You’ve spent a lot of time crafting your resume and cover letter, but does it have to be one page? The short answer is: no. If you can’t fit all the information on one page, then go ahead and make it two pages.
But if you’re worried about getting hired because your resume or cover letter isn’t in the perfect format, don’t worry! There are more important things than how long they are.
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Tailor your cover letter to the specific job and company you’re applying to. |
| Customize each cover letter instead of reusing the same one for multiple job applications. |
| Address your cover letter to a specific person whenever possible. |
| Keep your cover letter concise and to the point, generally no more than one page in length. |
| Even if the job posting doesn’t mention a cover letter, including one can demonstrate your enthusiasm for the position. |
How Long Should A Cover Letter Be?
How long should a cover letter be? The answer is simple: not very long.
Go ahead, and feel free to use the word “cover” in its plural form (there’s nothing wrong with that). But when it comes to your cover letter, keep things simple by writing one page of content and making sure it doesn’t exceed two pages total.
Any longer than that and you run the risk of being passed over by hiring managers who don’t have time to read through page after page of rambling content.
When it comes to cover letters, there’s no hard and fast rule on length. While a one-page cover letter is often recommended, a two-page cover letter can be appropriate in certain circumstances. To learn more about when a two-page cover letter might be appropriate, check out our guide on can your cover letter be two pages.
Should A Cover Letter Be One Page?
A cover letter is an introduction to your resume. It should include information about why you are applying for the job, as well as a few reasons why the company should consider hiring you.
The purpose of this document is to help sell yourself not just tell employers what you do or have done in the past. Effective cover letters will convince employers that they need to hire you, even if they already know all about your experience and qualifications (and trust me: they know).
This means that it’s important to focus on showing them how unique your skills are and how much value you could add by working for them. In other words, don’t waste time listing every single thing about yourself instead think about how those things would be useful in this position and why people might want them on their team.
When writing these documents, always keep in mind that short letters are better than long ones!
Does A Cover Letter Need To Be One Page?
Whether or not your cover letter should be one page is a topic of debate. Some say it should, while others argue that it can be longer. Both sides have valid arguments, so let’s take a look at the pros and cons of each.
- One Page:
- Allows for easy readability
- Gives the reader an overview of your experience and skills
- Shows that you’ve kept it brief and to the point
- Easy to go through in one sitting if you’re pressed for time
Should Cover Letters Be One Page Or Two?
The answer to this question is simple: one page is best, two pages are acceptable, three pages are too long, four pages are too long, five pages are too long, six pages are too long, and so on. Anything over seven or eight pages will make your cover letter seem unprofessional and should be avoided at all costs.
Can A Cover Letter Be Two Pages?
Yes, a cover letter can be two pages. Because the application process is time-consuming and tedious, you should make sure you have enough content in your cover letter to address all of the information on the job posting. If they’ve asked for something specific, include that information in your cover letter so it can help you stand out from other applicants.
If you’re writing a two-page cover letter, there are some things to keep in mind:
- Include your name, address, and phone number in the top right corner of the first page
- Have a header that identifies this as a cover letter
Crafting a cover letter that stands out can be challenging, but with the right approach, you can land the interview you’re after. For tips on creating a standout cover letter, check out our guide on writing a cover letter that will land you the interview.
What If My Cover Letter Is Two Pages?
If you are applying for a position that is well-suited to a two-page cover letter, then go for it! A two-page cover letter is appropriate if the job ad asks you to submit one or when they request “a brief description of your career goals.” If that’s not the case, stick with one page.
How Do I Fit Everything Into One Page?
When it comes to writing a cover letter, the more content you can fit on one page, the better. The only caveat is that you have to make sure it’s easy to read and understand.
Here are some tips for fitting all that information on one page:
List the most important items first. You don’t want to start with something like “I am an excellent candidate because I have been working in this industry for 15 years and have over 25 years of experience in this field.” Instead, focus on why they should hire you specifically and highlight what makes you different from other applicants.
Use simple sentences with short paragraphs (unless they’re required). Instead of writing long sentences with multiple clauses or explanations as evidence for why someone should hire you, use bullet points instead of explaining things in detail each time (this will help prevent your cover letter from looking cluttered).
Remember that hiring managers don’t want a novel; they just want answers!
Keep it short but sweet no need for fancy formatting or borders when applying for jobs online! Your cover letter should look professional enough without having too much visual flair since many companies receive hundreds if not thousands of applications each week from candidates across different industries ranging from retail outlets like Best Buy Co Inc (BBY)
Down through small businesses such as local grocery stores so having something unique isn’t necessary unless specifically asked/recommended by management beforehand.”
Cover letters don’t necessarily have to be long, but they should be long enough to provide a compelling case for why you’re the best fit for the job. For guidance on how long your cover letter should be, check out our guide on do cover letters have to be long.
Should I Have A Header On Both Pages Of My Cover Letter?
If you’re sending your cover letter in an email, it’s a good idea to have a header on both pages of your cover letter. This can include the same information as mentioned above: name, address, phone number, and email address in large font so that it is easy to read. If you’re sending your cover letter by mail then only include this information on the first page (the left side).
