Content strategists generally share similar opinions on the ideal length of a cover letter, which is around 250-400 words. However, the overall layout, writing style, paragraph size, and key pointers may differ from one person to another. This article guides on how to write a cover letter, following well-defined guidelines. Once you learn the tricks and strategies, landing a dream job is not a distant dream.
Organizations prefer candidates who attach an informative and impactful cover letter to their resumes. It makes the selection process easy. In addition to the eye-catching quotient, a powerful introduction within a predefined word count serves its purpose.
Knowing how long a cover letter should be is to your advantage. You can trim and edit unnecessary portions to highlight your strengths and expertise. Mid-level professionals use cover letter generators. Thereafter, manually edit profile introductions to look presentable, inviting, and compelling. Moreover, the writing style, facts, figures, and overall statistics must be thought-provoking and engaging.
Crux of the Matter
The bottom line is to impress your recruiters. If you follow the best techniques of writing resume cover pages, you are a promising prospect in the eyes of HR personnel. Keep this principle in mind. It is a Biblical truth.
The Dilemma – One Page or Half Page?
A new generation of content writers opine the half-page theory, while a majority stick to the old-school concept of one-page length. Both works. What matters most is the relevant information vis-a-vis the job position. Whether a half-page or full-length introduction, your area of responsibilities, previous work experiences, projects, certifications, and qualifications matter. The recruiting manager is least interested in your heartwarming stories.
Research Length Borderlines
There is no clear-cut rule for the length of a cover letter. You can make it as long or as small as you want. However, it is essential to understand the gold standards of writing a resume bio. You can fill up a page with uncanny stuff that is of zero value. In the process, you are committing a suicidal mistake. Top recruiters hate to even look at unorganized and lengthy write-ups. Therefore, research the optimal word count before jumping on the bandwagon of crafting catchy introductions. It can help in your cause.
The Ideal Length
Ask an expert how long should a cover letter be, and they unequivocally say 250 – 400 words. It is the standard length of a resume bio, across verticals and domains. You must learn how to craft a stellar cover letter that instantly grabs the attention of recruiters. It cannot be too short, nor overly lengthy. When drafting a professional resume introduction, follow the best practices regarding the ideal length and format.
An Impactful Introduction Matters
Introduce yourself humbly and politely. Explain where you found this job advertisement. If you are applying randomly, mention the type of position you are looking for. Your introduction should reflect your seriousness about working for the company or brand. Recruiters prefer serious job seekers who apply with a professional cover letter.
Experience Level – It Impacts Length
If you are a mid-level professional, emphasize your relevant projects, achievements, and experiences. Too much information may jeopardize your prospect. Having a bucket full of experiences is good. However, highlighting only those that matter is a wise decision. Aspiring job hoppers fail to understand this golden rule. They unknowingly draft a cover letter, mentioning their entire set of qualifications and skills, hoping recruiters would like it. But, they are sadly mistaken.
Show you are fit for the Job
Make the recruiter believe you are the best person for the job. When you know how to draft a cover letter, the job is half done. Next comes your proficiency, eligibility, and work experience. Highlight your niche areas that match the job opening. Convince the HR that you are eager to work and be a part of their extended family. Let them know you respect their work ethic, values, and company goals. Your seriousness towards integrity and morals can be an advantage.
Writing Style – Tips and Advice
When you tread the DIY path to draft a text or use the AI cover letter generator, keep in mind a few things. It will help in your job hunt endeavors.
- Use bullet points.
- Customize your cover letter for different job positions. Make it flexible to edits or changes.
- Keep it concise. The witty mindset, shrewd nature, and scanning eyes of professional recruiters take in only the essentials that matter.
- Include a call-to-action at the end. For example, you can say feel free to call me at this number anytime, or drop an email, and I will respond at the earliest.
- Break the cover letter into 3-4 small paragraphs, mentioning your qualifications (educational and professional), skill sets, projects, company details, etc.
- Start by addressing the recruiter as Dear Hiring Manager.
What to Include in a Cover Letter?
- Your contact information, including name, phone number, city, state, country, email address, etc.
- Use the standard greeting style. Do NOT over exaggerate.
- Introduce yourself and the job position.
- Highlight your achievements, present job responsibilities, overall work experience, and key accomplishments in your previous workplace.
- As said earlier, keep in mind the length and size limitations. If you are aware of how long a cover letter has to be, your chances increase twofold.
- Mention additional skill sets and statistics that make you a prospect.
- Research the company and job position you are applying for, which can help you align with their roles and requirements.
- Show your gratitude to the recruiter for their time and patience in going through your cover letter.
- Lastly, add your contact information below the signature. It may have your communication address, LinkedIn URL, or other portfolio links.
Keep it Concise
When you draft an engaging introduction, you must know how long a cover letter should be to catch the attention of the hiring manager. Top recruiters handle scores of resumes daily. They do not have the time and patience to listen to your bloated crap and self-proclaimed lullabies. Anything too much finds its way into the trash bin. HR managers take in only the essentials. Therefore, you must know how to write an engaging cover letter by keeping it precise and concise. Browse through cover page examples, and take inspiration from professional write-ups. You will succeed.
