How long should a cover letter be?
Source: Freepik
A cover letter plays a crucial role in the job application process. It is a professional document that introduces you to potential employers and highlights your qualifications for the role. While it might seem like just another requirement, a cover letter provides significant value for both applicants and employers.
For employers, a cover letter offers insight into your motivations and helps them assess how well your skills align with the position. It allows you to articulate your interest in the role and demonstrate your understanding of the industry and company.
For applicants, a cover letter is an opportunity to present your enthusiasm for the position and explain why you are a strong candidate. In Singapore’s competitive job market, crafting a compelling cover letter can set you apart from other candidates.
When determining the appropriate length for a cover letter, consider that it is not a one-size-fits-all document. The ideal length varies based on your experience, the role, and the industry. Generally, a cover letter should be between 250 and 400 words and consist of 3 to 6 paragraphs.
This article will provide guidance on maintaining the appropriate length for your cover letter. Follow these tips and use the templates provided to create a persuasive and professional cover letter that enhances your job application.
Here is what we will cover:
- How long should a cover letter be?
- How to keep your cover letter the correct length
- Cover letter examples by length
- Conclusion: Which cover letter length is most effective?
- FAQs
How long should a cover letter be?
A good rule of thumb is to keep your cover letter as short and sweet as possible. Aim for a one-page cover letter that spans 3–6 paragraphs and a 250–400 word count.
This should give you enough room to highlight the skills and experiences that make you a good candidate for the role while staying concise.
Here's a breakdown of how you can structure your cover letter.
Header: Contact information
This is where you input your key contact details. Insert your full name, your job title (if applicable), your phone number, and your email address.
Paragraph 1: Greeting and introduction
A standard greeting for a good cover letter is "Dear [Hiring Manager's Name]." If the job ad doesn't list the hiring manager's name, try researching online or on the company's website to personalise your greeting.
In your opening paragraph, briefly explain how you discovered this job opening. Follow up with a strong sentence about why you are excited about this role.
Paragraphs 2–5: Relevant accomplishments and experience
Delve into the skill set and experiences that make you an ideal candidate for this position. Share your responsibilities and accomplishments at previous companies. In particular, highlight problems you have solved and use numbers to quantify your impact.
For instance, mention how you contributed to successful projects at a company in Singapore, such as increasing sales at a local SME.
Closing paragraph
Wrap up your cover letter by reiterating your excitement about the role. Thank the hiring manager for their consideration, and invite them to follow up with a call or meeting.
Of course, there are exceptions to the one-page rule. If you have much-related experience or the job you are applying for requires a longer cover letter, feel free to break the rule. But no matter the length, a clear, concise, and compelling cover letter is key.
Source: Freepik
How to keep your cover letter the right length
Check the employer’s requirements
Before you start typing, it is crucial to understand what the hiring manager is after. Some will lay out their expectations for cover letter length and format in the job posting, typically in the “Job Description” or “Application Instructions” section.
Please read the job posting carefully and follow the instructions provided in the letter. This will demonstrate your attention to detail and willingness to comply with company standards.
If there are no specific instructions, check out the company website. Many companies have a careers section on their website, where you might find more details on what they prefer in a cover letter.
Introduce yourself
The opening lines of your cover letter are your moment to catch the eye of hiring managers.
Introduce yourself and spotlight the skills or experiences that set you apart. Whether it is your work history, unusual career journey, or volunteer work, lead with a mention of what makes you stand out from other candidates.
Next, show your interest in the role and the company. Explain why it is not just any job — it is the dream job you are excited about. You can even weave in a mention of the company's values that resonate with you or any work they have done that you admire.
Highlight relevant skills and experiences in your body paragraphs
The body paragraphs outline the skills and experiences that make you a standout candidate. But don't just write what's already on your resume — you also need to connect the dots between your achievements and what the employer is after.
If you have work experience related to a similar role, highlight your previous responsibilities and achievements. Avoid passive voice here — use action verbs to show your impact.
If you are switching careers or applying for your first job, emphasise the transferable skills you have learnt from your past projects, extracurricular activities, or internships. The key is to link these skills to the job description and show their relevance.
Beyond hard skills, mention personal qualities that will help you fit well into the company culture. For instance, if the job description targets candidates who are team players, you can recount a situation where you helped resolve a team conflict. These little glimpses into your character can set a great cover letter apart.
