The Everlasting Question: How Long Should Your Cover Letter Be?

how-long-should-a-cover-letter-be
How Long Should Your Cover Letter Be?

Crafting a cover letter can feel daunting, but it's a crucial step in maximizing your chances of getting hired. It's more than just summarizing your resume; it's about introducing yourself in a compelling way. Your cover letter should strike a balance—detailed enough to pique the reader's interest in opening your resume, yet concise to maintain engagement and avoid losing their attention.

Everyone struggles with trying to decide what information to include in their cover letter. How long should a cover letter be is a question everyone asks themselves while writing their letter.

We’ll go over how long your cover letter should be, why it should be that length, what key details to include, and how to edit it. 

How Long Should the Cover Letter Be?

When deciding how long your cover letter should be, you need to remember why people write cover letters in the first place: to spark the reader's curiosity and encourage them to open your resume. It's vital not to simply copy the content from your resume into your cover letter.

Recruiters and hiring managers read tens, if not hundreds, of cover letters and resumes daily. Your cover letter must be concise, relevant, and punchy. Avoid dwelling too long on one point, and strive to maintain your reader's attention until they reach the end.

A good rule of thumb for how long a cover letter should be is 300-500 words. Aim for a concise structure with a few paragraphs, ideally between 3-6, to efficiently communicate your message. Each paragraph should serve a distinct purpose, from introducing yourself and expressing your interest in the position to highlighting relevant experiences and skills. Keep your sentences clear and to the point, avoiding unnecessary fluff or repetition. Remember, your cover letter is your opportunity to make a strong first impression, so make every word count.

How to Keep Your Cover Letter to One Page?

how-long-should-a-cover-letter-be

Now that we know roughly how long a cover letter should be, let's delve into the methods for achieving the recommended length.

Let’s look at an example

English Content Marketing Specialist - CakeResume

Job Description:

“We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced marketing professional to join our team as an English Content Marketing Specialist. The ideal candidate should have a track record of proven skills and expertise in digital marketing, with a focus on growth & branding within the English market. 

As an English Content Marketing Specialist, your primary role is to develop and execute impactful content & SEO as well as brand marketing strategies that are in line with CakeResume's business objectives and effectively resonate with our target audience in the English market. This position necessitates a profound comprehension of digital marketing strategy, audience segmentation, and the capability to drive engagement, conversions, and leads through compelling marketing initiatives.”

Responsibilities:

  • Build & maintain relationships with brands, communities, schools, and relevant organizations to grow CakeResume’s brand awareness & authority in the English markets.
  • Responsible for formulating SEO & content strategies aligned with the CakeResume brand across different channels/platforms to achieve marketing objectives for the English market, including but not limited to website, blog, EDM, link building, guest blogging, etc.
  • Collaborate with visual designers and internal/external content team members to execute SEO & content plans/strategies.

Basic Qualifications:

  • At least 2 or more years of SEO & content marketing experience, with a strong portfolio showcasing successful SEO & content strategies.
  • Strong project management skills and attention to detail.

Bonus Qualifications:

  • Basic graphic design skills for visual materials.
  • Familiarity with Google Ads & Meta Ads.

Note: Typically, there is another section labeled as "bonus qualifications," "preferred qualifications," or "nice to have." These qualifications are not mandatory but possessing them would make you a highly competitive candidate.

1. Understanding Job Listings

Job listings typically follow a standardized structure, beginning with an overview of expected tasks and responsibilities, followed by detailed information on required skills, and concluding with desired qualifications in a candidate. It's crucial to comprehend this structure to tailor your application effectively.

2. Align with Job Requirements

Job listings have specific requirements and call for precise skills. Increase the strength of your cover letter by using the same keywords that they have in their listing. 

3. Captivate with Your Skills

You want to intrigue the recruiting manager with your in-demand skills. By mentioning your top qualifications early on, you pique the reader's interest and compel them to continue reading. 

4. Tailor Your Application

Customizing your cover letter as well as your resume is key to impressing the reader. You’re giving the company exactly what they are looking for by replicating the keywords they are using in their job listing. Avoid sending a generic template for every single company, as experienced recruiting managers can tell when you've invested minimal effort in your cover letter. Making small tweaks, such as using the recruiter's name at the start of the letter or specifically mentioning the name of the company you're applying to, will make the cover letter appear more personalized and meaningful.

5. Structuring Your Cover Letter

Introduction

Begin your cover letter with a compelling opening sentence, typically showcasing a brief highlight of your experience or professional identity. Follow this by specifying the position you are applying for and indicating how you learned about the opportunity.

"I am a bilingual marketer with over 4 years of experience in digital marketing, specializing in content creation and SEO strategies. I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to join your team as an English Content Marketing Specialist after learning about the position on your company’s website."

