by When crafting an accompanying letter for your job application, one of the most frequent questions job seekers have is: "How many words should a cover letter be?"
The ideal length of a cover letter isn't a one-size-fits-all number; it depends on various factors including the job you're applying for and your personal experience.
In this article, we’ll explore the recommended cover letter word count, discuss why it matters, and provide practical tips for keeping your message concise yet compelling.
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Why does the cover letter length matter?
A well-crafted cover letter can be a key factor in catching a recruiter’s eye. However, the length of your cover letter is just as important as its content.
- A cover letter that is too short may come across as insufficiently detailed. If you only provide a brief overview without specific examples, it can leave the hiring manager questioning your suitability for the position.
- On the flip side, a document that is too long risks losing the reader’s interest. You run the risk of diluting your key points and potentially boring the reader. Recruiters might not have the time or patience to wade through excessive detail.
Focus on the most relevant aspects of your background and tailor your content to the job description. Mention specific achievements that showcase your qualifications and explain how these experiences make you an ideal candidate for the role.
Alongside length, formatting plays a crucial role in maintaining engagement. Use clear, professional templates with appropriate headings.
General guide on the ideal cover letter length
A perfect length of a cover letter should typically be under one full page long. This is usually enough to convey your main points without overwhelming the reader.
Aim for 3-4 paragraphs:
- Opening paragraph. Introduce yourself and mention the position you're applying for. Keep this brief and engaging—about 2-3 sentences.
- First body paragraph. Highlight your relevant skills and experiences. Connect these to the job requirements. Add around 2-3 sentences for each key point.
- Second body paragraph. Demonstrate your knowledge of the company and explain why you’re interested in the position and how you fit with their values and goals. This should be about 3-4 sentences.
- Closing paragraph. Summarize why you’re a strong candidate and express enthusiasm for the role. Include a call to action, like suggesting a meeting or interview. This should be concise, around 2-3 sentences.
- Can a cover letter be more than a page?
- A document over one page can be daunting, so avoid repeating information found on your resume. However, there are cases when it is possible to exceed this limit, we will discuss them later.
How many words should a cover letter be?
The consensus among career experts is that the ideal cover letter length is between 250 and 400 words. This range allows you to convey your message clearly, providing just enough detail to capture the reader's attention without overwhelming them.
Here's an example of how long should a cover letter generally be:
Dear Mr. Clark,
I am writing to express my interest in the Digital Marketing Specialist position at BrightWave Marketing, as advertised on LinkedIn. With over four years of experience in digital marketing and a proven track record of driving engagement and growth, I am eager to bring my skills in content strategy, analytics, and campaign management to your dynamic team.
At NovaTech Solutions, where I have been working as a Marketing Coordinator for the past three years, I led several successful multi-channel campaigns. For instance, I developed and executed a social media strategy. It increased our Instagram following by 50% within six months, while boosting post engagement by 40%. Additionally, I managed a Google Ads campaign that resulted in a 25% improvement in lead conversion rates.
What excites me most about BrightWave Marketing is your commitment to using data-driven insights to craft innovative marketing solutions for your clients. I’m confident that my hands-on experience with tools like Google Analytics, HubSpot, and SEMrush, combined with my ability to translate insights into actionable strategies, would be a valuable asset to your team.
I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my experience and vision align with the goals of BrightWave Marketing. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of contributing to your team and further advancing the creative, results-oriented work your agency is known for.
Sincerely,
Mary Thompson
How long does a cover letter have to be for entry-level jobs?
For beginner and student positions, a cover letter should typically be around half a page to one full page in length. Keep it brief and engaging, showing that you’re both enthusiastic and capable.
An example of how long should your cover letter be for a first job:
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to express my interest in the Junior Software Engineer position at TechNova Solutions, which I found on your careers page. As a recent graduate of the University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, I am excited to begin my career and apply the programming skills I have honed during my studies.
At UT Austin, I gained hands-on experience in software development through various academic projects and collaborative assignments. For my senior capstone project, I led a team in building a web application. It integrated real-time data using the MERN stack (MongoDB, Express.js, React.js, Node.js), which improved data processing speed by 20%.
I am particularly drawn to TechNova Solutions because of your focus on innovative software products that solve complex real-world problems. Your company’s reputation for fostering a collaborative and growth-oriented environment is exactly what I am looking for as I launch my career.
