How Many Words Should a Cover Letter Be? The Complete Guide for 2025
TL;DR - Quick Answer
Your cover letter should be 250-400 words (approximately three to four concise paragraphs). This length is proven to maintain recruiter attention while providing enough space to showcase your qualifications. Letters under 200 words appear rushed, while those over 400 words risk losing the reader's interest.
Key Takeaways
Ideal length: 250-400 words or 3-4 paragraphs that fit on one page
Reading time: Recruiters spend just 30-60 seconds scanning cover letters
One-page rule: Never exceed one page regardless of your experience level
Quality over quantity: Concise, targeted content outperforms lengthy generic letters
Structure matters: Use clear paragraphs with specific achievements and quantifiable results
Introduction: Why Cover Letter Length Matters More Than You Think
You've spent hours perfecting your resume, and now you're staring at a blank document wondering: how long should my cover letter actually be? Write too little, and you risk appearing uninterested. Write too much, and you'll lose the hiring manager's attention before they reach your best qualifications.
The truth is, cover letter length directly impacts your chances of getting hired. Research shows that recruiters spend an average of just 30-60 seconds reviewing a cover letter before deciding whether to continue reading. If your letter is too long, they simply won't finish it. Too short, and you haven't given them enough reason to invite you for an interview.
According to a study by TheLadders, 76% of hiring managers prefer cover letters that are half a page or less, which translates to approximately 250-400 words. Yet many job seekers continue to write lengthy two-page essays that get skipped entirely. Understanding the ideal word count isn't just about following arbitrary rules—it's about respecting your reader's time while maximizing your impact.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore exactly how many words your cover letter should contain, why this length works best, and how to make every word count. Whether you're a recent graduate writing your first cover letter or an experienced professional changing careers, you'll learn the proven formula for crafting letters that get read and generate interview invitations.
The Research-Backed Ideal Cover Letter Length
250-400 Words: The Sweet Spot
Multiple industry studies consistently point to the same conclusion: the ideal cover letter contains between 250 and 400 words. This range represents the perfect balance between providing sufficient information and maintaining reader engagement.
A 2024 survey by Jobvite found that 250-word cover letters had a 53% higher callback rate compared to letters exceeding 500 words. Why? Because concise letters demonstrate strong communication skills—a quality every employer values—and they respect the hiring manager's limited time.
This word count translates to approximately three to four well-structured paragraphs that fit comfortably on a single page with standard formatting (11-12 point font, 1-inch margins). Jennifer Hayes, a senior recruiter at a Fortune 500 technology company, explains: "When I see a cover letter that extends beyond one page, I know the candidate hasn't learned to communicate efficiently. In today's fast-paced business environment, brevity combined with substance is invaluable."
What Happens When You Write Too Much
Cover letters exceeding 400 words create several problems:
Attention span limits: Hiring managers process dozens or hundreds of applications. Research by CareerBuilder shows that 68% of recruiters spend less than two minutes reviewing application materials.
Diluted impact: Longer letters often contain filler content that weakens your strongest qualifications.
Perception issues: Lengthy letters may suggest you lack the ability to synthesize information concisely—a critical business skill.
ATS compatibility: Some Applicant Tracking Systems have character limits that may truncate overly long letters.
Marcus Chen, Director of Talent Acquisition at a leading healthcare organization, shares: "I've reviewed thousands of cover letters, and the ones that make it to the 'definitely interview' pile are almost always concise. When a letter runs onto a second page, I rarely finish reading it. There's simply no time."
What Happens When You Write Too Little
While brevity is important, cover letters under 200 words present their own challenges:
Insufficient context: You haven't provided enough information to distinguish yourself from other candidates
Appears rushed: Very short letters may signal lack of genuine interest in the position
Missed opportunities: You lose the chance to address employment gaps, career changes, or relocation
Minimal engagement: You haven't given the reader enough reasons to choose your resume over dozens of others
The goal is finding the middle ground where you provide compelling, specific information without overwhelming your reader. That sweet spot is 250-400 words.
