Recruiters get asked this constantly and the answer is simpler than most people expect. Cover letter length is less about word count and more about keeping the reader engaged from the first sentence to the last.
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One Page is the Limit, Always
There is no version of a cover letter that should be longer than one page. If your cover letter runs to two pages, you have not edited it. Recruiters do not read cover letters word for word, they scan. A second page is almost never seen. Write for the scan, not the marathon.
Three to Four Paragraphs Is the Sweet Spot
Most strong cover letters land in the 250 to 400 word range. That is roughly three or four paragraphs. An opening that grabs attention, a middle section that connects your experience to the role, and a closing that asks for the conversation. That structure almost never needs more than 400 words. For more on this, see our guide on cover letter vs. no cover letter.
Shorter Is Better If the Content Is Strong
A 200-word cover letter that is tight, specific, and genuinely interesting beats a 500-word one that meanders. If you are cutting words and the letter still makes its case, it is probably better now. Every sentence should earn its place.
Never Write Less Than 150 Words
On the other end, a three-sentence cover letter looks like you did not care. Even for casual roles or startup applications, you want at least 150 to 200 words. Enough to show you thought about the company and the role specifically, not just fired off a form letter.
Match the Length to the Application Culture
A cover letter for a law firm should be more formal and thorough, closer to 400 words. A cover letter for a design startup might land better at 200 tight words with a clear, confident voice. Read the room. The job posting itself usually gives you a signal. For more on this, see our guide on cover letter length.
Read next
- How to Write an Internship Cover Letter That Stands Out
- How to Write a Career Change Cover Letter That Works
- Cover Letter for a Recent Graduate: A Step-by-Step Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I always include a cover letter?
Include one when requested, when writing ability is core to the role, or when you need to explain context your resume cannot. For high-volume technical roles, it is often not read.
How long should a cover letter be?
Three to four short paragraphs, 200-300 words maximum. If you are writing more, you are probably repeating your resume.
What should the first sentence of a cover letter say?
Start with something specific. “I have spent four years doing exactly what this role requires” beats “I am excited to apply for this position.”
What should I leave out of a cover letter?
Do not restate your resume, explain why you need the job, apologize for gaps, or use clichés. Every sentence should add information not already in the resume.
Most cover letters fail because they summarize the resume rather than add to it. A recruiter reading your cover letter already has your resume in hand. They do not need you to recap it. What they want to know is why this role, at this company, is one you are genuinely excited about, and what specific experience makes you a stronger candidate than the other 150 applicants who also ticked all the required boxes.
The best cover letters I have seen treat the format like a brief business proposal. They open with a specific observation about the company or role, connect that observation to a relevant achievement, and close with a clear next step. This structure respects the hiring manager’s time while demonstrating that you have done real research rather than sending a mass application.
Length matters here, too. A cover letter should be between three and four paragraphs. Any shorter and it feels dismissive of the opportunity. Any longer and you are asking a busy hiring manager to read a document they typically spend less than thirty seconds on. Every sentence should either demonstrate fit, show enthusiasm, or move the reader closer to wanting to meet you. For more on this, see our guide on how long should a cover letter be.
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