Craft a memorable ending for your cover letter
After the effort you have put into composing your cover letter, you want to ensure you are remembered. Here are some pointers for a final paragraph that'll leave a lasting impression:
- Express your gratitude: Start your conclusion with a thank you. It shows you are considerate of the employer's time and the effort they have put into considering your application.
- Reiterate your interest: Make it clear that you believe you are the one for the role and are eager to take on the challenge.
- Highlight your availability: Wrap up with a call-to-action for a meeting or call. It is a great way to show you are keen to keep things moving in the hiring process.
Follow professional formatting
Playing by the rules of cover letter formatting will help you come across as a serious professional. First and foremost, write using a standard font like Arial or Times New Roman. Set the size to 12 points to ensure readability.
While it might be tempting to squeeze more words into the page, maintain a margin of 1 inch around the document.
Finally, keep your paragraphs short and sweet. A good rule of thumb is, at most, four sentences per paragraph. By breaking up your text into bite-sized chunks, you make it a breeze to read.
Remove fluff
When reviewing your cover letter, it is crucial to remove unnecessary words and phrases—what we call “fluff.” Fluff can weaken your letter and make it less impactful.
Follow these tips to remove fluff from your cover letter:
- Cut out the repetitive and the generic: For instance, swap “I am writing to express my interest in the position of [job title]” for the more direct “I am applying for the [job title] position.”
- Be direct and to the point: Instead of saying, "I have a strong background in customer service," say, "I have five years of experience providing excellent customer service in a fast-paced environment."
- Remove the intensifiers: Words like "very," "really," and "just" bloat your cover letter without boosting its impact.
- Ditch the jargon: Keep it simple. You never know if the person reading your cover letter knows all the terms in your field.
Proofread and edit
Take the time to proofread and double-check each cover letter section to ensure it is error-free.
This includes reading it aloud to identify awkward wording and cutting out unnecessary words that don't contribute to your main points.
Be sure to check for any typos or grammatical errors, as these can negatively impact you and your application. You can use an editing tool like Grammarly or Hemingway to identify the mistakes and get suggestions for improving sentences.
You can also ask a friend or family member to review your cover letter and provide feedback.
Source: Freepik
Cover letter examples by length
Are you looking for some cover letter templates to kickstart your writing? Here are three examples of cover letters that vary in length.
Cover letter example 1: Short version (Half page)
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number]
Dear [Hiring Manager's Name],
I am writing to express my interest in the Social Media Marketing Assistant position at [Company Name], as advertised on Jobstreet Singapore. With over two years of dedicated experience in digital marketing, I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to your team.
At my current position with [Current Company Name], I specialise in social media strategy and content creation. I spearheaded a social media campaign that increased our follower engagement by 40% within six months. My approach combines creative content production, data-driven strategy, and continuous performance analysis to ensure optimal engagement and conversion rates.
I am proficient in using tools such as Hootsuite, Buffer, and Google Analytics to effectively manage and evaluate social media efforts. My passion for engaging storytelling is an asset that I am eager to bring to [Company Name].
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to discussing how I can contribute to your team and help [Company Name] achieve its social media marketing goals.
Warm regards,
[Your Name]
Cover letter example 2: Medium version (Between half a page and one page)
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number]
Dear [Hiring Manager's Name],
As a marketing professional with a growing passion for SEO, your advertisement for the SEO Strategist role at [Company Name] sparked my interest. I am eager to transition into this dynamic field and contribute to your company's success.
Over the past six years, I have honed my content creation and digital marketing skills. As a content marketing manager, I worked extensively with cross-functional teams to develop compelling content that resonates with diverse audiences.
My journey into SEO began two years ago when I started incorporating SEO best practices into my content strategies. By applying SEO strategies, I was able to drive online visibility and engagement significantly. In my previous role at [Company Name], I successfully increased organic traffic by 30% through strategic keyword integration and content restructuring.
My expertise in keyword research, content optimisation, and analytics makes me a strong candidate for this position. My ability to analyse performance metrics and adapt strategies accordingly will be invaluable in contributing to your SEO efforts. In addition, I am committed to continuous learning and am enhancing my knowledge through an advanced SEO certification course.
