A cover letter is the most important document you submit with your resume. It provides a great avenue to introduce yourself, highlight your qualifications, and demonstrate why you’re a perfect fit for the role.
But how long should a cover letter be? Many candidates ask this.
The answer is not quite as simple as it may appear. The best length of a cover letter actually depends on a lot of things, such as the position that you are applying for, industry, and years of experience.
In this guide, we are going to walk you through the dos and don’ts of cover letter length, as well as some tips on how to make sure your cover letter is effective and concise.
Let’s get started!
How Long Should a Cover Letter Be? The Ideal Length
When it comes to the question how long should a cover letter be, the general rule is that it should be one page long. In fact, this is generally believed to be the sweet spot for most job applications. This length should not exceed in any way, as hiring managers often review hundreds of applications and sometimes they might not have the time to read through lengthy documents.
-
Ideal length
A cover letter really should be no more than 3-4 brief paragraphs. That gives you ample room to introduce yourself, state your reason behind applying for the position, mention some qualifications, and end with a call to action.
-
Word Count
Shoot for about 250 to 400 words. This will help you in giving out just enough details and without overfeeding the readers.
Let’s dive into the do’s and don’ts of cover letter length!
The Do’s of Cover Letter Length
1. Do Be Concise
Hiring managers are very busy professionals and therefore they need to be told briefly why you will be the perfect fit for the job. Even if you’d like to describe every great thing that happened during your previous job experience in detail, make your cover letter as short as possible, mentioning relevant skills and experiences which fit best of all to a position you are applying for.
Tip
If you’re wondering how long should a cover letter be, it’s better to leave out irrelevant details. Stick to your most impressive and relevant achievements and avoid writing a story about your entire career.
2. Do Match the Job Description
A crucial step in the job application process is to modify your cover letter to the job posting. In such cases, referencing the job description indicates that you have done your homework and truly understand what the employer is looking for. This will make it easier to avoid unnecessary content.
Matching your qualifications with the job’s requirements will give you a focused, relevant cover letter. This saves you from unnecessary addition to reach a word count.
3. Do Use Short Paragraphs
Even when writing a one-page cover letter, you need to break it up into short paragraphs for readability. Nothing is more intimidating than blocks of text and most hiring managers will skip it altogether.
Each paragraph is supposed to serve a different purpose, such as the following:
- Briefly introduce yourself and explain why you’re applying.
- Highlight a few of the key qualifications or achievements.
- Do a wrap-up with an appeal to action by encouraging the employer to call you for an interview.
This format will ensure that your cover letter is organized and easily read, whether it is a full page or less.
The Don’ts of Cover Letter Length
1. Don’t Make It Too Long
While you might have much to say, too long of a cover letter will be certain to bore the hiring manager. If your cover letter spills onto multiple pages, you’re very well running the risk of losing their interest. How long should a cover letter be? As stated before, the absolute rule of thumb is no longer than one page. A longer cover letter may create the impression that you do not respect the time of a reader.
Tip
If you find yourself writing more than a page, revisit and edit out information that does not directly apply to the job for which you are applying.
2. Don’t Repeat Your Resume
Your cover letter is not the place to change everything listed on your resume. Think of your resume and cover letter as complementary documents: your resume lists all of your experiences, while your cover letter provides a personal touch.
Don’t repeat job titles, duties, or education credentials. You can highlight specific examples of your accomplishments in the cover letter if you want to get the job.
3. Don’t Use Flowery Language
While it’s essential to reflect your excitement, you shouldn’t burden yourself with excessively intricate and affected speech. A cover letter should flow in an easily natural manner without seeming artificial.
The tone must be respectful, polite, and not irrelevant. Your primary objective should be clarity while excluding unnecessary buzzwords and jargon.
About Our Top Tier Resume Company
At Top Tier Resume, we specialize in helping job seekers with expertly readied resumes and cover letters. As professional resume writers and cover letter writers, we know how to showcase your unique skills and experiences to impress hiring managers. Whether you’re starting your career or aiming for the C-suite, our personalized approach ensures your application catch the eyes.
Let us help you land your dream job today!
How to Ensure Your Cover Letter is the Right Length?
If you’re still unsure how long should a cover letter be, here are a few practical tips to ensure your cover letter hits the mark:
-
Start with a Clear Structure
Begin with a brief introduction, then focus on key achievements and skills, and end with a conclusion.
-
Be Mindful of Word Count
Aim for 250-400 words. If you find your cover letter growing beyond this range, review it for any unnecessary details.
-
Prioritize Relevant Information
Focus on the most important experiences and skills that align with the job description. Less is more when it comes to covering details that matter.
Benefits of a Well-Length Cover Letter
When you get the length right, the advantages are evident:
- More chances of readability: Hiring managers are most likely to read a concise and well-organized cover letter
- More likely to be noticed: A targeted, tailored cover letter that fits the description of the job will make you distinctive from all the other candidates
- Respect for the reader’s time: Employers like it when applicants can state their qualifications in as few words as possible
Wrapping It All
When you’re asking how long should a cover letter be, the ideal length is one page. Try to keep it to about 250-400 words, focusing on the most relevant details that show why you are the perfect fit for the job. Keep your cover letter concise, organized and customized to the specific role you’re applying for.
Follow these do’s and don’ts of cover letter length to make sure your application creates an impact. If you need professional guidance in creating your cover letter, reach out to us right now!