Why 250-400 Words Works Best: The Psychology and Practicality
Recruiter Reading Behavior
Understanding how recruiters actually read cover letters reveals why this length is optimal. Eye-tracking studies conducted by Ladders found that recruiters spend an average of 7.4 seconds on the initial cover letter scan. During this brief window, they're looking for specific information:
Why you're interested in this specific role and company
Your most relevant qualification or achievement
Evidence that you understand the company's needs
Clear communication skills and professionalism
A 250-400 word letter allows you to address all these points without requiring the recruiter to scroll or flip pages. The entire message fits in their initial field of vision, significantly increasing the likelihood they'll read it completely.
The One-Page Visual Impact
When your cover letter fits on a single page with appropriate white space, it creates an immediate positive impression. The document appears:
Approachable: Not intimidating or overwhelming to read
Professional: Shows you understand business communication standards
Focused: Suggests you've carefully selected only the most relevant information
Respectful: Demonstrates consideration for the reader's time constraints
Compare this to a two-page cover letter, which immediately signals to the reader that you'll be asking for more of their time than they're typically willing to give. Before they've even read a word, you've created a negative first impression.
Mobile-Friendly Consideration
According to Glassdoor, 45% of recruiters review applications on mobile devices, particularly during commutes or after hours. A concise 250-400 word cover letter displays perfectly on mobile screens without excessive scrolling. This improves readability and increases the chances your letter will be read in full, regardless of when or where the recruiter reviews it.
How to Structure Your 250-400 Word Cover Letter
Paragraph 1: Strong Opening (60-80 words)
Your opening paragraph should immediately grab attention and establish relevance:
State the specific position you're applying for
Include a compelling hook: a notable achievement, relevant experience, or genuine enthusiasm
Demonstrate you've researched the company
Establish why you're a strong fit
Example: "As a data scientist who increased customer retention by 34% through predictive modeling at TechCorp, I'm excited to apply for the Senior Data Scientist position at DataDynamics. Your company's innovative approach to leveraging machine learning for healthcare solutions aligns perfectly with my passion for using data to improve patient outcomes."
Paragraph 2: Key Qualifications (100-150 words)
This is your core value proposition. Focus on 2-3 highly relevant achievements with quantifiable results:
Choose accomplishments directly related to the job requirements
Use specific numbers, percentages, or other metrics
Explain the impact, not just the action
Connect your experience to the company's needs
Pro tip: Review the job description and mirror the language and priorities the employer has expressed. If they emphasize 'collaborative leadership,' provide an example of successful team leadership.
Paragraph 3: Company-Specific Interest (60-80 words)
Demonstrate genuine interest in this specific company and role:
Reference specific company initiatives, values, or recent news
Explain why you want to work there (beyond generic statements)
Show how your goals align with the company's direction
Mention any personal connection or experience with their products/services
This paragraph proves you're not sending generic form letters to hundreds of companies. Personalization significantly improves response rates.
Paragraph 4: Strong Closing (40-60 words)
End with confidence and a clear call to action:
Express enthusiasm about the opportunity to interview
Mention your availability for a conversation
Thank them for their consideration
Include a professional sign-off
Example: "I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my data science expertise can contribute to DataDynamics' mission of revolutionizing healthcare analytics. I'm available at your convenience and look forward to speaking with you soon. Thank you for your consideration."
Adapting Length for Your Experience Level
Entry-Level Candidates (200-300 words)
If you're a recent graduate or career changer with limited direct experience, aim for the lower end of the range (200-300 words). Focus on:
Relevant coursework, projects, or internships
Transferable skills from other contexts
Enthusiasm and willingness to learn
Academic achievements if impressive (honors, awards, relevant GPA)
You have less professional history to draw from, so naturally your letter will be somewhat shorter. That's perfectly acceptable—just ensure every sentence adds value. New graduates often worry about not having enough to say, but quality examples from academic or volunteer experiences can be just as compelling as professional achievements when framed properly.
