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

Quick Answer: Ideal Cover Letter Length

Cover letter length is a significant factor in your application’s success – it shouldn’t be too long, but it may seem unprofessional if it’s too short.

How long should a cover letter be for a job application?  While it depends on your background and industry, there are some basic guidelines to get you started. Here are a few best practices to achieve the ideal cover letter length:

• Word count: Keep your cover letter between 200 and 400 words. This gives you enough space to discuss crucial points, like your background and relevant achievements, but keeps it concise.
• Number of paragraphs: Most cover letters are three to five paragraphs long. These spaces give the letter structure, make it easier to read, and let you separate relevant roles and achievements from your history.
• Number of pages: Cover letters should always be one page long. While resumes can sometimes spill into two pages, it’s best to keep cover letters at one.

A professional premade layout can help you adhere to these guidelines and produce consistently high-quality job applications. Check out our professional cover letter templates and find one that fits your needs.

“Cover letter length is a significant factor in your application’s success – it shouldn’t be too long, but it may seem unprofessional if it’s too short.”

Why Cover Letter Length Matters

Why is cover length important? The most pressing is the recruiter’s time. A long cover letter takes too much time to properly read, and hiring managers review dozens of them daily – if it’s too long, they’ll skim over it or skip it entirely. However, a very short cover letter isn’t ideal either, as the hiring manager may feel it’s too abrupt or unprofessional.

Long cover letters are also at risk of formatting errors and an unclear structure. A complex or confusing layout makes it harder for applicant tracking systems (ATS) to identify crucial keywords, so it’s less likely that your document will pass on to the hiring manager.

A succinct cover letter subtly displays professionalism and communication. This is a case of “show, don’t tell.” If you can concisely describe your qualifications in an understandable way, it seamlessly showcases your written communication skills, which are essential for most modern jobs.

Paragraph-by-Paragraph Breakdown

Once you know the ideal cover letter length, it’s important to understand how to structure the information. These details should flow in a natural order that helps the hiring manager digest them, and there’s a standardized layout that most employers expect. Here’s the general format for a five-paragraph cover letter. If you use a three-paragraph layout, combine two and three and omit number four.

First paragraph

The first paragraph should be a brief introduction. Greet the hiring manager (by name, if possible) and tell them where you saw the job ad. State your name, years of relevant professional experience and job title, and mention your excitement and knowledge of their company.

This is just the beginning of your letter, so don’t spend too much time on it. Just introduce yourself and hook them by mentioning some necessary skills and how long you’ve been in the industry.

Second and third paragraph

The next two paragraphs will discuss your relevance to the role. Describe your work experience, education, and certifications succinctly – these are crucial points but shouldn’t take up too much space. 

Use the majority of this space for tangible achievements. Detail a few impressive accomplishments that align with the job description requirements using measurable metrics. Make sure you don’t use achievements you already listed in your resume – a cover letter should complement your resume, not repeat it.

Fourth paragraph

Use this paragraph to showcase your alignment with their company culture. While this section isn’t strictly necessary, it can be helpful if you know the company’s values and work style. 

Discuss your professional values and how they relate to the business. Do you thrive in fast-paced environments? Are you adaptable? These factors aren’t tied to your history and hard skills, but they help the hiring manager understand if you’d mesh well in their team.

Fifth paragraph

This is your closing paragraph, so end on a strong, positive note. Emphasize your motivation and excitement – tell them you’re eager to join the team and make a difference. 

Make sure to leave an energetic call to action. Encourage them to contact you and say that you’re more than happy to answer any questions they have about your qualifications. 

Common Mistakes with Cover Letter Length

Following best practices is essential, but it’s also important to actively avoid common pitfalls. Here are some cover letter mistakes and how to overcome them:

• Repeating resume content: Cover letters should complement resumes, not repeat them. Get the most out of your one-page cover letter and resume by spreading your achievements between them both.
• Copy/pasting letters: Different roles require unique letters, so don’t use the same one for every application. One job ad may need a longer, more detailed letter, while another might need something more succinct.
• Discussing irrelevant points: Don’t discuss skills or achievements that aren’t relevant to the role. Even if they’re impressive, you should omit them if they don’t align with the job ad.
• Failing to use keywords: Make sure you use crucial keywords and phrases from the job description. Even if you mention a similar skill in a different way, the ATS won’t be able to tell. Mirror the employer’s language to improve your chances and get the most out of your space.

Industry-Specific Exceptions

Understanding industry expectations helps you tailor your cover letter length to the role. While basic guidelines help you craft a professional letter, knowing specifics makes you stand out from the crowd.

Academic or government positions may expect or require longer letters. Read the job description to understand – if the list of educational and professional requirements is extensive, and it seems like it would be difficult to fit in five paragraphs, you may need more space.

On the other hand, modern tech startups usually prefer very brief cover letters. These businesses are fast-paced, so they scan applications even faster than other organizations. Keep these letters below 200 words for the best results.

For more industry-specific guidance, check out our detailed resume examples for a variety of unique job roles.

Formatting Tips to Keep It Short and Impactful

The correct formatting helps you reach the ideal cover letter length without omitting crucial details. Here are a few tips to help you structure yours:

• Use the right fonts: Standardized fonts, like Arial and Calibri, are concise and take up little space. As a bonus, they’re also professional and easy to read.
• Avoid cliched phrases: Cut filler words and phrases from your cover letter, like “team player” or “hard worker.” It’s easy to fall back on these terms, but they don’t add much to your application.
• Utilize bullet lists: Placing your achievements and qualifications in bullet points helps organize them and catch the recruiter’s eye. We recommend you replace the second and third paragraphs with a bullet list if you choose to use it.
• Use a professional template: A high-quality template helps you craft a well-formatted cover letter without the effort. Align your entire job application by using a matching resume template.

Nail the ideal cover letter length and get noticed

The right cover letter balances impactful details and a concise tone, and with a great strategy, you can write one that impresses recruiters. Discuss your accomplishments, stay relevant, and show your positivity and energy to make an instant connection with your potential employer.

Whether you write a brief, snappy letter for a tech startup or a detailed, academic one, focus on key information and keep it to one page, and you’ll be golden.

Get started today with CVwizard’s cover letter maker. Don’t fret about formatting – fill in the blanks, and our platform will create a succinct, professional letter. 

Build a cohesive application by using our resume maker. With complementary templates and an effortless interface, you can build an attractive resume that matches your cover letter in minutes.