Can I Have Someone Look Over My Resume And Cover Letter To See If They Are Too Long?
Ask a friend or family member. A close friend or family member can give you their honest opinion about how your resume and cover letter are written, but they may not have the professional experience to know whether or not the content is good enough to get you an interview.
Ask a professional. If you don’t have someone in your life who has more experience with job search than you do, then I suggest seeking out help from one of these professionals:
A recruiter/headhunter
A career coach/career counselor/job coach (depending on where you live)
Your university’s career center
A professional resume writer
Do People Read My Entire Resume And Cover Letter When I Apply Online?
When it comes to cover letters, most people don’t read the entire thing. They’ll skim the first line or two of your letter and then move on if there’s nothing that grabs their attention. So you must have a strong opening sentence one that will catch their eye and make them want to keep reading.
The first paragraph is where you can tell your story, so be sure to include any details about why you’re interested in working at this company or doing this job.
You should also add some personality in this section while still being professional: mention what other activities relate to what they’re looking for in an employee (e.g., related clubs or organizations)
Explain how much experience/knowledge/skills you have regarding X industry/field of work/etc talk about how your unique qualities will help them succeed at Y goal(s).
Formatting your cover letter correctly can make all the difference when it comes to making a positive impression on potential employers. For tips on how to format your cover letter effectively, check out our guide on how cover letters are formatted.
Do Employers Read Your Cover Letter Before Looking At Your Resume?
Yes, employers do read cover letters. Often the first impression a potential employer makes is based on your cover letter, so it’s important to make sure yours is well-written and shows why you would be a good fit for their company.
A cover letter is also an opportunity for you to stand out from the crowd by showing enthusiasm for the job and displaying personality traits that are unique to you.
Does Writing A Good Cover Letter Make You More Likely To Get Hired Than Writing A Mediocre Cover Letter?
Does writing a good cover letter make you more likely to get hired than writing a mediocre cover letter? No. It shouldn’t matter at all whether your cover letter is one page or three pages long if your resume isn’t up to par.
Your resume is what gets you the interview, and your interview performance is what gets you the job offer not some arbitrary length requirement for your cover letter.
Now that we have established that length doesn’t matter when it comes to writing good cover letters, let’s talk about why they are important at all:
They’re a way for candidates to set themselves apart from other applicants who may not be quite as qualified or experienced as they are in their chosen field of work (or even in applying for jobs).
A good rule of thumb when creating an effective resume/cover letter combo would then be this: Write an impressive document with no filler content (no fluff) so that it stands out from other applicants’ submissions!
One of the most common questions job seekers have about cover letters is whether they need to be one page or not. The truth is, it depends on the situation. To learn more about when a one-page cover letter is appropriate, check out our guide on does cover letter need to be one page.
Conclusion
For the most part, it’s safe to say that cover letters should be one page in length. If you have a lot of information or experience that you want to share with the reader, however, it may be acceptable for your cover letter to be longer than one page (but not more than two).
It’s also important that you check with whoever is hiring before sending off your application materials so they can let you know if there are any specific formatting guidelines they follow when reviewing applications.
Do these tips answer all of your questions about how long should a cover letter be? Are there any other topics or questions we haven’t covered yet? Let us know! We’d love to hear from our readers about their experiences writing cover letters as well as what advice they would offer others who are looking for jobs right now too.
Further Reading
Do You Need a Cover Letter?: A comprehensive guide to help you determine whether you need a cover letter for your job application.
What Not to Put in a Cover Letter: A useful resource that provides insight into what you should avoid including in your cover letter.
How to Write a Cover Letter Guide: A step-by-step guide that provides tips and tricks on how to write an effective cover letter.
FAQs
What should I include in my cover letter?
Your cover letter should include a brief introduction, a statement of your qualifications, and a conclusion that expresses your interest in the position. You should also customize your cover letter to the job description and company culture.
Can I submit the same cover letter for multiple job applications?
While it may be tempting to reuse a cover letter for multiple job applications, it’s important to customize each letter to the specific job and company you’re applying to. This will show the hiring manager that you’re serious about the position and have taken the time to research the company.
Should I address my cover letter to a specific person?
Whenever possible, you should address your cover letter to a specific person, rather than using a generic salutation like “To Whom It May Concern.” This shows that you’ve done your research and are familiar with the company and its hiring process.
How long should my cover letter be?
Your cover letter should be concise and to the point, generally no more than one page in length. Focus on highlighting your most relevant qualifications and accomplishments that are related to the job you’re applying for.
Is it necessary to write a cover letter if the job posting doesn’t mention it?
Even if the job posting doesn’t mention a cover letter, it’s still a good idea to include one with your application. A well-crafted cover letter can help you stand out from other applicants and demonstrate your enthusiasm for the position.
Costantine Edward is a digital marketing expert, freelance writer, and entrepreneur who helps people attain financial freedom. I’ve been working in marketing since I was 18 years old and have managed to build a successful career doing what I love.