application letter length

How Long Should a Cover Letter Be in 2024?

Finally, an organization posted your dream job. You crafted a flawless resume and now you’re ready to apply. You land on the cover letter section of the application and see that it is optional. Is it truly optional?

Will not submitting make me less likely to land the job? Where do I even start and how long should the cover letter be?

These are some things that might run through your head. But don’t panic, we are here to help. No matter what your career level is, your cover letter can set you apart from the other applicants. But how much do you have to write?

This can be a complicated question. Too much text? The hiring manager might glance over it. Too short? The recruiter may think that you didn’t put much thought or effort into writing the cover letter . 

Cover letters should range from a half-page to one full page. Your cover letter should never exceed one page in length.

• Page Count: 0.5 to 1
• Word count: 250 to 400
• Paragraph count: 3 to 6

How to Keep Your Cover Letter to One Page

Tip #1: keep it concise.

While the cover letter is a great way to showcase your personality, it is also very important to be concise. Hiring managers are sifting through dozens, and maybe even hundreds, of applications.

They do not have time to read a full two-page article about your daily tasks. Instead, highlight any relevant experiences that show your qualifications for the specific job.

Demonstrate your passion for the industry and end the letter. The decision-maker will appreciate your brevity and may even reward you with an interview . 

Tip #2: Highlight Only Relevant Experiences

Unless the employer requests a specific word count, keep it short. Take only the amount of space required to show that you are an ideal candidate for the job.

Highlight your qualifications and any relevant stories. It’s important to be specific, and not regurgitate the content on your resume. 

It is very important here to showcase how your past achievements can help the company solve their current challenges and how you will use your skills if chosen for the position.

Doing so will show the recruiter or hiring manager the value you can bring to their organization. 

Tip #3: Break Your Cover Letter into Sections

An effective cover letter contains three to four paragraphs. It’s important to keep the sentences short so the reader can quickly navigate your cover letter.  

Paragraph #1: The Intro

The first paragraph should grab the decision-maker’s attention. This is an opportunity to show your interest in the position and knowledge of the company. Make sure you address your cover letter to the correct person or department. Always be sure to research the company and customize each cover letter to the position you are applying for. 

Example: “I am excited to submit my application for the position of [insert position name] with [insert company name]. I have watched your growth for years and really appreciate the devotion to serving your customer’s needs.” 

Paragraph #2: Your Qualifications

The second paragraph should highlight relevant stories or stats that impress your qualifications. For example, “In the previous company, I grew sales by 150% in my first year and 200% in my second year.” It is helpful if you can be specific in how you achieved success or benefited the company in some way. This highlights what you bring to the table and how you can make an impact on the hiring manager’s business. 

Paragraph #3: Your Interest in the Company

The third paragraph, if you choose to include it, can speak to what drew you to apply to the specific company. This can sway the hiring manager's decision by showing passion and loyalty to the company. 

Paragraph #4: The Closing

The final paragraph should reiterate your interest in the position. It is a great time to thank the reader for their consideration and request an in-person meeting. It’s important to have a call-to-action so the reader knows what to do next. Always include detailed contact information. 

Tip #4: Experience Level

Cover letters can vary based on your experience level. If you are applying for jobs right out of college, don’t include metrics measured in school, such as GPA, unless requested. Instead, focus on your experiences, projects and achievements that make you a strong candidate. 

If you are in the middle of your career, pick out relevant accomplishments and state your experience level. For example, “With 12 years of teaching experience, I am writing to express my interest in the open position in your Mathematics Department.” 

If you have more experience, you likely have more relevant qualifications and stories. This may entice you to make your cover letter longer. Do not fall into the trap.

Longer does not mean better . Select a few key successes and leave others for the interview process. 

Tip #5: Formatting

The format is just as important as the length of your cover letter. Pay attention to the amount of white space on the page. More white space keeps the content easier to read for the recruiter or hiring manager.

You want to make sure that you use a font that is legible (as the ones handpicked by our team together with recruiters). Keep standard margins and align your text to the left. 

Writing a cover letter can be intimidating. If you remember to keep your writing concise and highlight only your relevant experiences, you will be on your way to snagging an interview in no time.

