How long should a cover letter be?
A cover letter is an integral part of the job-hunting process. It offers insight into your personality and enthusiasm for the role, complementing the qualifications, experience, and skills listed on your resumé.
It gives an employer an idea of who you are, whether you’d be a good fit for the role, and the company culture. It’s your first impression of the HR manager, so it is essential to know how to format your cover letter and get the word count right.
So, how many words are in a cover letter? Your cover letter should be long enough to showcase your qualities and highlight why you’d be the perfect choice for the job, but not too long before the HR manager loses interest. Let’s take a closer look at the length of your cover letter.
What is the recommended cover letter length?
Your cover letter should be three to six paragraphs or 250 to 400 words. However, the length may vary depending on the job application and industry you’re applying for.
The only times you should exceed the one-page cover letter length is if the job ad specifically asks for it or if you have extensive relevant experience—just make sure to keep it as concise as possible.
How to structure your cover letter?
With the guidelines in mind, it’s time to get writing. Here’s a quick guide on how to structure your cover letter.
1. Introduce yourself
Your introduction should catch the reader's attention and show your enthusiasm for the role. Briefly introduce yourself, mention the position you’re applying for, and explain why you’re interested in the role and the company. If you’ve been referred to the job by someone already working at the company, mention it in this first paragraph.
2. Write a compelling body paragraph
The body of your cover letter is where you should highlight the most relevant skills and experiences that make you an excellent fit for the job. This section can be one or two paragraphs long.
Choose two or three skills or experiences from your resumé that match what the HR manager is looking for. Briefly explain what these are and how these skills will benefit the new role and company. Provide examples of situations you've faced, what you did, and the results. Use the STAR method (situation, task, action, result) to highlight your capabilities.
3. Create a memorable ending for your cover letter
To wrap up your cover letter, reiterate your enthusiasm for the role and thank the HR manager for their consideration. Conclude by saying that you look forward to the opportunity to discuss your application further.
How to keep your cover letter the correct length?
It’s essential to consider the length of your cover letter as you write it. Here are some ways you can ensure that it is the correct length without missing any important details.
1. Check the employer’s requirements
Check if the job ad includes any requirements for the cover letter. Some hiring managers will specify their preferred length, format, or font size. Following these instructions will ensure that your cover letter hits all the right notes and demonstrates your attention to detail.
2. Follow professional formatting
Use consistent formatting on professional documents like your resumé and cover letter. Here are some quick tips:
- Choose a standard font like a sans-serif at 11–12pt to ensure readability.
- Keep a margin of 1 inch and use single spacing throughout the document so it looks neat and well organized.
- Add line spaces between sections or paragraphs to separate them clearly.
- Keep your paragraphs short and to the point.
- Use some bullet points to enhance clarity, but avoid duplicating information from your resumé.
3. Highlight only relevant skills and experiences
Your cover letter should focus on your most relevant skills and experiences for the role. Outline your most significant achievements and most vital qualities, and use specific examples to demonstrate how you’ve put these skills into practice and achieved success.
Your goal is to spark interest and curiosity, so the employer wants to hear more and invite you for an interview.
4. Remove fluff
Your cover letter should be clear, concise, and easy to read. Read through it (or get a friend to) and remove redundant phrases and generic statements that don’t add value. Use the active voice to convey confidence and enhance clarity and engagement.
5. Proofread and edit
Before submitting your cover letter, make sure to proofread it. Carefully check for any grammatical or spelling errors. Do a final read-through to edit for clarity and brevity, cutting out unnecessary words and sentences that don’t contribute to your main points. Triple-check for spelling and grammar or have a friend go over it for you—sometimes, a fresh set of eyes will spot things you might have missed.
Cover letter examples by length
Here are some cover letter examples:
Cover letter example 1
Short version: half-page
Sarah Dela Cruz
143 Kamagong Street
San Joaquin, 5000
09215655655
30/04/2024
John Lester Davina
Davina Group of Companies
San Juan City, 1741
Dear Mr Davina,
I am excited to apply for the Retail Supervisor position at Davina Group of Companies, as advertised on jobstreet.com.ph. With five years of experience in retail management, I am confident in my ability to contribute to your team.
In my previous role at XYZ Company, I successfully led a team of eight employees, ensuring smooth store operations and excellent customer service. My most significant achievement so far is implementing new sales strategies that have resulted in a 20% increase in sales over the last six months.
Some of my other achievements while in my current role include:
- Implementing training programs that resulted in a 15% increase in employee productivity.
- Developing and executing visual merchandising displays resulted in increased sales for products on display.
- I am passionate about delivering exceptional customer experiences and driving sales through team leadership.
I’m interested in a role at Davina Group of Companies because I admire your commitment to [specific value or goal of the company]. I believe my strong leadership skills and retail expertise make me a perfect fit for this role, and I am eager to bring my enthusiasm and dedication to the Davina Group of Companies.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to discussing how my skills and experiences will benefit you and the Davina Group of Companies.
Sincerely,
Sarah Dela Cruz
Cover letter example 2
Medium version: half-page to full-page
Leela Ramirez
42 P. Tuazon Street
Pasay City, Metro Manila 1300
09172225454
30/04/2024
Isabella Santos
AAA Holidays
123 Smith Street
Makati, Metro Manila 1400
Dear Mrs Santos,
I am writing to express my interest in the Travel Agent position at AAA Holidays, as advertised on jobstreet.com.ph. With a passion for travel and three years of experience in the travel industry, I am excited by the possibility of bringing my knowledge and passion for travel to your team.
