How long should a cover letter be?
A cover letter is an essential part of the job-hunting process. It provides insight into your personality and enthusiasm for the role and complements the qualifications, experience and skills listed on your resumé.
It gives an employer an idea of who you are, whether you’d be a good fit for the role, and the company culture. It’s your first impression of the hiring manager, so it is important to know how to format your cover letter and get the word count right.
So, how many words are in a cover letter? Your cover letter should be long enough to showcase your qualities and highlight why you’d be the perfect choice for the job, but not too long before the hiring manager loses interest. Let’s take a closer look at the length of your cover letter.
What is the recommended cover letter length?
Your cover letter should be three to six paragraphs or 250 to 400 words. However, the length may vary depending on the job application and industry you’re applying for.
The only times you should exceed the one-page cover letter length is if the job ad specifically asks for it or if you have a lot of relevant experience—just make sure to keep it as concise as possible.
How to structure your cover letter?
With the guidelines in mind, it’s time to get writing. Here’s a quick guide on how to structure your cover letter.
1. Introduce yourself
Your introduction should catch the reader's attention and show your enthusiasm for the role. Briefly introduce yourself, mention the position you’re applying for, and explain why you’re interested in the role and the company. If you’ve been referred to the job by someone already working at the company, mention it in this first paragraph.
2. Write a compelling body paragraph
The body of your cover letter is where you should talk about the most relevant skills and experiences that make you an excellent fit for the job. This section can be one or two paragraphs long.
Choose two or three skills or experiences from your resumé that match what the hiring manager is looking for. Briefly explain what these are and how these skills will benefit the new role and company.
Show how you have demonstrated these in the workplace by giving examples of situations you've faced, what you did, and the results. Use the STAR method (situation, task, action, result) to highlight your capabilities best.
3. Create a memorable ending for your cover letter
To wrap up your cover letter, reiterate your enthusiasm for the role and thank the hiring manager for their consideration. You should also finish by saying that you look forward to the opportunity to discuss your application further.
How to keep your cover letter the correct length?
It’s essential to consider the length of your cover letter as you write it. Here are some ways to ensure that it is the right length without missing any critical details.
1. Check the employer’s requirements
Check if the job ad includes any requirements for the cover letter. Some hiring managers will specify their preferred length, format, or font size. By following these instructions, you will ensure that your cover letter hits all the right notes and demonstrate your attention to detail skills.
2. Follow professional formatting
You should always use consistent formatting on professional documents like your resumé and cover letter. Here are some quick tips:
Choose a standard font, such as a sans-serif, at size 11–12pt; any smaller than this, and the hiring manager may have trouble reading it.
Keep a margin of 1 inch and use single spacing around the document so it looks neat and well-organised.
Add line spaces between each section or paragraph to separate them clearly.
Keep your paragraphs short and to the point to enhance readability.
You can use some bullet points if they enhance clarity, though be mindful not to duplicate what is on your resumé.
3. Highlight only relevant skills and experiences
Your cover letter should focus on the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the role. Outline your most significant achievements and most vital qualities, and use specific examples to demonstrate how you’ve put these skills into practice and achieved success.
Your goal is to spark interest and curiosity so that the employer wants to hear more and invite you for an interview.
4. Remove fluff
Your cover letter should be clear, concise, and easy to read. Read through it (or get a friend to) and see where you can tighten up the language. Remove redundant phrases and generic statements that don’t add value. Use the active voice to show confidence and enhance clarity and engagement.
5. Proofread and edit
Before you submit your cover letter, make sure to proofread it. Carefully check it for any grammatical or spelling errors. You should also do another read-through and edit it for clarity and brevity, cutting out unnecessary words and sentences that don’t contribute to your main points.
Then triple-check for spelling and grammar or have a friend review it for you – sometimes, a fresh set of eyes will spot things you’ve missed.
Cover letter examples by length
Here are some cover letter examples:
Cover letter example 1
Short version: half-page
Ng Wan Ting
123, Jalan Gembira,
Taman Sentosa,
41000 Klang,
Selangor D.E.
012-3456789
30/04/2024
Lim Hong Wei
ABC Company
Lot 5678, Jalan Besar,
50470 Kuala Lumpur,
Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur.
Dear Mr Lim,
I am excited to apply for the Retail Supervisor position at ABC Company, as advertised on jobstreet.com.my. With five years of experience in retail management, I am confident in my ability to contribute to your team.
In my previous role at XYZ Company, I successfully led a team of eight employees, ensuring smooth store operations and excellent customer service. My most significant achievement so far is implementing new sales strategies that have resulted in a 20% increase in sales over the last six months.
Some of my other achievements while in my current role include:
- Implementing training programs that resulted in a 15% increase in employee productivity.
- Developing and executing visual merchandising displays resulted in increased sales for products on display.
- I am passionate about delivering exceptional customer experiences and driving sales through team leadership.
I’m interested in a role at ABC Company because I admire your commitment to [specific value or goal of the company]. I believe my strong leadership skills and retail expertise make me a perfect fit for this role, and I am eager to bring my enthusiasm and dedication to ABC Company.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my skills and experiences will benefit you and ABC Company.
Sincerely,
Ng Wan Ting
Cover letter example 2
Medium version: half to full-page
Razak bin Osman
42, Jalan Sentosa,
Bandar Bukit Tinggi,
41200 Klang,
Selangor D.E.
012-3456789
30/04/2024
Amirul binti Zakaria
AAA Holidays
No. 27 & 28, Jalan Besar,
Taman Perak,
31400 Ipoh,
Perak, Malaysia.
