter leads with this masterful introduction.

This is the place to show, not just tell, what makes you an ideal job match. Elaborate on a few carefully selected achievements and the transferable skills brought to bear. Cite relatable facts and figures that the employer would relish seeing you replicate if hired. And let your motivation shine through in a pertinent anecdote or two.

The cover letter body sample below demonstrates the reader-friendly use of bullet points for both showcasing and word-trimming.

Close off in a manner that’s concise but not entirely conclusive. Thank recruiters for their time and interest in your application, adding a reminder of why you are an ideal job fit. Then, be sure to include a call to action that puts some onus on the employer to respond, not cast your application aside. The call to action in this sample cover letter closing is unusual but potentially effective.

How to write a cover letter with no experience

When you don’t have much experience in the field you’re applying to, writing a cover letter can feel like a daunting task. While you might be tempted to submit your application without one, that would be a big mistake.

Searching for more information? Our “ How to write a cover letter ” goes into more detail about the broader aspects of writing a well-rounded cover letter.

How to keep your cover letter to one page

Here are some ways to keep your cover letter short and snappy without selling yourself short.

Purposeful is persuasive . An engaging cover letter focuses solely on your most relevant and relatable qualifications. It should be obvious to recruiters that you’ve done your homework, to the extent they can picture what you would look like in the position and hiring organization.
Who you are and what you’ve done
How you will contribute if hired
Why you want to work for this employer more than any other.
Write lean, not lazy . Think of concise and precise as synonymous in writing that’s clear, descriptive, dynamic and solid. Consult a thesaurus often for help pinpointing exactly the right words to say what you mean. Fewer words are always better, with sparing reliance on adjectives and adverbs.

Action verbs in the active present or past tense are your best friend in a cover letter or resume. They automatically make your writing tighter and more results-driven. Tell the reader what you do or did , not what you are responsible for doing .

Say it for the first time, your way . Meaningless clichés and other superfluous fluff waste valuable cover letter page space and the reader’s precious time. Nothing in your cover letter should sound anything like what recruiters have ever seen from other job applicants — especially a thousand times before. That includes this opening line: “I am applying for the position of …” Readers already know that.
Don’t be a drag on the reader’s time and energy . Taking too long to make your point is as bad as repeating yourself. Don’t be afraid of short sentences. The pauses pack more punch and command staying power, while also sustaining reader momentum. The same goes for shorter paragraphs and bullet points.
Self-edit scrupulously . Every time you review each cover letter redraft, a crisper, cleaner and more efficiently polished new version should emerge. Then, when you think it’s perfect, ask someone else to give it a look. Revise accordingly. Shorter word counts virtually guarantee a higher recruiter’s score. And make sure to use a cover letter builder with a good built-in spell check.
Proofread for perfection . No one should need reminding of the obvious reason to scrutinize your final cover letter draft for integrity-compromising mistakes. But proofreading can sometimes reveal word-tightening opportunities too, including inadvertent editing errors.

“If I had more time, I would have written a shorter letter.” That these famous words are frequently misquoted or misattributed takes nothing away from their meaning. Don’t be surprised or discouraged by this oft-misunderstood reality when composing your cover letter: the shorter it is, the longer you might take writing it well. Put another way: cover letters are a classic case of “less is more.” And getting to “less” typically takes more time and effort.

* The earliest recorded version of this quote dates back to 1657, when French mathematician and philosopher Blaise Pascal published “Lettres Provinciales.” Later variations are attributed to philosopher John Locke; inventor Benjamin Franklin; authors Henry David Thoreau and Mark Twain; and U.S. President Woodrow Wilson.

Short and sweet — looking as good as it sounds

Don’t even think about tinkering with margins or font size as a way to squeeze in too many lines of space-busting cover letter text. If word bloat is the real problem, then further edits are the only slimming solution. But if your cover letter is well within the 400-word count limit, and seems to fit fine on a single page, it might still benefit from eye-pleasing improvements. Every aspect of the document’s layout, design and formatting should help make it:

Inviting to read at first glance — neat, clean and streamlined, with ample white space.
Easy to read all the way through — reflecting suitable choices of fonts and sparing graphic touches.

How to prevent widows and orphans

Knowing how to manage straggler text snippets in your cover letter is useful to ensure the document fits on one page without compromising the layout’s look.

“Widows” are paragraph-ending lines of text that stray onto the top of the next page, while “orphan” lines start a new paragraph at the bottom of a page. Neither is desirable in a multi-page document, but can be prevented with certain line or page break adjustments. Even within a single-page document,“widow” lines of text can cause problems with page fit and layout imbalance. One of the following solutions can make a difference:

Break a long paragraph into two paragraphs
Combine two short paragraphs into one
Revise the wording to remove “widow” lines.

How to write a cover letter - expert guide [2024]

Here is exactly how you can write a cover letter that will stand out from the crowd, and help you land that interview.

Key takeaways for the right cover letter length

The unbreakable rule for maximum cover letter length is short and simple: 400 words on a single page.
As a resume companion document, your cover letter is designed to catch the recruiter’s attention in a more direct, personal fashion. It can even make a difference in whether your resume gets read at all.
A carefully crafted cover letter should automatically be short enough and complete enough. It should also motivate readers to dig deeper for more details in your resume.
The writing and formatting tips in this guide can help you optimize the reader-friendly impact of your cover letter, from start to finish.

For more inspiration, check out our free cover letter templates and build your own cover letter .

How Long Should a Cover Letter Be? (Examples)

By Biron Clark

Published: November 10, 2023

Cover Letters

Biron Clark

Writer & Career Coach

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:

How long should a cover letter be - example of ideal word count

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

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Career Blog

How Long Should a Cover Letter Be? The Optimal Length

A cover letter is an important tool when applying for a job. It’s a document that you submit alongside your resume, and it’s your chance to communicate directly with the hiring manager. A well-crafted cover letter can make a great first impression and set you apart from other job applicants.

The purpose of this article is to provide guidance on how long a cover letter should be. The optimal length of a cover letter is a common question among job seekers, and there are conflicting opinions on the topic. Some say that a cover letter should be no more than one page, while others argue that it’s okay to go over two pages.

In this article, we’ll discuss the different factors that affect the length of a cover letter, such as the job you’re applying for, your level of experience, and the company you’re applying to. We’ll also examine the pros and cons of shorter versus longer cover letters.

By the end of this article, you’ll have a better understanding of what the optimal length of a cover letter is in different situations so that you can create a cover letter that is concise, yet effective. Whether you’re a recent graduate or an experienced professional, this article will provide you with valuable insights on how to write a cover letter that will impress hiring managers and land you the job you want.

What is a Cover Letter?

A cover letter is a document that accompanies your resume or CV when you are applying for a job. It is usually in the form of a one-page letter that introduces yourself to the hiring manager and explains why you are the best candidate for the job. The cover letter is an essential part of the job application process, and it can make or break your chances of getting an interview.

Definition and Explanation of a Cover Letter

The purpose of a cover letter is to complement your resume, not repeat it. While your resume is a summary of your education, experience and skills, your cover letter is your chance to showcase your personality, explain why you are passionate about the job and highlight your achievements.

A well-written cover letter should be tailored to the specific job you are applying for. It should be brief, informative, and engaging. A good cover letter should highlight your key skills, experiences and achievements that relate to the job. It should also demonstrate your understanding of the company culture and explain why you are a good fit for the role.

Importance of Sending One with Your Resume

Sending a cover letter with your resume is crucial. A cover letter can give the hiring manager more context about your professional experience and qualifications, and help you stand out from other applicants. It shows that you have put effort into your job application and that you are committed to the job.

Furthermore, a cover letter is an opportunity to showcase your writing skills. Many employers use a cover letter to assess your written communication skills, so it’s important to make sure it is well-written, clear and concise.

A well-written cover letter is essential when you are applying for a job. It is an opportunity to showcase your personality, explain why you are passionate about the job, and highlight your key skills and achievements. Sending a cover letter with your resume can make you stand out from other applicants and demonstrate that you are committed to the job.

The Role of a Cover Letter in Your Job Search

A cover letter is an essential component of your job application, and it can significantly impact your chances of getting hired. It serves as an introduction to your resume and highlights your qualifications, skills, and experience that match the job requirements.

How a Cover Letter Affects Your Chances of Getting Hired

According to research, more than 50% of hiring managers consider a cover letter to be crucial when evaluating job candidates. It provides them with more information about you compared to just a resume, making it easier for them to determine if you’re the right fit for the job.

A well-written cover letter can show your personality, professionalism, and communication skills. It can also demonstrate why you’re the best candidate for the position and how you can contribute to the company’s success.

On the other hand, a poorly written cover letter can hurt your chances of getting hired. It can make you appear unprofessional, uninterested, or unqualified for the job, even if your resume suggests otherwise.

Explaining Why Some Hiring Managers Still Require a Cover Letter

Despite the debates about whether a cover letter is necessary, many hiring managers still require it as part of the job application process. There are several reasons for this:

1. To evaluate your communication skills

A cover letter is a written document, and it allows the hiring manager to assess your writing skills and communication abilities. Employers are always seeking employees who can express themselves concisely and effectively.

2. To gauge your interest and motivation

A cover letter shows that you’re serious about the job and you’ve taken the time to learn about the company and the position. It captures your motivation for applying and why you think you’re a great fit. It’s an opportunity to express your enthusiasm and demonstrate your knowledge of the company’s mission and culture.

3. To highlight your personality and personal brand

A well-written cover letter can showcase your personality and personal brand. It allows the hiring manager to get a glimpse of who you are and how you conduct yourself professionally. This can help you stand out from other applicants, especially if you’re applying for a highly competitive position.

A cover letter plays an essential role in your job search. It can significantly affect your chances of getting hired and open doors to new opportunities. Even if some hiring managers don’t require it, it’s always good to include a well-crafted cover letter as part of your job application.

Factors that Affect Cover Letter Length

It’s essential to note that the length of a cover letter is influenced by several factors. These include the industry, company type, job level, and requirements. Understanding how these factors affect the optimal length of your cover letter can help you tailor it accordingly and increase your chances of landing the job.