Utilize White Space
Utilizing white space does not mean you scribble anything and everything that comes to your mind. You must learn how to intelligently and wisely optimize white space in the document. Break up your text by writing small paragraphs of 300-350 characters. It ensures interest among recruiters who enjoy reading informative and crisp text. Set a margin space of 1 inch. It helps cover a larger white space with little text.
Limit Your Cover Letter to 3-4 Paragraphs
For maximum impact, limit your introduction to 3-4 short paragraphs with informative bullet points. Highlight only the relevant experiences and skills that do justice to the position. Professional recruiters prefer reading cover letters that are half a page in length. Anything beyond that is scrap. Try to keep the reading time to 15-20 seconds, which is ideal for a mid-level job position application. Highlight your expertise and qualities that make you fit for this job.
Keep Your Sentences Short
Short sentences produce an immersive effect. A sentence must cover maximum points without fillers, mentioning your skills and experiences. If you want recruiters to read your cover letter content, the sentences must have the best points without unnecessary bragging. When you write paragraphs woven around a central idea, the content is attention-grabbing. You can divide the sentences into topic-based, descriptive style, and conclusion sentences.
Tailor the Letter by Checking Job Description Requirements
Before you order a cover letter generator to produce a unique piece of content, research the job description. You can access key insights from the work role in the said job advertisement. It helps keep a check on the length of a cover letter without compromising on specific details and information. It helps create unique cover pages that match the job specifications and requirements. Impactful stories supported by facts, figures, and statistics help secure a job, outsmarting tough competitors. Tailor the letter for each job you apply to positions in different companies.
Mention Only Relevant Experiences
It helps keep your cover letter short. The recruiter is least interested in knowing your likes, dislikes, and tastes. A cover letter must not exceed a prescribed word limit. Therefore, utilize the white space, keeping in mind the word count cut-off mark. It helps make your introduction impactful. Assure the recruiter that your skills and experience can help the company create a turnaround. Justify your hiring and ensure the HR believes in your true potential. Be to the point without beating around the bush.
Break the Cover Letter into Small Sections
An ideal cover letter consists of four paragraphs. Let us learn how to break it down into informative sections.
Paragraph #1: Introduction
The first paragraph should be attention-grabbing. It is a golden opportunity to show your interest in the job and brand. Address the right person or department. Research the job position thoroughly before customizing your cover page. Use adjectives without over exaggerating.
Paragraph #2: Your Achievements and Qualifications
The second paragraph should highlight your achievements. You can mention how your foolproof strategies helped the previous company generate desired revenue and numbers. In this context, you can share valuable statistics that support your qualifications and experiences. Showcase your expertise that influences HR managers and hiring decisions.
Paragraph #3: Your Urge to Join the Company
In this paragraph, you show your interest in the job vacancy and your passion to work for the brand. Let your recruiter understand your loyalty towards the company, which can prove to be a turning point in your career.
Paragraph #4: Conclusion
The last paragraph should reiterate your desire to work for the company. Thank the person for having patience with you. You can also request a one-to-one meeting at a time and place of their convenience. Sign off with a signature at the end of the cover letter.
Final Words
I hope this article clears doubts about how long should a cover letter be and the word count. I have tried to share key insights on the writing style and the vital aspects that make a professional introduction look impactful. We welcome your feedback and suggestions that help us create more informative posts for job aspirants.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the ideal length of a cover letter?
Generally, a cover letter should be 250-400 words in length. It can utilize half or three-fourths of a page, comprising four short paragraphs with an introduction. It can include bullet points to mention your skills, qualifications, and experiences.
- Is a 500-word cover letter lengthy?
Yes, to some extent. If you are applying for a senior-level position, it is acceptable as it highlights your achievements, skill sets, certifications, portfolios, etc. However, freshers and mid-level applicants should steer away from jumping the predefined length.
- Is it technically incorrect to write long cover letters?
Some HR executives dislike lengthy introductions. They prefer concise cover letters of 300 words that summarize the qualifications of mid and entry-level candidates. If you can highlight your achievements and qualities within this word count, there is no logic in wasting your time and effort on lengthy cover pages.
- How to start a cover letter?
You begin your letter by addressing the recruiter as Dear Hiring Manager. Have an engaging opening tone that sets the mood. Mention your relevant skills that perfectly align with the job position, increasing your prospects for a one-to-one interview. Avoid using generic phrases that have little impact on recruiters.
- What is the difference between a cover letter and a resume?
A cover letter is a brief introduction about you, summarizing your objectives, qualifications, expertise, achievements, awards, certifications, goals, and objectives. It does not delve into the specifics. However, a resume highlights your educational and professional excellence that sets you apart. A resume offers extensive information about your previous company, work, projects, school, and university.