Body Paragraphs

For the body paragraphs, you need to let your achievements flow. Briefly highlight your skills and achievements. Do not make your achievements vague, use numbers to quantify the impact you had so the reader has a better understanding of your value. Lastly, keep it short and precise, a few sentences are all you need.

"I led a team of three other marketers, significantly enhancing my company’s social media presence. I devised a strategy to secure book reviews from influential figures with tens of thousands of followers, resulting in a substantial growth in our overall social media followers from 15,000 to 350,000."

Conclusion

The closing paragraph is the easiest part. Show gratitude for someone taking the time to read your letter. Give them a call to action and list any other relevant contact info.

"Thank you for considering my application for the English Content Marketing Specialist position at CakeResume. I am eager to leverage my skills and experience to contribute to CakeResume's success in the English market. Please feel free to contact me if you require any further information."

6. Proofreading and Editing

After completing your letter, thoroughly review it for any errors in grammar and punctuation. Poor grammar and punctuation can create a negative impression. Be especially cautious about mentioning the wrong company in your cover letter, as this oversight can lead to instant rejection by many companies due to carelessness. Your proficiency in proofreading demonstrates your attentiveness and effort, qualities highly valued by employers.

Don’t hesitate to trim sentences from your letter. Each deletion strengthens the remaining sentences, so be selective about the details you include.

One common weakness in writing is the use of the passive voice. Ensure that your cover letter is written in the active voice for clarity and dynamism. Use action verbs to enhance the impact of your writing.

After proofreading, set the cover letter aside for a while. Returning to it later with a fresh perspective can help you spot mistakes you might have missed before.

Having another set of eyes review your work is a valuable way to ensure clarity and readability. Reach out to mentors or friends, preferably those within your industry, for proofreading assistance. If you're struggling with grammar, consider inputting awkward-sounding sentences into ChatGPT for modification suggestions.

Cover Letter Examples

A Business Major Fresher

Dear Ms. Johnson,

I am a recent graduate with a degree in business from NYU and I am writing to express my keen interest in the Sales Assistant vacancy within your esteemed organization, as discovered on LinkedIn.

The prospect of your company's expansion into Mexico has captured my attention, particularly regarding the language app that aligns seamlessly with the educational preferences of the local demographic. Drawing from my personal experience of studying abroad in Mexico and providing English tutoring to Latin American students, I possess firsthand insights into their specific needs and expectations in a language learning application.

My time living in Mexico inspired me to minor in Spanish and actively participate in the Latin American club. Serving as the Vice President of the Latino Culture Club for two years, I successfully navigated annual budget negotiations, leading to a substantial increase from the initial $1,500 to its peak of $3,500. Moreover, through strategic initiatives such as meet-and-greets, advertisements, and networking at events, I elevated attendance from a modest 30 students to an impressive 120 within two years of upper management.

The service your company offers is of exceptional quality, and I am confident in my ability to effectively promote it. The opportunity for frequent travel to Mexico is particularly appealing to me, as I have developed a genuine passion for the culture and aspire to build a career where I can immerse myself in it for an extended period. 

After years of studying Spanish, I can speak and read with fluency. While no one will confuse me as a native speaker, it is more than enough to talk business. 

Should you wish to explore further insights into my background and experience, please do not hesitate to reach out to me.

I appreciate your consideration.

Regards,

John Doe

📚Further reading: Craft a Job-Winning Cover Letter for Fresh Graduates (w/ Examples & Tips)

A Graduate Looking for an Internship

Dear Mr. Liu, 

I’m a recent graduate from the Fashion Institute of Technology with a degree in commercial advertising and art. I found your company on Instagram and see that you guys are looking for a new social media manager intern.

I found your web series offering advice on various ways to wear purple to be brilliant. As a fan of bold and daring fashion, I believe that your company's fashion philosophies align perfectly with mine

Over my college career, I developed my own social media following. I have an Instagram page dedicated to American urban fashion blended with high fashion from Asia, which has attracted 15,000 followers. I photographed, edited, and wrote the copy for all 40+ posts on my Instagram. Additionally, I have recently expanded into YouTube and, this month created a video that garnered 60,000 views.

I've learned how to grow my own brand despite my meager resources. With your wonderful lineup of clothes and content, we can implement the same strategies I used on a greater scale and substantially raise awareness about Fashion Inc.

I’d love to start working on a plan right away, so please don’t hesitate to reach back to me.

Thanks for your time and consideration

Regards,

Susan Cello

📚Further reading: Perfect Internship Cover Letter to Start Your Career [+ Examples & Tips]

A Student Looking for a Part-Time Job at a Restaurant

Dear Hiring Manager,

I came across your listing on Indeed for a cashier. I am currently a communications student at the university near your restaurant. I am an out-of-state student seeking a part-time position to support myself financially. 

