You've polished your resume, updated your portfolio, and found the perfect job opening. Now comes the dreaded question: How long should my cover letter be?

Should it be a detailed narrative of your life story? A quick "Here's my resume"? Or something in between?

In 2026, the hiring landscape has changed. Attention spans are shorter, and recruiters are busier than ever. The days of the full-page, single-spaced formal letter are fading fast.

Cover Letter Length Quick Guide

• Email body / Online portal: 100-200 words (3-4 short paragraphs)
• Attached PDF (formal): 250-400 words (half a page max)
• Networking email: 50-100 words (ultra-concise)
• Entry-level / Internships: 200-300 words (tighter focus)
• C-Suite / Academic: 400-600 words (rare exception)

The Golden Rule: If it doesn't add value, cut it. Every sentence should earn its place.

The 2026 Reality: 83% of hiring managers read cover letters even when not required, and candidates with tailored letters are 1.9x more likely to land interviews. But 81% of recruiters have discarded applicants based solely on their cover letter. Make yours count.

Let's dive into the specifics of modern cover letter length and how to make every word count.

The Golden Rule: Half a Page or Less

If you are attaching a formal cover letter document (PDF), the ideal length is 250 to 400 words.

Visually, this looks like half a page to three-quarters of a page. If your text is spilling onto a second page, you have written too much. If it's a dense block of text with no white space, you've also written too much.

Quick Comparison: Cover Letter Types by Length

Pro Tip: If a recruiter can't read your entire cover letter in under 90 seconds, it's too long. Remember: 36% of hiring managers spend less than 30 seconds on cover letters.

Why Shorter is Better: The Data-Driven Case for Brevity

The numbers don't lie. Here's what recent research reveals about cover letter length:

• 36% of hiring managers spend less than 30 seconds reading a cover letter
• 70% of recruiters prefer shorter cover letters over lengthy ones
• 49% consider half a page ideal, while 26% prefer a full page, and 25% want just a few sentences
• 83% of hiring managers read cover letters even when not explicitly required
• Candidates who submit tailored cover letters are 1.9x more likely to land interviews
• 81% of recruiters have discarded applicants based solely on their cover letter
• 72% of hiring managers prioritize customization over generic applications

Here's the paradox: 84% of people believe traditional cover letters are outdated, yet 83% of hiring managers still read them. The resolution? Make them modern, concise, and impactful—not longer.

A concise cover letter demonstrates a critical soft skill: Communication. It shows you can:

• Respect the reader's time
• Synthesize information quickly
• Get to the point without fluff
• Prioritize what matters most

In a world where hiring managers review 100+ applications per job posting, brevity is your competitive advantage.

Scenario A: The "Email Body" Cover Letter (The Modern Standard)

For many modern startups, tech companies, and casual work environments, you won't be attaching a separate PDF. You’ll be pasting your cover letter directly into the body of an email or a text box on an application portal.

Ideal Length: 100 – 200 words.

When the cover letter is the email itself, brevity is your best friend. Long emails get archived; short emails get read.

The Structure of a Short Email Application:

1. Subject Line: Clear and specific (e.g., "Application for [Role Name] - [Your Name]").
2. Salutation: Professional greeting.
3. The Hook (1-2 sentences): Who you are and why you are emailing.
4. The Value Prop (2-3 sentences): Highlight one major achievement relevant to the role.
5. The Close (1 sentence): CTA (Call to Action) and link to portfolio/resume.

Example (Tech Startup):

Word count: 82 words. Perfect for an email application.

Industry-Specific Email Length Tips

Different industries have different expectations:

• Tech / Startups: 100-150 words. Get to the point fast. Show metrics.
• Creative / Marketing: 150-200 words. Show personality, but stay concise.
• Finance / Consulting: 150-200 words. Professional tone, quantifiable results.
• Non-Profit / Education: 150-250 words. Show passion, but respect their time.

