are cover letters long

• Online Degree Explore Bachelor’s & Master’s degrees
• MasterTrack™ Earn credit towards a Master’s degree
• University Certificates Advance your career with graduate-level learning
• Top Courses
• Join for Free

How Long Should a Cover Letter Be and What Should Be Included?

If you’re applying for a new job, you want to make sure your cover letter length is appropriate and contains the right cover letter sections. Learn more about cover letter word count and organization as well as tips on crafting an effective cover letter.

A cover letter can be anything between half a page and a full-page long. Generally, you should aim for a cover letter word count of 250 to 400 words and about three to six paragraphs. 

A short, concise cover letter serves as a written introduction to a prospective employer and outlines why you’re the best fit for the job. The cover letter, which you submit alongside your resume, highlights your experience and helps explain how your skills and personality will complement the company.

In addition to asking how long a cover letter should be, you might also wonder what to write. To help, we’ll provide tips on the length, offer an outline to follow, and highlight writing suggestions that can impress and inspire the hiring managers to invite you for an interview. 

Cover letter length and outline 

A cover letter should take up at least half or a whole page, but not longer. Shorter is better. 

The length is also dependent on how you plan to send the cover letter, either in the body of an email or as a separate attachment. If you send your letter in an email, it should lean more towards a half-page. If it’s an attachment, you can go a bit longer, but not longer than a page. 

Although all options are acceptable, crafting your cover letter in an email gets instant visibility as opposed to an attachment that the recipient must open after reading your email. Check for delivery directions in the job description. If there aren’t any directions, an email will be the best option for you.  

What should be included in your cover letter? Here’s an outline of the cover letter sections and the information each paragraph should include: 

Contact information and greeting

At the top of your cover letter, include your contact information, which should include your:

City and state

Phone number 

Email address

After providing these details, add the date and contact information of the recipient, although you do not need this information if you're writing your cover letter in the body of an email. 

Next, write a greeting to the hiring manager. Ideally, you’ll know the name of the hiring manager and will address the letter to that person. However, if you don’t know their name, you can simply address it to the Hiring Manager.

Paragraph 1: Introduction

The first paragraph serves as an introduction. Start by introducing yourself and stating the position you’re interested in within the company. Add a fact or two about the company as you explain how you’ll complement the business.

When you research the company, examine the company's mission statement, values, and products. Review the company’s social profiles, search for news articles about the company, and run a search on the company’s owners and head executives. Use these pieces of information to write your introduction. 

Paragraph 2: Relevant experience

The next paragraph should offer your specific qualifications that align with the job description. You should mention your most recent job, its daily responsibilities, and how it helps the current job opening if it applies. 

Briefly highlight your skills. If you can, offer statistics that support your achievements by including a statement like, “The content marketing strategies I implemented led to a 300 percent increase in visitors, a 15 percent increase in inbound leads, and a 2 percent increase in conversions." 

If your previous job was in a different field or if you’re new to the job market, use this cover letter section to explain why you’re a good fit for the position. 

Paragraph 3: Company details or more qualifications

The third paragraph can take two different forms. You can talk about the company and why you want to join such a business, or you can point out additional qualifications that make you a standout candidate. 

Speak about the company. By researching the company’s website, social presence, news, and employee LinkedIn profiles, you can synthesize a few details about the company that you appreciate. With this data, determine why it’s the role and work environment for you and include your explanation in the letter itself.

If you’re light on company-specific details, mention more of your alluring qualifications, skills, or personality traits. However, be sure it’s fresh information and not repetitive of anything mentioned in the previous paragraph. 

Paragraph 4: Closing

In the last paragraph, you should express your appreciation to the reader and offer to discuss the position more in-depth during an interview. 

Every cover letter, no matter what position you apply for, includes a call to action at the end, such as asking for a meeting or an interview. 

Add your contact information including your cell phone number, address, and professional sites like your LinkedIn profile or portfolio, all below your signature. 

What if a job description says a cover letter isn’t required?

Experts say you should always send a cover letter as it gives you a chance to introduce yourself, showcase your skills, and stand out. You might come across a job description that indicates a cover letter isn’t required and be inclined to skip it. Send one anyway. A cover letter will allow you to highlight your relevant skills, experience, and interest in the company, presenting yourself as the ideal match for the job.  

