How long should a cover letter be?
Your cover letter is your golden ticket to that first handshake with a potential employer. It's your moment to impress them with who you are and why you're a great fit for the job.
While a cover letter may seem like just another hurdle in your job search, it serves an important purpose. For employers, it gives insight into your motivations and how your skills align with the role. For applicants, it's your chance to share your passion for the industry and role.
One of the most common questions when starting your writing is, “How long should a cover letter be?” The ideal cover letter length isn't one-size-fits-all. It depends on your level of experience, the role and industry, and the company you're applying to.
In this article, we'll show you how to keep your cover letter the right length. Leverage these tips and templates to craft a letter that'll win employers over.
- How long should a cover letter be?
- How to keep your cover letter the right length?
- Cover letter examples by length
- Conclusion: What's the most effective cover letter length?
- FAQs
How long should a cover letter be?
If you’re wondering how many words there should be in a cover letter, a good rule of thumb is to keep your cover letter as short and sweet as possible. Aim for a one-page cover letter that spans 3–6 paragraphs and a 250–400 word count.
This should give you enough room to highlight the skills and experiences that make you a good candidate for the role while staying concise.
Here's a breakdown of how you can structure your cover letter.
Header: Contact information
This is where you input your key contact details. Insert your full name, your job title (if applicable), your phone number, and your email address.
Paragraph 1: Greeting and introduction
A standard greeting for a good cover letter is "Dear [Hiring Manager's Name]". If the job ad doesn't list the name of the hiring manager, try researching online or on the company's website to personalise your greeting.
In your opening paragraph, briefly explain how you discovered this job opening. Follow up with a strong sentence about why you're excited about this role.
Paragraphs 2–5: Relevant accomplishments and experience
Delve into the skill set and experiences that make you an ideal candidate for this position. Share your responsibilities and accomplishments at previous companies. In particular, highlight problems you've solved and use numbers to quantify your impact.
Closing paragraph
Wrap up your cover letter by reiterating your excitement about the role. Thank the hiring manager for their consideration, and invite them to follow up with a call or meeting.
Of course, there are exceptions to the one-page rule. If you have a lot of related experience or the job you’re applying for requires a longer cover letter, feel free to break the rule. But no matter the length, a clear, concise, and compelling cover letter is key.
How to keep your cover letter the right length
Check the employer’s requirements
Before you start typing, it’s crucial to understand what the hiring manager is after. Some will lay out their expectations for cover letter length and format in the job posting, typically in the “Job Description” or “Application Instructions” section.
Read the job posting carefully and follow the instructions provided to a tee. This demonstrates your attention to detail and willingness to comply with company standards.
If there are no specific instructions, check out the company website. Many companies have a careers section on their website, where you might find more details on what they prefer in a cover letter.
Introduce yourself
The opening lines of your cover letter are your moment to catch the eye of hiring managers.
Introduce yourself and spotlight the skills or experiences that set you apart. Whether it's your work history, your unusual career journey, or your volunteer work, lead with a mention of what makes you stand out from other candidates.
Next, show your interest in the role and the company. Explain why it's not just any job — it's the dream job you're excited about. You can even weave in a mention of the company's values that resonate with you or any work they've done that you admire.
Highlight relevant skills and experiences in your body paragraphs
The body paragraphs lay out the skills and experiences that make you a standout candidate. But don't just write what's already on your resume — you also need to connect the dots between your achievements and what the employer is after.
If you have related work experience in a similar role, highlight your previous responsibilities and achievements. Avoid passive voice here — use action verbs to show your impact.
If you're switching careers or applying for your first job, emphasise the transferable skills you've learnt from your past projects, extracurricular activities, or internships. The key is to link these skills back to the job description and show how they're relevant.
Beyond hard skills, mention personal qualities that will help you fit well into the company culture. For instance, if the job description targets candidates who are team players, you can recount a situation where you helped resolve a team conflict. These little glimpses into your character can set a great cover letter apart.
Craft a memorable ending for your cover letter
After the effort you've put into composing your cover letter, you want to ensure you're remembered. Here are some pointers for a final paragraph that'll leave a lasting impression:
- Express your gratitude: Start your conclusion with a thank you. It shows you're considerate of the employer's time and the effort they've put into considering your application.
