Skip the fluff, and double the impact. As long as you make every word count, a short cover letter is just as effective as a long one.
A short cover letter is a pared down version of a traditional cover letter — around 200 words (or half a page).
A shorter cover letter works best if you need to make a strong impression fast, usually in situations when the application process doesn’t require a full-length letter.
Use the short cover letter samples, template, and expert tips below to write a focused, effective letter that lands you interviews without wasting words.
Short tutor cover letter sample
This brief cover letter is effective because it opens with authentic enthusiasm for tutoring and supports that passion with specific, measurable achievements.
Short high school cover letter sample
Despite its short length, this cover letter quickly spotlights the candidate’s interpersonal skills and perfect attendance record — two qualities that stand out to employers
End your cover letter with a clear call to action that invites hiring managers to contact you to schedule an interview.
Short nurse cover letter sample
This concise cover letter is effective because the applicant immediately emphasizes how much experience they have.
In under 150 words, they effectively showcase both hard and soft skills in a convincing yet brief cover letter.
Including industry-specific awards and certifications makes a short cover letter more impactful than a longer letter filled with less relevant information.
Short copy editor cover letter sample
This short cover letter succeeds because it delivers plenty of information in minimal space. The applicant uses bullet points to showcase relevant achievements and quantifies their results, giving employers an insight into their potential impact.
Short tour guide cover letter sample
This example proves you don’t need prior work experience to write an effective short cover letter.
Short cover letters are ideal when writing an entry-level cover letter because they get straight to the point, allowing you to focus on one or two key achievements that show you’re a good fit for the role.
When to write a short cover letter
Knowing when to keep your cover letter brief can make a big difference in how your application is received.
While a short cover letter isn’t always the right choice, in certain cases it’s actually more effective.
Use a short cover letter when:
- The job posting requests it: Follow any instructions about word count or length.
- You’re facing character limits: Some online portals restrict how much you can write.
- You’re applying for entry-level positions: Limited experience means you should focus on your top qualifications.
- Your portfolio does the talking: In creative fields, work samples carry more weight than lengthy explanations.
- The role is seasonal or temporary: Short-term jobs rarely need detailed cover letters.
- You’re sending an email cover letter: Hiring managers scanning their inboxes appreciate concise email cover letters they can read quickly.
If these situations don’t apply, a standard-length cover letter is likely the better choice.
Explore our cover letter examples for more ideas on how to shorten your cover letter.
Our cover letter builder can make you a cover letter in as little as 5 minutes. Just pick the template you want, and our software will format everything for you.
How to write a short cover letter
To write an effective short cover letter, summarize your experience, skills, and achievements as efficiently as possible.
Follow these tips to create a brief cover letter that makes a strong impression.
1. Make your opening line count
Hiring managers have read “I’m writing to apply for the role of…” thousands of times. Instead, start with a strong opening that highlights why you’re the best fit for the job.
The best cover letter introductions mention your relevant experience, where you found the job posting, and why you’re excited about the opportunity — all in the first sentence.
Here’s an example of a captivating opening line:
“As a digital marketing specialist with five years of experience in social media strategy, I was thrilled to see the Marketing Manager opening at BrandWave on Indeed and am excited to help drive your brand’s online growth.”
2. Write concisely
The key to an effective short cover letter is trimming unnecessary words while keeping your letter clear and impactful.
After writing your first draft, read it aloud and replace long phrases with shorter alternatives.
Here are some common examples:
Concise
- To
- I can
- Because
- Accomplished
- Many
- Regarding/About
- Currently
- Before
Wordy
- In order to
- I am capable of/I am able to
- Due to the fact that
- Successfully accomplished
- A large number of
- With regard to
- At the present time
- Prior to
3. Cut meaningless buzzwords
Buzzwords like “detail-oriented” or “self-starter” are overused but mean little to recruiters.
Replace vague adjectives with concrete examples that demonstrate your value in action.
