5 Short Cover Letter Examples (And How to Write Your Own)

A short cover letter is a pared down version of a traditional cover letter — around 200 words (or half a page).

Shorter cover letters are very persuasive when you present strong reasoning and show the employer that you understand their needs. It's acceptable to write a short cover for any job — unless the employer has requested 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 valuable qualities for their target waitressing role.

Additionally, the applicant encourages the employer to get in touch, which is a confident and impactful way to end a cover letter.

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 showcase various hard and soft skills, demonstrating their ability to handle both the technical and patient-focused responsibilities of a nursing role.

Short copy editor cover letter sample

This short cover letter highlights numerous achievements in minimal space. The applicant uses bullet points to show relevant achievements and quantifies their results, giving employers an insight into their value.

Short tour guide cover letter sample

This example proves you can write a persuasive short cover letter without previous work experience.

As with any good entry-level cover letter, the applicant shows that they understand what the employer needs before aligning their skills with the job. With this approach, they build a strong case for themselves in just two sentences.

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.

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.

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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. A unique, professional opening is far more engaging.

Focus on what makes you, specifically, a great 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.

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:

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 makes your cover letter read as personalized and thoughtful.

For example, compare this excerpt from a job posting with how the candidate described their experience in their short cover letter:

Simple cover letter template

Fill in the blanks of this short cover letter template to quickly write your letter.

This template checks all the boxes of a well-written short cover letter: it's properly formatted, concise, and addresses the hiring manager by name.

Short cover letter FAQs

Here are 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:

1. A cover letter header with your contact information
2. The hiring manager’s mailing address
3. A proper cover letter salutation
4. Why you’re the best fit for the job
5. 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)
• 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:

1. A minimum word count: Always meet the employer’s stated length.
2. 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.
3. The role values strong writing skills: Use your cover letter to demonstrate your communication skills.
4. 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.