Suggested Reading:

• How to Write a Cover Letter in 2024
• Resume Formats Guide: How to Pick the Best in 2024
• Cover Letter Examples

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Why Include a Cover Letter

Email cover letter length, cover letter word count, use a concise subject line, how to format a cover letter.

Cover letters are an important part of the  job application process . You should  almost always send a cover letter  with a job application unless the hiring manager specifically asks you not to.

However, one thing that is less clear is how long your cover letter should be. If it is too short, employers might think you do not care much about the job. If it is too long, employers might not take the time to read your letter and may not consider you for an interview.

Read below for more advice on how long your cover letter should be, as well as additional advice on writing a strong cover letter.

Should you include a cover letter with your resume? Some employers  require cover letters , and you can find out if they do by reading the job posting. If a cover letter is required, the job advertisement will mention it.

Jobvite's Recruiter Nation Survey reports that only 27% of recruiters said that cover letters are important in their hiring decisions, up from 8% in 2017. A CareerBuilder survey reports that 40% of human resources managers responded that a cover letter would help an applicant get noticed.

Cover letter requirements vary between employers, industries, and the jobs the organization is filling. They also vary depending on whether you're sending an email cover letter, sending a printed letter attachment, or uploading your document.

Even when a cover letter isn't required, it can boost your chances of getting hired if you include one when you apply for a job.

Therefore, only leave out a cover letter when the employer specifically asks you not to send one.

How Long Should Your Cover Letter Be?

Should you keep your cover letter short, or should it be a full page or even longer? Your cover letter should be no longer than one page. If you're sending an email letter, it can be even shorter.

In fact, as far as how long your cover letter should be, shorter is better. The exception would be when an employer requests a letter that's a specific length or number of words.

• Your cover letter should be a maximum of one page, and shorter than that for an email cover letter.
• Some employers want even less. A Saddleback College survey reported that almost 70% of employers wanted a cover letter of a half page or shorter, 20% had no preference, and 12% expected a full page letter.

Your letter should concisely highlight your most relevant qualifications for the job and what you have to offer the employer.

When sending an  email cover letter , it's even more important to be concise. The first paragraph is what readers pay attention to when reading an email. The rest of the message is typically skimmed. Two paragraphs—one that serves as an introduction, and one that explains your qualification for the job—and then a closing is sufficient.

There is no specific word count you should aim for when writing a cover letter (unless the employer gives you a specific word count). Instead of focusing on the number of words, focus on making your cover letter one page or less, with a readable font and font size, and enough white space between paragraphs and in the margins.

Your goal is to  highlight your most relevant qualifications for the job , not to repeat everything that's on your resume.

However, if you use a 12-point font, a full page letter, not including the heading or signature, would be approximately 250 to 400 words.

You might want to hand a printed out version of your cover letter to a friend or family member and ask them if the letter seems too wordy, or too difficult to read.

You can also make your email cover letter stand out with a clear, concise email  subject line . Typically, you want to include the title of the position that you are applying for and your name. For example: Editorial Assistant-John Smith (try to keep it less than 30 characters).

This is about as much as people can see on their mobile devices, which is often how people check their email.

Just as important as the length of your cover letter is the  format . You will want to choose a  font  that is simple and legible (such as Arial, Calibri, Verdana, or Times New Roman) in a readable font size (typically 12 point).

Your  letter should include the following:

• Heading (hard copy letter)
• Introductory Paragraph
• Your Qualifications (one to three paragraphs or a list of bullet points)
• Signature (include your contact information in your signature when sending an email letter)

Your  margins  should be 1-inch all around, with the text aligned to the left.

You also want to leave space between paragraphs in your cover letter , as well as between your salutation and the text (and between your text and the signature), so that your letter is easy to read.

A good rule of thumb is that you always want a  good amount of white space on the paper . This will prevent your letter from looking too cluttered and difficult to read.

Jobvite. " Recruiter Nation Survey ," page 19. Accessed Jan. 3, 2022.

CareerBuilder. " How to Create a Cover Letter That Gets Attention ." Accessed Jan. 3, 2022.

