How Long Should a Cover Letter Be?
How many words should a cover letter be? If you’ve ever struggled with the answer, you’re not alone. In this guide, we break down the ideal cover letter length for UK jobs, explain why word count matters, and share tips to help you craft a concise, impactful covering letter.
Our customers have been hired by: *Foot Note
One of the most common questions jobseekers ask is: how long should a cover letter be? It’s easy to worry about striking the right balance. Too short, and you risk sounding uninterested. Too long, and you may lose the reader’s attention. Hiring managers in the UK often skim applications quickly, so the length of your cover letter can make a real difference.
In this guide, we’ll break down the ideal cover letter length, explain how many words a cover letter should be in the UK, and show you how to make every sentence count. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to craft a covering letter that’s concise, persuasive, and tailored to the job you want.
The ideal length of a UK cover letter
So, how long should a cover letter be? The general rule in the UK is that a covering letter should be between 250 and 400 words, or about half a page to one full page at most. This gives you enough space to introduce yourself, explain why you’re a good fit, and end with a clear call to action.
A good way to think about cover letter length is in terms of paragraphs rather than just word count. Three to four short, well-structured paragraphs are all you need:
- Opening paragraph (40–60 words): Start the cover letter by stating the role you’re applying for and why.
- Middle paragraph(s) (150–220 words): Highlight one or two key achievements that match the job requirements.
- Closing paragraph (40–70 words): Reaffirm your interest and encourage the employer to get in touch.
Of course, these word counts are just suggestions, not rules. Some roles may call for a shorter cover letter, while others allow for more detail. For example:
- How long should a cover letter be for an internship? Around 200–300 words is usually enough, as most internship applicants don’t yet have extensive experience.
- How long should a PhD cover letter be? Closer to 400–500 words, since you’ll often need more space to discuss your research interests, academic achievements, and motivation.
In the next section, you’ll learn what impacts the length of a covering letter:
What impacts the length of a cover letter
When writing a cover letter, keep in mind that several factors can influence how long or short it should be. Understanding these factors will help you tailor your cover letter effectively:
Experience Level:
Your level of work experience plays a significant role in determining the length of your cover letter. Entry-level candidates may have shorter cover letters because they are still building their professional track record. In contrast, mid-career or senior professionals may need longer cover letters to showcase their extensive expertise.
Job Complexity
The complexity of the job you’re applying for can impact your cover letter’s length. If the role is highly technical or requires specific qualifications, you may need more space to detail your relevant job skills and experiences.
Company culture
Research the company culture and industry norms. In some cases, a concise cover letter may be ideal, while other companies may appreciate a more detailed introduction. Tailor your cover letter to align with the expectations of the specific employer.
Job posting requirements
Some job descriptions may include specific requirements for the cover letter, such as addressing certain questions or topics, or even a specified word count. Always follow these instructions to the letter, even if it means your cover letter exceeds the typical length.
Readability
Above all, your cover letter should be clear and easy to read. Ensure that it flows logically, with each paragraph serving a distinct purpose. Avoid cramming too much information into a small space, as this can make your cover letter overwhelming.
What happens if a cover letter is too short?
It’s natural to wonder if a brief letter is acceptable when you’re thinking about how many words a cover letter should be. The good news is that a short cover letter isn’t automatically a bad thing. In fact, a focused and well-written note of 200–250 words can sometimes be more effective than a rambling page full of filler.
The risk with a very short cover letter length comes when you fail to provide enough substance. If you only write a few lines, you may look uninterested or give the impression you’re sending the same generic message to multiple employers.
However, in many cases (most commonly, when you’re writing an entry-level cover letter), a concise covering letter is far better than one that’s too long. Recruiters often appreciate brevity, provided your letter still includes the essentials: who you are, why you’re applying, and what makes you a strong candidate.
What happens if a cover letter is too long?
If you’re unsure how long a UK cover letter should be, here’s one rule to remember: too long is riskier than too short. A covering letter that runs over a page or drifts beyond 500 words often loses impact. Recruiters skim, and lengthy letters can bury your strongest points in unnecessary detail.
An overly long cover letter may also suggest poor communication skills, a lack of focus, or even an inability to prioritise. Instead of highlighting your best achievements, you risk overwhelming the reader with everything you’ve ever done.