In my current role at BBB Travel, I have honed my skills in itinerary planning, customer service, and destination knowledge. I take pride in creating personalized travel experiences that exceed customer expectations. I am well-versed in using booking systems and have a strong understanding of travel regulations and requirements.
Some of my other achievements while in my current role include:
- Developed and maintained strong relationships with my customers, which resulted in multiple bookings for the same client.
- Consistently exceeded sales targets by 10% by upselling additional services or packages, including hotel packages and tour guides.
- Received outstanding customer feedback and high satisfaction ratings for personalized travel itineraries and recommendations.
I am drawn to AAA Holiday's reputation for providing unforgettable travel services and personalized experiences, as this is what motivates me to go above and beyond for my clients.
My background and enthusiasm for travel make me a strong applicant for this role. I am eager to use my skills and help clients create memorable travel experiences that keep them coming back.
Thank you for considering my application. I am excited about the possibility of joining AAA Holidays and contributing to its success.
Sincerely,
Leela Ramirez
Cover letter example 3
Long version: full-page
Kenneth G. Almario
021 Balagtas Avenue
Los Baños, Laguna 4030
09998887777
30/04/2024
Lucas Rosi
Great Food Restaurant
15 Ocean View Street
Paranaque, Metro Manila 1700
Dear Mr. Rossi,
I am thrilled to apply for the Restaurant Manager position at Great Food Restaurant, which was advertised on your bulletin board and on jobstreet.com.ph.
With over eight years of experience in the restaurant industry, I am excited about the opportunity to bring my leadership skills and passion for hospitality to your already thriving restaurant.
As a Restaurant Manager at King Chow Restaurant, I successfully oversee daily operations, including staff management, scheduling, customer service, and inventory control.
One of my notable achievements includes implementing new training programs that have resulted in a 30% increase in customer satisfaction scores.
Some of my other achievements include the following:
- successfully improving restaurant operations
- achieving revenue targets
- implementing cost-saving measures by auditing food wastage and negotiating rent
I have also developed skills in budget management and consistently achieved and exceeded revenue targets. By closely monitoring expenses and resource allocation, I have contributed to King Chow Restaurant's financial success.
I recently undertook management training to strengthen my leadership skills, completing a hospitality management certificate at TESDA. I have also completed several courses in food safety, OHS, and WHS.
I would be a great fit for Great Food Restaurant based on your reputation for delivering exceptional dining experiences. Providing outstanding culinary moments brings me great joy.
My experience and leadership skills make me a strong candidate for this role. I’m eager to contribute to Great Food Restaurant's continued success.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my skills and experiences align with Great Food Restaurant's goals. I am also looking forward to joining your team and helping elevate the experience of your valued customers.
Sincerely,
Kenneth G. Almario
Which cover letter length is most effective?
Your cover letter is your chance to shine and make a memorable impression on the HR manager. It should be just right—enough to convey two or three compelling reasons why you’re the perfect fit for the role.
The ideal length will vary depending on your experiences and the specific requirements the job calls for. For instance, a cover letter for a waitressing role may be shorter than one for a Finance CEO position, but it should always aim to be at most one page or between 250 and 400 words.
Conclusion
Ensure your cover letter is clear, well-structured, and tailored to the specific job requirements. Always proofread and edit your cover letter carefully to ensure it is error-free. By following these tips, you can create a cover letter that captures the hiring manager's attention and convinces them to call you up for an interview.
FAQs
1. What is the correct length for a cover letter?
The ideal length for a cover letter is around 250–400 words or no more than one page. However, this may change depending on the industry or role that you’re applying for.
2. Can a cover letter be concise?
If a cover letter is very short, it’s likely it doesn’t include enough information. It should highlight the reasons why you’re applying and why you’d be a good fit for the role.
The cover letter should be long enough to convey why they should hire you, touch on key points from the selection criteria or job ad, and give an insight into your personality and enthusiasm for the role.
3. Is a two-page cover letter ever acceptable?
A two-page cover letter may be acceptable, but only in limited circumstances. For example, if the job ad asks for a long-form cover letter, or the role you’re applying for requires a significant amount of skills and experience to be addressed, then a two-page cover letter may be acceptable.
4. How do I explain my experience in a cover letter?
You don’t need to include all of your experience in the cover letter. Instead, choose two or three of your most relevant skills or experiences and describe in detail how you’ve demonstrated these in previous roles. Your goal is to show the hiring manager that you’re an excellent fit for the role.
5. Should the cover letter length vary by industry?
Across all industries, cover letters should be a maximum of one page long. Hiring managers often have a lot of applications to read through, and being short makes Cover letters easier to read and more engaging.
6. Do employers actually read cover letters, and does length matter?
Yes, employers do read cover letters. However, many applications are first screened and filtered by computer software (applicant tracking systems) that looks for specific skills and experience.
A natural person reads the ones that pass this first check. Cover letters are a great way for an employer to gain insight into your personality and whether you fit the company culture.
7. How can I make my cover letter concise without omitting important information?
You don’t have to include all your experience in the cover letter, limit it to the top three relevant skills or experiences that are strengths of yours. Edit your cover letter to be clear and concise, and not too wordy. Remove any redundant or generic sentences that don’t add value.
8. What is the proper format of a cover letter?
Use a standard business letter format, including your contact information, the date, the recipient's contact information, a greeting, body paragraphs, and a closing. Use a professional font like a sans-serif with an 11pt or 12pt font size, maintain a margin of 1” around the document, and keep it all consistent.
