Shorter cover letters may make a stronger impression on hiring managers, according to new data from MyPerfectResume. The organization, which reviewed more than 540,000 cover letters created between Jan. 1, 2024, and Aug. 12, 2024, found that the median word count was 224 and the median character count was 1,531.
The top 25 per cent of the longest letters exceeded 394 words and 2,778 characters, the organization said.
MyPerfectResume recommends that cover letters run half a page to one page, or about 250 to 400 words across three to six paragraphs.
“In order to keep your cover letter concise, you want to focus on the most relevant and impactful information and tailor your letter to each specific job,” said career advice expert Keith Spencer.
Employers may also appreciate this approach, as it highlights the applicant’s most important qualifications without overwhelming the reader.
Bullet points good, generic statements bad
Keeping paragraphs to three or four lines each can also help ensure concise messaging. MyPerfectResume suggests using bullet points to show key accomplishments, while avoiding generic statements that simply restate one’s résumé.
Career expert Toni Frana said the letter should “illustrate a few key accomplishments and results as they relate to the position you are applying for.” Adding unique details that connect a person’s experience to the job is another way to stand out, Frana said.
Margin recommendations
Maintaining a clean format can help a cover letter fit on one page. MyPerfectResume recommends leaving margins of 0.5 to 1 inch, using a professional font at 10.5 to 12 points, and spacing lines at 1.0 or 1.15. Career expert Jasmine Escalera said, “Use this document as an opportunity to enhance your story, show your personality, and elaborate on select experiences that align with the job you’re applying for.”
For students and recent graduates seeking internships, MyPerfectResume advises a cover letter of up to one page, or about 250 to 400 words. It recommends focusing on relevant coursework, projects or transferable skills that connect well to the internship requirements.
By emphasizing the most important experiences and results, applicants can keep their cover letters direct, informative and respectful of employers’ time.