For instance, if you’re applying for a sales role, you could write:
“In my role at TechVision, I took the initiative to research and implement a targeted keyword optimization strategy for our product pages, which led to a 47% increase in organic traffic and sales over six months.”
Adding an accomplishment that reflects your strongest skills turns generic statements into evidence of your skills and impact.
4. Only mention relevant experience
You don’t need to mention every job you’ve held. Focus only on accomplishments and skills from your resume that directly match the employer’s requirements.
Read the job posting carefully and echo its exact language when describing your experience. This shows your alignment with the role and helps your cover letter pass applicant tracking systems (ATS).
For example, compare this excerpt from a job posting with how the candidate described their experience in their short cover letter:
Job description
“Looking for an administrative assistant proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and calendar management”
Relevant work experience
“As an administrative assistant at Wilson & Partners, I used Microsoft Office Suite to create reports and presentations while managing complex calendar schedules for three senior executives.”
Simple cover letter template
Prefer using a template where you can just plug in your information? We’ve got you covered.
Date
Hiring Manager’s Name
Company Name
Company Address
City, State, ZIP
(xxx) xxx-xxxx
hiring.manager@email.com
Dear [Mr./Ms./Mx.] [Hiring Manager’s Last Name],
As a [Position Name] with [X] years of experience in [Key Skill or Area], I believe I’m the ideal candidate for [Company Name].
I am a [Adjective], [Adjective] worker, and in my current position, I’ve successfully [Achievement — with numbers]
I look forward to hearing from you. You can reach me at [Your Email] or [Your Phone Number].
Sincerely,
Your Name
This template ticks all the boxes of a well-written short cover letter: it’s properly formatted, concise, and addresses the hiring manager by name.
To use this template, simply copy and paste the text into your preferred cover letter template, then fill in your own details.
Short cover letter FAQs
Here are answers to some common questions about short cover letters.
What do I include in a short cover letter?
Add the same sections of a cover letter you normally would, including:
- A cover letter header with your contact information
- The hiring manager’s mailing address
- A proper cover letter salutation
- Why you’re the best fit for the job
- A sign off with your signature or typed name
How do I format a short cover letter?
A short cover letter should follow the same cover letter format as a standard one.
Standard formatting elements include:
- A professional cover letter font (size 10.5–12 points — your contact details can be slightly smaller, around 8 points)
- 1” cover letter margins
- PDF or DOCX format
When shouldn’t I use a short and concise cover letter?
There are a few situations when you shouldn’t use a short and concise cover letter:
- A minimum word count: Always meet the employer’s stated length.
- You need to explain key qualifications: Use a longer letter if you have relevant achievements, skills, or certifications that don’t fit on your resume.
- The role values strong writing skills: Use your cover letter to demonstrate your communication skills.
- You’re changing careers: Career change cover letters require more context to show how your skills transfer.
Golden rule: Never exceed one page.
How can I make a short cover letter quickly?
To make a short cover letter quickly, use a cover letter builder, which breaks the process into simple steps.
Will hiring managers be turned off by a brief cover letter?
No, hiring managers won’t be turned off by a short cover letter. In fact, many hiring managers will appreciate your ability to get to the point.
Hiring managers review dozens of applications, so if you can show why you’re the perfect candidate in 200 words or fewer, they’ll appreciate your efficiency and focus.
How short should a cover letter be?
Your cover letter should be as short as possible while explaining why you’re the right fit.
Our shortest example is under 150 words, but if you can make your case in fewer, that’s even better.
About the Author
3
Years of Experience
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Articles Written
Cort is a writer on the Resume Genius team. With a focus on helping job seekers showcase their strengths with clarity and confidence, he specializes in creating practical resources, from tailored resume samples to step-by-step guides on navigating applications and interviews.
With a background in marketing and communications, Cort has spent years honing his ability to provide straightforward, actionable content designed to help readers quickly find what they need.
Cort graduated from the University of California, Davis with a B.A. in Economics and International Relations.
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