Guide · CV writing
How Long Should a Cover Letter Be?
A cover letter should usually be under one page: about 250 to 400 words in three or four paragraphs. When to go shorter, and how to cut.
A cover letter should usually be under one page, around 250 to 400 words in three or four short paragraphs. Shorter is fine when the application is emailed or uses an online form, as long as it is tailored and specific. Always follow any word limit the employer sets.
Guide
| Situation | Length |
|---|---|
| Standard application | 250 to 400 words |
| Email body as cover letter | 150 to 250 words |
| Online form with limit | Follow the limit |
| Senior or academic roles | May be longer if requested |
A tight structure
- Opening: role and hook.
- Evidence: two or three achievements matched to the job.
- Fit: why this organization.
- Close: request an interview.
See the template in how to write a cover letter.
How to cut
- Remove anything repeated from your CV without adding context.
- Cut generic sentences about being hard-working.
- Keep one story per requirement.
See the complete CV writing guide.
What to put in the space you have
With only 250 to 400 words, every sentence must earn its place. Prioritize in this order:
- The role and your hook: one or two sentences that make them want to read on.
- Your strongest proof: the achievement that best matches their top requirement.
- A second piece of proof for their next requirement.
- Why them: one specific reason you want to work there.
- The ask: a confident request for an interview.
Example of a short, complete letter
Example (about 170 words)
Dear Mr. Owusu,
I'm applying for the Marketing Executive role at Greenleaf. I've spent three years growing email and social channels for e-commerce brands, and Greenleaf's move into subscriptions is exactly the kind of challenge I enjoy.
At Bloom Skincare I built a welcome email sequence that increased first purchases by 18%, and I grew our Instagram audience from 4,000 to 19,000 in a year through a weekly video series.
I've followed Greenleaf since your sustainable packaging launch, and I'd love to help bring that story to more customers.
I'd welcome the chance to talk about how I could support your growth plans.
Kind regards,
Tara Mensah
When a longer letter is right
Academic applications, some public sector roles and senior positions may ask for a detailed supporting statement addressing each criterion. In those cases, follow the person specification point by point and use headings.
Frequently asked questions
Is a half-page cover letter enough?
For many roles, a concise half to three-quarter page letter is ideal if it is specific and tailored.
How many paragraphs should a cover letter have?
Three or four short paragraphs.
What if the application form has a word limit?
Follow it exactly and prioritize your strongest evidence.
Keep reading
- How to Write a CV That Gets Interviews: The Complete Guide
- LinkedIn Profile Tips: How to Optimize Your Headline, About and Banner
- Career Change CV: How to Write One (With Example)
- CV Achievements Examples: How to Write Work Experience Bullets That Stand Out
- The Best CV Format: Chronological, Skills-Based or Hybrid?
- How to Write a Cover Letter in 4 Paragraphs (Template and Example)
- Skills to Put on a CV (And How to Present Them)
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