How the Industry and Company Type Impact the Optimal Length

The industry and company type you are applying to can impact the optimal length of your cover letter. Some industries, such as creative or marketing fields, may appreciate a more extended form of communication that highlights your creativity and writing skills. On the other hand, industries such as finance and law may prefer a more concise and straightforward approach.

Moreover, larger companies may receive a high volume of applications and may have an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) that scans cover letters for keywords. Therefore, a shorter and more concise cover letter may be ideal for these types of organizations.

How the Job Level and Requirements Affect the Length

The job level and requirements also have a significant impact on the optimal length of your cover letter. For entry-level positions, a one-page cover letter that highlights your relevant skills and experience may be sufficient. In contrast, higher-level positions or managerial roles may require a longer cover letter that demonstrates your leadership abilities and accomplishments.

Additionally, specific job requirements listed in the job posting should also guide the length of your cover letter. For example, if the job posting requests a portfolio or other supporting documentation, you may be able to keep your cover letter more concise. Conversely, if the job requires you to demonstrate proficiency in a specific skill, such as project management, your cover letter may need to be more detailed to showcase your experience in this area.

Understanding the factors that impact the optimal length of your cover letter is critical to crafting a winning application. By tailoring your cover letter to the industry, company type, job level, and requirements, you increase your chances of impressing the hiring manager and securing an interview.

Optimal Cover Letter Length for Entry-Level Job Seekers

As a new graduate or job seeker with less experience, you may be wondering how long your cover letter should be.

Here are some guidelines and tips to help you craft the perfect cover letter:

Guideline for new graduates and job seekers with less experience

Your cover letter should be long enough to convey your qualifications and interest in the position, but short enough to hold the reader’s attention. As an entry-level job seeker, you may not have as much experience to showcase, so focusing on your unique strengths and eagerness to learn can help make you stand out.

Examples and tips for writing a concise cover letter

Start with a strong opening that grabs the reader’s attention and showcases your enthusiasm for the position.
Keep your paragraphs short and focused, highlighting your relevant experience and qualifications.
Be specific about your skills and how they can benefit the company. Use examples to illustrate your points.
Use a professional tone and avoid being too casual or informal.
Close with a strong statement that reiterates your interest in the position and invites further discussion.

Remember, a well-crafted cover letter can make all the difference in landing an interview, so take the time to make it concise, focused, and impactful.

Optimal Cover Letter Length for Mid-Career Professionals

For mid-career professionals, crafting a cover letter can be a challenging task. On one hand, you want to showcase your expertise and experience to potential employers. On the other hand, you don’t want to bore them with a lengthy document. So what’s the optimal length for a cover letter for mid-career professionals?

Guidelines for Individuals with a Few Years of Experience

If you have a few years of experience, it’s best to keep your cover letter concise and to the point. Ideally, your cover letter shouldn’t exceed one page. You should aim to highlight your most relevant experience and qualifications, without getting too detailed.

Tips for Crafting an Effective Cover Letter

Here are some tips to help you craft an effective cover letter:

Start strong: Use the first paragraph to introduce yourself and grab the reader’s attention. You can mention your relevant experience, or an interesting anecdote that sets you apart.
Highlight your most relevant experience: In the body of the cover letter, focus on your most relevant experience and qualifications. Make sure to mention the skills and achievements that make you a good fit for the job.
Avoid repeating your resume: Your cover letter should complement your resume, not repeat it. Don’t simply list your job titles and responsibilities – focus on the impact you’ve made in your previous roles.
Show your enthusiasm: Show your enthusiasm for the job and the company by explaining why you’re interested in the role. Do your research and mention something specific that you like about the company or the industry.
Close with a strong call to action: In the final paragraph, make sure to thank the reader for their time and express your interest in the role. Don’t be afraid to ask for an interview, or to follow up on your application.

By following these guidelines and tips, you’ll be able to craft an effective cover letter that showcases your experience and expertise, while keeping it concise and to the point.

Optimal Cover Letter Length for Senior-Level Executives

As a seasoned professional or high-level executive, crafting an effective cover letter can be a daunting task. The challenge lies in balancing brevity with comprehensive information about your qualifications and achievements. Therefore, it is vital to adhere to specific guidelines to ensure that your cover letter does not come off as too lengthy or too brief.

Within this word count, be sure to highlight your most crucial skills, accomplishments, and experience relevant to the position in question. It is critical to give the hiring manager a clear picture of what you can offer to the company without overwhelming them with unnecessary details.

Here are a few tips to help you write a comprehensive cover letter:

Begin with a strong opening line that indicates your interest in the job and highlights your unique selling point.

Tailor your message to the company culture and requirements, demonstrating your knowledge of the organization and how you can contribute to its success.

Use bullet points to present your achievements and qualifications in an easy-to-read format.

Highlight your experience with figures and other measurable criteria that showcase your ability to drive results.

Remember that a cover letter should complement—not duplicate—your resume. Therefore, avoid merely listing qualifications and job titles already mentioned in your resume. Instead, use the opportunity to elaborate on specific experiences that demonstrate your fit for the position.

Keep your cover letter short and to the point while still providing enough information to show why you are the best candidate for the job. Utilize the tips above to write a compelling and comprehensive cover letter that leaves a memorable impression.

How to Make Your Cover Letter Concise and Relevant

Tips for editing and narrowing down the content:.

Start with a strong opening that grabs the reader’s attention and introduces your relevant skills and experience.
Use bullet points to list your achievements and qualifications, rather than lengthy paragraphs that may be overwhelming for the reader.
Avoid repeating information that is already included in your resume or application.
Be selective in highlighting your most relevant experience and skills that match the job requirements.

Strategies for making every word count:

Use action verbs to describe your achievements and contributions.
Focus on the impact you made in your previous roles, such as increased revenue or improved processes.
Showcase your unique qualifications and accomplishments, rather than generic or common skills.
Eliminate unnecessary adjectives or redundant phrases that do not add value to your application.

By following these tips and strategies, you can make sure that your cover letter is concise and relevant, while still showcasing your qualifications and experience. Remember that the optimal length of a cover letter is around 250-400 words, so aim to make every word count within this limit.

How to make your Cover Letter Comprehensive and Meaningful

Your cover letter is your chance to make a strong first impression and provide a deeper understanding of your skills and experience to the hiring manager. Here are some strategies for making your cover letter comprehensive and meaningful:

Strategies for adding depth and relevance to your cover letter:

Customize your cover letter for each job application to showcase how your skills and experience align with the job requirements.
Use specific examples to demonstrate your achievements and how they can benefit the company.
Research the company’s mission and values to show your alignment with the company culture.
Use industry-specific language to show your knowledge and expertise.

Tips for showcasing your skills and experience:

Use storytelling techniques to engage the reader and create a connection with the hiring manager.
Start by highlighting your most impressive achievements and then explain how they have prepared you for the job.
Keep the cover letter concise and focused on your most relevant experiences.
Use bullet points to break up longer paragraphs and make the cover letter easier to read.

A comprehensive and meaningful cover letter should showcase your skills and experience while being concise, focused, and customized to the job you are applying for. Use storytelling techniques and specific examples to engage the reader and show how you can contribute to the company’s success.

Appendices (if applicable)

Here are some example cover letter sections that you can use as a reference when crafting your own:

Introduction – This section should include the purpose of the letter, the position you are applying for, and how you found out about the job opportunity.

Body – This is where you should highlight your relevant skills, experience, and achievements that make you a strong candidate for the position. You should also mention why you are interested in the company and how you can contribute to their success.

Closing – In this section, you should express your gratitude for considering your application and request for an interview to further discuss your qualifications.

And here are some sample cover letters that you can use as a guide when determining the optimal length:

Sample 1 (280 words)

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am writing to apply for the position of Marketing Coordinator at XYZ Company. As a recent graduate with a degree in marketing and a demonstrated ability to develop and execute successful marketing campaigns, I am confident that I am the right fit for this role.

In my previous internship and freelance work, I have gained experience in social media management, email marketing, and content creation. Additionally, my attention to detail and ability to work collaboratively have contributed to successful campaigns and satisfied clients.

I am passionate about the work that XYZ Company does and I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to your team. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss my qualifications further.

[Your Name]

Sample 2 (450 words)

Dear [Hiring Manager],

I am writing to express my interest in the [Job Title] position at your company. With [Number of Years] years of experience in [Industry or Field], I am confident that I am the ideal candidate for the job.

In my current position at [Current Company], I have successfully [Key Achievement or Responsibility]. Additionally, I have [Skill or Qualification] that I believe will enable me to excel in this role. I am excited about the opportunity to bring my expertise and passion for [Industry or Field] to this position at [Company].

In addition to my relevant experience and qualifications, I am highly organized and a strong communicator. I am able to manage multiple competing priorities while maintaining high-quality work and delivering projects on time.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss my qualifications and learn more about this exciting opportunity at your company.

As you can see, both samples are concise yet effective in showcasing the applicant’s qualifications and interest in the position. The optimal length of a cover letter should be around 250-400 words, depending on the job and industry. It’s important to remember that the cover letter should complement your resume, not repeat it. Focus on highlighting your unique qualifications and demonstrating your enthusiasm for the position and company.

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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.

How long should a cover letter be by Kickresume

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 short by Kickresume

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

Cover Letter Example medium by Kickresume

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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Ideal Cover Letter Length: How Long Should A Cover Letter Be?

In This Guide:

How long should a cover letter be, example of one-page cover letter, how to achieve the ideal cover letter length, how to make the most of your cover letter word length and arrangement.

At last, you found the job of your dreams!

The hours of scrolling through websites before bed has finally paid off.

It’s right there on the screen of your phone, just one cover letter away.

You immediately start thinking about all the things you can list in your letter.

Past job experiences, internships, soft and hard skills…

At one point, you notice the short cover letter has turned into a 3-page novel.

Is it too much?

How long is a cover letter?

And how long is too long when you’re writing about yourself and your achievements?

Can a cover letter be too short, resulting in everyone collectively laughing at your lack of imagination and experience?

Stop. Take a moment to breathe.

If you’re researching how long should a cover letter be, you’re already on the right path.

We will answer all your questions and more so that you can create a memorable cover letter that will impress the recruiters and land you the job of your dreams.

And if you need some inspiration, take a look at some cover letter examples .

Be a first-hand witness to how people just like you have found the balance between length and structure to build a cover letter that becomes the center of attention.