Scenario B: The "Attached Document" Cover Letter (Traditional)

If the job posting explicitly asks for a "Cover Letter" as a separate attachment, or if you are applying to a more traditional industry (Law, Academia, Government, Banking), you have a bit more room—but not much.

Ideal Length: 250 – 400 words (3–4 paragraphs).

The 3-Paragraph Formula

Don't ramble. Stick to this proven structure:

1. Opening Paragraph (40-60 words): State the position you're applying for, express genuine interest, and briefly mention how you learned about the opportunity. Mention a mutual connection if you have one.
2. Middle Paragraph(s) (150-220 words): This is the meat of the letter. Highlight 1-2 key achievements or experiences that directly align with job requirements. Use relevant keywords from the job description. Don't summarize your resume—tell a short story about a specific problem you solved.
3. Closing Paragraph (40-70 words): Reinforce your enthusiasm, suggest next steps, and include a professional call to action (e.g., "I'd welcome the opportunity to discuss how my experience in X aligns with your team's needs").

Example Opening Paragraph (Traditional Format)

Word count: 55 words. Clear, confident, and sets the stage for the body paragraph.

The "Problem-Solution" Format (Modern Approach)

Rather than listing your achievements chronologically, try the problem-solution format—it's gaining traction in 2026, especially in tech roles:

Example:

This format demonstrates immediate value and shows you've researched the company's challenges. It works particularly well when applying to startups, product roles, and companies undergoing rapid growth.

Scenario C: The "Networking Email" Cover Letter (Ultra-Short)

If you are reaching out to someone in your network, a recruiter you met at a conference, or cold-emailing a hiring manager, your "cover letter" should be 50-100 words max.

This is not the place for your life story. Your goal is to:

1. Remind them who you are (if applicable).
2. State your ask clearly.
3. Make it easy for them to say yes.

Example Networking Email:

Word count: 52 words. Short, respectful, and actionable.

Networking Email Pro Tips:

• Don't attach your resume immediately. Wait until they ask for it.
• Personalize every line. Generic networking emails get ignored.
• Propose a specific time commitment. "15-minute call" is less intimidating than "pick your brain."

Special Cases: When to Adjust Your Word Count

Entry-Level and Internship Positions: 200-300 Words

If you're applying for your first job or an internship, you can trim your cover letter to 200-300 words. You may have less professional experience, but you can compensate by highlighting:

• Relevant coursework and academic projects
• Volunteer work or campus leadership
• Demonstrated soft skills (teamwork, problem-solving, initiative)
• Personal projects or portfolio work

Keep the same three-paragraph structure but tighten each section. Focus on transferable skills and eagerness to learn.

Example Opening for Entry-Level:

Academic and Senior Positions: 400-600 Words

These roles are exceptions to the standard rule. PhD positions, postdoctoral roles, and senior-level executive positions often warrant 400-600 words because these fields expect more detailed discussion of:

• Research interests and methodology (Academic)
• Teaching philosophy (Academic)
• Strategic vision and leadership philosophy (C-Suite)
• Career trajectory and industry impact (Senior roles)

Even in these cases, never exceed one page when printed.

Government Roles: Follow KSA Requirements

Some federal applications have strict requirements for addressing specific "KSAs" (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities) in narrative form. Follow the instructions exactly, even if they request longer responses.

Common "Length" Mistakes to Avoid

1. The "Resume Rewrite"

If your cover letter just repeats your resume in sentence form ("I worked at X from 2020 to 2022, then I worked at Y..."), it is too long and adds no value. Use the cover letter to show personality and context that the resume cannot.

❌ Bad (120 words):

✅ Good (45 words):

What changed: Removed the chronological recap. Focused on one impressive achievement.

2. The "Wall of Text"

Even a 300-word letter can look too long if it is one giant paragraph. Break it up. Use bullet points for achievements. Use short sentences. White space makes your application look inviting.