When thinking about how many words a cover letter should be, aim for clarity and precision. Keep it tight, purposeful, and engaging — the recruiter should finish your letter wanting to learn more from your CV or interview, not skimming past walls of text.
How to keep your job application cover letter the right length
Every sentence in your cover letter should serve a purpose. Here are some practical strategies to help you write a well-formatted cover letter:
- Stick to 3–4 short paragraphs – An opening, a focused middle, and a closing are all you need. This structure naturally keeps your covering letter length manageable.
- Be concise – Recruiters scan quickly, so avoid lengthy paragraphs. Highlight only your most relevant achievements and skills in clear, succinct language.
- Tailor it to the job – Match the job description by choosing two or three accomplishments that directly prove your suitability. For senior roles, you might need a little more detail, while for entry-level jobs, a short cover letter is often best.
- Choose quality over quantity – A slightly longer but well-crafted letter is more effective than a rushed, short one. That said, avoid filler words or overcomplicated phrasing, which can weaken your message.
- Use active language – Strong verbs like “delivered,” “led,” or “improved” keep your writing direct and impactful.
- Avoid repetition – Don’t restate everything from your CV; instead, spotlight one or two impressive highlights.
- Personalise your content – Show genuine interest in the role by customising examples to the employer’s needs, cutting anything irrelevant.
- Maintain a professional tone – Keep your writing polite, focused, and relevant. Avoid anecdotes that don’t support your application.
- Edit ruthlessly – Remove clichés, filler words, or anything that doesn’t add value. Reading your letter aloud helps spot clunky sentences that need trimming.
Now, let’s put theory into practice. See a couple of cover letter examples of various lengths, and a cover letter template you can use to write your own cover letter.
Cover letter template
Your contact details
Full name, city and postcode, email, and phone number.
Employer’s details
Hiring manager’s name (if known), company name, and company address.
Greeting (3–5 words)
Keep this short and professional. Use Ms./Mr. + surname if you know their name. If not, Dear Hiring Manager or Dear Recruitment Team is acceptable.
Opening paragraph (50–70 words)
Briefly introduce yourself, mention the position you’re applying for, and explain how you found the role. This should be no more than 2–3 sentences.
Middle paragraph(s) – the selling pitch (150–220 words)
This is the main body of your letter and will make up the majority of your cover letter length. Explain your background, highlight your most relevant skills, and give one or two concrete achievements that prove your value. Tailor this section to the job description — aim for a balance of professional detail and enthusiasm.
Closing paragraph (40–60 words)
Reaffirm your interest in the role and take initiative by suggesting the next step (such as discussing your application further at interview). Keep it polite and confident.
Sign-off (up to 5 words)
If you know the hiring professional’s name:
Yours sincerely,
[Your full name]
If you don’t know their name, use a generic greeting:
Yours faithfully,
[Your full name]
How long should a cover letter be—examples
1. Short cover letter
James Carter
14 Brookfield Road
Manchester, M15 4DR
james.carter@email.com
07700 123 456
1 September 2025
Ms. Laura Mitchell
Hiring Manager
BrightPath Solutions
42 King Street
Manchester, M1 2AB
Dear Ms. Mitchell,
I am excited to apply for the Entry-Level Sales Representative position at BrightPath Solutions. With experience in customer service and a proven ability to exceed targets, I am eager to begin my sales career in your fast-growing company.
As a retail assistant at Currys, I developed strong communication skills while helping customers find the right products. By building rapport and upselling effectively, I regularly exceeded sales goals, reaching up to 130% of weekly targets. In addition, a summer internship with a logistics firm introduced me to sales support tasks such as researching prospects, preparing materials, and joining client calls — experiences that built my confidence in professional interactions.
BrightPath Solutions’ focus on developing new talent is particularly appealing. I thrive in environments where growth and learning are encouraged, and I am motivated by the challenge of turning prospects into long-term clients. With enthusiasm, resilience, and a results-driven mindset, I am confident I could make a positive contribution to your sales team.
Thank you for considering my application. I would welcome the chance to discuss how my skills and energy align with BrightPath’s goals.
Yours sincerely,
James Carter
2. Average length cover letter
Amelia Hughes
27 Greenfield Avenue
Birmingham, B15 3QR
amelia.hughes@email.com
07700 654 321
1 September 2025
Mr. David Reynolds
Head of Recruitment
TechSphere Solutions
88 Victoria Road
Birmingham, B1 1AA
Dear Mr. Reynolds,
I am writing to apply for the Software Developer position at TechSphere Solutions, advertised on LinkedIn. With over six years of professional development experience and a strong track record of delivering reliable, scalable applications, I am excited by the opportunity to contribute to your team’s innovative projects.