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The average length of a cover letter is half a page. The content should contain no more than 4 paragraphs . The first one being an introduction about yourself and how you found the position; the second (or second and third) – more about your experience, why you’re a suitable candidate; and the last one an ending with a summary of the info and a call to action.

Here is an example of a successful one-page cover letter with 4 paragraphs.

Enhancv Ideal Cover Letter Length: How Long Should A Cover Letter Be?

Now that you know what your end goal should be regarding the length of your cover letter let’s dive into the logistics of reaching that goal.

This includes the structure, the recommended information that should be in it, and some writing and editing tips.

By the end of this article, you will know how to construct a successful cover letter that will increase your chances of getting to your dream position.

And if you’re still wondering why you need one, check out our article on the purpose of a cover letter in an application.

Focus on your relevant skills and achievements

We know you are probably a very skilled individual with a long list of accomplishments.

However, most companies only care about the ones relevant to the job.

Job recruiters go through so many applications a day that the moment they see pieces of information that are not related to what they are searching for, your resume and cover letter are headed to the bin.

If you’re applying for a chef in a restaurant, there is no need to explain how you won a science fair in high school with a DIY solar system.

Listing unnecessary information shows that you did not care enough to do the proper research about the type of employee this business needs.

Include four or fewer paragraphs in your cover letter body

We already mentioned briefly what those paragraphs should contain, so let’s go a bit more detailed.

Paragraph 1 – Introduction

Undoubtedly the most important part – the one you will use to win the recruiters over and invite them to learn more about you.

Start by introducing yourself and how you found out about the position, followed by what motivated you to apply for it. Use this part to showcase your knowledge about the company.

You know exactly what they are looking for and, big surprise, you’re the one that can give it all. If there are any specific things you really like about this business, now is the time to list them.

Paragraph 2 and 3 – Body

Now, this is your time to truly shine. Use this part to list all your achievements, skills, and qualifications that are directly related to the job position.

Use specific examples. “I have many years of experience working with wild cats.” is good, but it can be even more precise. “I have worked as a wild cats rehabilitator in the Oregon Zoo in Portland for 6 years.”

If you’re applying for an HR specialist, pay special attention to your organizational abilities and soft skills. If it’s a more technical and precise position, give examples.

“By transforming business goals into measurable indicators with conversion rate optimization in mind, I can help clients gather and analyze user interactions in a visually appealing way that they can access anytime, anywhere.“

Show the recruiters everything they will gain by hiring you. Cover letters are usually all about how the business will benefit from you, not the other way around.

In case you don’t have enough experience in the field you’re aiming for, highlight your motivations, extra courses you’ve taken, and how you want to develop in the future.

Paragraph 4 – Ending

And now it’s time for the big finale. Thank the hiring managers for their time and undivided attention, provide them with extra contact information and finish up with a call to action.

Let them know when you’re available for a callback, what is the best way to reach you, and that if they have any further questions, you will be at their disposal every day.

You can include one last sentence about how excited you are applying for this position, without sounding too needy, of course.

Write short and direct sentences

The way you express yourself is important. Prolonged and heavy sentences will put anyone off from what they’re reading.

Of course, that doesn’t mean you should write the whole cover letter in simple sentences, as they can sound quite robotic.

But there needs to be a pleasant flow to your writing. The reader should not struggle with understanding your cover letter.

So here are a few tips that will help you write short, concise sentences that are straight to the point and don’t sound like they’ve been written by a bot.

No “fluff words” – These include words such as “really”, “actually”, “totally”, etc. The main rule is – If you can remove it and the sentence doesn’t lose its meaning, then remove it.
Use active voice – The usage of passive voice prolongs the sentence with unnecessary clunky words that bear no meaning.
Get rid of redundant words – “In order to” can be just “to”, “in close proximity” can be “close”. No need to overcomplicate your sentences just to appear smarter.

Here is an example of transforming a long sentence into a short one.

“I truly believe that all of my skills will be of great use to your company should you decide to hire me.”

“If I am hired, my skills will prove to be useful for your company.“

Leave some information to be revealed later at the interview

Outline the most important info but don’t go into too much detail. You want to intrigue the recruiters enough that they invite you for an interview.

You don’t want to leave the impression that they’ve learned everything about you in the span of two short paragraphs, right?

Use a professional cover letter format

The content of your cover letter is the second thing HR managers will see. The first ones are the layout and design.

Our years of experience have shown that candidates that use a professional format for their cover letters have a better success rate when applying for interviews.

Use a readable and plain font, for example, Times New Roman, Arial, Verdana, or Calibri. The size should be no more than 13 point and no less than 11 point. Make it too small, and it’s illegible, make it too big and it looks like you’re trying to fill up space.

Except for the three paragraphs we already talked about, every cover letter should contain the following elements – a heading, a greeting , and a signature at the end.

Leave space between the paragraphs to make the text easy to read and scan, and align the text to the left.

Make sure it doesn’t look cluttered and messy.

Before you start writing, check if there are any specific requirements posted by the recruiters regarding your cover letter. Some companies will tell you exactly what they want for length and content.

Don’t tell too many stories. Giving examples is great but don’t go overboard.

Can my cover letter be 2 pages?

If you’re wondering about a 2-page resume, ask yourself, why do you need it to be so long? Most of the information should be on your resume, the cover letter is just an add-on.

You’re not telling your life story, you’re simply listing all the relevant experience and skills you have so you can get invited to an interview. You will have more chances to market yourself once you get there.

Unless it’s for a pretty high-end position, such as a heart surgeon, professor ina university, or a science researcher, you should be able to fit everything in half a page.

How many words should a cover letter be?

Since we already established that the average length for a cover letter is two-thirds of a page, maximum, how many words is that?

Well, if you don’t have any specific instructions from the employer, keep it between 250 and 400, ideally 300. If you’re using a 12 point font and you’ve written your 3 paragraphs, that’s the usual word count at the end.

In any case, the average word count should be a guideline, not your main focus.

What about academic cover letter length?

The cover letter for an academic position is one of those rare cases where you can exceed the one-page maximum. In

It usually needs to include all sorts of important information such as teaching, research, departmental service, published papers, relevant accolades, and anything else that might be required for the position.

How long should my intern cover letter be?

A cover letter for an internship should follow the same guidelines as the typical cover letter. Between 200 and 400 words is ideal.

It could be shorter, as well. If you’re applying for an internship, chances are you don’t have a lot of experience resulting in fewer things you can include in your cover letter.

Focus less on how long does a cover letter need to be and more on what is required from the company you’re applying to;
Always research for specific instructions from the hiring managers regarding cover letter length and other requirements;
Unless you’re applying for an academic position or another one that demands a longer letter, don’t go over one page;
The format of the cover letter should be professional and clean. The goal is to make your text easy to scan and understand. You can use Enhancv’s Content Analyzer to check everything.
Write simply and use short sentences;
Tailor your letter to the position you’re applying for. Make it personal and show that you care.

What are your experiences with writing cover letters? Have you ever written a cover letter longer than one page?

Tell us in the comments below and if you found this article useful, make sure to share it with anyone who might need it.

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How Long Should a Cover Letter Be? Ideal Length and Elements

The ideal cover letter length should be between half a page and one page, which equates to 250–400 words spread over three to five paragraphs.

‍ Thirty-six percent of hiring managers spend less than 30 seconds reading a cover letter. It’s a strong indicator that they’re not interested in long cover letters that don't quickly communicate the value you can bring to a role.

But what do hiring managers have to say about this, and what can you do to optimize your cover letter? We’ll answer these questions, examine the key elements every cover letter should include, and take a look at tips to keep your cover letter short and sweet. Let’s get to it.

Do Hiring Managers Prefer Long or Short Cover Letters?

Seventy percent of surveyed recruiters prefer a shorter cover letter. The ideal cover letter length should be between half a page and one page, which equates to 250–400 words spread over three to five paragraphs. That means your cover letter needs to be concise.

The goal of a cover letter is to provide more information on how your professional qualifications and experience make you a good fit for a specific role—so focus on emphasizing your value.

Dr. Kyle Elliott , Founder and Tech Career Coach at Kyle Elliott Consulting advises the following practices when approaching a cover letter:

“Your cover letter doesn't need to summarize your resume, which is a common mistake many job seekers make. Rather, use it as an opportunity to highlight what sets you apart from the hundreds, or thousands, of people applying for the same role as you. Additionally, spend a sentence or two communicating what drew you to this specific company. Finally, include a clear call to action inviting the interviewer to meet with you to further discuss your candidacy.”

While it’s important to be mindful of length, that shouldn’t be your only focus. Use as many words as you need to communicate your value, without being wordy, repetitive, and going off course.

Key Characteristics of a One-Page Cover Letter

Even though many recruiters skim cover letters, they’re still essential. As much as 65% of recruiters report that cover letters influence their decision on who to interview or hire. Plus, 81% said they value customized cover letters over generic ones.

Your cover letter is your chance to set yourself apart, says Dr. Kylie Elliott :

“While not all recruiters and hiring managers read cover letters, those who do choose to read them aren't looking for a mere summary of your resume. Instead, they want to learn more about you and what sets you apart from the other people who applied for the open position.”

Here are some key features to prioritize to make sure you deliver a well-crafted cover letter.

First, as mentioned, your cover letter should be roughly half a page to a full page long and total 250–400 words. It should be divided into 3–5 paragraphs for easy scanning, and each paragraph should have a clear focus (we dive into the specifics of what to cover in each paragraph, below).

You should also pay attention to your cover letter formatting. Messy formatting comes across as unprofessional and can hurt your application, say surveyed recruiters and hiring managers . Plus, formatting is key to making it through applicant tracking systems (ATS).

Font: Choose standard fonts such as Calibri and Georgia that are easy to read and scan, with a font size between 10 and 12.
Spacing and alignment: Your cover letter should have enough white space. It should also be aligned to the left with a standard 1-inch margin. This makes for a clean and uncluttered look.
Format: For easy identification and assessment, name your document properly and send it in PDF format. Pay attention to any recruitment criteria on how to name and format your cover letter.

Cover Letter Outline and Word Count

No matter the length of your cover letter, there are certain elements it absolutely must include.

We’ll take a look at each, and give our advice on optimizing each section—so you’re delivering maximum value while keeping your cover letter at the correct length.

