One of the biggest questions job seekers ask is: What should be the cover letter length? Or How long should my cover letter be? A cover letter that’s too short might seem lazy, while one that’s too long risks being ignored.
In this guide, we’ll break down the perfect cover letter length, structure, and formatting that keeps recruiters engaged without overwhelming them.
The Ideal Length & Structure for a Cover Letter
Crafting the desired cover letter requires a balance between brevity and substance. It needs to be long enough to convey your qualifications and enthusiasm, but not so long that recruiters lose interest. Let’s dive into the ideal length and structure for your cover letter.
How Many Words Should a Cover Letter Have?
The ideal length for a professional cover letter is between 250 and 400 words. This range allows you to highlight your most relevant skills and experiences. It also demonstrate your enthusiasm for the role without overwhelming the reader.
Recruiters are busy and often have hundreds of applications to review. The goal is to keep your cover letter concise yet impactful—focused on your most significant achievements and how they align with the job. If you go beyond 400 words, your cover letter may become too lengthy and risk losing the recruiter’s attention.
Why recruiters prefer shorter cover letters:
- They can quickly skim through the content.
- They can focus on key details without feeling overwhelmed.
- They provide enough information to assess your suitability without overloading them with unnecessary details.
Perfect cover letter breakdown:
- Introduction (1 paragraph): Express your enthusiasm for the role and briefly mention how you fit the position.
- Body (1-2 paragraphs): Discuss your relevant experience, achievements, and skills. Use quantifiable metrics when possible.
- Conclusion (1 paragraph): Reaffirm your interest and request an interview.
How Many Pages Should a Cover Letter Be?
A cover letter should typically fit on one page. One-page cover letters are easy to read and provide just enough space to communicate your qualifications. If your cover letter is longer than one page, it may appear too lengthy and overwhelm the recruiter.
Exceptions to the one-page rule:
- Executive roles: Senior positions, like C-suite roles, may warrant a more detailed letter, although even then, brevity should be prioritized.
- Academic roles: If applying for research or academic positions, you might need a longer letter to explain your research interests or teaching philosophy.
- International applications: Some international job markets expect longer cover letters that delve more deeply into your qualifications.
In most cases, however, sticking to a one-page cover letter is your best bet.
Formatting & Design for Maximum Readability
A great cover letter isn’t just about the content—it’s also about how it looks. A well-formatted cover letter increases readability and leaves a professional impression. Let’s explore the best practices for formatting and design.
Best Fonts, Margins, and Spacing for Cover Letters
Simple, clean formatting makes your cover letter more accessible to recruiters. Use a professional or standard font like Arial, Calibri, or (TNR) Times New Roman, sized between 11 and 12 points. These fonts are easy to read and look polished on both digital and printed formats.
Formatting tips:
- Font: Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman
- Font Size: 11-12pt
- Margins: You must use 1-inch margins on all sides for a neat, balanced look.
- Spacing: Set your line spacing to 1.15 to ensure the letter isn’t cramped. Add a space between each paragraph to make the content easy to scan.
Why this matters:
These formatting choices ensure your letter is readable and professional. Recruiters want to see clear, concise content, not dense paragraphs that are hard to read.
How to Structure a Cover Letter for Readability
A cover letter with a poor structure will be difficult to read and may cause recruiters to lose interest. Proper structure is crucial for a well-organized, engaging letter.
Break up long paragraphs:
Avoid long paragraphs that overwhelm the reader. Keep each paragraph to about 3-4 sentences. This makes it easier for recruiters to scan the letter quickly and grasp your key points.
Use bullet points sparingly:
Bullet points are helpful for highlighting key achievements or skills, but they shouldn’t replace full sentences. When used properly, they help draw attention to your most impressive qualifications, but overusing them can make your letter feel fragmented.
Example of good use of bullet points:
- Increased sales by 20% within 6 months
- Managed a team of 5 members to achieve project goals
- Improved customer satisfaction scores by 15%
Why this matters:
Breaking up long paragraphs and using bullet points helps recruiters quickly identify your most significant accomplishments, making your cover letter more engaging and easier to digest.
FAQs (SEO-Optimized for Featured Snippets)
How many words should a cover letter be?
Ideally, 250-400 words—concise but impactful.
Is a two-page cover letter too long?
Yes! A cover letter should rarely exceed one page, unless for academic or executive roles.
What font and size should I use for my cover letter?
Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman, 11-12pt size for professional readability.
Should I include bullet points in my cover letter?
Yes, but sparingly. Use them to highlight achievements, but keep your letter conversational.
How do I make my cover letter visually appealing?
Keep it well-spaced, use simple formatting, and avoid large chunks of text.
Conclusion
The perfect cover letter length should be concise, typically between 250 and 400 words, fitting neatly onto one page. Focus on clear structure, professional formatting, and a layout that’s easy to read. A well-structured cover letter, with the right length and design, ensures recruiters can quickly understand your qualifications without feeling overwhelmed.
By adhering to these formatting and length guidelines, you’ll create a cover letter that looks different, but for all the right reasons—engaging, professional, and easy to read.
