If you’re applying for a job, it’s important to follow all the rules. One of them is making sure you include a cover letter with your resume. The purpose of this document is to introduce yourself and give an employer more information about your skills, qualifications, and work experience that they can’t find on paper alone. But what if that introduction isn’t quite long enough?
Do you have to keep writing until it reaches some arbitrary length requirement? How big should a cover letter be? Should it be one page or two pages long?
What if my cover letter does not meet those guidelines: will I get passed over by hiring managers who think my application isn’t up to par because it doesn’t contain enough info about me as an applicant? We’ll explore these questions so that you can write the perfect cover letter for every job application!
| Takeaways |
|---|
| The ideal length for a cover letter is typically one page or approximately 300-500 words. |
| Quality and impact are more important than quantity when it comes to the length of a cover letter. |
| A cover letter should include an introduction, relevant experience and qualifications, and a closing statement. |
| Customize your cover letter for each job application and explain why you’re a good fit for the position. |
| A well-crafted cover letter can help set you apart from other applicants and showcase your qualifications and enthusiasm for the position. |
How Big Should A Cover Letter Be?
How big should a cover letter be? It depends on the type of job you’re applying for. If you’re applying for an entry-level or mid-level job, your cover letter should be one page and double-spaced. If it’s a senior-level position, it can go up to two pages.
There are three main reasons why you want to keep your cover letters to one page:
It shows that you’ve taken the time to write out everything that needs to be said without going into too much detail;
You don’t want them reading through something longer than necessary; and
It makes it easier for them to read through what they need for them to make their decision about whether or not they want you on their team!
While it’s generally recommended to keep your cover letter to one page, there are situations where a two-page cover letter can be appropriate. Our article on can your cover letter be two pages discusses when it’s acceptable to exceed the one-page rule and how to do so effectively.
How Long Should My Cover Letter Be?
A good rule of thumb is to keep your cover letter to one page. If you can’t fit everything on a single page, there are likely parts of your resume or experience that doesn’t need to be included in the cover letter.
A longer-than-average length can also be fine if you have a lot of experience and want to give details about projects or accomplishments that may not have room on the resume. The main thing is that you don’t go too long (two pages would probably be pushing it).
When Should I Write A Cover Letter?
When you’re applying for a job, it’s important to make sure that you are applying to the right company, person, and position. You don’t want to accidentally apply for an accounting job at a law firm or vice versa. So before you start writing your cover letter, it’s a good idea to do some research on the company and make sure you understand who your audience is.
You may also want to take advantage of LinkedIn (or any other social media platform) by checking out people in similar positions within their companies and seeing where they went to school.
What kinds of skills do they have so that when it comes time for them (and their hiring manager) read through your application materials such as cover letters/resumes/etc., they’ll know that this person has some relevant experience that could help them get hired faster!
Is It Okay To Write A Generic Cover Letter?
Asking for help writing a cover letter is a good idea if you don’t have the writing skills necessary to craft a unique and compelling letter. A company has no way of knowing whether or not you can write well if your cover letter doesn’t demonstrate this.
If you do decide to use a generic cover letter, make sure that it is tailored toward the position at hand. For example, if one site offers templates based on different fields (e.g., sales vs engineering) then choose one that best fits your skillset and experience level you can modify it later if needed!
If you’re struggling with a cover letter that doesn’t meet the requirements of the job posting, don’t panic. Our article on cover letter do not meet requirements offers practical advice on how to handle the situation and still make a strong case for your candidacy.
Can I Use The Same Cover Letter For Every Job?
You can use the same cover letter for a job in a similar field, but you don’t have to. If you have more than one resume and are applying to jobs that are in more than one field, you can include different cover letters for each position.
A good rule of thumb is: if there’s an obvious connection between the two fields (for example, if you have experience doing something similar in other industries), then use a different cover letter; if there isn’t an obvious connection or overlap between your existing skills and those needed by the new company, then go ahead and use the same one.
Do I Have To Send A Cover Letter With My Resume?
Yes, you should send a cover letter with your resume. A cover letter is a brief introduction to you and your resume. It serves as an opportunity for you to emphasize the skills that make you a good match for the job and demonstrate how those skills will help the company achieve its goals.
No, I don’t need to send one if I’m applying through an online portal where I upload my resume directly from LinkedIn or another professional network. These portals often require resumes in .docx format, so if that’s what they ask for then by all means use them!
However, when it comes time for human beings (not machines) at those companies to read over your application which may happen before it even gets submitted officially they’ll want something more personal than just seeing bullet points on the screen.
What If My Contact Info Changes Partway Through The Job Search?
If you’re in the midst of a job search, it’s important to keep your contact information up to date.