I am committed to putting in hard work and am willing to be flexible in covering shifts for a smooth operational flow. I've noticed that your restaurant is understaffed on the weekends, and I am confident that I can consistently provide relief to this issue.

I have 4 years of restaurant experience, three as a cashier and one as a waiter. I’ve experienced the pressure of rush hour, dealt with the responsibility of opening and closing the restaurant on time, and dealt with problematic customers.

I’ve eaten at your restaurant and your cashier system is similar to the one I’ve used in the past. The transition will be smooth for me; I can contribute to your restaurant from day one.

My experience as a waiter would be beneficial to your restaurant. In instances where a waiter calls in sick or when the orders become overwhelming, I can step in and assist. I’ve worked with several different ticket systems, I will quickly adapt to yours. 

I am looking to start a part-time job before the Spring Semester starts, so please email me back if my experience and skills intrigue you.

Thank you very much for your time and patience.

Regards,

Joseph Barley

📚Further reading: A Cashier Cover Letter to Stand Out! [w/Examples + Writing Tips]

Experienced Business Analyst in the SaaS industry 

Dear Recruiting Manager,

I am reaching out to express my keen interest in the Business Analyst position. With three years of experience as an analyst in the SaaS industry, I am eager to take the next step in my career. I recently came across this exciting opportunity on LinkedIn and am enthusiastic about the prospect of contributing to your team.

I created a data model that was able to measure the effectiveness of retaining our customers. One of our key products had a high churn rate, and it was reduced by 62% after we implemented a strategy that I devised. To arrive at this optimal solution, I tested various strategies within my business model before determining the most effective one for our company to allocate resources.

In addition, I also designed a statistical model to create a more accurate Ideal Customer Profile. My degree in survey research has become a great asset as it helps with categorizing characteristics among a wide variety of clientele, a consistent asset I bring to the companies that I’ve worked and interned for. 

I have a methodical approach that prioritizes effectiveness over pure speed. Your company has taken its time to release its latest product out of beta because you guys value a stellar product. I believe our working styles coincide with each other perfectly. 

I am considering a promotion for my current company, but I feel that I’d rather join a company that is growing. Let me know as soon as possible if you think we are a good fit.

Thank you for your consideration

Regards,

Rose Ramirez

📚Further reading: Business Analyst Cover Letter Samples, Templates, & Tips

Marketing Manager with 10 Years of Experience 

I’ve been involved in marketing for 15 years, and have been in management for a decade. I’m applying for the position of Senior Marketing Manager. I found out about this position at a networking event.

One of my notable achievements includes spearheading an advertising campaign that significantly increased my company's presence in the Midwest, particularly in Chicago, where our market share tripled under my management. My marketing style is characterized by its aggressiveness and ambition, pushing my team to explore new platforms and expand into untapped venues.

I leverage my extensive connections with influential marketers and influencers to expose our products to new markets with high conversion rates. Learning about your company's expansion into New England has piqued my interest. Holding an MBA from a New England institution and maintaining strong business connections in the region, I have developed a strategic plan to utilize my network for securing ad space and generating organic traffic through SEO, tailored to resonate with the Northeast audience.

My management style is fast-paced and result-oriented, emphasizing autonomy for my team members while ensuring effectiveness. Your company's industry reputation aligns with my preference for independent and self-driven professionals, making it an ideal fit for my leadership approach.

I am eager to discuss potential strategic options for your expansion and address any inquiries you may have about my resume. Please feel free to contact me at 555-555-5555 to arrange a convenient time for a conversation

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to your team's success.

Regards,

Matthew Isotope

📚Further reading: How to Write a Marketing Manager Cover Letter (+ Examples)

Conclusion

Crafting a compelling cover letter is a nuanced process, not a one-size-fits-all endeavor. While there's no definitive answer to how long a cover letter should be, these tips can guide you:

  • Opt for brevity and precision over verbosity.
  • Aim to keep your cover letter under 500 words.
  • Use quantifiable metrics to reinforce your achievements.
  • Customize your cover letter to align with the specifics of the job listing.
  • Emphasize your most relevant skills while trimming extraneous details.
  • Conclude with a gracious expression of thanks and a clear call to action.
  • Write in the active voice to convey assertiveness.
  • Prioritize thorough proofreading to ensure flawless presentation.

Cover letters serve as dynamic tools to entice employers and prompt action. Each one should be tailored to capture the attention of the specific company you're targeting. Armed with these insights, crafting a standout cover letter becomes more manageable. 

However, remember that cover letters are just the first step in the hiring process. The subsequent phase involves impressing employers with a well-structured and impactful resume. Explore additional resources on CakeResume to refine your resume-writing skills and enhance your job prospects.

With CakeResume, the best resume builder and portfolio builder, we provide you with hundreds of resume templates (free download) and various job resume examples that help showcase the best you. Landing your dream job will be a piece of cake!

--- Originally Written by Christopher Grudge ---

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