How Many Words in a Cover Letter?
250-400 words
Typical length: 300 words
Word Range
250-400 words
Typical Length
300 words
The typical word count for this type of document is 250-400 words, with 300 words being the most common length. The ideal length depends on your purpose, audience, and the specific requirements of your task.
Typical Structure
- Opening paragraph — position and interest (50-75 words)
- Body paragraph 1 — relevant experience (75-100 words)
- Body paragraph 2 — skills and value (75-100 words)
- Closing paragraph — call to action (50-75 words)
Guidelines and Tips
Keep your cover letter to one page — hiring managers spend an average of 7 seconds on an initial scan.
In Australia, cover letters are still expected for most professional roles, especially in government and corporate positions.
Address the selection criteria if they are listed in the job advertisement. APS (Australian Public Service) roles often require separate criteria responses.
Tailor every cover letter to the specific role — generic cover letters are easily spotted and typically discarded.
Use Australian spelling and formatting conventions (e.g., 'organisation' not 'organization', date format DD/MM/YYYY).
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Open Word CounterFrequently Asked Questions
How long should a cover letter be?
A cover letter should be 250 to 400 words — ideally fitting on one page. Most hiring managers prefer concise, focused cover letters of about 300 words.
Is a one-page cover letter too long?
No, one page is the standard length. However, every sentence should add value. If you can make your case in half a page, that is perfectly acceptable.
Do Australian employers read cover letters?
Yes, most Australian employers read cover letters, especially for professional, government, and academic roles. They are less critical for casual or hospitality positions.
Should I include a cover letter if it is optional?
Yes, always include one. An optional cover letter is an opportunity to stand out from candidates who do not bother. Keep it concise and compelling.