How Long Should A Cover Letter Be?
When writing a cover letter, short and concise is better. Cover letters should be one page in length and should have no more than three or four paragraphs. There is no rule for how many words you should include in your cover letter, so instead your focus should be on the length of your paragraphs, your font size, spacing and grammar.
Tips:
It's a good idea to use double spacing in your cover letter document as this will make it easier for employers to read.
If employers don’t give an option to upload a cover letter you can opt to write a short one through email. This should be less than one page and highlight the main points on why you applied for this position and work for the company.
How Should I Send My Cover Letter?
Unless a company asks for a specific format, the best way to upload /attach your cover letter is by converting it from a word document to a PDF. You can do this by clicking File on the top left-hand corner > click Save As in the menu that appears > click on File Format in the box that appears > select PDF and Save.
When saving these documents label it with your full name > the job title you are applying for > document type.
For example: Jane Doe Cover Letter Junior Marketing Executive PDF
What Information Should I Include In My Cover Letter?
It can be difficult to know how to lay out a cover letter and what information you should include. We have created a list below of what you should include and how this should be laid out.
1. Start with your contact details
You should place your contact details at the top left of your cover letter. You don’t have to include your home address but you should include your email and phone number so employers know how to contact you.
Tips:
our email address should be professional as this helps an employee's first impression. Don't use an email like insertnamehere@xmail.com.
If you don’t have a professional email, it is easy to create one with a free email provider such as hotmail, outlook, or gmail. Make sure it is easy and contains your first and last name.
2. Add in the employer's address
Include the following information your personal contact details:
- Employer’s name (if you know it)
- Job title
- Company
- Address
- City, Post code
If possible, try and address your cover letter directly to the person who will be dealing with your application. If you can’t find the name of the person you are contacting you can use these general titles:
- Hiring Manager
- Recruiting Director
- Customer Service Hiring Team
Tips:
Try to avoid titles such as 'To whom it may concern' or ' Dear sir/madam'. These terms are too formal and can be seen as outdated.
3. Include your relevant experience
This is your chance off to show off your skills and show the employer why you would be the perfect person for the job.
First Paragraph: Here you should explain to the employer why you are applying for this position and where you saw the job advertised.
Second Paragraph: Explain to the employers why you are the best person for the job. Show them what attracted you to this type of work, why you’re interested in the company and what you can bring to the organisation.
Third Paragraph: Highlight how your skills match the job description. Give examples of any additional strengths you have and how these could benefit the company.
Fourth Paragraph: Use the final paragraph to close off your letter. Show your interest in the position and your desire for a face-to-face interview. Finish by thanking the employer for taking the time to read your letter and how you are looking forward to getting a response from them. Sign off by saying ‘yours sincerely’ or ‘yours faithfully’.
Cover Letter Worksheet
For more information on how to structure your cover letter, check out our printable Cover Letter Worksheet here.