How Long Should a Cover Letter Be?
When applying for a job, your cover letter can be just as important as your resume. It serves as your opportunity to make a great first impression and stand out from other candidates. One of the most common questions I get asked is: how long should my cover letter be?
The answer isn’t always straightforward, but here’s everything you need to know about determining the ideal length for your cover letter.
The Standard Rule: Keep It One Page
In most cases, a cover letter should be no longer than one page. Why? Because employers and hiring managers often have limited time to review each application. They’re looking for a concise, clear presentation of your qualifications and enthusiasm for the role. A one-page cover letter forces you to focus on what matters most, and it demonstrates your ability to communicate effectively.
Why One Page?
Attention span: Hiring managers have to sift through many applications, and long cover letters can overwhelm them. A well-organised, one-page letter ensures they’ll read the entire document.
Conciseness is key: A shorter cover letter allows you to highlight your most relevant skills and experience without unnecessary fluff.
Professionalism: By keeping it short, you show you respect the employer’s time and understand how to communicate in an efficient manner.
When Is It Acceptable to Go Longer?
While one page is ideal, there are exceptions to this rule. Certain situations might warrant a longer cover letter:
Senior Roles: When applying for higher-level positions, such as management or executive roles, it’s often necessary to expand beyond one page. These roles require a more in-depth explanation of your leadership experience, strategic thinking, and how you’ve driven success at a high level. In such cases, you may need two pages to adequately demonstrate your value.
Key Selection Criteria: Some job postings, especially those from government or large organisations, may ask you to address specific key selection criteria. If these criteria must be covered within your cover letter instead of a separate document, this can add to the length. In these cases, it’s necessary to exceed one page to ensure you address each criterion in detail, often using bullet points for clarity. (For my information on how to address key selection criteria, see my blog post: How to Address Key Selection Criteria — TLW Resume Services
Complex Roles: For highly technical or specialised roles, more detail may be required to show your qualifications. Here, you can expand on how your skills align with the role’s specific needs, but you should still aim for brevity and avoid unnecessary detail.
Structuring a One-Page Cover Letter
Here’s a simple structure to keep things concise and effective:
Introduction (1–2 paragraphs):
Start by briefly introducing yourself and expressing your excitement about the role.
Mention how your experience aligns with the job and company’s values.
Core Skills and Experience Aligned with Role Requirements (2–3 paragraphs):
Highlight your key skills and achievements that align with the key role requirements listed in job advertisement.
Use the STAR format (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to showcase your impact, keeping it brief but impactful.
Focus on how your experience directly addresses the employer’s needs.
Closing (1 paragraph):
Reaffirm your enthusiasm for the role.
Confidently mention how your skills align with the company’s goals and values.
Thank the employer for their consideration.
Practical Tips for Crafting a Concise Cover Letter
Use bullet points: In the body of the cover letter, I suggest outlining key qualifications or achievements under subheadings that relate to the role requirements. Use bullet points to make the information digestible.
Avoid repetition: Don’t just repeat or copy information from your resume. Your cover letter should complement your resume and it is an opportunity to bridge any gaps between your resume and what you can bring to the role.
Stay focused: Tailor each cover letter to the specific role. Don’t use a one-size-fits-all approach as generic applications will likely go straight to the bottom of the pile.
Be mindful of formatting: Stick to a standard font, size, and formatting. This ensures your cover letter is professional and easy to read.
In summary, the ideal length for a cover letter is typically one page, but there are exceptions for more senior roles or when you are required to address key selection criteria within the cover letter. Regardless of length, the goal is to communicate your value clearly and succinctly. A well-crafted cover letter that’s tailored to the job and employer will help you stand out in the hiring process. You can find more information about crafting a great cover letter in the blog post: How to Write a Cover Letter for the Australian Job Market — TLW Resume Services
If you’re still unsure how to create the perfect cover letter or resume, I’m here to help! At TLW Resume Services, we specialise in crafting tailored job applications. Learn more about our professional resume writing service and get started on your career success today.