Professional Resume & LinkedIn Profile Writing & Career Coaching Solutions for Managers & Executives


FOR RESUME/LINKEDIN PROFILE
WRITING & CAREER COACHING SERVICES
(937) 325-2149

  • Contact/Free Quote
  • Writing Services
        • All Career Fields - Resume-Writing ServicesWriting High-Quality Resumes & Job-Search Materials Since 1999. Credentialed. Experienced. Personable.
        • Accounting Resume-Writing ServicesResume-Writing Services for Financial Professionals in Accounting & Financial Services. We Specialize in Working with CFOs, CPAs, Accounting Managers, Business Analysts, and Accountants.
        • Sales Manager & Executive Resume-Writing ServicesWe Leverage Advanced Selling & Content Development Strategies to The Sales Resumes & LinkedIn Profiles We Write
        • LinkedIn Profile Writing ServicesAppeal to Hiring Managers & Recruiters via LinkedIn With an Attractive, Keyword-Rich LinkedIn Profile.
        • Social Media & Marketing Resume-Writing ServicesMulti-Certified Marketing Professional Who Creates Branded Resumes & LinkedIn Profiles For Social Media Professionals & Influencers
        • Military-to-Civilian Resume-Writing ServicesTransitioning Active-Duty Military (Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines, Space Force, Coast Guard) Through Retirement & Into Civilian Positions.
        • Resume Evaluation/ReviewWould You Like a Professional Resume Writer to Review Your Resume & Give You Feedback? We’ll Provide You With Personalized Advice on How to Make Your Resume Better.
        • Recommendation LetterHave You Ever Had a Boss Say, “You Write It & I’ll Sign It”? If Yes, Let us Write a “Killer” Recommendation Letter For You.
  • Interview & Career Coaching
        • Interview Coaching & PrepCustomized, One-On-One Interview Coaching to Ensure You’re Ready for That Next Big Interview. We Help You Make a Strong, Impactful Impression on Hiring Managers.
        • Career Coaching & PathingWe Empower You With Support & Solutions-Based Career Coaching That Delivers Results. Get The Mentorship & Inspiration You Need to Make Fast, Informed Career Decisions.
  • Employee Outplacement
        • Employee Outplacement For Employees @ All LevelsWe Deliver Corporate Outplacement Services to Help Former Employees Transition to New Employment Faster.
        • Outplacement Services For ExecutivesWe Provide Executive Transition Services, Including Resume Writing, Career Coaching, Interview Prep, and Executive Bios. Our Clients Find Jobs Faster Using Our Personalized, Comprehensive Program.
        • Spousal Relocation ServicesWe Provide Spousal Relocation Services for Trailing Spouses in Search of That Next Employment Opportunity
  • Career Books & Guides
        • Writing Thank-You NotesJust $7, This Download Has Many Content Ideas You Can Use When Writing That Next Thank-You Note or Email
        • Resume TemplatesGive Your Resume a Facelift With One of These Professionally Designed Resume Templates
        • Developing a Brag BookUsing a Brag Book to Showcase Your Many Talents & Skills is a Great Differentiator. Use This $7 Quick Guide to Develop an Impressive Brag Book is an Afternoon.
        • Job-Search Action Plan (30 Days)Need an Action Plan to Get The Most of Your Next Job Search? If Yes, This $7 Download is For You.
  • Blog
You are here: Home / Cover Letter / Is Your Cover Letter Too Long?

Is Your Cover Letter Too Long?

November 26, 2016 By Teena Rose

Your cover letter serves one of 2 purposes; to introduce yourself to a potential employer and highlight why you would be the best choice for their company.

How long does it take to convey these two messages?

Well, in a recent article from The Ladders, it was clearly stated that the perfect cover letter is only 2 or 3 paragraphs at most. Only 3 paragraphs? That seems short – but given the rapid pace everyone seems to be moving these days, 2 or 3 paragraphs should be plenty.

The reality is, we as a society have so much information flying at us, that we generally don’t bother to take the time to read anything that is perceived to take up too much of our time. Additionally, if we aren’t immediately engaged, the content may be discarded. So, get to the point.

Don’t drag on and on with pointless details that aren’t interesting or valuable to the reader. Keep it short, sweet, and impactful.

Start with an interesting, intriguing opening, follow up with some value-added substance and end off with a call to action for the reader and done.

Here’s a great example of a cover letter with 3 paragraphs that sums everything up quite nicely for the reader.

“My number one priority as an administrative professional is to ensure efficiency, organization and smooth day-to-day office operations.

For instance, within 3 months in my current role as Administrative Assistant at Company X, I was able to create an entire filing system for 15,000+ client files and saved $50K in monthly office expenses by implementing and enforcing a new ordering system.

I welcome the opportunity to speak with you in person about how my administrative expertise can produce similar or even better results for your team. Please, feel free to reach out to me to schedule a meeting as I’d like to learn more about your current administrative challenges. Thanks for your time.

Sincerely,

Job Seeker Name”

So, is your cover letter too long” Take another look and see if you can say it in 3 paragraphs.

Here are a few quick tips to shorten it:

  • Don’t bother mentioning the fact that you are applying for xyz position that you found on abc website.
  • Don’t try to sound sophisticated and use big words, instead be conversational and humanistic versus stiff and robotic.
  • If the information doesn’t show value to the potential employer, consider cutting it. For instance, listing skills and experiences that don’t prove beneficial to the business, may not make the cut. Focus on “what’s in it for them.”

Truth be told, there are no rules around this. An effective cover letter is one that sparks interest enough to warrant a look at the resume or call for an interview. So, approach your cover letter with the reader in mind.

Filed Under: Cover Letter

About Teena Rose

WRITING & COACHING SERVICES


» Resume Writing Services


» LinkedIn Profile Writing


» Outplacement Services


» Interview Coaching


» Downloads For You

MEET TEENA ROSE / RESUME WRITER & CAREER COACH

Do you need resume writing? Contact me to help with your resume.Hi, my name is Teena Rose. I've been writing resumes and coaching professionals since 1999.

For a professionally written, keyword-rich, and ATS-friendly resume, contact me via this online form and let's schedule a time to chat about your specific writing and coaching needs.

You can also reach me by phone @ (937) 325-2149.

CLICK TO LEARN MORE
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Client Reviews
  • + More Reviews
  • Affiliate Program
  • Member Login

Copyright © 2025 Resume to Referral, LLC — Resume & LinkedIn Profile Writing For Managers & Executives