How Long Should a Cover Letter Be?
Show your potential with a short but powerful cover letter. In this article, you will learn what a cover letter is, how to address a cover letter and the best strategies for choosing the right cover letter format.
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We also spotlight how long a cover letter should typically be and how to lead with impressive accomplishments and key skills.
Want a stronger cover letter? Try our cover letter templates. Simply edit and download. Plus, you’ll get ready-made content to add with one click using our Cover Letter Builder.
1
Cover Letter Length and Word Count
Your cover letter should be no more than one page. Here’s a simple guide to help you keep it concise and contain all of the right information.
1Cover letter length requirements
Your cover letter should be between half a page and one page long. Add one space between paragraphs and set 1-inch margins on each side.
2Word count
Cover letters should be between 200-400 words. For seasoned job seekers, a cover letter can be up to 400 words to demonstrate how their career background matches the company culture. If you are a student, new to the workforce or applying for an entry-level job, your letter can be as short as 200 words.
3Number of pages and paragraphs
A good cover letter is three to four paragraphs. Each paragraph is comprised of short, meaningful sentences. By keeping your paragraph structure short and straightforward, recruiters can skim through your letter quickly.
4Bullet points
Add bullet points to your cover letter to draw the employer’s attention to your qualifications. Bullet points also allow you to lay out your most marketable skills neatly.
3
How to Structure a Cover Letter
Let’s break down the cover letter format, section by section, to outline what to include clearly.
Contact information
Let’s learn how to address your cover letter. First add your contact information at the top of the page: first and last name, phone number, professional email address, city and state location, date and employer’s information. Use a professional cover letter greeting and the hiring manager’s name.
Example:
Full name
555-555-5555, email address
City, State ZIP
Month day, year
Company name
Company address
City, State ZIP
Introduction paragraph
Grab the employer’s attention quickly. Show eagerness to describe how excited you are about this new job opportunity. To lure them in, use keywords from the job posting that are relevant to your skills.
Example:
“I was thrilled that the White House is hiring a press officer. I am skilled at crisis communication. My 10 years of experience in the Air Force under Public Affairs coordinating successful media events and press conferences.”
Body paragraphs
Create a lasting first impression by starting with a stellar accomplishment. Show that you have researched and mention their latest tweet or publishing.
Set the tone with your first paragraph by quickly highlighting your top accomplishments. Peak the employer’s interest with data-driven results.
Example:
“After seeing your recent media coverage with national outlets, I know I can contribute with expert media relations strategies. During my last deployment, I conducted 200 media interviews during the crisis’s first two months. As a result, I was able to spin negative press coverage and doubled their social media followers by the end of the first quarter.”
Check out these sample cover letters for insight into how other professionals market themselves.
Second and third paragraphs
Use your second and third paragraphs to tell your story. Put a spotlight on specific qualifications and skills that make you a perfect candidate. Give it a bit of personality with passion. Also, be ready to demonstrate soft skills by showcasing impeccable work ethics and dedication.
Example:
“I have been passionate about being an interpreter since volunteering at the refugee center. Throughout my 20 years of experience, I’ve been able to help families reunite. I have been able to translate books in over four languages for recovery efforts.”
Closing paragraph
Use the final paragraph to show gratitude and thank the employer for their time and consideration, and close with a call to action! Simply invite the hiring manager to follow up with you.
[Show gratitude]. [Summarize your credentials]. [Restate your interest in the role]. [Call to action + availability for an interview and preferred contact method]
[Closing salutation],
[Signature]
Example:
I appreciate you considering me for this position. My journalist and teamwork abilities will make me an ideal fit for the role. I’d love to meet and discuss more about the political news column.
Kind regards,
Mary Jones
4
Key Takeaways
Keep the following writing tips in mind to write a short but effective cover letter.
- Keep cover letters to 200-400 words over three to four paragraphs.
- Although you can use a general cover letter template, remember to edit it based on the job description.
- Use short, meaningful sentences for each paragraph to ensure easy readability.
- Bullet points help you highlight key skills and notable accomplishments.
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Last edited by: Ami Icanberry, CPRW, Manager, Content Editing, - November 07, 2024
Gabriela Barcenas
CPRW, Content Writer IIGabriela is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) and career adviser. With 10 years of digital media experience and five years of resume writing expertise, her publication history includes fashion, education, travel, social justice, equitable design and career advice.
