Writing a cover letter can feel daunting, especially if you’re new to work and trying to make a good impression. But it doesn’t have to be. We promise!

One of the most common questions is, “How long should my cover letter be?” It’s a fair question, as nobody wants to bore the hiring manager with a novel. But you also don’t want to seem like you aren’t putting in the effort. 

In this blog, we’ll break down the ideal length for a cover letter, provide expert tips on how to structure and format it, and share common mistakes to avoid. Let’s dive in!

In this article:

How to Write a Cover Letter: Length and Formatting

What is the best length for a cover letter?

When it comes to cover letters, think quality over quantity. Generally, a cover letter should be no more than one page long. Once you’ve included proper formatting (including names, salutations and addresses), this usually means around 300-500 words. It’s enough to say what you need without overwhelming the reader. 

The goal is to show why you’re the right person for the job, clearly and concisely. And if it all fits on one side of A4, all the better.

Is a short cover letter okay?

Absolutely! Short cover letters are more than OK. Just don’t go too short.

Hiring managers are busy, and they often appreciate a cover letter that gets straight to the point. So a concise, well-crafted letter can be just as effective (if not more so) than a longer one. 

Just make sure it’s not so short it looks rushed or doesn’t cover everything you’d like. You still want to hit all the key points about why you’re a great fit for the role – showing you meet all the qualities listed in the job description.

Is 200 words too short for a cover letter?

In most cases, yes, 200 words is a bit short. Unless the job ad specifically asks for a super brief cover letter, you’ll likely struggle to cover all the bases with just 200 words. 

You want to be concise, but also give enough detail to show why you’re the right person for the job. As a rule of thumb, aim for at least 300 words.

How long should a cover letter be in the UK?  

In the UK, the advice is pretty much the same: keep your cover letter to one side of A4. This usually works out to around 300-500 words, depending on how you format it. 

The key is being concise but thorough. Make sure you’re covering everything important, but don’t drag it out.

If you’re applying for an accounting job in the UK (for example), your cover letter could start with a quick intro about yourself, then a paragraph on your relevant experience, another on your skills, and finish with a strong closing showing your enthusiasm for the role.

Is a 500-word cover letter too long?

A 500-word cover letter is a great length – especially if it’s well-formatted and easy to read. Properly spaced and in an appropriate font, 500 words will usually fill one side of A4, which is ideal. 

It gives enough room to talk about your work experience and qualifications (such as your degree, a degree apprenticeship, GCSEs or A Levels) and show why you’re excited about the job without getting too wordy.

Is two pages too long for a cover letter?

For most jobs, a full two pages of text is too long for a cover letter. While there are exceptions, like certain academic or senior positions, it’s usually best to keep it to one page. Most hiring managers won’t have time to read a two-page cover letter, so it’s better to keep things concise.

If you’re finding it hard to cut down, focus on your most relevant experience and skills, and leave out anything that doesn’t directly relate to the job. Instead of listing all your responsibilities from past jobs, highlight the ones that best match the role you’re applying for.

Should a cover letter be A4?

Yes, if you’re sending your cover letter as an attachment, it should be formatted to fit on a standard A4 sheet of paper. This makes it easy to print and read, and it’s what most employers expect.

For example, make sure your margins are set to about 1 inch on all sides, choose a standard font like Times New Roman or Arial in size 11 or 12, and leave clear spaces between paragraphs. This keeps everything looking neat and professional – as these little details make a big difference in how your cover letter is received.

Is size 10 too small for a cover letter?

While size 10 font isn’t necessarily too small, it’s generally better to stick with size 11 or 12. These sizes are easier to read, which is important when you want to ensure your cover letter is as accessible as possible. The easier it is to read, the better the impression you’ll make.

For example, if you’re using Times New Roman, size 11 is usually just right. It’s clear and professional, without taking up too much space. Before you send your cover letter, take a quick look on your screen and maybe print it out to check it looks good.

Have you got interviews lined up already? Don’t miss our guide on the best clothes to wear to a job interview.

How to Write a Cover Letter: Structure and Common Mistakes

How should I start a cover letter?

The first paragraph of your cover letter is your chance to grab the reader’s attention. Start by mentioning the position you’re applying for and immediately let them know why you’re a great fit for the job. This is also a perfect spot to drop in any personal connections you have to the company – like if you were referred by someone or if a specific project caught your eye.