I am drawn to [Company Name] because of your commitment to innovation in Singapore’s competitive market. I would love the opportunity to combine my background in content marketing with my skills in SEO to drive impactful results.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to discussing how my background and skills align with [Company Name] 's goals.
Yours sincerely,
[Your Name]
Cover letter example 3: Long version (One page)
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number]
Dear [Hiring Manager's Name],
Over my decade-long career as a marketing leader, I have developed innovative marketing strategies that have significantly increased market share and customer engagement. I am excited about the opportunity to bring my strategic vision and proven expertise to the role of Marketing Director at [Company Name].
As senior marketing manager at [Previous Company Name], I led a team of marketing professionals in designing and implementing a comprehensive marketing strategy. This strategy expanded our market presence and increased our revenue by 45% over three years.
My approach involves deeply understanding market dynamics, consumer behaviour, and the latest marketing technologies. Together, these enable me to pinpoint and target new opportunities effectively in Singapore.
Key achievements in my career include:
- Developing and launching a multi-channel marketing campaign that penetrated two untapped business segments, resulting in a 20% increase in customer base within the first year.
- Establishing robust relationships with key industry influencers, leading to a 25% increase in brand visibility and accelerated business growth.
- Implementing customer relationship management (CRM) strategies that improved customer satisfaction scores by 15% and fostered long-term loyalty.
My ability to analyse market trends and tailor marketing efforts to meet dynamic business needs has been a key factor in my success. I am adept at leveraging various marketing channels to create cohesive strategies that resonate with target audiences and achieve business objectives.
I am eager to bring my passion for strategic marketing and leadership expertise to your team. I believe my experience in leading successful marketing teams and initiatives makes me a strong candidate for this role.
I look forward to discussing with you how I can contribute to [Company Name] 's continued growth and success. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Conclusion: What's the most effective cover letter length?
While keeping your cover letter shorter than a page is still best, there's room for flexibility. Ultimately, the length of your cover letter should be tailored to your background, experience level, and the role.
If you are a fresh graduate or an entry-level candidate, it is okay for your cover letter to be around half a page. There's no need to fluff up your skills and background just to hit a certain word count.
On the other hand, if you are a seasoned pro with a shortlist of achievements, you might need that extra space to do yourself justice. If you need to explain something about your career journey — for instance, if you are switching careers — a longer cover letter can help you make your case.
At the end of the day, a cover letter is your chance to show how much you want the job and why you are the perfect fit. So, whether you are penning a short cover letter or a slightly longer one, make sure it is organised, to the point, and speaks directly to the role you are after.
FAQs
- What is the ideal length for a cover letter?
The ideal length for a cover letter is 250–400 words, typically spanning 3–6 paragraphs on one page. This length allows you to effectively highlight relevant skills and experiences while remaining concise. - Can a cover letter be too short?
Yes, a cover letter can be too short. If it is too brief, it might not adequately convey your qualifications, enthusiasm, or suitability for the position, reducing your chances of making a strong impression on the hiring manager. - Is a two-page cover letter ever acceptable?
A two-page cover letter is generally not recommended, as it can overwhelm the reader with unnecessary details. It s best to keep your cover letter concise and to the point, ideally within one page. - How can I fit all my experience into the recommended cover letter length?
To fit your experience into the recommended cover letter length, focus only on the skills and experiences most relevant to the role. Avoid generic phrases and repetitive sentences, proofread to eliminate unnecessary details, and consider asking someone for feedback. - Should the cover letter length vary by industry?
While the general rule of keeping a cover letter to one page applies across most industries, certain fields may have specific expectations. It is important to tailor your cover letter to the norms and expectations of the industry you are applying to. - Do employers actually read cover letters, and does length matter?
Yes, many employers do read cover letters, especially when they are well-crafted and concise. The length matters because a too-long letter can lose the reader's interest, while a too-short letter may not provide enough information about your qualifications. - How can I make my cover letter concise without omitting important information?
To keep your cover letter concise without leaving out important information, focus on the most relevant experiences and achievements that match the job description. Use bullet points for clarity and avoid repeating information from your resume. - How to format a cover letter?
A standard cover letter format includes:
Header: Contact information
Paragraph 1: Greeting and introduction
Paragraphs 2–5: Relevant experience and achievements
Closing paragraph: Conclusion and call to action