Dear Mrs Amirul,
I am writing to express my interest in the Travel Advisor position at AAA Holidays, as advertised on jobstreet.com.my. With a passion for travel and three years of experience in the travel industry, I am excited by the possibility of bringing my knowledge and passion for travel to your team.
In my current role at BBB Travel, I have honed my skills in itinerary planning, customer service and destination knowledge. I take pride in creating personalised travel experiences that exceed customer expectations. I am well-versed in using booking systems and have a strong understanding of travel regulations and requirements.
Some of my other achievements while in my current role include:
Developed and maintained strong relationships with my customers, which resulted in multiple bookings for the same client.
Consistently exceeded sales targets by 10% by upselling additional services or packages, including hotel packages and tour guides.
Received outstanding customer feedback and high satisfaction ratings for personalised travel itineraries and recommendations.
I am drawn to AAA Holiday's reputation for providing unforgettable travel services and personalised experiences, which motivates me to go above and beyond for my clients.
My background and enthusiasm for travel make me a strong applicant for this role. I am eager to use my skills and help clients create memorable travel experiences that keep them returning.
Thank you for considering my application. I am excited about joining AAA Holidays and contributing to its success.
Sincerely,
Razak bin Osman
Cover letter example 3
Long version: full-page
Ahmed Khan
123, Jalan Merah,
70200 Seremban,
Negeri Sembilan.
012-3456789
30/04/2024
Sweta D/O Suppiah,
Great Food Restaurant
15, Jalan Tiga,
Kawasan 16,
41300 Klang,
Selangor D.E.
Dear Mrs. Sweta,
I am thrilled to apply for the Restaurant Manager position at Great Food Restaurant, as advertised on your bulletin board and JobStreet.
With over eight years of experience in the restaurant industry, I am excited about the opportunity to bring my leadership skills and passion for hospitality to your already thriving restaurant.
As a Restaurant Manager at Tasty Restaurant, I successfully oversee daily operations, including staff management, scheduling, customer service, and inventory control.
One of my notable achievements includes implementing new training programs that have resulted in a 30% increase in customer satisfaction scores.
Some of my other achievements include:
- successfully improving restaurant operations
- achieving revenue targets
- implementing cost-saving measures by auditing food wastage and negotiating rent
I have also developed skills in budget management and have consistently achieved and exceeded revenue targets. I have contributed to Tasty Restaurant's financial success by closely monitoring expenses and resource allocation.
I recently undertook management training to strengthen my leadership skills, completing a hospitality management certificate at Kolej TAFE Seremban. I have also completed several courses on food safety, OHS, and WHS.
I feel I would make a great fit for Great Food Restaurant based on your reputation for delivering exceptional dining experiences. Providing outstanding culinary moments brings me great joy.
My experience and leadership skills make me a strong candidate for this role. I’m eager to contribute to Great Food Restaurant's continued success.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my skills and experiences align with Great Food Restaurant's goals. I am also looking forward to joining your team and helping elevate the experience of your valued customers.
Sincerely,
Ahmed Khan
H2: Which cover letter length is most effective?
Your cover letter is your chance to shine and make a memorable impression on the hiring manager. The length of your cover letter should be just right: enough to convey two or three compelling reasons why you’re the perfect fit for the role. The ideal length will vary depending on your experiences and the specific requirements the job calls for.
For instance, a cover letter for a waitressing role may be shorter than one for a Finance CEO position, but it should always aim to be no longer than one page or between 250 and 400 words.
In summary
Ensure your cover letter is clear, well-structured, and tailored to the specific job requirements. Always proofread and edit your cover letter carefully to ensure it is error-free. By following these tips, you can create a cover letter that captures the hiring manager's attention and convinces them to call you up for an interview.
FAQs
1. How long should a cover letter really be?
The ideal length for a cover letter is around 250–400 words or no more than one page. However, this may change depending on the industry or role that you’re applying for.
2. Can a cover letter be too short?
If a cover letter is concise, likely, it doesn’t include enough information. It should highlight your reasons for applying and why you’d be a good fit for the role.
The cover letter should be long enough to convey why they should hire you, touch on key points from the selection criteria or job ad, and give an insight into your personality and enthusiasm for the role.
3. Can a cover letter be two pages?
A two-page cover letter may be acceptable, but only in limited circumstances. For example, if the job ad asks for a long-form cover letter, or the role you’re applying for requires a significant amount of skills and experience to be addressed, then a two-page cover letter may be acceptable.
4. How can I fit all my experience into the recommended cover letter length?
You don’t need to include all of your experience in the cover letter. Instead, choose two or three of your most relevant skills or experiences and describe in detail how you’ve demonstrated these in previous roles. Your aim is to show the hiring manager that you’re a great fit for the role.
5. Should the cover letter length vary by industry?
All cover letters should be a maximum of one page long across all industries. Hiring managers often have a lot of applications to read through, and being short, clear, and concise makes them easier to read and more engaging.
6. Do employers read cover letters, and does length matter?
Yes, employers do read cover letters. However, larger companies and businesses use computer software (an applicant tracking system) that looks for specific skills and experience to screen and filter out applicants. A natural person reads the ones that pass this first check.
Cover letters are an excellent way for an employer to gain insight into your personality and whether you fit the company culture.
7. How can I make my cover letter concise without omitting important information?
You don’t have to include all your experience in the cover letter; limit it to the top three relevant skills or experiences that are your strengths. Edit your cover letter to be clear, concise, and not too wordy. Remove any redundant or generic sentences that don’t add value.
8. What is the correct format for a cover letter?
Use a standard business letter format, including your contact information, the date, the recipient's contact information, a greeting, body paragraphs, and a closing. Use a professional font like a sans-serif with an 11pt or 12pt font size, maintain a margin of 1” around the document, and keep it all consistent.
