US Trends

how long should a cover letter be

A cover letter should usually be short : about half a page to one page, or roughly 250–400 words, spread over 3–5 paragraphs.

Quick Scoop

  • Aim for 250–400 words.
  • Keep it to half a page to one page (never more than one page).
  • Use 3–5 short paragraphs: intro, 1–2 body paragraphs, and a closing.
  • Many recruiters prefer shorter, easy‑to‑scan letters and spend under 30 seconds reading them.
  • Two pages is considered too long for almost all roles.

Why that length works now

Recruiters get a high volume of applications and skim quickly, so a focused, one‑page letter makes it easier for them to see your value without feeling overwhelmed. Recent advice in 2025–2026 still recommends concise letters, even as hiring moves more toward online portals and fast screening.

Think of your cover letter like a headline article, not a whole magazine: enough to hook interest and show fit, but not a full autobiography.

Simple structure you can follow

  1. Opening (2–3 sentences)
    • State the role, how you found it, and a one‑line “why you + them” hook.
  1. Body paragraph 1 (4–5 sentences)
    • Highlight 1–2 relevant achievements with concise, concrete results.
  1. Body paragraph 2 (optional, 3–4 sentences)
    • Connect your skills to the company’s needs or current projects.
  1. Closing (2–3 sentences)
    • Reaffirm interest, mention an attached resume/portfolio, and include a polite call to action.

When to go shorter or slightly longer

  • Shorter (around 200–250 words)
    • Good for email body cover letters, early‑career roles, or high‑volume applications where you’re sending many versions.
  • Slightly longer (up to ~400 words)
    • Works for senior roles or specialized positions where you need a bit more context—still within one page.

But even in those cases, trimming repetition and keeping each sentence purposeful will usually make a stronger impression than adding more detail.

TL;DR: Keep your cover letter to one page, ideally 250–400 words in 3–5 tight paragraphs, focused on 1–2 achievements that directly match the job.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.