Thank you for considering my application. I would be honored to discuss how my skills and passion align with the needs of TechNova Solutions. I look forward to the possibility of contributing to your team.
Sincerely,
Michael Turner
How long should a cover letter be for a job in research?
A cover letter for a position in academia can be two pages, especially if you have substantial experience and accomplishments to highlight. It's important to clearly demonstrate your qualifications, research interests, teaching experience, and how you align with the institution's goals and needs.
Here's an example of how long should cover letters be in the research industry:
Dear Members of the Search Committee,
I am writing to express my interest in the tenure-track Assistant Professor position in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at Harvard University, as advertised on your website.
With a Ph.D. in Evolutionary Biology from Stanford University and a strong record of research and teaching in evolutionary genetics and biodiversity, I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to your department’s distinguished program.
My research focuses on the genetic mechanisms driving adaptive evolution in natural populations, with a particular emphasis on the role of gene-environment interactions. At Stanford, my lab has investigated the genetic basis of drought resistance in Arabidopsis thaliana, uncovering novel gene variants that contribute to enhanced stress tolerance. This work, published in Nature Genetics and supported by a $500,000 NSF grant, has implications for understanding plant adaptation to climate change.
At Harvard, I am eager to expand this research to include field-based studies on plant-pollinator interactions and their evolutionary consequences, aligning with the department’s focus on environmental change and biodiversity.
In addition to my research, I have extensive teaching experience. At Stanford, I developed and taught courses on evolutionary biology and genetic analysis, including a new undergraduate course on “Genomic Approaches to Evolution.” My teaching philosophy emphasizes active learning and hands-on experience, which I believe are essential for fostering a deep understanding of complex biological concepts.
I am particularly drawn to Harvard University’s Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology because of its commitment to interdisciplinary research. I am excited about the possibility of collaborating with colleagues who are exploring similar questions in different systems.
Additionally, Harvard’s emphasis on public engagement and science communication resonates with my own efforts to make scientific research accessible to broader audiences. This includes my recent outreach initiatives that involved community workshops on plant biodiversity.
Enclosed is my CV, which includes details of my publications, grants, and teaching evaluations. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my background, research interests, and teaching philosophy align with the goals of your department. Thank you for considering my application.
Sincerely,
Emily Johnson, Ph.D.
Tips for writing a concise cover letter
Customize your document to address the specific needs and requirements of the role. Avoid including unrelated experiences.
Choose 2-3 key achievements or skills that directly relate to the job description. Use specific examples rather than broad statements to illustrate your qualifications. This makes your letter more engaging and memorable.
- Example: "At Red Fox Corp, I led a team that reduced application load times by 40%, improving user satisfaction and performance metrics."
Here are some formatting tricks to help you fit the letter on one page:
- Use a font size of 10 to 12 points. Smaller fonts can help you fit more text, but ensure it remains readable.
- Set your margins to 0.5 to 1 inch on all sides. A margin of 0.5 inches is often sufficient and allows more text without sacrificing readability.
- Employ single spacing to maximize space. However, ensure there is enough room to make the letter easily readable.
- Reduce the space before and after paragraphs. Set this parameter to 0 or a small value (e.g., 6 pt).
Use the print preview function to see how the letter looks on a physical page and make final adjustments as needed.
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Build My Cover LetterCan a cover letter be two pages?
Yes, there are scenarios where a longer cover letter might be appropriate.
Senior or executive positions
For high-level roles, it may be necessary to provide a more detailed account of your achievements and strategic vision. A longer document can help showcase your extensive experience and the value you bring to the organization.
Complex applications
If the job requires a highly specialized skill set or involves multiple competencies, you might need more space to explain how your background aligns with the job requirements.
Unique circumstances
Situations like career transitions or significant achievements that are not easily summarized in one page might warrant a two-page cover letter. This provides an opportunity to explain your unique value proposition in more detail.
The key is to ensure that any additional length adds value and maintains the reader’s interest.
Conclusion
In summary, a cover letter should ideally be between 250 and 400 words.
This length allows you to highlight your most relevant skills and experiences without overloading the reader. Remember, the goal of an accompanying letter is to capture the employer’s attention and prompt them to review your resume.
By adhering to this cover letter word count guideline, you'll create a document that stands out and effectively supports your job application.
