How Long Should Your Cover Letter Be in 2024? Expert Advice

Key Takeaways for Cover Letter Length

• Aim for a cover letter between 250 and 400 words, confined to a single page.
• The best length for your cover letter depends on factors such as your level of expertise and any instructions provided by the employer.
• Minova offers an AI-powered cover letter generator that removes the guesswork from the process and helps you create a cover letter that presents you as an ideal candidate for the company and position.

You've completed your resume, experiencing a wave of relief, only to realize that the job description requires a cover letter as well.

Writing a cover letter is often seen as one of the least enjoyable aspects of applying for jobs. However, this document can significantly impact your job search. Therefore, it's worth the effort to create a compelling one.

As you begin, you're likely to wonder, "How long should my cover letter be?" Should you write several pages, or is a brief paragraph or two sufficient?

This guide will help you determine the ideal length for your cover letter, enabling you to capture the attention of hiring managers and stand out from other applicants.

How long should a cover letter be? Cover letters can vary in length, but the main goal is to effectively communicate your experience and the value you bring. While it's generally recommended to keep your cover letter to one page, there are some general guidelines to consider. A typical cover letter is:

• Under 400 words
• Three to five paragraphs
• Between half a page and a full page (but never exceeding one page)

You probably already know the recommended length for a resume, but cover letters can seem less straightforward. So, what's the ideal length for a cover letter? Ultimately, the "ideal" length is whatever is necessary to present yourself as the most relevant, qualified, and impressive candidate for the position.

When writing a great cover letter, it's more important to focus on the content than on adhering to arbitrary rules. However, as with your other application materials, you have some flexibility. As you write, consider these points to determine the appropriate length for your specific situation:

• Your Experience Level: For internships or entry-level jobs, a shorter cover letter of around 250 words or two paragraphs may suffice. If you have extensive experience, a full page might be necessary to showcase your skills and work history.
• Type of Experience: If you're changing careers or industries, a longer cover letter can help connect the dots and explain your career journey. If your experience is directly relevant, a shorter letter might be sufficient.
• Job Ad Instructions: Carefully review the job posting for any specific instructions about the cover letter's length, format, or content. Following these guidelines demonstrates your attention to detail and increases your chances of getting through the initial screening.

Regardless of the specifics, your cover letter should be a concise and compelling summary of your most significant skills and achievements, which you should be able to convey in a few well-crafted paragraphs.

When determining the length of your cover letter, remember that brevity is key. The ideal length will vary based on your experience. When in doubt, refer to these guidelines for estimating an appropriate length:

Cover Letter Length Guidelines

Note: These are guidelines, not strict rules. Feel free to adjust the length as needed, ensuring all information fits on a single page.

Does the length of your cover letter really matter? Let's address the fundamental question: Are cover letters even important? Do hiring managers read them, or is it a waste of time? Rest assured, in most cases, your cover letter will be reviewed. Recruiters consider the length of a cover letter to be a significant factor when deciding whether to read it, second only to the quality of the resume and the candidate.

Decision-makers use cover letters as a valuable tool for evaluating candidates. When sifting through numerous applications, a lengthy cover letter can slow them down and potentially lead to your application being rejected. A concise cover letter, on the other hand, is more likely to be read in its entirety, allowing the hiring manager to grasp your qualifications effectively.

Keeping your cover letter short allows you to:

• Highlight Key Skills: Focus on your most relevant and impressive qualifications, preventing them from being buried in excessive details.
• Make a Strong First Impression: A shorter document grabs attention quickly. Think of your cover letter as a movie trailer, showcasing the most compelling aspects to entice the viewer to see the whole film (your resume).
• Demonstrate Soft Skills: Communication, prioritization, and organization are essential in nearly every role. Your cover letter demonstrates your ability to prioritize information, arrange it effectively, and deliver a clear and persuasive message.