❌ Bad:

✅ Good:

3. The "Over-Explainer"

Don't use the cover letter to apologize for missing skills or explain employment gaps in excruciating detail. Focus on your strengths. Confidence is concise.

❌ Bad (80 words):

✅ Good (30 words):

What changed: Lead with confidence. Don't highlight what you don't have.

4. The "Filler Phrase" Trap

Modern hiring values directness. Cut these outdated phrases:

• ❌ "I am writing to express my interest in..."
• ❌ "Please find my resume attached for your review..."
• ❌ "I believe I would be a good fit for..."
• ✅ "I'm excited to apply for the [Role] position at [Company]."
• ✅ "My experience in [X] aligns perfectly with your need for [Y]."

What to Cut (And What to Keep)

If your cover letter exceeds 400 words, here's your editing guide:

What You Must Keep:

• Direct statement of the role you're applying for
• 1-2 specific achievements matching job requirements (with numbers/metrics when possible)
• Brief explanation of why you're interested in this specific company
• Clear demonstration that you've researched the role and organization
• Strong closing with a call to action

Formatting Tips to Make Your Cover Letter Look Shorter (Even If It Isn't)

Visual formatting matters as much as word count. A well-formatted 350-word letter will look more polished than a crammed 400-word letter. Here's how to maximize readability without inflating length:

Font and Spacing Guidelines

Font Size:

• Use 10.5–11 point font as optimal (standard 12 is acceptable; avoid smaller)
• Sans-serif fonts (Arial, Calibri) work well for screen reading
• Serif fonts (Times New Roman, Georgia) work well for PDF attachments

Margins and Spacing:

• Set 1-inch margins on all sides (0.75 inches minimum, never less)
• Use 1.0 or 1.15 line spacing for readability without excess space
• Keep paragraphs to 3-4 lines maximum (visual rule: no paragraph should take up more than 1/3 of the page)
• Include adequate white space around paragraphs—readability beats word count

Visual Formatting Do's:

• Use short paragraphs: 2-3 sentences max per paragraph
• Add white space: Leave a full line break between paragraphs
• Use bullet points: When listing 2-3 achievements or skills
• Bold key metrics: Makes numbers pop (e.g., "increased revenue by 40%")
• Left-align everything: Don't center or justify text

Visual Formatting Don'ts:

• Single-space everything: It looks overwhelming
• Use tiny margins: Recruiter sees "This person is trying to cram too much in"
• Write one giant paragraph: It screams "I don't respect your time"
• Use colored fonts or graphics: Unless you're in a creative field (and even then, be strategic)
• Go smaller than 10pt font: If you can't fit it in 11pt, your letter is too long

Pro Tip: Hiring managers prefer visual clarity over maximum word density. A clean, scannable 300-word letter beats a dense 400-word wall of text.

The Three Core Questions Every Cover Letter Must Answer

Here's what research consistently shows: there is no magic word count. The differences in response rates between a 250-word and a 350-word cover letter are minimal if both are well-written and tailored.

What matters is answering three core questions concisely:

1. Why This Role?

Show you understand the position and explain what attracts you to it. Be specific.

❌ Weak: "I've always wanted to work in marketing." ✅ Strong: "I'm excited about this Growth Marketing role because it combines data analysis with creative campaign development—exactly where I've had my biggest wins."

2. Why Your Company?

Demonstrate genuine knowledge of the organization's mission, products, or culture. Avoid generic praise.

❌ Weak: "Your company is a leader in the industry." ✅ Strong: "I've been following [Company]'s expansion into the European market and your recent partnership with [Partner]. My experience scaling international campaigns would be directly applicable."

3. Why You?

Provide 1-2 specific, relevant examples of how your skills solve their problems.

❌ Weak: "I have five years of experience in sales." ✅ Strong: "In my last role, I increased B2B sales by 45% in 12 months by implementing a consultative selling approach—precisely the skill set your job description emphasizes."

The Bottom Line: A cover letter that answers these three questions in 200 words will beat a rambling 500-word letter that doesn't. Hiring managers who spend 30 seconds reading are scanning for these answers. Make them easy to find.

