How Long Should a Cover Letter Be: Cover Letter Length Guidelines

The length of the cover letter accompanying your resume is optional, at least to some extent. It introduces you as a potential candidate for employment. Your degree of professionalism should be immediately evident in its length and lead your potential employer to read your resume.

Your cover letter will follow your introductory letterhead and date.    

Peirce College, in an article entitled “Cover letter guidelines” suggests that “four short paragraphs on one page is the ideal length for a cover letter” and argues that “a longer letter is unlikely to be read”.

Note that every cover letter will contain different content, including basic information regarding your academic qualifications for the job you are seeking, previous skills and training, as well as related experience, but these should be kept brief and to the point.

Pearce College also makes recommendations about what each of the four paragraphs in your cover letter should contain.

The first paragraph of your cover letter should specify, the “position you wish to be considered for, and what makes you the best candidate for that position”. Note that this is important because not all candidates will apply for the same position. Your potential employer needs affirmation that you are applying for the right position.     

The second paragraph will contain basic information about what “you can contribute to the company and show how your qualifications will benefit the company”. You may have specific qualifications and actually be the ideal candidate, but to your potential employer, this information may be unknown unless you state it succinctly.

The third paragraph will “describe your interest in the company". This article suggests, "subtly emphasize your knowledge about the company (discovered through your research efforts) and your familiarity with the industry”. There is a reason why you are interested enough to have placed an application with a particular business, company or organization. Is this something that you are motivated to do? Does it excite you?

In the fourth paragraph, “request an interview” as well as “include your phone number and the hours you can be reached”. While you may automatically receive an interview, this serves as a reminder for your potential employer to call you and advises him or her how to reach you.  

After the four paragraphs, you may make a closing statement, but again keep it brief and to the point.

While it may seem to be important to include more information than that in your cover letter, remember that your potential employer may have to read dozens of cover letters in order to find a suitable candidate for the position offered.

Note that any references to statements made in your cover letter should be verifiable in your resume.

Your potential employer may also ask you to develop these points further in a job interview, so make certain that what you state is accurate. Your employment credibility is at stake, so limit your cover letter length to one page.