Here's the answer up front, because that's exactly what a good cover letter does too: half a page, around 200–300 words, three or four short paragraphs. If it fills a full page, you've written an essay nobody asked for.
Nobody has ever finished a one-page cover letter and thought, "I wish that were longer."
Why shorter wins
A recruiter skims a cover letter in seconds, often on a phone, often as the 80th application that day. A tight letter respects that. A wall of text gets one glance and a mental "later" that never comes. Brevity isn't laziness — it's a signal you can communicate, which is half of most jobs.
The structure that fits in 250 words
- Opening (1–2 sentences): name the role and lead with a specific reason you're a strong fit — not "I am writing to apply for…"
- Proof (1 short paragraph): one or two quantified achievements that map to the job's top requirements.
- Why them (2–3 sentences): a specific nod to the company, product, or mission that proves you did your homework.
- Close (1–2 sentences): a confident sign-off and a clear next step.
That's it. Four moves, half a page, done.
When to go even shorter
Pasting into an application box or sending a quick email intro? Three or four sentences is plenty: who you are, why you fit, and a link to your resume. Read the room — match the format you're given.
Common length mistakes
- Retelling your whole resume — the letter complements it, it doesn't repeat it.
- A paragraph of throat-clearing before you say anything specific.
- Going under ~150 words so it reads like you didn't care.
Write a tight, tailored letter in a minute
Talorr's cover letter generator reads the job and your resume, then drafts a focused, four-paragraph letter that mirrors the role's priorities — already at the right length. Add your own genuine "why this company" line, and you're done before the coffee cools.
Frequently asked questions
- How long should a cover letter be?
- About half a page — 200 to 300 words across three or four short paragraphs. Recruiters skim, so a tight letter that makes its point fast beats a full page of text almost every time.
- Is a short cover letter unprofessional?
- No — a focused, concise letter reads as confident and considerate of the reader's time. The risk is going too short (under ~150 words) so it seems careless, or too long so it doesn't get read at all.