Mid-Career Professionals (250-350 words)
With several years of experience, you'll naturally land in the middle of the range. The challenge is selecting which achievements to highlight:
Choose accomplishments most relevant to the target role
Focus on progression and growth
Demonstrate increased responsibility over time
Highlight any leadership or mentorship experience
For mid-career professionals, the temptation is to include everything you've accomplished. Resist this urge. Instead, carefully curate 2-3 achievements that directly address the employer's stated needs. If the job description emphasizes "proven project management skills," lead with your most impressive project management success story, complete with metrics.
Senior-Level Executives (300-400 words)
Even with extensive experience, executive cover letters should not exceed 400 words. At this level, conciseness is even more critical because:
Decision-makers are extremely time-constrained
Your ability to communicate efficiently is being evaluated
Your resume and LinkedIn profile already provide extensive detail
Strategic thinking ability includes knowing what to emphasize and what to omit
Focus on strategic impact, leadership philosophy, and high-level achievements. For example, "Led digital transformation initiative that increased operational efficiency by 42% and reduced costs by $8.3M annually" tells the complete story without unnecessary elaboration. For senior positions, consider using our AI cover letter generator to help distill your extensive experience into the most impactful 300-400 words.
5 Common Cover Letter Length Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake #1: The Autobiography
The Problem: Recounting your entire career history from college to present day, resulting in 800+ word letters.
The Fix: Your cover letter is not a narrative autobiography. Select only the 2-3 most relevant achievements that directly relate to the job you're applying for. Everything else belongs on your resume or LinkedIn profile.
Mistake #2: The Resume Repeat
The Problem: Simply restating everything already listed on your resume, adding unnecessary length without adding value.
The Fix: Your cover letter should complement your resume, not duplicate it. Use the cover letter to provide context, explain your motivation, and highlight the 'why' behind your achievements. Add personality and narrative that the resume format doesn't accommodate.
Mistake #3: The Generic Template
The Problem: Using a lengthy generic template with placeholder text that you never fully customize, resulting in 600+ words of fluffy, impersonal content.
The Fix: Start fresh for each application. It's actually faster to write a targeted 300-word letter from scratch than to customize a bloated 600-word template. Focus on company-specific research and role-specific qualifications. Our comprehensive cover letter writing guide provides a step-by-step framework for creating personalized letters efficiently.
Mistake #4: The Explanation Essay
The Problem: Dedicating 200+ words to explaining a career gap, job change, or other perceived weakness.
The Fix: If you need to address a potential concern, do so briefly (2-3 sentences maximum) and then redirect focus to your qualifications. Dwelling on explanations signals insecurity and wastes precious word count. For guidance on addressing specific situations, check our cover letter templates for various scenarios.
Mistake #5: The Detail Overload
The Problem: Including excessive details about single projects or roles, losing sight of the big picture and pushing word count past 500 words.
The Fix: Remember the 250-400 word guideline. If describing a project, focus on the outcome and impact in one or two sentences: "Led development of customer analytics platform that increased sales conversion by 28%." The interviewer can ask for more details if they're interested.
Tools and Resources for Getting the Length Right
Word Count Tools
Most word processors display word count automatically, but here are specific strategies:
Microsoft Word: View > Word Count (or use Ctrl+Shift+C on Windows, Cmd+Shift+C on Mac)
Google Docs: Tools > Word Count (or Ctrl+Shift+C)
Online tools: Use free resources like WordCounter.net if writing in email or other platforms
Set a target: Most word processors let you display word count continuously while writing
AI-Powered Assistance
Modern AI tools can help you achieve the optimal length while maintaining quality:
Cover Letter Copilot's AI generator - Automatically creates 250-400 word cover letters tailored to specific job descriptions
AI editing tools - Can help condense lengthy drafts while preserving key information
Grammar checkers - Identify wordy phrases and suggest concise alternatives
Our AI generator specifically targets the 250-400 word range backed by research, ensuring your letter hits the sweet spot for recruiter attention. Simply input your resume and the job description, and receive a professionally crafted, appropriately-lengthed cover letter in under 60 seconds.
