INTRODUCTION:
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So, you’ve decided that it’s time for a career upgrade. But before you apply for that shiny new job, you have a couple more decisions to make. A big one is, how long should your cover letter be? It may be an easy decision for some. For others…not so much. So, today, we’ll examine the ideal cover letter length.
IDEAL COVER LETTER LENGTH
First, remember that recruiters and hiring managers sometimes get hundreds of applications for each job opening that they posts. So, put yourself in their shoes. Would you want to read every applicant’s entire career story? No, you wouldn’t. That’s why a little less may be more when it comes to cover letters. So here are some pointers for creating a great one-page cover letter that has all the information recruiters and hiring managers need to determine if you’re a promising candidate.
Tell your reader the title of the job you’re applying to. Most employers have more than one vacancy at the time, so make their job easier and don’t make them guess.
Next, let them know how you learned about the job that they’re trying to fill and that you’re interested in. Many employers want to know where their best candidates are finding out about their job openings. That way they can use those resources more often.
Now, remember the noteworthy accomplishments that you highlighted on your resume? Well, use your cover letter to share a high-level summary of how you positively impacted your employer’s people, bottom line, and/or processes. That’s what makes it a noteworthy, career-impacting accomplishment.
Then, reference your detailed resume. And mention any specialized, relevant certifications or training that you’ve completed to increase your value proposition.
Before closing your letter, ask for the opportunity to discuss your qualifications with them soon, in person.
After you taken these steps, remember to thank the reader for their time and consideration and express that you look forward to hearing from them soon.
For even more cover letter tips, check out my post, “Twelve Steps to Writing a Cover Letter That Recruiters and Hiring Managers Will Love.” Find my other posts on cover letters by searching the phrase, “cover letter,” on my blog.
IN CONCLUSION:
Keep true to your cover letter’s role. It is to partner with your resume by sharing highlights that make the reader want to learn more about you as a potential new team member. It is not to tell your entire career story.
Believe it or not, all of this information can fit on one page. That way, writing it won’t overwhelm you. And, reading it won’t overwhelm recruiters and hiring managers. Instead they will be impressed with the amount of value you packed into a one-pager. Now, that’s the best of both worlds, wouldn’t you say? How about that?
You know that my goal is to help you to live your best career life. So, if you found this post helpful, wherever you’re watching, like it, subscribe to my channel or my email list, and share it with other job seekers. Last, send me a comment or a question, because I love hearing from you.
As always, Career Success to You! Go Get Your New Job!
