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How long a cover letter should be — and why shorter usually wins
The right length for a cover letter, how many paragraphs to use, when a longer letter is appropriate, and how to cut down a cover letter that has grown too long.
The most common cover letter length mistake is writing too much. Job seekers feel pressure to fill space and prove effort, so they write four or five paragraphs that repeat the resume rather than adding anything new.
Hiring managers read cover letters quickly. A shorter, more focused letter almost always performs better than a long one, because it respects the reader's time and forces the writer to choose only the strongest points.
The right length for most cover letters
Most cover letters should be three paragraphs and fit comfortably on one page without requiring small font or tight margins. Three hundred to four hundred words is a good target range for roles at most experience levels.
This length is enough to name the role, establish the strongest reason you are a fit, support it with one or two specific examples, and close with a clear call to action. Anything more than that usually starts to repeat the resume or add padding.
- Three paragraphs: opening, body, closing
- 300–400 words total
- One page with standard margins (1 inch) and readable font (11–12pt)
- No headers or section labels — it is a letter, not a document
What each paragraph should do
The opening paragraph names the role, establishes the connection between your background and the employer's needs, and gives the reader a reason to keep reading. One to three sentences.
The body paragraph (or two short ones) provides specific evidence that supports your opening claim. This is where you reference relevant work, a specific accomplishment, or a skill the employer has emphasized. Do not just restate the resume — add context or detail the resume cannot show.
The closing paragraph is brief: express continued interest, mention that your resume and portfolio are attached, and invite next steps. Three sentences is enough.
When a longer letter might be appropriate
Academic, research, and grant applications sometimes expect longer letters — one to two pages — because they require more explanation of your research interests, teaching philosophy, or project plan. Follow the instructions the institution provides.
If you are making a significant career change, a slightly longer letter can help because you need to do more explanatory work to build the bridge between your background and the new field. Even then, keep it under 500 words if possible.
How to cut a cover letter that is too long
Read each sentence and ask whether it adds something the resume does not show. If the answer is no, delete it. Remove sentences that start with 'I have always been passionate about' or restate your job history in paragraph form — those lines add length without adding value.
Every paragraph should earn its place. If the second body paragraph does not add a meaningfully different point from the first, combine them or cut the weaker one.
Sources
Related guides
Practical cover letter opening examples for different situations, plus guidance on avoiding generic first paragraphs.
A practical cover letter guide for opening lines, tailoring, tone, proof, length, and recruiter-friendly structure.
An entry-level resume guide for students, recent graduates, and early-career candidates with limited work history.