Length Optimization Strategies
If your draft exceeds 400 words, try these editing techniques:
Remove redundancy: Look for repeated ideas or information already on your resume
Eliminate filler words: Words like 'very,' 'really,' 'actually' rarely add value
Combine sentences: Look for opportunities to merge related ideas
Use strong verbs: Replace weak verb + adverb combinations with single powerful verbs
Delete generic statements: Remove anything that could apply to any candidate or any company
Focus on metrics: Numbers communicate value efficiently: "Increased sales 34%" is more impactful than "significantly improved sales performance through various strategies"
Each word should earn its place in your cover letter. If you can't identify the specific purpose of a sentence, consider removing it.
Industry-Specific Length Considerations
Traditional Industries (Legal, Finance, Government)
Conservative industries often expect formal communication styles, but the 250-400 word guideline still applies. However:
Err toward the higher end (350-400 words)
Use formal language and complete sentences
Include proper salutations and formal closings
Maintain traditional formatting standards
Even in formal contexts, conciseness demonstrates professional competence. A 400-word formal letter is far more effective than a rambling 700-word version. For industry-specific examples, explore our cover letter examples by profession.
Creative Industries (Marketing, Design, Media)
Creative fields value originality and strong communication, making conciseness even more important:
Aim for 200-300 words to demonstrate efficiency
Show personality while remaining professional
Your writing style itself is being evaluated
Focus on portfolio work and creative achievements
In creative industries, your cover letter is a writing sample. A tight, compelling 250-word letter showcases your ability to communicate ideas effectively—a critical skill in marketing, content creation, and related fields.
Tech and Startups
Technology companies and startups typically prefer brevity and directness:
Target 200-300 words
Get to the point quickly
Emphasize skills and impact over formality
Consider less formal salutations if company culture suggests it
Many tech companies value efficiency and rapid communication. A concise, results-focused letter that respects the reader's time aligns with tech culture. Some startups even prefer email applications with brief cover letter messages in the body—typically 150-250 words.
Academic and Research Positions
Academic cover letters are the main exception to the 250-400 word rule. For faculty positions and some research roles:
Academic letters may extend to 500-800 words or even longer
Must discuss research agenda, teaching philosophy, and publications
Different conventions apply in academia
One to two pages is often standard and expected
However, for administrative, staff, or industry research positions (even at universities), stick to the 250-400 word guideline. Save the longer format exclusively for tenure-track faculty applications where comprehensive research descriptions are expected.
How to Make Every Word Count: Quality Over Quantity
Use Specific, Quantifiable Achievements
The most efficient way to use your word count is focusing on specific, measurable accomplishments:
Weak (wastes words): "I have extensive experience in sales and have consistently exceeded my goals. I'm a hard worker who is passionate about achieving results and building strong customer relationships."
Strong (efficient and impactful): "Exceeded sales targets by an average of 47% over three consecutive years, closing $2.8M in new business and maintaining a 94% customer retention rate."
The strong version uses fewer words but communicates significantly more value through specific numbers and outcomes.
Show, Don't Tell
Eliminate self-descriptive adjectives and demonstrate qualities through examples:
Don't say: "I'm a creative problem-solver with strong leadership skills."
Do say: "Redesigned the customer onboarding process, reducing completion time by 35% and increasing user satisfaction scores from 6.2 to 8.9."
The second approach proves you're a creative problem-solver without wasting words claiming it. The evidence speaks for itself.
Cut Unnecessary Phrases
Many common cover letter phrases add length without adding value:
Eliminate: "I am writing to express my interest in..." → Just state: "I'm applying for the Marketing Manager position."
Eliminate: "I believe I would be a great fit because..." → Just explain why you're qualified.
Eliminate: "As you can see from my resume..." → Don't reference the resume; just state the relevant information.