How many pages should a cover letter be? Aim for one page. If you can convey your message in less space, don't add unnecessary content to fill the page. Even half a page is acceptable. Shorter is generally better, and your cover letter should never exceed two pages. If it does, it's a sign that you need to trim the content.

How many words should a cover letter be? A typical cover letter is between 250 and 400 words. This may seem like a lot, but you'll likely reach that count quickly. It's roughly enough space for three to five short paragraphs, each containing two to three sentences. A word count below 400 on a single page is a safe target. However, the specific length depends on your qualifications and experience level.

How to Keep a Cover Letter to One Page. Writing a concise cover letter can be challenging. Condensing your qualifications into a few paragraphs is not easy, and every sentence should serve a purpose. Here are some tips for writing a clear, concise, and compelling cover letter:

1. Think of it as a Highlight Reel: Remember that your cover letter's goal is to encourage the HR professional to review your resume. If they like what they see, you'll move to the interview stage. Your cover letter doesn't need to tell your entire story; it just needs to pique the hiring manager's interest. Ask yourself, "What three things would I tell the hiring manager to convince them I'm the ideal candidate?" Focus on those key points.

2. Revisit the Job Description: Relevance is crucial. Tailor your cover letter to the specific job. A career platform like Minova can help you identify keywords in the job description and recommend which ones to include based on your existing skills. To tailor your cover letter, ask yourself:

   • How many years of experience are required?
   • What education level is needed?
   • What soft and technical skills are emphasized?
   • What are the main responsibilities of the position?
   • What unique skills and experiences set me apart?

   Then, review your experience and qualifications, noting how you meet each requirement. This will help you identify keywords to include in your cover letter.

3. Adjust Spacing: Fine-tuning the spacing can help you fit everything on one page. Consider adjusting:

   • Line spacing
   • Margins
   • Leading
   • Tracking
   • Kerning
   • Font size
   • Typeface

4. Keep it Simple: While a cover letter is a formal document, avoid run-on sentences, filler words, and jargon. Simpler is better. Use:

   • Simple formatting for easy skimming
   • Short, straightforward sentences
   • Bullet points to highlight qualifications
   • A reasonable font size (10-12 point), single-spaced text, and ample white space

5. Get Feedback: Ask a trusted friend or family member to review your cover letter and provide constructive feedback. Share the job description with them to provide context for more targeted feedback.

Minova provides an AI Cover Letter Generator that simplifies the process of creating a compelling cover letter, whether you need a short or long one. Here's how it works:

1. Choose a resume from the Resume Builder (or import one).
2. Click the "Cover Letter" tab.
3. Attach a job description.
4. Click the "Write with AI" button.
5. Set your preferred length and tone.

Minova will automatically generate a polished cover letter that matches your resume, which you can export as a PDF. You can refine the results by using the "Try Again" or "Improve with AI" options. Even if you don't use the AI-generated content verbatim, it provides a helpful starting point, making the process less daunting.

Aim for a cover letter that is the right length. You want your cover letter to be just right - not too long, not too short. Getting it just right, however, while also effectively capturing your most relevant skills and experiences can be a challenge. Fortunately, it’s possible. By putting the tips and tools discussed above to work, writing your cover letter won’t be as dreaded and daunting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a 500-word cover letter too long?

It's slightly on the longer side, considering the typical range is 250 to 400 words. See if you can trim any unnecessary content. However, if it fits comfortably on one page with a reasonable font size, 500 words may be acceptable.

Is a 150-word cover letter too short?

This is likely too short to effectively convey your message. Consider adding more content to reach the recommended length of 250 to 400 words, ensuring that any additions add value.

Is a two-page cover letter too long?

Yes, it is. Your cover letter should be limited to one page with sufficient white space for balance. Review your content to identify areas for trimming.

How long should a cover letter be in the UK?

The UK follows the same guidelines as the US: 250 to 400 words, divided into three to five short paragraphs on a single page.