CareerOneStop. " Write Effective Cover Letters ." Accessed Jan. 3, 2022.

Saddleback College. " Your Resume is Your 1st Interview ." Accessed Jan. 3, 2022.

A Letter of Application for a Job Should Be How Many Pages?

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Characteristics of an Effective Application Letter

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Job counselors often brace themselves for what's coming before they even open a reference source on cover letters: Usually a protest but just as often a long-winded, straight-from-the-gut sigh. What is it about cover letters that so unsettles job seekers? Biospace says there could be five contributors, actually. The fear element is often compounded when people realize that it's a letter of application they should submit, not a cover letter.

Although the terms are used interchangeably – much like "resumes" and "CVs" – they are two different entities. And now you can add a sixth element to the list: The length of a letter of application. Whereas a cover letter is usually one page long, a letter of application is intended to accomplish other objectives and so often comes in at two pages. Before you slump over your desk, consider the optimistic (and realistic) notion that you may actually enjoy the process of writing a letter of application. More than anything else, the letter is the story of you.

A Letter of Application Is Intended to Spark Interest

You may know that of all the types of writing letters, a cover letter's purpose is exactly as it sounds: It functions as a cover page – for your resume. Recruiters know to read it first because, in five or six paragraphs, it should serve to introduce someone to a company. While it's true that plenty of job seekers send their resume as a standalone document, experts strongly advise against it. To them, sending a resume without a cover letter is a little like convening a meeting of strangers and rushing straight to the agenda, without introducing everyone first. People will catch up, but it's impolite. Similarly:

• A cover letter

is accompanied by a resume; a letter of application is a stand-alone document, DocFormats says.

A cover letter is meant to entice a recruiter to call and set up an interview for a specific position; a letter of application functions more as a way to convey interest in a company. In fact, no specific job may be open at the time, but the sender hopes that the recruiter will keep him in mind as future openings occur.

A cover letter summarizes an applicant's qualifications for a specific position and personal qualities in five or six pithy paragraphs. A letter of application addresses the same topics but in much greater detail and in more of a conversational tone. As it moves from one point to the next, it goes into rich detail, with examples. This is why it often spills into two pages, Resume.io says.

• A cover letter is concise and succinct; a letter of application should convey the sender's personality.

Certain Circumstances Cry Out for This Letter

Given these differentiators, it's fair to say that cover letters are far more common than letters of application, but they may have a place in your job search, especially if:

There is no advertised job at a company, but you are eager to work there because you've heard good things about the challenges it presents to employees, the way it treats them or some other ideal that appeals to you. In fact, these are all good “talking points” to research and present in your letter of introduction.

A new company is coming to town and you want to be among the first to be considered for a job opportunity.

• A job ad asks for a “long-form” letter. The ad may use the words “letter of introduction” – ads for academic programs, internships and research positions often do – but anything similar is a clear sign that a “short” cover letter won't cut it.

Follow a Familiar Format

The good news is that the basic approach to a letter of application is similar to a cover letter; all you have to do is expand on each section in greater detail. Many cover letters address the following points:

• Introduction (and purpose)
• Professional qualifications/experiences
• Personal qualities
• Achievements, accolades or distinctions

Call to action

Closing and thank you

In a cover letter, it's recommended that you address each of these points in one paragraph so that the letter stays within the one-page mark. In a letter of application, you should devote at least two (and probably more) paragraphs to each point. This makes it even more important to “signpost” when you're going to shift, say, from your professional qualifications to your personal qualities. (If you're wondering whether you can use subheads to separate the sections, it's a better idea not to; while they will make your intention clear, they are also heavy-handed and will interrupt the flow of your story.)

The fact that a letter of application is intended to be the story of you strongly suggests that it will probably take several drafts until you are satisfied with the outcome. And there's nothing wrong with that. If you get stuck along the way, try talking your way through a difficult patch. Or ask someone to type while you dictate. Once you find your rhythm, you may find yourself cutting material, not struggling to fill the two pages. And if you're this engaged with the story, just think how a recruiter will respond.