Eliminate: "Thank you for taking the time to consider my application..." → Shorten to "Thank you for your consideration."
These transitional phrases were once considered proper business writing, but modern communication values directness. Every sentence should convey meaningful information about your qualifications or interest in the role.
Focus on Relevance
The fastest way to reduce word count while improving quality is eliminating anything not directly relevant to the target position. Ask yourself:
Does this achievement relate to a requirement listed in the job description?
Would this information help them decide I'm qualified?
Is this the best example I could use to demonstrate this skill?
Have I already made this point in a different way?
If the answer is no, cut it. A 250-word letter with three highly relevant achievements is far more powerful than a 500-word letter with six loosely related examples.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should my cover letter be exactly one page?
Yes, your cover letter should fit on one page with standard formatting (11-12 point font, 1-inch margins). This typically translates to 250-400 words or 3-4 paragraphs. Even if you have extensive experience, resist the temptation to extend to a second page. Recruiters strongly prefer one-page cover letters, with research showing that 76% of hiring managers prefer half-page or shorter letters. A one-page letter demonstrates your ability to communicate concisely—a valuable skill in any profession.
Is 150 words too short for a cover letter?
Generally, yes. A 150-word cover letter typically doesn't provide enough information to effectively make your case or distinguish you from other candidates. While brevity is important, letters under 200 words often appear rushed or suggest lack of genuine interest. Aim for at least 200-250 words to provide adequate context, demonstrate your qualifications, and show you've invested effort in the application. The exception might be internal applications or very casual company cultures, but even then, 200+ words is safer.
Can I exceed 400 words if I have a lot of relevant experience?
You should avoid exceeding 400 words even with extensive experience. The challenge for experienced professionals is selecting which achievements to highlight, not listing everything. If you have 20 years of experience, choose the 2-3 most relevant and impressive accomplishments that directly address the employer's needs. Your resume and LinkedIn profile provide space for comprehensive career history. The cover letter's purpose is generating enough interest to earn an interview, not documenting your entire career. Quality and relevance matter far more than quantity.
Do cover letter word count recommendations apply to email applications?
Yes, the 250-400 word guideline applies even more strictly to email applications. When your cover letter appears directly in an email body, readers are even less likely to scroll through lengthy text. Some experts suggest keeping email cover letters to 200-300 words. Focus on your strongest 2-3 selling points and make it easy for the reader to quickly understand your value. For email applications, front-load the most important information since recipients make snap decisions about whether to continue reading within the first few sentences.
Should recent graduates write shorter cover letters?
Entry-level candidates typically write somewhat shorter cover letters (200-300 words) simply because they have less professional experience to draw from. However, this doesn't mean your letter should be inadequate. Focus on relevant coursework, internships, projects, academic achievements, and transferable skills from non-professional contexts. A well-crafted 250-word letter highlighting strong academic performance and relevant projects can be just as compelling as an experienced professional's 350-word letter. Check out our entry-level cover letter examples for templates targeting recent graduates and career changers.
What if the job posting requests a two-page cover letter?
If the job posting explicitly requests a specific length or format, follow those instructions exactly. Some academic positions, research roles, or specialized positions do require longer, more detailed cover letters. However, such requests are rare. If the posting states 'two-page cover letter required,' then provide two pages. But absent explicit instructions, always default to the one-page, 250-400 word standard. Following instructions when provided demonstrates attention to detail; providing a concise letter when no length is specified demonstrates strong communication skills.
How do I count words if I'm handwriting my cover letter?
Handwritten cover letters are extremely rare in modern job applications and generally not recommended. Most employers expect typed, digital documents that can be easily stored and shared with hiring teams. However, if a specific situation requires handwriting (perhaps an artistic field or unique company request), estimate approximately 10-12 handwritten words per line and aim for 20-25 lines total. But in almost all cases, you should type your cover letter using a word processor that displays word count, then submit it as a PDF to preserve formatting.