Update your contact information on your resume. You can do this by editing the file and adding a new page with the updated details, or by printing out fresh copies with all of the information current (which might be preferable if you have a lot of experience listed).
Update your contact information on online profiles. If you use sites like LinkedIn or Facebook for professional networking, make sure that anyone who seeks out your profile will find accurate info about how they can reach you.
This can include email addresses as well as phone numbers and physical addresses; if people are trying to get hold of you after hours by calling someone at home or sending an email from work, one bad link could cause problems for everyone involved!
Update your contact information on emails sent from programs through which employers make initial inquiries about potential candidates’ qualifications such as Resumator when directed there by HR departments looking through resumes submitted online through platforms such as Monster Job Search
A great cover letter should do more than just restate your resume. It should also explain why you’re a good fit for the company and the position. Our article on why do I want to work for this company provides tips on how to research the company and craft a compelling argument for why you’re the best candidate for the job.
Why Would I Need A Separate Cover Letter For Each Job Application?
The answer to this question depends on your current situation. If you’re applying for a job in your company, and you’ve already written the cover letter based on previous applications to other companies, then yes you may not need another one.
If, however, you are looking for ways to make yourself stand out from other applicants or feeling like your last application was lacking something important that could help bolster your chances of getting the job, then yes you will want to create a brand new cover letter for each application.
The reason why is very simple: each application is different. A cover letter for an entry-level position at one company cannot be used as an entry-level cover letter at another company because it will look unprofessional and lazy if not tailored specifically for that particular job description.
Additionally, if key pieces are missing from their job description (like specific projects they have worked on), then it would be wise not only to include these details in the body of your cover letter but also in its title itself so that potential employers know exactly what type of person they are looking for before even reading about how great you think yourself as being!
Some job seekers wonder if cover letters are still relevant in today’s digital age. The answer is yes – in fact, they can make a big difference in your job search. Check out our article on do cover letters help to learn how a well-crafted cover letter can set you apart from other applicants and increase your chances of landing an interview.
What Happens If I Neglect To Include A Cover Letter With My Resume?
The cover letter is, in many ways, the first impression that an employer will have of you. It’s your chance to show your personality, your experience, and your skills. It also gives you a chance to demonstrate that you are a good fit for the position by demonstrating how much time and effort you spent researching their company.
A poorly written cover letter can make all of these things hard to do but a well-written one can help set yourself apart from the pack and get noticed by recruiters who may not have seen any other applications for their job opening yet.
A strong cover letter can make all the difference in landing your desired job. Our article on how can a cover letter help you get your desired job offers practical advice on how to customize your cover letter to the job posting, showcase your skills and experience, and make a strong case for why you’re the best candidate for the job.
Conclusion
Don’t be scared off by the thought of writing a cover letter. It’s not as difficult to write a cover letter as it is to create the perfect resume, and it can help you stand out from the crowd of other applicants who are vying for attention from hiring managers.
If you have any more questions about how long your cover letter should be or whether or not you should include one with each job application, feel free to contact us! We have experts on staff who would be happy to assist in any way they can whether that means providing advice or making introductions at one of our partner companies so that they will read yours first.
Further Reading
How Long Should a Cover Letter Be? – This article provides insight into the ideal length for a cover letter and offers tips for making the most of the limited space.
What’s the Ideal Cover Letter Length? – This article discusses the optimal length for a cover letter and offers advice on how to make it stand out.
How Long Should a Cover Letter Be? – This article provides insight into how long a cover letter should be, as well as tips on crafting a compelling cover letter.
FAQs
What is the ideal length for a cover letter?
The ideal length for a cover letter is typically one page, or approximately 300-500 words. However, it’s important to focus on quality over quantity and make sure your cover letter is concise and impactful.
Can a cover letter be too long?
Yes, a cover letter can be too long. A cover letter that exceeds one page or goes beyond 500-600 words risks losing the reader’s attention and may come across as rambling or unfocused.
What should be included in a cover letter?
A cover letter should include an introduction, a brief overview of your relevant experience and qualifications, and a closing statement. It’s also important to customize your cover letter for the specific job you’re applying for and explain why you’re a good fit for the position.
How do you make a cover letter stand out?
To make a cover letter stand out, focus on crafting a compelling opening statement that grabs the reader’s attention, showcasing your relevant skills and experience, and demonstrating your enthusiasm for the job and the company. It’s also important to customize your cover letter for the specific job you’re applying for and proofread carefully for errors.
Is a cover letter necessary for every job application?
While not every job application requires a cover letter, it’s always a good idea to include one if possible. A well-crafted cover letter can help set you apart from other applicants and showcase your qualifications and 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.