When applying for jobs, many candidates struggle with one common question: how long should my cover letter be? Some write pages of detail hoping to impress, while others keep it to just a few lines. The truth is, both extremes can hurt your chances.

A cover letter is not meant to be a lengthy autobiography. Instead, it should act as a focused introduction that connects your skills to the role. Knowing the right length can make your application stronger and more appealing to recruiters.

The Ideal Length of a Cover Letter

The sweet spot for a professional cover letter is half a page to one full page, or roughly 250–400 words.

• 3–4 concise paragraphs are usually enough.

• Aim for less than one page on a standard document.

• Recruiters often spend less than 30 seconds skimming cover letters, so keep it brief and impactful.

Why Length Matters

1. Attention Span of Recruiters
   Hiring managers often go through hundreds of applications. A long-winded cover letter is likely to be skimmed or skipped.

2. Professional Impression
   A concise letter shows that you respect the recruiter’s time and can communicate effectively.

3. Focus on What Matters
   By keeping it short, you force yourself to highlight only the most relevant skills and achievements.

Structure of an Effective Cover Letter

To stay within the right length, follow this simple structure:

1. Opening (1 paragraph) – State the position you’re applying for and briefly introduce yourself.

2. Middle (1–2 paragraphs) – Highlight 2–3 key skills or experiences that directly match the job requirements. Use specific examples, not generic claims.

3. Closing (1 paragraph) – Express enthusiasm, thank the recruiter for their time, and include a call to action (such as expressing interest in an interview).

What to Avoid

• Rewriting Your Entire CV: The cover letter should complement, not duplicate, your resume.

• Excessive Detail: Avoid long stories about every past role.

• Too Short: A single paragraph looks lazy or rushed.

Tips to Keep It the Right Length

• Edit Ruthlessly – Remove unnecessary adjectives or repeated points.

• Use Clear Formatting – Short paragraphs and plenty of white space improve readability.

• Prioritize Relevance – Tailor each letter to the job instead of using a generic version.

A cover letter should be long enough to show genuine interest and demonstrate your value, but short enough to keep the recruiter engaged. Stick to 250–400 words, focus on quality over quantity, and you’ll strike the perfect balance.

Remember, the goal is not to tell your life story, it’s to earn the recruiter’s attention and an interview.

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