Should I write a longer cover letter for senior positions?
No. Senior-level positions still require concise cover letters, and in fact, brevity becomes even more critical at executive levels. Senior hiring managers and executives are extremely time-constrained. Your ability to communicate strategic value concisely is itself being evaluated. A senior-level letter should focus on high-level strategic achievements, leadership impact, and alignment with company vision—all within 300-400 words. Your extensive background is detailed in your resume and LinkedIn profile. The cover letter's role is generating interest, not providing comprehensive career documentation.
What's the minimum word count recruiters will actually read?
While there's no hard minimum, cover letters under 200 words risk appearing insufficient or suggesting lack of serious interest. The practical minimum is approximately 200-250 words, which allows you to include a brief opening, 1-2 key qualifications with context, genuine company-specific interest, and a professional closing. Anything shorter typically indicates a form letter or minimal effort. That said, 250 words is a comfortable minimum that provides enough space to make a meaningful impression while respecting the reader's time. Focus on quality and relevance rather than hitting a specific count.
How long should a cover letter be for internal job applications?
Internal cover letters can often be slightly shorter (200-300 words) since the hiring manager likely already knows your work history and reputation. Focus on why you're interested in the new role, how your current experience prepares you for the position, and what unique value you'd bring to the new team. You can skip some of the introduction and company research that external candidates must include. However, don't assume the position is yours or that you don't need to make a formal case. Treat the internal application professionally while acknowledging your existing relationship with the organization.
Does the word count include my contact information and signature?
No. The 250-400 word recommendation refers only to the body of your cover letter—from your opening salutation ('Dear [Name]') through your closing ('Sincerely'). Don't include your contact header, the employer's address block, or your signature block in the word count. These elements are formatting requirements, not part of your actual letter content. Focus your 250-400 words entirely on making your case for why you're an excellent candidate for the position.
Should I use different lengths for different industries?
While the 250-400 word guideline applies broadly, you can adjust slightly based on industry norms. Conservative industries (law, finance, government) may expect the fuller 350-400 word range with formal language. Creative and tech fields often prefer brevity, so 200-300 words works well. Academic positions are the main exception, sometimes requiring 500-800 words or more. However, these are modest adjustments within or slightly outside the standard range. The fundamental principle—concise, one-page letters—remains consistent across nearly all industries. When in doubt, aim for 300 words as a safe middle ground.
Conclusion: Finding Your Perfect Length
The ideal cover letter length isn't arbitrary—it's based on extensive research into recruiter behavior, attention spans, and what actually results in interview invitations. By keeping your letter between 250-400 words, you demonstrate respect for the hiring manager's time, strong communication skills, and the ability to identify and articulate your most relevant qualifications.
Remember that achieving the right length isn't about hitting a specific word count target. It's about crafting a focused, compelling narrative that gives the reader exactly what they need to move forward with your application—nothing more, nothing less. Every word should serve a purpose, whether that's demonstrating a relevant skill, showing genuine company interest, or highlighting a quantifiable achievement.
As you write your cover letter, focus first on content quality and relevance. Include specific examples, use quantifiable achievements, and personalize for each company. Then edit ruthlessly, eliminating anything that doesn't directly support your case. Most first drafts exceed 500 words. Through thoughtful editing, you'll distill your message to its most powerful 250-400 words.
If you're struggling to achieve the right balance of brevity and impact, consider using our AI-powered cover letter generator. It's specifically designed to create professional, appropriately-lengthed cover letters optimized for recruiter attention—all in under 60 seconds. Simply input your resume and the job description, and receive a polished 250-400 word letter that hits all the right notes.
Your cover letter is often your first impression with a potential employer. Make it count by keeping it concise, relevant, and compelling. Those 250-400 words might just be the most important words you write in your job search.
For additional guidance on crafting exceptional cover letters, explore our comprehensive cover letter resources, including templates, examples, and writing strategies. And remember: when it comes to cover letter length, quality always trumps quantity. Make every word work for you.
