How long should a cover letter be is one of the most practical questions job seekers ask. Length matters because recruiters scan quickly, attention is limited, and clarity often determines whether your application moves forward.
This guide explains the ideal cover letter length, why it matters, how expectations have changed, and how to adjust length without losing impact.
The Short Answer: Ideal Cover Letter Length
In most hiring scenarios, a cover letter should be between 250 and 400 words. This usually fits on a single page and takes about one minute to read.
Anything shorter risks sounding generic. Anything longer risks losing attention.
Why Cover Letter Length Matters
Recruiters often review dozens, sometimes hundreds, of applications per role. Length becomes a signal of communication skill.
A well-sized cover letter shows you can explain value clearly without overexplaining.
What Happens When a Cover Letter Is Too Long
Overly long cover letters often repeat resume content, include unnecessary background, or lose focus on the role.
Recruiters may skim or stop reading entirely. Length directly affects engagement.
What Happens When a Cover Letter Is Too Short
Very short cover letters can feel rushed or generic. They often fail to explain motivation or role alignment.
A strong cover letter balances brevity with intent.
One Page Rule: Still Relevant?
Yes. The one-page guideline remains relevant, even in digital applications. It forces prioritization.
White space, paragraph length, and readability matter as much as word count.
Paragraph Breakdown by Length
An effective structure typically includes:
- Opening paragraph: 60–80 words
- Middle section: 120–200 words
- Closing paragraph: 40–60 words
Does Length Change by Role Level?
Entry-level roles benefit from concise explanations. Senior roles may justify slightly more context, but still should remain within one page.
Even leadership applications rarely need more than 400 words.
Cover Letter Length for Online Applications
Many platforms use text fields instead of attachments. This often encourages shorter submissions.
In these cases, aim for the lower end of the recommended range.
Email Cover Letters vs Attachments
Email cover letters should be tighter. Around 200–300 words is ideal.
Attachments allow more formatting flexibility, but length guidelines stay the same.
How Recruiters Actually Read Cover Letters
Recruiters scan first, then decide whether to read fully. Clear structure helps key points stand out.
This reading pattern aligns closely with interview preparation expectations.
Editing a Cover Letter Without Cutting Value
Remove filler phrases, tighten transitions, and replace vague language with specific outcomes.
Editing is often the difference between average and effective.
Common Length Mistakes
Watch out for these frequent errors:
- Repeating resume bullets
- Long personal stories
- Multiple role explanations
- Dense paragraphs without spacing
Quick Self-Check Before Sending
Before submitting, ask yourself: can a recruiter understand my value in under one minute?
If yes, the length is likely right.
Final Thoughts
Understanding how long should a cover letter be helps candidates communicate with precision. Length is not about rules, but about respect for the reader’s time.
Clear, focused, and concise cover letters continue to perform best in modern hiring.
