How Long Should a Cover Letter Be? Word Count and Length Rules

A cover letter should be one page: about 250 to 400 words in three to four short paragraphs. Shorter is fine if every sentence is useful. Longer than one page almost never helps.

Hiring managers often read many applications in one sitting, so a tight letter is easier to finish. Length is also a quick sign that you can prioritise.

Cover letter length at a glance

Length by situation

Freshers and first jobs

Aim for 200 to 300 words. You have less experience to cover, so lead with education, projects, internships and why you want this role. Padding with weak claims shows. See resume format for freshers for the matching resume.

Mid-career professionals

Aim for 300 to 400 words. Pick two or three achievements that match the advert and give figures. Do not summarise your whole career.

Senior and executive roles

Stay near 350 to 400 words. Seniority does not earn a longer letter, but it does allow more specific results.

Career changers

You may need the upper end of 400 words to explain the move. Use the extra space for transferable skills, not an apology.

Academic and research roles

Letters can run one and a half to two pages in some academic settings, especially for faculty posts. Follow the institution's instructions over any general rule.

Cover letter length in an email

If you paste the letter into the email body, shorten it to 120 to 200 words. People read email on phones, so use three very short paragraphs. If you attach a PDF instead, keep the email itself to two or three lines. The trade-offs are in should I attach a cover letter or write it in the email.

How to see if your letter is too long

• It spills onto a second page at 11 or 12 pt font.
• A paragraph has more than five lines.
• It repeats facts already in your resume.
• You use a long sentence where a short one would do.

How to cut a long cover letter

1. Delete the first sentence if it only says you are applying. Start with your strongest point.
2. Remove duplicate facts. If your resume says it, the letter should add the reason it matters.
3. Keep two achievements, not five.
4. Cut adjectives like "passionate", "dynamic" and "hard-working". Show proof instead.
5. Trim the closing to a thank-you and one next step.
6. Check the font and margins. Use 10.5 to 12 pt and about 2.5 cm (1 inch) margins. Do not shrink them to force a fit. See cover letter format.

A simple structure that stays short

• Paragraph 1 (40 to 60 words): the role and your strongest reason.
• Paragraph 2 (100 to 150 words): your best matching achievement, with numbers.
• Paragraph 3 (60 to 100 words): why this employer, and a second proof point.
• Paragraph 4 (30 to 50 words): thanks and a call to action.

Copy-ready wording is in the cover letter template, and cover letter examples show these lengths in practice.

Do it once, then match your resume

New to the whole document? Start with what a cover letter is. Then make sure your resume is just as clear: pick a free template and follow how to make a resume stand out.