At Resume Professional Writers, we have seen many cover letters that fall short because they are not the right length. In this article, we will explain the ideal cover letter length and how it can affect your chances of getting an interview.
How long should your cover letter be?
Ideal cover letter length
The optimal length for a cover letter is one that strikes a balance between providing enough information and respecting the recruiter’s time. The ideal length for a cover letter is 250-400 words (about three-quarters to one page).
One-page rule
Stick to the one-page rule. Recruiters often review hundreds of applications and spend an average of just seven seconds per page (according to Ladders research). A concise, well-crafted cover letter that fits on one page is more likely to be read to the end.
3-paragraph structure
The structure of an effective cover letter consists of three paragraphs:
- Introduction: State your purpose for writing and express your enthusiasm for the role.
- Body: Highlight relevant skills and experience that match the job requirements.
- Bottom line: Reaffirm your interest and request an interview.
Is the length of your cover letter preventing you from getting hired? 1
This structure helps you maintain focus and eliminates unnecessary details that may dilute your message.
Customizing content to fit job requirements
An effective cover letter is not just about length, it’s also about relevance – tailor it to the specific job requirements. Jobvite surveyThe most common ways job seekers apply for jobs are through Indeed Quick Apply (33%), a company website (26%), and submitting their resume directly to a company (18%).
Quality trumps quantity. A shorter, more focused cover letter that directly addresses the employer’s needs (and stays within the recommended word count) will be much more effective than a longer one full of general information.
Formatting for readability
While content is paramount, formatting plays a key role in perception of length and readability. Try these formatting tips:
- Use standard margins (1 inch on all sides)
- Choose an easy-to-read font (such as Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman) in a size between 10 and 12 points.
- Add spaces between paragraphs to create visual separation
These formatting choices improve readability and make your cover letter appear professional and structured (even at a glance).
In the next chapter, we’ll explain some common mistakes regarding cover letter length and how to avoid them to ensure your application stands out.
What are some common mistakes regarding cover letter length?
The Overwriter’s Dilemma
Many job seekers fall into the trap of overwriting their cover letters. They cram in every detail of their work history, thinking that more information will impress employers. This approach often backfires: recruiters (who spend just seven seconds reviewing each application, according to a Ladders study) are likely to completely ignore an overly long cover letter.
Is the length of your cover letter preventing you from getting hired?
Overwriting often results in the inclusion of irrelevant information – for example, detailing your high school grades when applying for a senior management position is unnecessary and will overshadow your relevant qualifications – focus on relevant recent experience that is directly related to your current job.
Underwriter’s shortcomings
Some job seekers make the mistake of writing too much. If your cover letter is too short, it will lack impact and you miss out on an opportunity to highlight your qualifications. Brevity is important, but you still need to have enough substance to effectively present yourself as an ideal candidate.
A cover letter that is too short can give the employer the impression that you lack interest and effort. It’s important to find the right balance between brevity and providing enough information to pique the recruiter’s interest.
Format failure
Inconsistent formatting can have a big impact on the perception of your cover letter’s length. Poor formatting, such as fonts that are too small or spaces that are too narrow, can make your letter appear long and difficult to read. Conversely, fonts that are too large or too much white space can make your letter appear sparse and lacking in content.
Proper formatting is key to creating a cover letter that is visually appealing and easy to read: use a standard font size (10-12 point), maintain consistent spacing, and make sure your letter fits on one page without looking cramped or empty.
The pitfalls of copy and paste
Another common mistake is using one generic cover letter for multiple job applications. This approach often results in letters that are too long or too short for a particular position, fail to address the unique requirements of each position, and are less effective at catching the employer’s attention.
Be sure to customize your cover letter for each application. This approach not only helps you keep it to a reasonable length, but also helps demonstrate your genuine interest in the position.
A rambling introduction
Many cover letters suffer from wordy introductions that fail to grab the reader’s attention. A wordy opening paragraph can discourage a recruiter from reading any further, regardless of the length of the overall letter.
Start strong with a concise, compelling introduction that clearly states your objectives and enthusiasm for the position. This approach sets the tone for a well-constructed, appropriately lengthy cover letter that will entice the reader to read on.
Now that we’ve covered the most common mistakes when it comes to cover letter length, let’s move on to some strategies for crafting a cover letter of the perfect length that will grab the recruiter’s attention and increase your chances of landing an interview.