For example: 

“I’m excited to apply for the Content Writer position at XYZ Company, which I discovered on your careers page. With a background in journalism and a passion for storytelling, I’m eager to contribute to your team and drive engagement through compelling content.”

How do you introduce yourself in a cover letter?

 A cover letter should provide a quick snapshot of who you are and what you bring to the table. You don’t need a lengthy personal introduction though. Keep things brief. This isn’t your whole life story, just a highlight reel showing why you’re a great fit for the role. Think of it as setting the stage for the rest of your cover letter.

For example: 

“I’m a recent graduate with a first class degree in Law and a particular interest in copyright disputes. I’m thrilled at the opportunity to apply my skills in a dynamic and innovative environment like XYZ Legal Firm.”

Should I talk about myself in a cover letter?

Absolutely! Your cover letter is your chance to talk about yourself and show why you’re the best fit for the job. Remember, it’s not just about listing your accomplishments. A good cover letter is all about showing how those accomplishments make you the right person for the role.

For example: 

“In my previous role as a Marketing Coordinator, I developed a social media strategy that boosted our brand’s online presence by 50%. I’m excited to bring my expertise in digital marketing and my passion for creative communication to the Marketing Specialist position at ABC Corp.”

How do I end a cover letter?

The last paragraph of your cover letter should be positive, confident and leave the reader with a clear idea of what to do next. Reiterate your interest in the role, thank the hiring manager for their time, and suggest the next step – like setting up an interview or having a follow-up conversation. 

You should also end with a professional sign-off like “Sincerely” or “Best regards,” and your name.

For example:

“I’m enthusiastic about the opportunity to contribute to XYZ Company and would love the chance to discuss how my background in project management can benefit your team. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of discussing this exciting role further.”

How do I stop saying “I” in a cover letter?

It’s easy to fall into the trap of starting every sentence with “I” in a cover letter. But not to worry, there are lots of other good sentence starters to try.

To avoid overusing “I”, try rephrasing your sentences to focus on what you can do for the company. Here are some examples:

• Instead of, “I have five years of experience in sales,” try, “With five years of experience in sales, I’ve developed the skills to drive growth and exceed targets in this role.”
• Rather than, “I am excited about the opportunity to work at your company,” try, “The opportunity to contribute to your company’s innovative projects is truly exciting, and I am eager to bring my expertise in [specific skill] to the team.”
• Instead of saying, “I managed a team of 10 people,” try, “Leading a team of 10, I ensured project deadlines were consistently met and quality standards were exceeded.”

What are common mistakes to avoid in a cover letter?

As we’ve seen, writing a great cover letter is all about making a strong first impression. It doesn’t have to be over-complicated, but it’s easy to stumble on a few common mistakes.

Here are the main pitfalls to avoid:

• Don’t ignore the job description: Use the job description as your guide. Follow any requests or instructions, like mentioning certain projects or addressing your letter to a specific person. Tailoring your cover letter to the job shows attention to detail and that you’ve done your homework.
• Don’t go wild on the formatting: Keep your cover letter clean and professional. Stick to standard fonts like Arial or Times New Roman in size 11 or 12, and maintain standard margins. Over-the-top formatting can distract from your content and make your letter harder to read.
• Don’t just repeat your CV: Your cover letter should complement your CV, not copy it. Use it to add context and tell the story behind your CV. This is your chance to explain how your experiences make you the perfect fit for the job.
• Don’t write an essay: Your cover letter should be no more than one page or around 300-500 words. Structure your letter with an engaging introduction, a middle section highlighting your qualifications, and a strong closing paragraph. Employers appreciate brevity.
• Don’t be too generic: Personalise your cover letter. Avoid generic openings like “To Whom It May Concern.” Research the hiring manager’s name if possible, and tailor your letter to the company and role to show genuine interest.
• Don’t ignore the document type: Always send your cover letter as a PDF unless otherwise specified. This ensures your formatting stays intact and can be easily opened on any device.
• Don’t forget to proofread: Mistakes can be a deal-breaker. Always proofread your cover letter to catch any typos or grammatical errors. Better yet, have someone else take a look for a fresh perspective.

Writing a cover letter doesn’t have to be stressful. Just remember to keep it focused, relevant and tailored to each job you apply for. And if you need some extra help, that’s where we come in. 

With early career coaching, we’ll help you create standout cover letters, perfect your CV, prepare for interviews and land that dream job. Contact our expert team today to learn how we can support you.