- Reiterate your interest: Make it clear that you believe you're the one for the role and that you're eager to take on the challenge.
- Highlight your availability: Wrap up with a call-to-action for a meeting or call. It's a great way to show you're keen to keep things moving in the hiring process.
Follow professional formatting
Playing by the rules of cover letter formatting will help you come across as a serious professional. First and foremost, write using a standard font like Arial or Times New Roman. Set the size to 12 points to ensure readability.
While it might be tempting to squeeze more words into the page, maintain a margin of 1 inch around the document.
Finally, keep your paragraphs short and sweet. A good rule of thumb is no more than four sentences per paragraph. By breaking up your text into bite-sized chunks, you make it a breeze to read.
Remove fluff
When reviewing your cover letter, it’s crucial to cut out unnecessary words and phrases — what we call “fluff”. Fluff can weaken your cover letter and make it less impactful.
Follow these tips to remove fluff from your cover letter:
- Cut out the repetitive and the generic: For instance, swap “I am writing to express my interest in the position of [job title]” for the more direct “I am applying for the [job title] position.”
- Be direct and to the point: Instead of saying, "I have a strong background in customer service," say, "I have five years of experience providing excellent customer service in a fast-paced environment."
- Remove the intensifiers: Words like "very," "really," and "just" bloat your cover letter without boosting its impact.
- Ditch the jargon: Keep it simple. You never know if the person reading your cover letter knows all the terms in your field.
Proofread and edit
Take the time to proofread and double-check each cover letter section to ensure it is error-free.
This includes reading it aloud to identify awkward wording and cutting out unnecessary words that don't contribute to your main points.
Be sure to check for any typos or grammatical errors, as these can create a negative impression of you and your application. You can use an editing tool like Grammarly or Hemingway to identify errors and get suggestions for improving sentences.
You can also ask a friend or family member to review your cover letter and provide feedback.
Cover letter examples by length
Looking for some cover letter templates to kickstart your writing? Here are three examples of cover letters that vary in length.
Cover letter example 1: Short version (Half page)
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number]
Dear [Hiring Manager's Name],
I am writing to express my interest in the Social Media Marketing Assistant position at [Company Name], as advertised on Jobstreet Malaysia. With over two years of dedicated experience in digital marketing under my belt, I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to your team.
At my current position with [Current Company Name], I specialise in social media strategy and content creation. I spearheaded a social media campaign that increased our follower engagement by 40% within six months. My approach combines creative content production, data-driven strategy, and continuous performance analysis to ensure optimal engagement and conversion rates.
I am proficient in using tools such as Hootsuite, Buffer, and Google Analytics to manage and evaluate social media efforts effectively. My passion for engaging storytelling is an asset that I am eager to bring to [Company Name].
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to discussing how I can contribute to your team and help [Company Name] achieve its social media marketing goals.
Warm regards,
[Your Name]
Cover letter example 2: Medium version (Between half a page and one page)
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number]
Dear [Hiring Manager's Name],
As a marketing professional with a growing passion for SEO, your advertisement for the role of SEO Strategist at [Company Name] sparked my interest. I am eager to transition into this dynamic field and contribute to your company's success.
Over the past six years, I have honed my skills in content creation and digital marketing. As a content marketing manager, I worked extensively with cross-functional teams to develop compelling content that resonates with diverse audiences.
My journey into the world of SEO began two years ago when I started incorporating SEO best practices into my content strategies. By applying SEO strategies, I was able to significantly drive online visibility and engagement. In my previous role at [Company Name], I successfully increased organic traffic by 30% through strategic keyword integration and content restructuring.
My expertise in keyword research, content optimisation, and analytics makes me a strong candidate for this position. My ability to analyse performance metrics and adapt strategies accordingly will be invaluable in contributing to your SEO efforts. In addition, I am committed to continuous learning and am currently enhancing my knowledge through an advanced SEO certification course.
I am particularly drawn to [Company Name] because of your commitment to innovation. I would love the opportunity to bring my background in content marketing together with my skills in SEO to drive impactful results.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to discussing how my background and skills align with the goals of [Company Name].
