How long should a cover letter be?
A cover letter is a critical part of the job-hunting process. It provides insight into your personality and enthusiasm for the role, and complements the qualifications, experience and skills listed on your resumé.
It gives an employer an idea of who you are as a person, and whether you’d be a good fit for the role and the company culture. It’s your first impression on the hiring manager, which is why knowing how to format your cover letter and getting the word count right is important.
Which prompts an important question: how many words in a cover letter? As a general rule, your cover letter should fit on one page. It should be long enough to showcase your qualities and highlight why you’d be the perfect choice for the job, but not too long that the hiring 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 around three to six paragraphs, or around 250 to 400 words. However, the length of your cover letter may vary depending on the job application and industry you’re applying for. The only time you should go over the one-page cover letter length is if the job ad specifically asks for this, or if you have a lot of relevant experience – just try to keep it as concise as possible.
How to structure your cover letter
With the above in mind, it’s time to get writing. Here’s a quick guide on how to structure your cover letter.
Introduce yourself
Your introduction should catch the reader’s attention and show your enthusiasm for the role. Briefly introduce yourself, mention the position you are applying for, and explain why you are interested in the role and the company. If you’ve been referred to the job by someone already working there, mention it in this first paragraph.
Write a compelling body paragraph
The body of your cover letter is where you should talk about your most relevant skills and experiences that make you a great fit for the job. This section can be one or two paragraphs long.
Choose two or three skills or experiences from your resumé to tailor your cover letter to match the key selection criteria. Briefly explain what these are, and how these skills will benefit the new role and company. Show how you have demonstrated these in the workplace by giving examples of situations you’ve faced, what you did, and the results. Use the STAR method (situation, task, action, result) to best highlight your capabilities.
Create a memorable ending for your cover letter
To wrap up your cover letter, reiterate your enthusiasm for the role and thank the hiring manager for their consideration. You should also finish 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 important to keep in mind the length of your cover letter as you are writing it. Here are some ways you can make sure your cover letter is the right length, without missing any important details.
Check the employer’s requirements
Check if the job ad includes any requirements for the cover letter. Some hiring managers will specify the length, format, or font size they prefer. By following these instructions, you not only make sure your cover letter hits all the right notes, but also demonstrate your attention to detail skills.
Follow professional formatting
You should always 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 size 11–12pt; any smaller than this and the hiring manager may have trouble reading it.
- Keep a margin of 1 inch and use single spacing around the document so it looks neat and well organised.
- Add line spaces between each section or paragraph to clearly separate them.
- Keep your paragraphs short and to the point, to enhance readability.
- You can use some bullet points if they enhance clarity, though be mindful not to duplicate what is on your resumé.
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 strongest 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 that the employer wants to hear more and invites you for an interview.
Remove fluff
Your cover letter should be clear, concise and easy to read. Read through your cover letter (or get a friend to) and see where you can tighten up the language. Take out redundant phrases and generic statements that don’t add value to your cover letter. Use the active voice (‘I’ statements) and power verbs to show confidence and enhance clarity and engagement.
Proofread and edit
Before you submit your cover letter, make sure to proofread it. Carefully check your cover letter for any grammatical errors or spelling mistakes. You should also do another read-through and edit for clarity and brevity, cutting out unnecessary words and sentences that don’t contribute to your main points. Then 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’ve missed.
Cover letter examples by length
Here are some cover letter examples:
Cover letter example: Short (half page)
Sarah Smith
A23 Fake Street
Adelaide, 5000
[email protected]
0400 000 000
30/04/2024
David Mitchell
ABC Company
789 Curve Avenue
Adelaide 5000
Dear Mr Mitchell,
I am excited to apply for the Retail Supervisor position at ABC Company, as advertised on SEEK. 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 biggest 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, which resulted in increased sales for products on display.
I’m interested in a role at ABC Company as 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. I am passionate about delivering exceptional customer experiences and driving sales through team leadership, and am eager to bring my enthusiasm and dedication to ABC Company.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my skills and experiences will benefit you and ABC Company.
Sincerely,
Sarah Smith
Cover letter example: Medium (half page to full page)
Leela Ramirez
Perth, WA 6000
[email protected]
0400 000 000
30/04/2024
Isabella Santos
AAA Holidays
Dear Mrs Santos,
I am writing to express my interest in the Travel Advisor position at AAA Holidays, as advertised on seek.com.au. 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 personalised 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 upselling additional services or packages by 10%, including all-inclusive packages and tours.
- Received outstanding customer feedback and high satisfaction ratings for personalised travel itineraries and recommendations.
I am drawn to AAA Holiday's reputation for providing unforgettable travel services and personalised experiences, as this is what motivates me to go above and beyond for my clients. I am confident that my background and enthusiasm for travel make me a strong applicant for this role, and I’m eager to use my skills and help your 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 the company’s success.
Sincerely,
Leela Ramirez
Cover letter example: Long (full page)
Ahmed Khan
Brisbane 4000
[email protected]
0400 000 000
30/04/2024
Luca Rossi
Great Food Restaurant
15 Ocean View Street
Brisbane, QLD 4000
Dear Mr. Rossi,
I am thrilled to apply for the Restaurant Manager position at Great Food Restaurant, as advertised both on your bulletin board and also on seek.com.au. 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.
In my current role as a Restaurant Manager at Gumtree 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 most other achievements include:
- 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 have consistently achieved and exceeded revenue targets. By closely monitoring expenses and resource allocation, I have contributed to the financial success of Gumtree Restaurant.
In order to strengthen my leadership skills, I recently undertook management training, completing a certificate in hospitality management at TAFE. I have also completed several courses in food safety and OHS and WHS. Now I feel it’s time for my next challenge.
I feel I would make a great fit for Great Food Restaurant, based on your reputation for delivering exceptional dining experiences, as providing outstanding culinary moments is something that brings me great joy. I am confident that my experience and leadership skills make me a strong applicant for this role. I’m keen to contribute to the continued success of Great Food Restaurant.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my skills and experiences line up with the goals of Great Food Restaurant. I am looking forward to the possibility of joining your team and helping to elevate the experience of your valued customers.
Sincerely,
Ahmed Khan
Which cover letter length is most effective?
Your cover letter is your chance to shine and make a memorable impression on the hiring manager. The length of your cover letter 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 an entry-level role should be shorter than one for a senior leadership position, but it should always aim to be no longer than one page, or between 250 to 400 words.
Make sure your cover letter is clear, well-structured, and tailored to the specific job requirements – and always proofread and edit your cover letter carefully to ensure it is error-free. By being concise and focussing on your strongest points, your cover letter can capture the attention of the hiring manager and convince them to call you up and find out more.
FAQs
What is the ideal 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 differ depending on the industry or role that you’re applying for.
Can a cover letter be too short?
Yes, a cover letter can be too short, if 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.
Is a two-page cover letter ever acceptable?
Yes, 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.
How can I fit all my experience into the recommended cover letter length?
You don’t need to fit all of your experience into the cover letter. Instead, choose two or three of your most relevant skills or experiences and go into detail about how you’ve shown these in previous roles. Your goal is to prioritise matching the key criteria.
Should the cover letter length vary by industry?
Generally all cover letters should be a maximum of one page long, across all industries. Hiring managers often have a lot of applications to read through, and being short, clear and concise makes it easier to read and more engaging.
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 system) that looks for specific skills and experience. The ones that pass this first check are read by the hiring manager or recruiter. Cover letters are a great way for an employer to gain insight into your personality and whether you’d fit the company culture.
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.
