How to Write a Short Cover Letter (with Templates)

Short cover letters work better than long ones. Most recruiters skim a cover letter in 10 seconds or skip it entirely — so a tight, three-paragraph letter beats a sprawling essay every time.

Here's how to write a short cover letter that earns the full read, plus templates you can adapt in 10 minutes.

How short should a short cover letter be?

Aim for 150-250 words — about half a page. Three short paragraphs: opening, evidence, close. Anything longer is asking the recruiter to do work they don't want to do.

Email cover letters can be even shorter. If you're sending the cover letter in the body of an email (with the resume attached), 100-150 words is ideal.

The short cover letter template

Use this structure for almost any role:

1. Opening (2 sentences): Name the role and one specific reason you're interested
2. Evidence (3-4 sentences): One concrete result that proves you can do the job
3. Close (1-2 sentences): Ask for the interview

Short cover letter template #1: Standard

“Hi [Name] — I'm writing to apply for the [Role] position at [Company]. I came across the role after [specific reason — read a blog post, saw a job posting, etc.], and it caught my eye because [one specific thing about the company or role]. In my current role, I [one concrete achievement with a number]. I see [Company] is trying to [specific challenge or goal from the job description], and I'd love to bring that experience to your team. Would love to chat — thanks for considering me.”

Short cover letter template #2: Email

“Hi [Name] — I'm applying for the [Role] at [Company] and wanted to send my resume directly. I've spent the last [X] years [doing relevant work], most recently [one specific achievement]. I'd love to learn more about the role and the team. Thanks for considering me — [Your name]. Resume attached.”

Email cover letters should be scannable in one screen. No paragraphs over three sentences. The subject line should be clear: 'Application: [Role] — [Your Name]'.

Short cover letter template #3: Career changer

“Hi [Name] — I'm writing to apply for the [Role] at [Company]. After [X] years in [old field], I'm transitioning into [new field], and the role feels like a strong fit for my transferable skills. In my previous role, I [transferable achievement with a number]. I'm now [what you've done to prepare — certification, project, course]. I'd love to bring that lens to [Company]. Would love to chat — thanks for considering me.”

Short cover letter template #4: Referral

“Hi [Name] — [Mutual connection] suggested I reach out about the [Role] at [Company]. I've spent the last [X] years [doing relevant work], most recently [specific achievement]. I'd love to learn more about the role and how I could help. Thanks — [Your name].”

Referral cover letters can be even shorter than standard ones — the referral does the credibility work for you.

Short cover letter template #5: Internal promotion

“Hi [Name] — I'm writing to express interest in the [Role] position posted internally. In my [X] years at [Company], I've [one concrete achievement], and I see this role as a natural next step. I'd love to talk through how I could contribute at the next level.”

Short cover letter examples by situation

Software engineer

“Hi Marcus — I'm applying for the senior backend role at Acme. I spent the last five years building distributed systems at Northwind, most recently leading a migration that cut p99 latency from 800ms to 180ms. Would love to chat — thanks for considering me.”

Marketing manager

“Hi Sam — the senior marketing role at Acme caught my eye. I've spent six years in B2B SaaS marketing, most recently growing organic traffic 280% through SEO and content. I'd love to bring that playbook to your team. Would love to chat.”

Customer success

“Hi Drew — I'm applying for the senior CSM role at Acme. I've managed $12M in ARR at Northwind with 98% gross retention and 112% net retention. Would love to talk about how I could help your book of business.”

What to leave out of a short cover letter

• Your full work history — that's what the resume is for
• Generic statements about being a 'team player' or 'results-driven'
• Apologies for what you don't have
• Salary expectations — save for after the offer
• Long lists of skills — pick one or two relevant ones

Common short cover letter mistakes

• Going over 300 words — the whole point is brevity
• Using 'To Whom It May Concern' — find a name
• Recapping your resume — the recruiter already has it
• Skipping the specific reason you're interested in this company
• Forgetting to attach your resume (yes, really)

When a short cover letter is the right call

Short cover letters work best when:

• You're applying via email with the resume attached
• The job posting explicitly asks for a brief note
• You're sending a referral application
• You're applying to a startup or fast-moving company
• You have a strong resume and the cover letter is a formality

For roles where writing matters (content, communications, marketing) or where the company culture rewards depth, a slightly longer cover letter may serve you better. We cover that in our cover letter examples guide.

The short cover letter checklist

1. 150-250 words (100-150 for email)
2. Three paragraphs: opening, evidence, close
3. One specific reason you're interested in this company
4. One concrete achievement with a number
5. A clear ask for the interview
6. Addressed to a real person
7. No resume recap

“Brevity isn't laziness. It's respect for the recruiter's time — and confidence that your evidence speaks for itself.”

Send it and move on

A short cover letter should take 15-30 minutes to write well. Tailor for the company, double-check the name, attach the resume, and send. Then start the next application.

The candidates who get interviews aren't the ones who write the longest cover letters. They're the ones who write the sharpest. Forge a short cover letter that earns the read in 10 seconds. ✨