Yours sincerely,
[Your Name]
Cover letter example 3: Long version (One page)
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number]
Dear [Hiring Manager's Name],
Over my decade-long career as a marketing leader, I have developed innovative marketing strategies that have significantly increased market share and customer engagement. I am excited about the opportunity to bring my strategic vision and proven expertise to the role of Marketing Director at [Company Name].
As senior marketing manager at [Previous Company Name], I led a team of marketing professionals in designing and implementing a comprehensive marketing strategy. This strategy expanded our market presence and increased our revenue by 45% over three years.
My approach involves a deep understanding of market dynamics, consumer behaviour, and the latest marketing technologies. Combined, these enable me to effectively pinpoint and target new opportunities.
Key achievements in my career include:
- Developing and launching a multi-channel marketing campaign that penetrated two untapped business segments, resulting in a 20% increase in customer base within the first year.
- Establishing robust relationships with key industry influencers, leading to a 25% increase in brand visibility and accelerated business growth.
- Implementing customer relationship management (CRM) strategies that improved customer satisfaction scores by 15% and fostered long-term loyalty.
My ability to analyse market trends and tailor marketing efforts to meet dynamic business needs has been a key factor in my success. I am adept at leveraging various marketing channels to create cohesive strategies that resonate with target audiences and achieve business objectives.
I am eager to bring my passion for strategic marketing and leadership expertise to your team. I believe my experience in leading successful marketing teams and initiatives makes me a strong candidate for this role.
I look forward to discussing with you how I can contribute to the continued growth and success of [Company Name]. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Conclusion: What's the most effective cover letter length?
While it's still best to keep your cover letter shorter than a page, there's some room for flexibility. Ultimately, the length of your cover letter should be tailored to your background, experience level, and the role.
If you're a fresh graduate or an entry-level candidate, it's okay for your cover letter to be around half a page. There's no need to fluff up your skills and background just to hit a certain word count.
On the other hand, if you're a seasoned pro with a shortlist of achievements, you might need that extra space to do yourself justice. If there's something you need to explain about your career journey — for instance, if you're switching careers — a longer cover letter can help you make your case.
At the end of the day, a cover letter is your chance to show how much you want the job and why you're the perfect fit. So, whether you're penning a short cover letter or a slightly longer one, make sure it's organised, to the point, and speaks directly to the role you're after.
FAQs
- What is the ideal cover letter length?
Aim for a cover letter word count of 250–400 words. It should span 3–6 paragraphs and fit into one page. This gives you enough room to highlight the skills and experiences that make you a good candidate for the role while staying concise. - Can a cover letter be too short?
Yes, a cover letter can be too short. A brief cover letter might fail to adequately convey your qualifications, enthusiasm, and fit for the position. This affects your chances of making a strong impression on the hiring manager. - Is a two-page cover letter ever acceptable?
Making your cover letter two pages long is generally not recommended as it may overwhelm the reader and include unnecessary details. It's best to keep cover letters concise, ideally within one page. - How can I fit all my experience into the recommended cover letter length?
Here are some tips to keep within the right cover letter length:
- Highlight only the skills and experiences that are relevant to the role Remove generic words and repetitive sentences
- Proofread to cut out unnecessary details
- Ask a friend or family member to review your cover letter and provide feedback - Should the cover letter length vary by industry?
Yes, cover letter length can vary by industry. Creative fields may appreciate more detailed storytelling, while corporate or technical roles might prefer concise, focused letters. Understanding industry expectations can guide your cover letter's appropriate length and content. - Do employers actually read cover letters, and does length matter?
Most hiring managers do read cover letters to gauge a candidate's fit and motivation. Yes, the length matters. A concise, well-crafted one-page cover letter is more readable, as it respects the hiring manager's time while effectively showcasing the applicant's qualifications. - How can I make my cover letter concise without omitting important information?
To keep your cover letter concise without leaving out key information, tailor your content specifically to the job description. Focus on your most relevant experiences and achievements. Use bullet points for clarity and avoid repeating information found in your resume. - How can I format a cover letter?
Here's the standard structure of a cover letter:
- Header: Contact information
- Paragraph 1: Greeting and introduction
- Paragraphs 2–5: Relevant experience and achievements
- Conclusion: Closing paragraph