This is the first part of your cover letter and contains your contact details: such as your full name, email address, phone number, and link to a professional profile. It may also include the receiver’s details like the recruiter’s professional title, company name, and address.

This should be approximately 20 words.

This is where you address the recruiter or hiring manager. If you don’t know their name, your greeting can reference their role, i.e. “Dear hiring manager.” Preferably, address them by their full name as this shows you’ve taken the time to do your research.

Opening statement

This is where you introduce yourself and briefly outline why you’re the best fit for the role. You can also place a core achievement here to capture the recruiter or hiring manager’s attention.

This section should be roughly 50 to 70 words. Focus on information that’s specifically relevant to the role and will make your application stand out.

This is the crux of the cover letter where you sell yourself by stating relevant experience, skills, and qualifications that make you the best fit for the role. The body of the cover letter is usually two to three paragraphs.

In the first paragraph, include information on achievements from past roles and outline how you can replicate these results for this new company.

In the second paragraph, include some of your key skills and match these against those outlined in the job description. Note how you applied them in past endeavors.

The third paragraph should contain information on your professional qualifications, courses taken, and more.

The cover letter body should be about 150–200 words to keep within our guidelines for cover letter length .

Closing paragraph

The closing paragraph is where you’ll tie up everything written so far. You should thank the recruiter for their time and include a call to action (CTA), like: “I look forward to hearing from you and am available to discuss my skillset at your earliest convenience.” This should be about 50 words.

Complimentary close

The complimentary close includes a formal closing statement, such as “Warm regards,” “Sincerely,” or “Best.”

How to Keep Your Cover Letter the Correct Length

Here are some cover letter tips to help you make a great impression and boost your chances of getting interviewed.

Tip 1: Break it into sections

An ideal cover letter contains an opening statement, a body, and a closing paragraph.

The first section should contain information about you and your professional background. The next section should focus on your skills, relevant experiences, and how you intend to use them in this new role. The last section contains your closing statement and CTA.

By breaking your cover letter into logically arranged sections that have set parameters, you’ll avoid repeating information.

Tip 2: Follow professional formatting

The formatting of your cover letter also determines its length. First, embrace whitespace. Single or 1.5 spacing is ideal.

You should pick an easy-to-read and legible font, like Arial or Georgia, with a font size between 10 and 12. It’s also best to outline your skills in an essay format, where you outline their relevance, rather than bullet points that rehash your resume.

Using a cover letter template—like those offered by Rezi —will ensure you get these formatting essentials right every time.

Tip 3: Highlight only relevant skills and experiences

This is the meat of the cover letter that most hiring managers look out for. So, while it may be tempting to list all your skills and work achievements, focus on relevant information that directly relates to the job you’re applying for.

Try the STAR method, which stands for situation, task, action, and result. This helps you state how you applied your skills in a situation when carrying out certain tasks, which in turn leads to the desired result. This will demonstrate the link between your skills and experiences and highlight how you’ll add value to the team.

Tip 4: Remove fluff

Cut any unnecessary words that don’t add further meaning to what you’re saying. Removing fluff makes your cover letter more concise and easy to read.

Tip 5: Proofread and edit

Before you press send, ensure you edit your cover letter or ask someone to do this for you. This helps you identify and correct any grammatical errors, improve the flow of your sentences, and remove redundancies.

Tip 6: Check the employer’s requirements

Finally, check the job ad for information on how long the cover letter should be, as some recruiters specify the number of words they’re looking for. Ignoring that instruction will reflect badly on your application.

In situations where no word count is specified, stay within 250–400 words.

Example of a One-Page Cover Letter That’ll Impress Managers

Here’s why you should adopt this cover letter template for your next job application:

It’s concise and straight to the point.
It communicates the applicant’s capabilities and core information and removes unnecessary details.
It follows the correct format, with enough white space and a font style and size that’s appropriate for an ATS.
It’s easily scannable with short paragraphs and core details presented first.

Start Creating an Impressive Cover Letter with Rezi

A great cover letter considers both word count and the relevance of information. Don’t focus solely on how long the letter is, as this may force you to eliminate core details that make you stand out.

The best way to approach writing your cover is by listing all the relevant information that showcases you as a great fit for a job, and then using a template to help you narrow your points down to the essentials.

With the Rezi cover letter generator, you have myriad short cover letter samples to choose from—making your job application process that much easier.

They are optimally formatted and can be tailored to the role and organization with just a few clicks. And you can tailor your application further by using our resume builder , and boost your chances of getting that dream job.

1. Is a 500-word cover letter too long?

A 500-word cover letter may be too long if it includes unnecessary information that doesn’t highlight your value. However, this length is fine if it’s filled with core details that show the recruiter why you’re the best fit for the role.

Generally, though, the rule of thumb is to write between half a page to one page, or around 250–400 words.

2. Is it OK if my cover letter is two pages?

No matter how senior you are or how much work experience you have, a two-page cover letter is overboard. Most recruiters use cover letters as a supporting document when assessing your application, so they most likely won’t have the time and energy to read a two-page cover letter.

Tech career coach Dr. Kyle Elliott has this to say:

“While a two-page cover letter may be needed in certain situations, such as when applying for an academic role or addressing specific questions requested by the prospective employer, a single-page cover letter will suffice in most cases.”

Also, the aim of your cover letter is not to rehash what’s already been stated in your resume but to emphasize key achievements that’ll make you stand out. You can do that in half a page to a full page.

Rezi is an ai resume builder to help you to create a resume that os sure to check the boxes when it comes to applicant tracking systems : Rezi Review by Ashley

Kels Styles

Kels is a career writer and editor with a background in entertainment, advertising, and startups. Kels aims to provide, reinforce, and organize authentic, digestible content that helps you take the next step in your career.

How Long Should An Optimized Cover Letter Be?

A cover letter has potential to be too long at times.

Research suggests that 83% of hiring managers state that cover letters are important in their hiring decisions. One of the main reasons is that it helps make a distinction between candidates with similar qualifications. A cover letter is an important part of the job application process. It provides an opportunity for applicants to highlight their skills, qualifications, and enthusiasm for the job. However, determining the length of a cover letter can be challenging. In this article, you’ll learn about the appropriate length for a cover letter, and some tips on the most effective way to write one.

Is a Two-Page Cover Letter Too Long?

A two page cover letter is way too long. In the fast paced technological era we are currently living in, hiring managers do not have time to read monologues. They typically skim through cover letters to quickly gather the relevant information. A long document increases the chances of important information being overlooked, or that the hiring manager will lose interest before arriving at the key points.

Additionally, a well-written cover letter demonstrates the candidate's ability to communicate efficiently and effectively. A two page cover letter may give the impression of a lack of conciseness, and an inability to prioritize information; all of which can be a red flag about the applicant's skills in general.

However, in some instances (typically with shortlisted candidates), hiring managers may require potential employees to write a longer cover letter to gain deeper insight into their experience.

Is a 300-Word Cover Letter Too Much?

A 300-word cover letter is the right length for a cover letter. It allows candidates to provide a concise explanation of their relevant experience, skills, what they can offer the company, and why they’re applying for the job. Within three hundred words, applicants can capture the reader's attention and increase the likelihood of the hiring manager reading the entire document. It’s tempting to want to provide detailed information to make a good impression. However, as mentioned, this can have the opposite effect. Three hundred words forces the writer to prioritize their most relevant skills, qualifications, and experience.

Is 200 Words Too Short For a Cover Letter?

Although a 200-word cover letter does seem short, it can be ideal for some job applications. For example, for entry-level positions with a simple job description, and the candidate doesn’t have much experience. With short cover letters, the challenge lies in ensuring that the limited word count is used to present the most relevant information in a way that will highlight the applicant's qualifications, skills, and experiences most effectively.

Tips For Writing a Good Cover Letter

There is no right or wrong way to write a cover letter; however, there is certain information that you will need to include. Here are some tips on how to write a good cover letter:

● Respect Guidelines: Depending on the job, you may be asked to write a specific cover letter. This could be in relation to length, or the information to put in the letter. Read the job post carefully so you’ll know if there are any guidelines to follow.

● Introduction: Start with a professional salutation such as, ‘Dear [name of hiring manager],’ or ‘Dear Sir or Madam’ and give a brief explanation about who you are and how you found the job.

● Highlight Skills: Mention your current job title, relevant skills, qualifications, and experience. Showcase why you’re best suited for the job by focusing on the skills, qualifications, and experience that are most relevant to the position.

● Extra Information: Explain why you’re genuinely interested in the job. If you have been out of work for a while, you can explain why and mention the skills you gained while you were unemployed.

● Ending: Thank the hiring manager for reading through your application and let them know the best way to contact you. End the letter with, ‘Yours sincerely,’ if you addressed the reader by name, or simply thank them. Finally, read over the letter to ensure there are no spelling or grammar errors.

Regardless of the length of the cover letter, your main aim should be to ensure that it’s impactful and highlights your skills, qualifications, and experience in a way that presents you in the best way possible.

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How Long Should a Cover Letter Be?

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 a Cover Letter Be in 2023? This article explores the ideal cover letter length and provides tips for creating an engaging, easy-to-read document for your next interview.

By Entrepreneur Staff May 2, 2023

Crafting a well-written cover letter is pivotal to securing a dream job, as it offers an opportunity to make a lasting first impression on hiring managers and recruiters.

Yet, in the quest for professional success, job seekers frequently ponder, "How long should a cover letter be?" In 2023, the answer may be different than previously thought.

How to determine the ideal cover letter length

When crafting a cover letter, it is essential to balance providing sufficient information and maintaining the reader's interest.

The following factors contribute to determining the ideal length for a cover letter:

Industry standards and expectations: Different industries may have varying expectations regarding cover letter length. Research the norms within the target industry to ensure the cover letter adheres to accepted standards.
Clarity and conciseness: A well-written cover letter should be clear and concise, effectively conveying the applicant's suitability for the role without overwhelming the reader with excessive detail. Aim to present the most relevant information that is easy to digest.
Word count and formatting: While there is no one-size-fits-all rule for cover letter length, a general guideline is to keep it between half a page and one full page. This range typically equates to approximately 250 to 400 words. In addition, use formatting tools such as bullet points, headings and white space to break up large blocks of text and enhance readability.

