Basic Cover Letter Writing Guide & Examples

There is no set requirement on how long a basic cover letter should be. A standard cover letter can be anywhere from around 250-400 words, so if you opt for a shorter version, staying under 250 words is a good starting point. 

Explore our guide on the ideal cover letter length for additional tips and examples from certified career experts. 

A basic cover letter should include the same key information as a more detailed cover letter, such as a professional header, contact information and a formal salutation. 

Write one body paragraph with your strongest, job-relevant skills and experience to save time and space. If you prefer, use bullet points to get your point across and keep your letter.

To stand out from the crowd, you can also showcase high-income skills that employers seek, such as project management or sales. 

Include a brief closing paragraph with a clear call to action, avoiding unnecessary wordiness in this section. For additional guidance, take a look at what to include in a cover letter.

A basic cover letter should be formatted like a lengthier cover letter. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

• Use a standard font, like Times New Roman, Arial or Calibri.
• Use a simple, clean layout with a consistent font style and size. Avoid using excessive formatting, such as bold or underlined text, as it can be distracting. 
• Use standard margins (1 inch on all sides) to ensure that your cover letter looks neat and well-organized.
• Use bullet points to break up long paragraphs and make your cover letter easier to read. Use them to highlight your most relevant skills and experiences.
• Use white space to make your cover letter more visually appealing and easier to read. Avoid cramming too much text onto one page.

Remember to keep your cover letter concise and focused. Stick to the most relevant and compelling information, and avoid repeating what is already in your resume. Proofread carefully for any grammatical or spelling errors before sending it.

Make the most of your short cover letter by omitting unnecessary and irrelevant details. For example:

• Irrelevant job experiences. If you’re advancing your career as a nurse, no need to rehash your waitressing experience. 
• Words to up your word count. No need to use 12 words for something clearly explained in five words. Remember to use action verbs.
• Personal information, like unrelated hobbies or interests, marital status, parental status, personal issues or employment issues. 

Remember, a cover letter helps set up the interview, where you’ll have time to talk about other skills and experiences. This is just step one.

Avoid a short cover letter in these scenarios: 

• If you’re applying for a position in academics, the communication industry or a career that requires a prolific writer, like a grant specialist or ghostwriter, among others. 
• If you’re in the midst of changing careers, an employer will notice your previous work experience in your resume. A cover letter will help you explain your interest in the new industry and what you could bring to the table. 
• Avoid using a cover letter of any length if the job application requests no cover letters.

See answers to the question, “Are cover letters necessary?” for additional guidance from career advice experts. 

You can use our Cover Letter Builder to make a basic cover letter in a matter of minutes. We also recommend using our Resume Builder to create a matching resume for your job application.

We also recommend checking out our guide on how to use ChatGPT to write a cover letter for tips and precautions from career experts.