• BioSpace: Why do we hate writing cover letters?
• Doc Formats: Difference Between an Application and a Cover Letter
• Resume.io: Application letter vs. cover letter: pros and cons, tips for job application scenarios

Mary Wroblewski earned a master'sdegree with high honors in communications and has worked as areporter and editor in two Chicago newsrooms. She launched her ownsmall business, which specialized in assisting small business ownerswith “all things marketing” – from drafting a marketing planand writing website copy to crafting media plans and developing emailcampaigns. Mary writes extensively about small business issues, andespecially “all things marketing.”

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• FRONT MATTER

Letter Length and Form

Although most faculty can readily make their letters look good at a glance thanks to computer software and templates, many still puzzle through the fundamentals of appropriate length and overall form. The standards are well-established, as discussed below.

Length of the Letter

In one study that assessed over 500 letters of recommendation, results indicated that “the strength of the cooperative relationship between recommenders and applicants influenced the favorability and length of the letters” (1). Another study noted that “the more detail in the letter, the more persuasive” (2). In other words, a longer letter in the right circumstances gives favor to the candidate, as long as detail in the letter is relevant.

To determine the appropriate length for a letter, balance your knowledge of the student with the weight and opportunity of what the student is applying for. For instance, if the student is seeking a military position that you have little knowledge of and your evaluation form included a detailed checklist, your letter might be just one or two paragraphs long, efficiently endorsing the student within the context of the whole application. In most circumstances, however, your letter should fill a page neatly and perhaps go on to a second page. When students apply for graduate school or a national scholarship, two-page letters are the norm, and very short letters leave candidates at a clear disadvantage. As faculty who sit on review boards will confirm, letters of three pages or more are simply too lengthy (and often too full of irrelevant detail) for a selection committee to consider efficiently; pare them back.

Letterhead and Date

The letterhead should not be included on any pages except the first one, but be sure to number and perhaps date any subsequent pages in case they become separated. Many writers also provide an appropriate subject line at the top of any pages after the first one (e.g., “Letter of Reference for Janet Lerner—Page 2”).

Thanks to computer software, professional looking letterheads are easily generated, and many faculty use paper with a pre-printed letterheads for their first page. The best letterhead is that of the department, college, or other organization with which you are most closely affiliated. If you use some other letterhead, such as that of an inter-office memo or personal stationery, you have not clearly announced your connection to the student and you’ve weakened the letter’s suitability. If you attach a separate letter to a form, a letterhead is still appropriate. Date the letter two or so spaces beneath the letterhead at the left or right margin.

Address and Greeting

Some writers include the target employer’s or review committee’s address at the top left margin beneath the letterhead and date; others simply begin with a greeting directed to the name of the individual heading the group that will review your letter. Get the student to give you an actual name if possible. Archaic greetings such as “Dear Sir or Madam” should be avoided, but some writers still favor the generic “To Whom it May Concern.” If you do not have a person’s name to address the letter to, let the greeting reflect the circumstances to which the letter is tailored—e.g., “Dear Graduate School Selection Committee.”

Text Formatting and Paragraph Length

Font sizes of between 10 and 12 and standard publishing fonts such as Times New Roman and Century are preferred. The convention is to single-space your type, skip lines between each paragraph, and either consistently choose no indentation for paragraphs or indent each paragraph one-half inch. Preferably, keep your paragraphs reasonably short to enhance readability. For most circumstances, three to five paragraphs per page seems to be standard, but bulkier paragraphs are possible if introduced with sound topic sentences and with effective transitions imbedded.

Closing the Letter

Sign off with “Sincerely” or something similar, then put your handwritten signature beneath, then include your typed name and title on separate lines directly beneath. Your title connects you to the student directly and affirms your credibility and affiliation. Identify your full title (“Assistant Professor of Anthropology” rather than just “Assistant Professor”) and include more than one title where logical—if you chaired or advised an organization that the student was involved in, for example, you could include that title as well. Many writers include the initials of their degrees as well, and some writers include their phone number and e-mail address under their title to facilitate easy follow-up contact.

Further Study

Matters of form for recommendation letters are discussed further at these websites:

“Recommendation Letter” article from 1st-writer.com

Emilie Nilsson

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