By considering these factors, job seekers can craft a cover letter that effectively communicates their qualifications while maintaining an appropriate length.

What are some examples of recommended cover letter lengths across different industries?

While providing specific numbers on expected cover letter length across various significant industries is difficult, we can offer some general guidelines as many factors can influence the expectations. Usually, a one-page cover letter is considered standard across various industries.

However, specific fields may have unique expectations. Below are some examples:

Finance and Business: A one-page cover letter is typically preferred in the finance and business sectors. According to Robert Half, a leading recruitment agency , a concise and well-structured cover letter is essential for these industries.
Academia and Research: A longer cover letter of 1-2 pages may be expected in academic and research positions, as candidates often need to detail their research, publications and teaching experience. The University of California, Berkeley provides guidelines for academic cover letters, suggesting a length of 1-2 pages.
Creative Industries (e.g., Graphic Design, Advertising): In creative industries, the focus is often on the quality and originality of work rather than the length of the cover letter. A shorter, more visually engaging cover letter of around one page or less might be expected. AIGA, the professional association for design, provides insights into crafting a creative cover letter.

Ultimately, it's crucial to research the specific industry and company you're applying to tailor your cover letter to their expectations.

How do you properly research the industry norms for cover letter length?

To find reliable information about recommended cover letter length for specific industries and positions, consider the following resources:

Industry Associations and Professional Organizations: Many industries have professional associations that provide valuable resources and guidelines for job seekers, including cover letter advice. Examples include the American Marketing Association (AMA), the American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA) and the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM).
University Career Centers: Many universities offer comprehensive resources and advice for crafting cover letters, often tailored to specific industries or fields. Examples include Harvard University's Office of Career Services and the University of California, Berkeley's Career Center .
Online Job Search Platforms: Websites like LinkedIn , Indeed and Glassdoor often provide job search tips, including guidance on crafting effective cover letters. Some platforms even offer industry-specific advice, giving you insights into the expectations of employers in your target field.
Recruitment Agencies and Career Coaches: Professional recruitment agencies and career coaches often provide advice and resources on their websites or blogs. Examples include Robert The Muse and Workopolis .
Networking: Contact professionals within your target industry for advice and insights. They may be able to share their experiences and recommendations regarding cover letter expectations for their field. Utilize platforms like LinkedIn to connect with people in your industry and engage in relevant discussions.

While these resources can offer valuable guidance, tailoring your cover letter to the specific company and position you are applying for is essential. When crafting your cover letter, always research the organization's culture and values.

Which is better: Full-page or half-page cover letters?

Some hiring managers and recruiters may prefer a full-page cover letter, while others appreciate the brevity of a half-page document. To determine the appropriate length for a specific application, consider the industry norms, the complexity of the role and the amount of relevant information to be included.

For example, if applying for a senior management position in a highly technical field, a full-page cover letter might be necessary to convey the depth of experience and expertise. Conversely, a concise half-page cover letter highlighting key skills and accomplishments may be more suitable for an entry-level position in the creative industry.

What are the specific word count and page count recommendations?

While there is no universal rule for cover letter length, a general guideline is to keep it between half a page and one full page, which typically equates to approximately 250-400 words.

However, it is essential to prioritize the quality of the content over strictly adhering to a specific word count.

For instance, a well-crafted 350-word cover letter that effectively demonstrates the applicant's fit for the role and addresses key requirements from the job description will likely be more impactful than a 250-word cover letter that fails to provide sufficient detail or context.

What factors can influence the length of your cover letter?

Various factors can influence the ideal length of a cover letter, including the job seeker's experience, the job requirements and the company's expectations. Consider these elements when crafting the cover letter and adjust the length accordingly.

For example, if a job posting emphasizes the need for a highly experienced candidate with a wide range of skills, a longer cover letter may be appropriate to showcase the breadth of relevant qualifications.

On the other hand, if a company is known for its fast-paced, results-oriented culture, a concise and focused cover letter that quickly highlights the most relevant skills and achievements might be more appealing to the hiring manager.

Why is concise, engaging writing best for cover letters?

Concise and engaging writing can significantly impact hiring managers and recruiters, demonstrating an applicant's ability to communicate effectively and respect the reader's time.

In addition, by presenting the most relevant information clearly and concisely, job seekers can create a lasting impression and increase their chances of success.

Related: These Resume and Cover Letter Templates Can Help Your Job Hunt

What are the core objectives of a cover letter?

As the perfect cover letter takes shape, it is essential to understand its underlying purpose. This understanding will provide a solid foundation for the writing process and facilitate crafting a document that effectively serves its intended function.

Connecting job seekers and hiring managers

One of the primary purposes of a cover letter is to act as a bridge between job seekers and hiring managers.

It allows candidates to present themselves in a way that goes beyond the confines of a resume by:

Showcasing personality and communication skills.
Demonstrating passion and motivation for the position.
Providing context for career transitions or gaps in employment.

By doing so, job seekers can create a more comprehensive and compelling narrative, which helps hiring managers better understand the applicant's fit for the position.

Showcasing relevant experience and work history

A cover letter serves as an opportunity to highlight and expand on relevant experience, skills and accomplishments.

By carefully selecting and emphasizing the most pertinent aspects of their work history, job seekers can demonstrate to hiring managers how they have effectively applied their abilities in previous roles and plan to contribute to the prospective organization.

Tailors your experience to the role

A well-crafted cover letter should never be a one-size-fits-all document. Instead, it must be tailored to the specific job description and company culture. This customization demonstrates a genuine interest in the position and showcases an applicant's understanding of the company's needs and values.

In addition, by aligning the cover letter's content with the job description, job seekers can effectively illustrate how their unique skillset and experience make them the ideal candidate for the role.

Related: The 6 Musts of a Cover Letter

What are the critical components of an effective cover letter?

When creating a cover letter, it is crucial to include specific elements that convey professionalism and suitability for the role. The following sections highlight the vital components of a compelling cover letter and guide how to present them.

Contact information and salutation

Begin the cover letter by including contact information, such as name, address, phone number and email address. This information should be displayed at the top of the document. Next, address the hiring manager or recruiter by name, if possible.

Researching the recipient's name demonstrates initiative and a genuine interest in the position. If the name is unavailable, opt for a general yet professional greeting, such as "Dear Hiring Manager."

Engaging body paragraphs

An effective cover letter should consist of well-structured paragraphs that flow seamlessly, each serving a specific purpose:

First paragraph: Capture the reader's attention by mentioning the job posting and expressing enthusiasm for the role. Briefly introduce relevant qualifications or experiences that make the candidate a strong fit.
Second paragraph: Delve deeper into the applicant's background by highlighting specific accomplishments and relevant experiences. Draw connections between these achievements and the job description, illustrating how the candidate's skillset aligns with the company's requirements.
Third paragraph: Showcase the applicant's understanding of the company's goals and values. Explain how their experiences and skills will contribute to the organization's success, further solidifying their suitability for the role.

Related: How to Write an Amazing Cover Letter

What are some common mistakes to avoid when writing a cover letter?

It is essential to avoid some common pitfalls to maximize the effectiveness of a cover letter. These mistakes can undermine the applicant's credibility and hinder their chances of success.

Generic writing

Using a generic cover letter for multiple job applications is a critical error. Instead, take the time to customize each cover letter to the specific job description and company culture, demonstrating genuine interest and understanding of the company's needs.

Neglecting to research the company

Failing to research the company website and the manager's name can signal a lack of initiative and genuine interest in the role. Make an effort to gather and incorporate this information into the cover letter to create a more personalized and compelling narrative.

Underestimating the importance of your resume

A well-crafted cover letter should complement and enhance the information presented in the resume. Neglecting either document can weaken the overall application.

Instead, take the time to create a cohesive and comprehensive narrative that effectively showcases qualifications, experience and fit for the role.

Related: How to Write a Cover Letter That Gets You an Interview

The power of writing an excellent cover letter

Crafting an effective cover letter is vital to the job application process.

By understanding its purpose, incorporating key components and determining the ideal length, job seekers can create a compelling and professional document that captures the attention of hiring managers and recruiters.

Moreover, avoiding common mistakes and ensuring the cover letter complements the resume will further increase the chances of success in securing the desired position.

Consider exploring Entrepreneur's comprehensive articles to enhance your knowledge and skills in cover letter writing and other essential aspects of career development.

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How to Write a Cover Letter [Tips with Examples]

As a writer, I did my fair share of job hunting. Despite my experience and expertise, I often struggled with impressing interviewers due to my lackluster cover letters. Limited resources and time constraints left my cover letters far from impressive. However, things changed when I mastered the art of writing compelling cover letters. Soon, I started receiving interview calls and eventually landed my dream job. In this article, I will share these cover letter writing techniques with you, so you too know how to write a cover letter and can effortlessly land the job of your dreams.

What is a Cover Letter and What does it Contain?

A cover letter is a one-page business letter that you submit along with your resume when applying for a job. Its primary purpose is to persuade the employer that you are an excellent candidate for the role. It complements your resume by clearly linking your experience and interests to the position you're applying for. Essentially, the cover letter is your chance to convince the employer to invite you for an interview.

A typical cover letter contains several key elements, each serving a specific purpose in showcasing your qualifications and enthusiasm for the position. Here’s a breakdown of what a cover letter typically includes:

Your Contact Information: Name, address, phone number, and email address.

Date: The date you are writing the letter.

Employer’s Contact Information: Name, title, company, and address of the person you are addressing the letter to.

2. Salutation

Address the letter to a specific person if possible (e.g., “Dear Mr. Smith,” or “Dear Hiring Manager,”).

3. Introduction

Opening Statement: A brief introduction mentioning the job you are applying for and how you found out about the position.

Hook: A compelling reason why you are interested in the job and the company.

First Paragraph: Explain why you are a good fit for the role. Highlight key qualifications and experiences that align with the job requirements.

Second Paragraph: Provide specific examples of your accomplishments and how they relate to the job. Use quantifiable achievements to demonstrate your impact.

Third Paragraph: Discuss your knowledge of the company and why you are excited about this particular opportunity. Show that you have researched the organization and explain how your goals align with its mission and values.

5. Conclusion

Closing Statement: Reiterate your enthusiasm for the position and the company. Summarize why you are a strong candidate.