In my current role at Nexa Systems, I have led the development of several enterprise-level web applications used by thousands of clients daily. By implementing microservices architecture and optimising database queries, I improved system performance by 27%, reducing downtime and increasing client satisfaction. I also collaborated closely with cross-functional teams, using agile methodologies to deliver complex projects on time and within scope.
Previously, at BrightLogic, I developed e-commerce solutions in Python and JavaScript that increased transaction speed by 18% and supported a 25% growth in annual revenue. Beyond technical expertise, I’ve mentored junior developers, introducing coding standards and review processes that cut production errors by 30%. These experiences have sharpened my ability to write clean, efficient code while also contributing to team growth and knowledge sharing.
I am particularly drawn to TechSphere’s reputation for harnessing emerging technologies such as AI-driven automation. My background in integrating machine learning APIs and my passion for exploring new frameworks would allow me to make immediate contributions.
Thank you for considering my application. I would be delighted to discuss how my technical skills, collaborative approach, and problem-solving mindset could support TechSphere’s mission to deliver cutting-edge software solutions.
Yours sincerely,
Amelia Hughes
3. Long cover letter
Oliver Bennett
9 Ashford Lane
London, W1B 2LL
oliver.bennett@email.com
07700 987 654
1 September 2025
Ms. Charlotte Evans
Chief Executive Officer
Harper & Co. Enterprises
50 Fleet Street
London, EC4Y 1AA
Dear Ms. Evans,
I am writing to express my interest in the Director of Operations role at Harper & Co. Enterprises. With more than 15 years of leadership experience across operations, supply chain, and business transformation, I have consistently delivered results that enhance efficiency, improve profitability, and strengthen organisational culture. I am eager to bring this expertise to a forward-thinking company like Harper & Co.
In my current role as Head of Operations at Stratwell Group, I manage a team of over 120 employees across multiple departments. By redesigning core processes and introducing data-driven decision-making, I reduced operational costs by 18% while simultaneously improving service delivery times by 22%. I also spearheaded the rollout of a new ERP system, overseeing change management initiatives that achieved 95% adoption within the first three months. These improvements positioned Stratwell as a leader in operational excellence within its sector.
Previously, as Operations Manager at Redline International, I directed cross-border logistics projects and negotiated vendor contracts that generated £3.5M in annual savings. I am particularly proud of leading a turnaround project that resolved a 20% backlog in supply chain operations, restoring client confidence and boosting retention rates.
What excites me about Harper & Co. is your reputation for innovation and customer-centric growth. I believe my background in operational strategy, coupled with my ability to mentor senior leaders and foster collaborative cultures, aligns perfectly with your objectives. I excel at creating streamlined systems that allow organisations to scale effectively while maintaining quality standards.
I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my strategic vision, financial acumen, and passion for operational excellence could support Harper & Co.’s continued success. Thank you for considering my application.
Yours sincerely,
Oliver Bennett
Cover letter length takeaways
- The ideal cover letter length is between 250 and 400 words, or about half a page to one full page.
- Think in 3–4 short paragraphs: an opening, a focused middle section, and a clear closing.
- When asking how many words should a cover letter be in the UK, remember that brevity is better than excess.
- A short cover letter can work well if it’s targeted and includes the essentials: who you are, why you’re applying, and what value you bring.
- A cover letter that’s too long risks losing impact, burying key achievements, and frustrating busy recruiters.
- Always tailor your covering letter length to the job description, keeping only the skills and results most relevant.
- Remove repetition, clichés, and filler to keep your message sharp and compelling.
- Aim for clarity and focus. Your cover letter should leave the reader curious to know more from your CV and ready to invite you for an interview.
Mariusz Wawrzyniak
Content Writer
Mariusz is a career expert at MyPerfectCV who writes practical, research-based guides that help professionals from all industries craft impactful CVs, write compelling cover letters, and advance their careers.
Related Content
*The names and logos of the companies referred to above are all trademarks of their respective holders. Unless specifically stated otherwise, such references are not intended to imply any affiliation or association with myperfectCV.