Signs Your Cover Letter is Too Long or Wordy

Writing an effective cover letter is a crucial step in catching a hiring manager's eye and standing out in a competitive job market. While a well-crafted cover letter can set the stage for a successful interview, a poorly written one can have the opposite effect. Here, we will explore common issues that make cover letters too long or wordy, and provide tips on how to improve your approach to writing a compelling, concise cover letter.

1. Exceeds One Page

Ideal Length:

A cover letter should be concise and fit on one page, ideally between 250-400 words. If your letter spills onto a second page, it's likely too long.

Overly long cover letters can overwhelm the reader, making it difficult to highlight key points and convey the impact you can bring to the role. Ensure your content is focused and impactful.

2. Overly Detailed Career History

A cover letter is not a résumé. You should not be detailing every job you've held or listing all your job responsibilities. Instead, focus on the most relevant experience and how it aligns with the role you are applying for.

For example, rather than enumerating every task in a previous position, provide specific examples of how your experience matches the requirements of the job. Highlight how you can contribute to the company's goals and success.

3. Lengthy Paragraphs

Long blocks of text can overwhelm the reader, making the letter harder to navigate. Aim for paragraphs with 3-5 sentences each. Break up information into digestible chunks with clear transitions between points. This makes it easier for the hiring manager to follow your thoughts and understand the relevance of your points.

4. Repetition of Information

Repeating details from your résumé or repeating yourself within the letter is a waste of valuable space. Use the cover letter to highlight specific achievements or skills that are not mentioned in your résumé. This adds depth to your application and ensures a fresh perspective for the reader.

5. Excessive Use of Adjectives and Fluff

Phrases like “I am extremely passionate, highly motivated, and incredibly excited about…” can make the letter feel padded. Replace wordiness with concise statements that showcase concrete examples of your skills and achievements.

For instance, instead of saying, “I am highly motivated and excited to work for your organization,” you could write, “I have a track record of driving innovative solutions and meeting project goals, as demonstrated during my tenure at XYZ Corporation.”

6. Lack of Focus

A cover letter that tries to cover too many skills or experiences without clear focus can appear disorganized. Stick to 2-3 key points that align with the job description and demonstrate your qualifications.

By narrowing your focus and emphasizing the most relevant aspects of your background, you can better present your unique value proposition to the hiring manager.

7. Irrelevant Details

Every sentence in your cover letter should support your case for why you are the best candidate. Including unrelated hobbies, unnecessary personal information, or anecdotes not tied to the job can add clutter and distract from the main points.

Make sure each statement adds value to your application and speaks directly to why you are a strong fit for the position.

8. Wordy Phrases

Replace long-winded phrases with concise alternatives. Here are a few examples:

Instead of: The past few months have been an incredibly busy and challenging experience for me, during which I was faced with analyzing various projects and overseeing a team of eight employees. Try: During my tenure, I managed a team of eight and oversaw multiple projects. Instead of: My experience with project management has allowed me to successfully meet deadlines and deliver high-quality results for clients and colleagues alike. Try: I have successfully managed projects to meet deadlines and deliver high-quality results.

By refining your language, you can ensure that your cover letter is clear, concise, and engaging without sacrificing substance.

In conclusion, a well-crafted cover letter should be a powerful tool to introduce yourself to the hiring manager and showcase your unique qualifications. By avoiding these common pitfalls, you can create a document that is concise, focused, and compelling. Keep it to one page. Focus on relevant experience only. Aim for well-structured paragraphs. Avoid repetition and unnecessary details. Use clear, concise language. With these tips, you can produce a cover letter that not only gets noticed but also convinces the hiring manager that you are the ideal candidate for the role.