Call to Action: Mention your desire for an interview and provide your contact information again. Indicate that you will follow up within a certain timeframe.

Thank You: Express gratitude for the reader’s time and consideration.

6. Signature

Closing Phrase: Use a professional closing, such as “Sincerely”, or “Best regards”.

Signature: Leave space for your handwritten signature (if submitting a hard copy) and then type your name below it.

How to Write a Cover Letter For a Job in 5 Steps!

Firstly, it’s crucial to streamline the process of crafting a cover letter, but that doesn’t mean using the same cover letter for every job position or even the same position at different companies. Customization is key to standing out.

Step 1. Research the Company- AIPal

Open the job listing you want to apply for, typically found on platforms like LinkedIn or Indeed. These platforms usually provide a detailed job description outlining the requirements and responsibilities.

To begin, I will write a cover letter for the Sales & Marketing Manager position at Pride Mile, which is a remote job listing I found on LinkedIn.

To proceed effectively, I will copy the job description and input it into AIPal to extract key keywords. These keywords are crucial as they highlight the skills and attributes the employer is seeking for the role.

Prompt: Extract keywords from this job description that I can in my cover letter.

To refine your keyword research, you can ask AIPal to extract keywords and categorize them into tiers.

Prompt: Extract keywords from this job description that I can in my cover letter. Assign them in three tiers ranging from the most important to least important.

This way, you'll identify the most critical keywords, which should be emphasized more in your cover letter, and less important keywords, which can be mentioned once or twice.

This approach will give me a comprehensive understanding of what the job entails and what qualities I should emphasize in my cover letter.

Step 2. Choose a template- WPS Office

Choosing a cover letter template is important because it gives you a clear structure to follow, saving you time and ensuring your letter looks polished. It guides you on what information to include, from your skills to your qualifications, making it easier to customize each letter for different job applications. Templates also help keep your letter organized and visually appealing, which is key to making a positive impression on employers.

WPS Office has been a godsend in this regard, offering plenty of cover letter templates. I followed these steps to find the desired cover letter for the Marketing Manager position:

Open WPS Office and click on "New" on the left side pane.

Next, simply click on the “All” tab in the left side pane. This will display numerous templates available on WPS Office for documents, spreadsheets, and presentations.

To save time browsing through all the options, simply search for "cover letter". This filters out irrelevant templates and helps find the right cover letter template for the job post in context.

Upon finding the suitable template for the job post, click on it to preview.

To start customizing the selected template, click the "Download" button at the top right corner, which will launch it in the WPS Writer interface for editing.

Header and Salutation

Headers and salutations are essential in a cover letter for their role in setting a professional tone. The header provides your contact details and the date, ensuring easy communication and formal presentation.

Salutations, like "Dear Hiring Manager," personalize your letter and demonstrate attention to detail, addressing the recipient directly and showcasing professionalism from the start.

One of the standout features of WPS templates is its ready-made header, which enhances the visual appeal of your cover letter. It includes sections for your contact information, the date, and the recipient's details.

Addressing the recipient by name whenever possible adds a personal touch; if that information isn't available, a generic greeting such as "Dear Hiring Manager" remains professional and appropriate. Ensuring the document is error-free further underscores your professionalism and attention to detail.

Step 3. Introduction- Your Opening Sentences

Starting your cover letter with a compelling introduction is crucial. It’s your chance to grab the hiring manager's attention and make a strong first impression. A well-crafted opening should highlight your enthusiasm, showcase your qualifications, and give a hint of your personality.

Here are a few key things to keep in mind to create an engaging and effective cover letter introduction:

Expressing genuine passion for the role or the company can make a strong impact. For example, in a sales manager position:

Dear Mr. Brown, my name is Anna and I’m excited about the opportunity to help your company exceed its sales targets. My five years of experience as a Sales Representative at XYZ Inc. have equipped me with the skills needed to drive results. Last year, we surpassed our KPIs by 50%, and I’m eager to bring this success to your team.

Referrals can add credibility to your application. For instance, in an architectural position:

I was thrilled to learn about this job opportunity from John Doe, who has been with your firm for five years. John and I collaborated on an architectural project for over a year, and he recommended I apply for this role, believing I’d be a great fit.

Demonstrating your knowledge about the company shows dedication. For example, in a social worker position:

I have always admired the work your organization does with vulnerable communities. Your commitment to social justice resonates with my professional values, and I believe my previous experience as a social worker aligns perfectly with your mission.

Starting with a significant accomplishment can immediately capture interest. For example, in a public relations position:

As a Public Relations Representative at Company XYZ, I enhanced the company’s reputation and public image, resulting in a 40% increase in customer satisfaction. I am eager to bring my proven track record of success to your organization as the Head of Communications.

Step 4. Body- the Most Important Part

The body of your resume is where you showcase your qualifications, experience, skills, and achievements to demonstrate why you're the ideal candidate for the job. Structuring this section effectively is crucial to capturing the attention of hiring managers and persuading them to consider you for the position.

Here’s how to craft a compelling resume body:

Start with a Strong Summary or Objective Statement:

Begin your resume with a concise summary or objective that highlights your career goals and what you bring to the table. This helps recruiters quickly understand your professional background and aspirations. For example:

Results-driven marketing professional with 8+ years of experience in digital marketing strategies and campaign management. Proven track record of increasing brand awareness and revenue growth through innovative marketing initiatives. Seeking to leverage my skills and expertise to contribute to the continued success of ABC Company.

Highlight Key Skills:

List relevant skills that align with the job requirements. Use bullet points to make them easy to scan. Focus on both technical skills (e.g., software proficiency, languages) and soft skills (e.g., communication, leadership). For example:

Digital Marketing Strategy

SEO/SEM Optimization

Content Management Systems (CMS)

Social Media Marketing

Analytical Skills

Team Leadership

Add Keywords:

In the body of the cover letter, it's crucial to incorporate keywords extracted from the job description. These keywords highlight your relevant skills, experiences, and attributes that align with what the employer is seeking. For example, if the job description emphasizes "digital marketing strategy," "customer acquisition," and "social media management," your cover letter should showcase your expertise in these areas.

My experience in developing and implementing robust digital marketing strategies, coupled with a proven track record in customer acquisition and social media management, aligns perfectly with the goals outlined for the Sales & Marketing Manager position at Pride Mile.

Detail Your Work Experience:

Include your work history in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent position. For each job, provide the following details:

Job Title and Company: Clearly state your position and the organization you worked for.

Dates of Employment: Specify the period you worked there.

Key Responsibilities: Outline your main duties and responsibilities in concise bullet points. Focus on achievements and quantify results where possible. For example:

Managed a team of 5 digital marketers to execute SEO and PPC campaigns, resulting in a 30% increase in website traffic and a 25% growth in lead generation.

Achievements: Highlight specific accomplishments that demonstrate your impact. Use metrics to quantify your achievements whenever feasible. For example:

Led a successful rebranding campaign that increased brand recognition by 40% and led to a 15% increase in customer engagement.

Education and Certifications: List your educational background, including degrees, diplomas, and relevant certifications. Mention any honors or awards received. Include the name of the institution, degree/certification earned, and dates attended.

Skills and Expertise: Elaborate on any additional skills or expertise that are relevant to the job. This could include technical skills, industry-specific knowledge, or proficiency in certain tools or methodologies.

Professional Development: Include any professional development activities, workshops, or seminars you have attended that are relevant to your career.

Step 5. Closing & Salutation

A strong conclusion to your cover letter is essential to leave a positive and lasting impression on a prospective employer. It serves as your final opportunity to express enthusiasm, reinforce your qualifications, and prompt the hiring manager to take action. Here’s how to effectively end your cover letter.

Show self-assurance in your skills and how they align with the job requirements. This demonstrates to the employer that you are a competent and enthusiastic candidate. For example:

I am confident that my project management experience and problem-solving abilities make me a perfect fit for your team. I thrive in dynamic environments and am eager to contribute to your company's success.

Let your passion for the role and the industry shine through. Mentioning your enthusiasm can make you a more memorable candidate. For instance:

My lifelong passion for animal welfare drives my dedication to providing top-notch veterinary care. I am excited to bring this passion to your clinic and contribute to the well-being of your patients.

Highlight how your skills and experiences align with the job responsibilities. This helps the employer see the direct benefits of hiring you. For example:

With seven years of experience managing senior accounts, I am skilled at anticipating client needs and handling situations with discretion. I am eager to bring this expertise to your team and help grow your client base.

Share your career aspirations and how they align with the company’s growth. This shows your long-term interest in the organization. For example:

I look forward to leveraging my sales experience to identify new markets and build strong customer relationships. My goal is to grow within your company and eventually lead the account management team.

Align your personal values with the company’s mission to show you’re a cultural fit. For example:

I admire ArcherTech's commitment to supporting local businesses and have innovative marketing ideas to increase profitability in this sector. I am excited to discuss these ideas further.

Emphasize relevant technical skills, especially those mentioned in the job description. This highlights your readiness to contribute effectively. For example:

I bring extensive experience with CAD software and can create integrated 360-degree renderings for client presentations. My past successes in this area can help boost your sales by 150% over the next two quarters.

Encourage the employer to take the next step, such as scheduling an interview. Express gratitude and indicate your eagerness to discuss your application further. For example:

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to discussing how my skills can contribute to your team. Please feel free to contact me at your convenience.

End your letter with a formal and courteous closing. Suitable options include "Best", "Sincerely", "Respectfully", and "Thank you".

Here's a template for Closing & Salutation:

This is the best approach I can suggest for writing a great cover letter, but I highly recommend using WPS Office templates for this. The AI features in AIPal and WPS Office can help extract keywords and assist with writing, while the templates provide pre-written content tailored to the position you're applying for. This approach minimizes effort and frustration, especially when a job requires a cover letter, ensuring your application meets all necessary requirements effectively.

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How to Proofread your Cover Letter- WPS Office

WPS Office is an all-around solution for various tasks, including writing a cover letter and securing your dream job. Beyond helping you create a polished cover letter, WPS Office also excels in proofreading it. With its AI-powered Proofreader, WPS Office ensures your cover letter is error-free and impactful.

