A cover letter should be 250 to 400 words, which translates to about half a page to one full page. The sweet spot for most applicants is right around 300 words, enough to explain why you’re a strong fit without losing a hiring manager’s attention. Going shorter can make you look disinterested, while going longer risks your letter not being read at all.
The 250 to 400 Word Range
Most hiring managers expect a cover letter that stays under one page. In practical terms, that means three to four paragraphs totaling 250 to 400 words. Career coach Goldie Chan has recommended 300 words as a useful target, noting that this length gives candidates enough room to explain their relevant experience, highlight key skills, describe what they can offer the company, and state why they’re applying.
If you’re using a standard 12-point font with one-inch margins, 400 words will comfortably fit on a single page with room for your header, greeting, and sign-off. Once you push past that count, you start crowding the page or spilling onto a second one, both of which signal that you haven’t edited carefully.
How to Structure Those Words
Think of a cover letter like a short essay: introduction, body, and closing. Three to five paragraphs is the standard structure.
- Opening paragraph (2 to 3 sentences): Name the role you’re applying for and immediately say something specific about why you’re interested or what makes you a strong candidate. This is the paragraph most likely to determine whether the reader continues, so skip generic openers like “I’m writing to express my interest.”
- Body paragraphs (1 to 2 paragraphs): This is where most of your word count goes. Connect your experience directly to what the job posting asks for. Use a specific accomplishment or project rather than restating bullet points from your resume. Quantify results when you can: revenue generated, team size managed, percentage improvements delivered.
- Closing paragraph (2 to 3 sentences): Restate your enthusiasm for the role, mention your availability, and thank the reader. Keep it brief.
If your letter has five paragraphs and each averages 60 words, you land at 300 words. That’s a clean, readable letter that respects the hiring manager’s time.
When You Can Go Longer
The 250 to 400 word guideline works for most job applications, but certain situations justify a longer letter. Senior or executive-level positions often require more space to summarize leadership achievements and strategic impact. Roles where writing, research, or thought leadership is central to the job, like communications directors, policy analysts, or editorial positions, can also warrant a longer letter. In these cases, a cover letter might exceed 400 words and stretch to five or six paragraphs.
Even when going longer, stay on one page. If you can’t make your case in a single page, the problem is usually focus, not length. Cut anything that repeats your resume verbatim or describes responsibilities rather than results.
When Shorter Is Better
For entry-level roles, internships, or positions where you’re responding to a straightforward job posting, 250 words is perfectly fine. Early-career applicants often try to pad their letters with filler because they feel they don’t have enough experience. A concise, well-written 250-word letter that connects one or two relevant experiences to the role is far more effective than a 400-word letter stuffed with vague claims about being a “hard worker” and “team player.”
The same applies to industries that move fast and value efficiency. Tech startups and creative agencies, for example, tend to prefer shorter, punchier communication. Match the tone and culture of the company when you can.
Quick Ways to Hit the Right Length
If your draft runs too long, start by cutting any sentence that could describe anyone applying for any job. Phrases like “I believe I would be a great asset to your team” add words without adding information. Next, look for places where you describe a responsibility instead of a result. “Managed social media accounts” is weaker and wordier than “grew Instagram following by 40% in six months.”
If your draft is too short, you probably haven’t been specific enough. Go back to the job posting and identify two or three key qualifications. For each one, write a sentence or two explaining how your background matches. Concrete details naturally add useful length without padding.
One final check: read the letter out loud. If any sentence sounds like it belongs in a form letter, rewrite it. A 300-word cover letter where every sentence earns its place will outperform a 500-word letter that reads like a template.