A general cover letter ranges from 300 to 500 words. But what if we told you that you can make it even shorter and still impress potential employers?
To write a winning cover letter and land an interview, draw inspiration from our free short cover letter template and samples below. You can use them however you like — either download them in Microsoft Word format or copy and paste the text.
We also explain how to write a short cover letter — bear our tips in mind when you write yours.
1. Three short cover letter examples
Our short cover letter samples include everything needed to capture the hiring manager’s attention and land an interview.
Short cover letter sample #1
This cover letter is short but is long enough for the candidate to include some concrete achievements and explain why they’re passionate about their job.
Short Cover Letter Sample #1 (Text Version)
February 29, 2020
[Principal’s Name]
Washington High School
Portland, Oregon 97174
(971) 847-2122
principal@schoolname.edu
Dear Principal [Name],
I’ve been passionate about teaching since I began tutoring for pocket money in high school.
I have seven years of teaching experience, instructing children with a diverse range of abilities. I am also successful at boosting achievement, having increased average grades by 15% at my current school. I believe this makes me an ideal candidate for the role.
I can be contacted at 971 874-2478 or [Your Email]. I look forward to speaking with you soon.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Short cover letter sample #2
Despite this short cover letter’s length, the candidate showcases their interpersonal skills and full attendance record — a fact that will impress employers.
Short Cover Letter Sample #2 (Text Version)
March 15, 2020
Hiring Manager’s Name
47 Jackson Street
Derry, Maine 04401
(207) 421-3698
hiring.manager@gmail.com
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
Since graduating from high school in 2010, I have waitressed at four different establishments in Derry. If you’re looking for experience and professionalism, I’m your candidate.
I am a reliable, diligent worker, with a 100% attendance record over my employment history. I am also popular with the local clientele: my ability to create a rapport with customers increased daily wine sales by $50 at my current workplace.
I look forward to hearing from you. I can be reached at [Your Email] or (207) 014-7858.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Short cover letter sample #3
This applicant uses their brief cover letter to show that they’ve been recognized by the state for their emergency response performance and sympathetic qualities. They effectively showcase their hard and soft skills in a cover letter that’s less than 150 words long.
Short Cover Letter Sample #3 (Text Version)
April 7, 2020
Hiring Manager’s Name
1047 Osage Boulevard
Tulsa, Oklahoma 74169
(539) 258-0014
hiring.manager@icloud.com
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
As a state-qualified registered nurse with 17 years of experience tending to the infirm, I believe that I am the ideal candidate.
In my present role, I evaluate the conditions of approximately 30 patients daily, developing personalized support plans for each of them, all the time interfacing with colleagues to ensure effective care.
I am responsive to emergency medical situations, and provide sympathetic support to patients as well as their friends and families. I have been recognized by the state for these qualities, so I believe I would be a valuable addition to your facility.
I look forwarding to speaking to you about this position. I can be reached at 918.184.5447 or [Your Email].
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
2. Short cover letter template
You can download this template — or copy and paste the text — and fill in the blanks.
Short Cover Letter Template (Text Version)
[Date]
[Hiring Manager’s Name]
[Company Address]
[City], [State] [ZIP]
(xxx) xxx-xxxx
hiring.manager@email.com
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
As a [Position Name] with [X] years of experience [Action], I believe that I am the ideal candidate for [Company Name].
I am a [Adjective], [Adjective] worker, and in my current position have successfully [Achievement — with numbers]
I look forward to hearing from you. I can be reached at [Your Email] or [Your Phone Number].
Sincerely,
Your Name
3. How to write a short job application cover letter: 4 tips
Writing a short cover letter means that you’ll have to sum up your best points as quickly as possible. Follow these tips to create a effective brief cover letter.
#1. Don’t use this overused opening line
“I’m writing to apply for the role of…” is the most overused opening line job seekers use on their cover letters.
Most hiring managers have seen it thousands of times. When writing your cover letter, try to avoid this boring opener.
Instead, learn how to start a cover letter with creativity, and you’ll get noticed by more recruiters.
#2. Cut meaningless buzzwords
Anyone can describe themself as “detail oriented,” or a “self-starter,” but buzzwords mean nothing to recruiters.
Rather than describing yourself as “self-motivated,” give an example of an achievement that showcases this quality in action.
For instance, you could write “Researched a new search engine optimization strategy that led to a 17% increase in sales.”
Adding an accomplishment that reflects your strongest soft skills demonstrates to the hiring manager that you actually have them, and aren’t just saying it.
#3. Don’t mention every past job
You don’t need to mention every job you’ve ever had in a short and sweet cover letter. Instead of talking about specific roles, discuss the skills and accomplishments that would make you the perfect fit.
You can list your previous positions in more detail on your resume (learn how to write a resume if you’re not sure what it should include).
#4. Use snappy, short words rather than long phrases
Without realizing it, we sometimes write unnecessarily long phrases on professional documents when a single word is enough. After you’ve written your cover letter, go back and reread it and replace longer phrases with single words (or at least fewer words).
Here are the most common examples we see job seekers include in their cover letters, with suggested replacements:
| Wordy: | Shortened: |
|---|---|
| In order to | To |
| I am capable of/I am able to | I can |
| Due to the fact that | Because |
| Successfully accomplished | Accomplished |
| A large number of | Many |
| With regard to | Regarding/About |
4. Over to you: writing your short and sweet cover letter
Hopefully you’ve had time to process our tips and download your favorite sample. Now it’s time to write your short cover letter.
If you’d rather use a different cover letter template, choose one that speaks to you.
And you can always use our free-to-use cover letter builder if you’d like us to do the work for you.
Let us know below if you have any questions and comments. And happy job hunting!
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