WPS AI: To assist you in polishing your content：

WPS AI Proofreader is an essential tool for perfecting your cover letter with ease and confidence. As you craft your application, WPS AI Proofreader ensures your writing is polished to perfection. It goes beyond simple spell checks, offering real-time error detection for grammar, punctuation, and clarity. This means you can focus on expressing your skills and achievements effectively, without worrying about typos or awkward phrasing. With customizable settings and intuitive correction options, WPS AI Proofreader tailors its suggestions to fit your writing style, ensuring your cover letter maintains professionalism and clarity.

AIPal Chatbot: For ideas and consultation

AIPal is a great web-assistant throughout the process of refining and perfecting your cover letter through its robust proofreading and consultation capabilities. This AI-powered tool not only identifies grammatical errors and punctuation issues but also provides insightful suggestions to enhance the clarity and effectiveness of your ideas. AIPal ensures that your cover letter maintains a cohesive flow and communicates your qualifications effectively to potential employers.

1. How long should a Cover Letter be?

A cover letter should ideally be between half a page and a full page in length, with a word count ranging from 250 to 400 words. It is typically divided into three to six paragraphs. It's important to keep it brief and focused on relevant details.

2. What tone should I use in my Cover Letter?

To effectively convey the right tone in your cover letter, aim for a balance that is both professional and friendly.

Avoid overly formal language while maintaining a polished demeanor.

Tailor your communication style to fit the company's culture, showing genuine enthusiasm for the position without coming across as boastful or overly eager.

Use confident and positive language to articulate your qualifications clearly, avoiding jargon, informal expressions, or humor that could be misinterpreted.

This approach will ensure your cover letter reflects professionalism and authentic interest in the position.

3. Should I include references in my cover letter?

Typically, you do not need to include references in your cover letter unless the employer specifically requires them. Concentrate on highlighting your relevant qualifications and explaining why you are a strong match for the position.

Create An Impactful Cover Letter With WPS Office

Creating a compelling cover letter can often be the decisive factor in securing your dream job. It needs to showcase your expertise clearly and coherently, leaving no doubt about your suitability for the role. WPS Office provides a reliable solution where you can gather all the necessary information for when you are figuring out how to write a cover letter and ensure your cover letter resonates at the right level.

From templates perfectly tailored to the job position to extracting crucial keywords and summarizing job descriptions, WPS Office equips you with everything essential for writing a successful cover letter. Download AIPal today to streamline your job hunting journey and alleviate some of the frustrations along the way.

1. Editable & Printable Sample Cover Letter for Job Application Word Format
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15 years of office industry experience, tech lover and copywriter. Follow me for product reviews, comparisons, and recommendations for new apps and software.

How will Karen Read’s trial end? Here’s what legal experts had to say.

As jury deliberations begin in karen read’s murder trial, several legal experts offered their takeaways and predictions in the sensational case..

By Abby Patkin

It’s a key question in the case that has launched a thousand theories: Will Karen Read walk free, or will she end up behind bars?

It’s all up to jurors now.

Deliberations began Tuesday after the prosecution and defense offered up their closing arguments . And following more than eight weeks of witness testimony, jurors are left with heated voicemails , crude texts , a broken taillight, and two vastly different theories of what happened to Boston Police Officer John O’Keefe.

On the one hand, there’s the state’s argument that Read drunkenly and intentionally backed her SUV into O’Keefe — her boyfriend of two years — one snowy morning in Canton. Prosecutors allege the couple’s deteriorating relationship and Read’s jealousy drove her to kill as she dropped O’Keefe off at a house party sometime after midnight on Jan. 29, 2022.

Jury deliberations are coming up in Karen Read’s murder trial. These are the possible outcomes.

A ‘tall blue wall’ or a ‘three-card monte’ trick karen read’s case in jury’s hands after closing arguments., watch: closing arguments in karen read’s murder trial.

Read’s lawyers have another theory: That O’Keefe walked into 34 Fairview Road that morning and was viciously beaten, attacked by the homeowners’ dog, and left to die in a blizzard. They say Read was framed in a conspiracy meant to protect a well-connected local family, and that law enforcement officials were in on the coverup.

Though the jury’s verdict remains undecided, several legal experts who spoke with Boston.com ahead of closing arguments agreed: For better or for worse, Read’s trial has left a lasting impression.

“The entire case is unusual from my perspective — John O’Keefe is not the typical victim and Karen Read is not the typical defendant,” attorney Katherine Loftus said in an email interview. She pointed specifically to Read’s unprecedented media campaign and accusations of a coverup and “lazy police work.”

“It is truly a story that would not be believed if it was written as fiction,” Loftus added. “I expect that this trial will cause divisions and arguments amongst friends and families for many years to come.”

Legal experts’ takeaways on the trial

Daniel Medwed , a criminal law professor at Northeastern University, noted the growing public fascination in Read’s case.

“It seems to have morphed from largely a local story to one with national reverberations,” he said in an email interview. “I think the unique ingredients of the case — the death of a police officer, claims of a vast law enforcement cover-up, the prospect of a woman on trial, and the ample forensic and technological evidence — has created an enticing stew that almost everyone wants to consume.”

Read’s lawyers, he added, were impressive in their effective cross-examination of prosecution witnesses. Loftus likewise praised the defense for their “excellent job of attacking each witness and each piece of evidence.” She pointed to an old law school adage, “a brick is not a wall,” and said prosecutors have an uphill battle to keep their proverbial “wall” from crumbling.

One notable example of this came during the testimony of the lead Massachusetts State Police investigator, Trooper Michael Proctor, who admitted he “dehumanized” Read in vulgar texts sent to friends, family, and colleagues.

Rosanna Cavallaro , a professor of criminal law and evidence at Suffolk University Law School, said those texts — where Proctor called Read a “wack job c**t” and made light of her Crohn’s disease — “really significantly compromised” his testimony.

While prosecutors attempted to cushion the blow by introducing Proctor’s texts before the defense could, “the nature of the comments was so stark and I think surprising to the average juror that an investigator at a murder scene or a possible murder scene would be behaving in that way, or making comments that had that tone to them,” Cavallaro noted.

What evidence will matter most to jurors?

Cavallaro said she was also struck by the dispute over the timestamp for witness Jennifer McCabe’s “hos long to die in cold” Google search.

McCabe told jurors she made the search at Read’s insistence shortly after the women found O’Keefe’s body around 6 a.m. on Jan. 29, 2022. Two digital forensics experts, Jessica Hyde and Ian Whiffin, testified that McCabe’s phone data puts the “hos long” search at 6:24 a.m.

But a defense expert, Richard Green, testified that McCabe made the search “at or before” 2:27 a.m. that day. Hyde and Whiffin both said the earlier timestamp actually indicates when McCabe first opened the browser tab.

“The average juror doesn’t have any insight of their own,” Cavallaro said. “The whole basis for expert testimony is that it’s a subject matter that’s beyond the average juror. That the average juror has to say, ‘OK, which of these experts seems to me to know what they’re doing?’”

Medwed, meanwhile, speculated the crash data and geolocation evidence might weigh heavily on jury deliberations, “both in terms of the defendant’s location at precise times and the ability of the technology to place Officer O’Keefe in specific locations.”

And Martin G. Weinberg , a prominent Boston-based criminal defense attorney, pointed back to Proctor’s texts.

“Jurors mirror the public,” he noted in an email interview. Some, he said, will be so offended by the messages “that they will find it very hard to trust that the remainder of the case was insulated from the bias and disrespect shown by the State Police lead investigator.”

Weinberg drew similarities to the O.J. Simpson murder trial, where jurors balked at Los Angeles Police Det. Mark Fuhrman’s “highly offensive racial bias.”

“Other jurors will instead predictably focus on the multiple forensic experts that ADA [Adam] Lally pivoted his case around with apparent skill and precision,” Weinberg predicted. “How each side presents its arguments, first the lawyers in court and then the jurors in the sacred secrecy of jury deliberations, will determine the outcome.”

How will Karen Read’s trial end?

Either way, Weinberg noted, “I doubt a fast verdict.”

According to Loftus, the length of the trial plays into the decision-making process.

“In addition to that, the case has become a lightning rod in the greater community, and it is hard to imagine that the same is not happening in the jury room,” Loftus said. “I anticipate we will know rather quickly whether they are struggling to come to a unanimous verdict — either they return swiftly, or alternatively, if the verdict takes longer, it often is an indication that the jurors cannot agree.”

The upcoming Fourth of July holiday may also mean jurors are antsy to reach a decision sooner than later, she noted.

Still, the jury’s ultimate decision is anyone’s guess.

Medwed, who weighed in before the defense rested its case, said one possibility is a split or “compromise” verdict where Read is convicted on some charges but acquitted on others. Read has pleaded not guilty to charges of second-degree murder, motor vehicle manslaughter while driving under the influence, and leaving the scene of a collision causing injury and death.

“I would be mildly surprised if she’s convicted on all charges given the holes in the case, but I may be wrong,” Medwed added.

There’s no possibility that Read will be convicted of second-degree murder at this point, Loftus opined. While she acknowledged there’s a “small chance” Read could be found guilty of the manslaughter charge, she said this outcome is also unlikely.

Given the circumstances, Cavallaro said it seems doubtful all 12 jurors will think the prosecution’s case is airtight.

“There’s been a bit of a side show with people outside of the criminal process taking a kind of extraordinary interest in it and drumming up controversy,” she said of Read’s case. “But at the end of the day, I think there’s a group of 12 people in there that are paying careful attention and that are going to be able to figure out whether or not … the state has met the very high burden that they’re required to meet.”

Read’s next steps will depend on the verdict she receives. She could file an appeal in the event of a conviction, and Loftus noted that the defense team’s allegations of police misconduct may be key.

“Given that there have been no substantiated findings as of yet against any of the involved police witnesses, it would likely be an uphill battle,” she acknowledged.

However, if any charges or findings result from the State Police internal affairs investigation into Proctor or the federal probe of the case, “it likely sparks at least an inquiry into the basis for an appeal at a later date,” Loftus said.

A trickier question is whether prosecutors would retry Read’s case if a hung jury results in a mistrial. While Loftus suggested prosecutors would “most certainly take the ‘second bite at the apple,’” Medwed was more doubtful.

“Retrials are notoriously difficult even in a run of the mill case because the passage of time makes the evidence less fresh and memories less reliable,” he said. “And this case is far from run of the mill. If new evidence emerges, though, that could change things.”