How to write a cover letter that gets results
Mastering the three-paragraph structure
The three-paragraph structure helps you write a concise, yet impactful cover letter. Start with a strong opening paragraph that grabs attention right away. Mention the specific position you’re applying for and briefly explain why you’re excited about the opportunity. For example: “I’m applying for the Marketing Manager position at XYZ Company because I hope to leverage my 10 years of experience in digital marketing to drive your company’s growth initiatives.”
Is the length of your cover letter preventing you from getting hired?
In the second paragraph, focus on your most relevant qualifications. Highlight two or three key achievements that relate directly to the job requirements, rather than repeating your entire resume. Make your achievements more specific by using specific numbers and results (e.g., “In a previous role, I increased website traffic by 150% and improved conversion rates by 25% through targeted SEO and content marketing strategies.”).
Finally, close with a short sentence reiterating your interest and suggesting next steps. An example of a compelling closing sentence is: “I’d love to discuss how my experience in data-driven marketing can help XYZ Company achieve its goals. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss this exciting role further.”
Tailor your content to the job posting
Cover letters aren’t one size fits all. To stand out, tailor your content to each job application. Start by carefully analyzing the job description. Identify the key skills and qualifications the employer is looking for and mention them directly in your letter.
Use the same words and keywords as in the job ad. If your description highlights “project management skills,” use that exact phrase when describing your relevant experience. This approach shows that you read the job ad thoroughly and makes it easier for your application to get through applicant tracking systems (ATS) that screen for specific keywords.
Optimize your formatting for readability
No matter how well-written your cover letter is, if it’s not visually appealing and easy to read, it won’t make a lasting impression. Use a clean, professional font such as 11 or 12 point Arial or Calibri. Set margins of 1 inch on all sides for a balanced look.
Use white space effectively by adding line breaks between paragraphs. This simple technique will make your letter more appealing and less difficult to read. If you’re sending your cover letter in the body of an email, consider using short paragraphs and using bullet points sparingly to highlight your key accomplishments.
The goal is to make it easy for a recruiter to skim through your letter and pick up on the most important points. A properly formatted cover letter not only looks professional, it also respects the reader’s time and makes it more likely that the entire letter will be read.
Highlight your unique value proposition
In your cover letter, Unique Value Proposition (What sets you apart from other candidates?) Try to identify your most attractive qualities and experiences that align with the job requirements. For example, if you’re applying for a sales position, you may want to highlight your track record of exceeding sales targets and your ability to build strong customer relationships.
Use specific examples to illustrate your point. Rather than simply stating that you are a “team player,” describe a situation where your collaboration skills led to the success of a project. This approach provides concrete evidence of your abilities and makes your letter more appealing and memorable.
Proofreading and Improvement
The perfect cover letter demonstrates attention to detail and professionalism. After you’ve written your first draft, take the time to proofread and refine your letter. Not only do you check for grammar and spelling errors (tools like Grammarly can help), but you also consider the overall flow and impact of your writing.
Read your letter out loud to catch any awkward phrasing or overly complicated sentences. Ask a trusted friend or colleague to read your letter and give you feedback. Their fresh perspective may spot issues you’ve overlooked or suggest improvements you can make to make your letter more persuasive.
Crafting the perfect cover letter: length, impact and a professional touch
An effective cover letter strikes a balance between highlighting your qualifications and respecting the recruiter’s time. The ideal length for a cover letter is 250-400 words and fits on one page. This length allows you to highlight your relevant skills and experience without overwhelming the reader.
Is the length of your cover letter preventing you from getting hired?
When it comes to cover letters, quality is more important than quantity. A concise, well-structured letter that directly addresses the job requirements will be more effective than a lengthy document with unnecessary details. Proper formatting improves readability, makes you appear more professional, and increases the likelihood that a recruiter will read your letter in its entirety.
If you’re struggling with the length of your cover letter or crafting a compelling story, consider getting professional help. By studying cover letter samples, you can get inspiration and guidance for writing your own. Plus, leveraging our professional resume and cover letter writing services can help you create a customized document that highlights your unique value proposition and adheres to industry standards. An experienced writer can optimize your cover letter to maximize your chances of landing an interview while maintaining the ideal length and impact.
