Cover Letter Length

Class Location: The Internet.

Description: This course goes over how long a cover letter should be.

Objective: Learn how long is too long.

In general, you shouldn’t let your cover letter exceed one page—and you shouldn’t need to. Keeping your cover letter short serves several purposes. First, it shows that you know how to organize your thoughts in a clear and logical manner. Second, it shows that you know how to present your ideas concisely. Finally, it indicates that you respect the hiring manager’s time and understand that she has a lot of cover letters and resumes to read.

Ideally, your cover letter should run less than a full page. A hiring manager will spend no more than 20 seconds with each cover letter, so a lengthy letter is both futile and a turn-off. You want to be brief yet specific. Four paragraphs should be plenty, with no more than three sentences in each paragraph. Edit mercilessly. Don’t repeat any information. Eliminate any extra words, and get directly to your point. Don’t give your life story. Grab the reader’s attention, outline what you can do for the company, and say thanks. Save everything else for the interview.

If you’re sending your cover letter by e-mail, you want to be even more concise. Ideally, the entire letter will fit on the computer screen at one time.

In rare occasions, two-page cover letters are acceptable, such as when you have extensive work experience or are applying for a job that requires very technical or specific qualifications. But please remember that this is the exception and not the norm. Even if you’re applying for an extremely technical or extremely senior position, it still may behoove you to limit the cover letter to one page and elongate the resume instead.

When writing your cover letter, remember that less is more. You want to supply the necessary information in as little space as possible. The hiring manager will admire your ability to be direct and concise and will appreciate your respect for her time.