Regardless of the trial’s outcome, Weinberg said the “skilled lawyering” from Read’s attorneys “has hopefully had a positive effect even beyond this single trial.”

He pointed to law enforcement officers’ “solemn obligation” to follow best police practices and avoid stigmatizing a defendant, adding, “The burden of being accused as Ms. Read has of a profoundly serious offense requires no less.”

Loftus, meanwhile, described the trial as a “fascinating” window into the division pervasive in the U.S. today.

“Similar to the desire to pick a ‘team’ in our current political environment, so is the desire to fight for Karen Read’s guilt or innocence, seemingly with no ability to waiver in between,” she said. “I expect that the fervor will eventually dissipate, but it is going to take some time before it completely subsides (if ever).”

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How Long Should a Cover Letter Be? Ideal Length in 2024
How Long Should A Cover Letter Be? [2019] Cover Letter Length Guide
How Long Should a Cover Letter Be? (+Formatting Tips)
How long should a cover letter be in 2024
How Long Should a Cover Letter Be? (Examples)
How Long Should a Cover Letter Be? Ideal Length in 2024

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COMMENTS

How Long Should a Cover Letter Be? Length & Word Count
As featured in *. Typically, a cover letter should be 250-400 words or three to four concise paragraphs. The ideal cover letter length is a half-page to one page long. This cover letter length gives you enough space to communicate your experience and convey your interest in applying while also respecting the hiring manager's time.
Q&A: What's the Ideal Cover Letter Length?
Break up your text by adding a blank line between paragraphs, setting 1-inch margins on each side. With lots of white space, your cover letter will look like an enjoyable read rather than a wall of text. 4. Limit your cover letter to four paragraphs. Generally, your cover letter should be between half a page and one full page in length.
How Long Should a Cover Letter Be in 2022?
You don't need pages and pages to do that. In a survey of 205 HR professionals, ResumeLab found that 42% of respondents preferred cover letters between half and one page and 40% preferred cover letters that were less than half a page. Only 18% said they preferred cover letters longer than one page. Muse coach Steven Davis, a technical ...
How Long Should a Cover Letter Be? (With Tips)
The ideal cover letter should typically be between 250 and 400 words. This way, you can keep the letter brief and informative at the same time. However, employers have different requirements, so it's difficult to recommend a standard word count for cover letters. Before you write your cover letter, check to see if the company in question ...
How Long Should a Cover Letter Be and What Should Be Included?
A cover letter can be anything between half a page and a full-page long. Generally, you should aim for a cover letter word count of 250 to 400 words and about three to six paragraphs. A short, concise cover letter serves as a written introduction to a prospective employer and outlines why you're the best fit for the job.
How Long Should a Cover Letter Be in 2024?
Cover letters should range from a half-page to one full page. Your cover letter should never exceed one page in length. Perfect Cover Letter Length Characteristics. Page Count: 0.5 to 1. Word count: 250 to 400. Paragraph count: 3 to 6.
How Long Should a Cover Letter Be? Ideal Length in 2024
A cover letter for an academic position should be no longer than two pages, but long enough to show off your accomplishments. Research, teaching, departmental service, and relevant accolades. The typical academic cover letter is usually one and a half to two pages long (or about five to eight paragraphs.)
How Long Should A Cover Letter Be? The Best Length in 2024
The general rule of thumb for cover letter length is 250-400 words. But don't sweat too much if your cover letter ends up being just 200 words long—this is perfectly normal, especially if you're writing an entry-level cover letter or a cover letter with no work experience at all. Rate my article: how long.
How Long Should Should A Cover Letter Be? (With Examples)
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.
How long should a cover letter be? · Resume.io
The unbreakable rule for maximum cover letter length is short and simple: 400 words on a single page. As a resume companion document, your cover letter is designed to catch the recruiter's attention in a more direct, personal fashion. It can even make a difference in whether your resume gets read at all.
How Long Should a Cover Letter Be? (Examples)
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.
How Long Should a Cover Letter Be & What Format To Use
A cover letter should not exceed one page—the ideal word count is 250-400 words organized into three to six paragraphs. To craft a stellar cover letter, you should divide it into sections and format it professionally. Being concise and highlighting only the most important achievements may help you keep the letter within the word limit.
How Long Should a Cover Letter Be? The Optimal Length
The optimal length of a cover letter should be around 250-400 words, depending on the job and industry. It's important to remember that the cover letter should complement your resume, not repeat it. Focus on highlighting your unique qualifications and demonstrating your enthusiasm for the position and company.
How Long Should a Cover Letter Be
Perfect Cover Letter Length. 250- 400 Words. 3-4 Paragraphs. One-page document. Recruiters and hiring managers go over hundreds of applications to find desirable candidates. Catch their attention quickly by using keywords from the job description and writing a concise cover letter with the relevant information they're looking for in a candidate.
How Long Should a Cover Letter Be in 2023? (+Examples)
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.
Ideal Cover Letter Length: How Long Should A Cover Letter Be?
A cover letter for an internship should follow the same guidelines as the typical cover letter. Between 200 and 400 words is ideal. It could be shorter, as well. If you're applying for an internship, chances are you don't have a lot of experience resulting in fewer things you can include in your cover letter.
The Everlasting Question: How Long Should Your Cover Letter Be?
Avoid dwelling too long on one point, and strive to maintain your reader's attention until they reach the end. A good rule of thumb for how long a cover letter should be is 300-500 words. Aim for a concise structure with a few paragraphs, ideally between 3-6, to efficiently communicate your message. Each paragraph should serve a distinct ...
How Long Should a Cover Letter Be? Ideal Length and Elements
Seventy percent of surveyed recruiters prefer a shorter cover letter. The ideal cover letter length should be between half a page and one page, which equates to 250-400 words spread over three to five paragraphs. That means your cover letter needs to be concise. The goal of a cover letter is to provide more information on how your ...
How Long Should An Optimized Cover Letter Be?
A cover letter has potential to be too long at times. getty. Research suggests that 83% of hiring managers state that cover letters are important in their hiring decisions. One of the main reasons ...
How Long Should a Cover Letter Be?
Email Cover Letter Length. Cover Letter Word Count. Use a Concise Subject Line. How to Format a Cover Letter. Photo: vgajic / Getty Images. The best length for a cover letter to send with a resume, spacing and format, when you don't need one, and tips for writing cover letters for jobs.
How Long Should a Cover Letter Be? Ideal Length in 2024
A cover letter should be between half a page and one page long. Divide the page into 3-4 short paragraphs. So the cover letter word count is 250-400 words, depending on your experience. Consider that recruiters get 75 applications for every vacancy. They just don't have the time to read more.
How Long Should a Cover Letter Be in 2023?
While there is no universal rule for cover letter length, a general guideline is to keep it between half a page and one full page, which typically equates to approximately 250-400 words. However ...
How long should a cover letter be?
Your cover letter should be around three to six paragraphs, or around 250 to 400 words. However, the length of your cover letter may vary depending on the job application and industry you're applying for. The only time you should go over the one-page cover letter length is if the job ad specifically asks for this, or if you have a lot of ...
How to Write a Cover Letter [Tips with Examples]
Here's a breakdown of what a cover letter typically includes: 1. Header. Your Contact Information: Name, address, phone number, and email address. ... How long should a Cover Letter be? A cover letter should ideally be between half a page and a full page in length, with a word count ranging from 250 to 400 words. ...
How will the Karen Read murder trial end? Legal experts weigh in
McCabe told jurors she made the search at Read's insistence shortly after the women found O'Keefe's body around 6 a.m. on Jan. 29, 2022.

What’s the Ideal Length for a Cover Letter? —Plus Tips to Get Yours There

How long should a cover letter be?

How do you write a cover letter that's just the right length?

1. Pay attention to your structure.

2. Figure out what matters to the employer.

3. Use concise examples to pique your readers’ interest.

4. Go beyond your resume—without regurgitating it.

5. Consider using bullet points.

6. Use standard formatting.

7. Trim the excess.

8. Follow any instructions in the job description.

How Long Should a Cover Letter Be in 2024?

How to Keep Your Cover Letter to One Page

Tip #2: Highlight Only Relevant Experiences

Tip #3: Break Your Cover Letter into Sections

Tip #4: Experience Level

Tip #5: Formatting

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

Check Length Requirements

Recent Job Searches

How long should a cover letter be?

Simply structured

Purpose of a cover letter — what’s the point?

But do you really need one?

The do’s of writing a spectacular cover letter

How to keep your cover letter to one page

Short and sweet — looking as good as it sounds

Key takeaways for the right cover letter length

How Long Should a Cover Letter Be? (Examples)

How Long Should a Cover Letter Be?

How Many Paragraphs Should a Cover Letter Include?

Reasons to Consider a Shorter Cover Letter

1. You Stand Out by Being Different

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

3. You Draw Attention to Your Strongest Points/Skills

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

Recommended Cover Letter Font Size

How to End Your Cover Letter: Ask for the Interview

Conclusion: How Many Words Should a Cover Letter Be?

How to Write a Graphic Designer Cover Letter (3 Examples)

How Long Should a Cover Letter Be? The Optimal Length

What is a Cover Letter?

Definition and Explanation of a Cover Letter

Importance of Sending One with Your Resume

The Role of a Cover Letter in Your Job Search

How a Cover Letter Affects Your Chances of Getting Hired

Explaining Why Some Hiring Managers Still Require a Cover Letter

Factors that Affect Cover Letter Length

How the Industry and Company Type Impact the Optimal Length

How the Job Level and Requirements Affect the Length

Optimal Cover Letter Length for Entry-Level Job Seekers

Guideline for new graduates and job seekers with less experience

Examples and tips for writing a concise cover letter

Optimal Cover Letter Length for Mid-Career Professionals

Guidelines for Individuals with a Few Years of Experience

Tips for Crafting an Effective Cover Letter

Optimal Cover Letter Length for Senior-Level Executives

How to Make Your Cover Letter Concise and Relevant

Strategies for making every word count:

How to make your Cover Letter Comprehensive and Meaningful

Strategies for adding depth and relevance to your cover letter:

Tips for showcasing your skills and experience:

Appendices (if applicable)

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Cover letter examples by length

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