Quality Over Quantity: Personalization Beats Length Every Time

Here's the uncomfortable truth: 72% of hiring managers prioritize customization over everything else. A 150-word perfectly tailored letter will outperform a 400-word generic one.

What Personalization Looks Like:

Generic (300 words, zero impact):

Personalized (180 words, high impact):

Personalization Checklist:

• ✅ Hiring manager's name (not "To Whom It May Concern")
• ✅ Specific company achievement, product, or recent news
• ✅ Keywords from the actual job description
• ✅ Tailored achievement that mirrors their stated needs
• ✅ Company-specific reason why you're interested

Time Investment: Spend 15-20 minutes customizing each letter. It's better to send 5 personalized 200-word letters than 20 generic 400-word ones.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should a cover letter be for an internal position?

100-200 words. You already work there, so skip the company research. Focus on why you're excited about the new role and what unique value you bring from your current position.

Can a cover letter be too short?

Yes. Anything under 75 words (for a formal application) looks lazy. You need at least 3-4 sentences to make a compelling case.

Should I write a different cover letter length for ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems)?

No. ATS systems parse content, not length. Focus on using relevant keywords from the job description, regardless of word count.

How long should a cover letter be if I'm changing careers?

300-400 words. You need space to explain your transferable skills and why you're making the switch. But don't go over half a page.

What if the job posting says "optional cover letter"?

Write one anyway—but keep it ultra-short (100-150 words). It shows you go the extra mile.

How do I count words in my cover letter?

• Microsoft Word: Tools → Word Count
• Google Docs: Tools → Word Count
• Online: Use a free tool like WordCounter.net

Should I use the hybrid approach (brief email + attached cover letter)?

Yes, this can work well. Write a brief 2-3 sentence introduction in the email body (50-75 words), then add "Please see my attached cover letter for more details." This accommodates:

• Convenience seekers: Can quickly scan your email
• Detail-oriented reviewers: Can read the full PDF
• Mobile readers: Email is easier to read on phones

Just make sure the email introduction is strong enough to stand alone if they never open the attachment.

Summary Checklist

Before you hit send, use this final checklist:

✅ Word Count:

• Email / Text Box: 100-200 words
• Attached PDF: 250-400 words
• Networking Email: 50-100 words

✅ Formatting:

• Short paragraphs (2-3 sentences)
• Bullet points for achievements
• Plenty of white space
• Professional font (11-12pt)

✅ Content:

• Hook in the first sentence
• One specific achievement with numbers
• Clear call to action
• No typos or grammar mistakes

✅ Final Test:

• Read it out loud. If you're bored, they will be too.
• Cut any sentence that doesn't add value.
• Ask: "Would I read this if I had 30 seconds?"

Final Thoughts

Remember, the goal of the cover letter isn't to get you the job—it's to get the recruiter to read your resume with excitement.

In 2026, concise is confident. Every word should earn its place. A tight, focused 200-word cover letter will always outperform a rambling 600-word essay.

Your Action Plan:

1. Target 250-350 words for most applications (slightly shorter than the 400-word max gives you breathing room)
2. Answer the three core questions: Why this role? Why your company? Why you?
3. Personalize ruthlessly: Spend 15-20 minutes customizing each letter
4. Format for scannability: Short paragraphs, white space, bold metrics
5. Attach as PDF unless explicitly told otherwise

The cover letter is no longer a formality. With 83% of hiring managers reading them and tailored letters making you 1.9x more likely to land interviews, this half-page document is your competitive advantage.

But that advantage only works when your letter is sharp, relevant, and respectful of the reader's time. In modern job hunting, shorter, more strategic cover letters outperform longer, generic ones.

Keep it short, keep it punchy, and you'll see better results.

Ready to write your cover letter? Use the templates and examples above as a starting point, customize them for your industry, and watch your response rates climb.