Tips for writing an effective cover letter

You want your cover letter to stand out from the other candidates who are also applying for the job. Your words should express your qualifications and show your potential for growth at the company. Follow these tips to elevate your cover letter: 

Check the job description for requirements.

Before writing your cover letter, check for requirements in the job description. 

In some cases, the job description may include instructions for your cover letter. It might have requirements such as: maintaining a specific length, naming the recipient, and the information they want to know about you. 

Know the name of the recipient.

Include the name of the hiring manager as opposed to a more general greeting like “To whom it may concern” or “Dear Hiring Manager.” Check the job description or company website for this information, or call the company to get the name of the hiring manager assigned to you. If you exhaust these options and can’t find the answer, use the general greeting.

Tailor the letter.

You’ll notice in the outline that company-specific and job posting-specific details should be included in the cover letter. As a result, every cover letter should be uniquely written for each of the jobs you're applying for and not repurposed.  

Formatting is important too.

While it’s easy to focus on word selection or questions like, “How long should a cover letter be?” formatting is a priority as well. Keep the margins standard, pick a legible and common font like Arial or Times New Roman, and font size of 11 or 12. 

Use bullet points for organization. In your second or third paragraph, when you mention your qualifications, list each of your qualities as a bullet point. 

Bullet points make your copy “skimmable,” so if a hiring manager is short on time, they might skip the paragraphs and simply read the bullets. 

Complement your resume, don’t repeat it.

Your resume offers a snapshot of your job experience, education, and skill set. Avoid repeating information from your resume in your cover letter. It should complement your resume instead of being a copy of it. Rather than duplicating the bullet points listed on your resume under your most recent job, for example, craft sentences that build on those bullets for your cover letter. 

Be concise.

A cover letter is a short document, so every word must count. Make your sentences concise and clear. When you’re finished writing, go back through your cover letter and remove any “fillers,” or phrases that don’t add value to your letter. 

Have a clear call to action.

Include a call to action at the end of your cover letter, such as a suggestion to schedule an interview to further discuss your qualifications. It’s one of the last things mentioned in your letter to encourage the hiring manager to take quick action. 

Getting started

Craft your next cover letter by taking Writing Winning Resumes and Cover Letters from the University of Maryland. To further enhance your job hunt, consider courses like Successful Interviewing or Career Planning: A Path to Employment .

Keep reading

Coursera staff.

Editorial Team

Coursera’s editorial team is comprised of highly experienced professional editors, writers, and fact...

This content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.

• English (UK)

You control your data

We and our partners use cookies to provide you with our services and, depending on your settings, gather analytics and marketing data. Find more information on our Cookie Policy . Tap "Settings” to set preferences. To accept all cookies, click “Accept”.

Cookie settings

Click on the types of cookies below to learn more about them and customize your experience on our Site. You may freely give, refuse or withdraw your consent. Keep in mind that disabling cookies may affect your experience on the Site. For more information, please visit our Cookies Policy and Privacy Policy .

Choose type of cookies to accept

These cookies allow us to analyze our performance to offer you a better experience of creating resumes and cover letters. Analytics related cookies used on our Site are not used by Us for the purpose of identifying who you are or to send you targeted advertising. For example, we may use cookies/tracking technologies for analytics related purposes to determine the number of visitors to our Site, identify how visitors move around the Site and, in particular, which pages they visit. This allows us to improve our Site and our services.

These cookies give you access to a customized experience of our products. Personalization cookies are also used to deliver content, including ads, relevant to your interests on our Site and third-party sites based on how you interact with our advertisements or content as well as track the content you access (including video viewing). We may also collect password information from you when you log in, as well as computer and/or connection information. During some visits, we may use software tools to measure and collect session information, including page response times, download errors, time spent on certain pages and page interaction information.

These cookies are placed by third-party companies to deliver targeted content based on relevant topics that are of interest to you. And allow you to better interact with social media platforms such as Facebook.

These cookies are essential for the Site's performance and for you to be able to use its features. For example, essential cookies include: cookies dropped to provide the service, maintain your account, provide builder access, payment pages, create IDs for your documents and store your consents.

To see a detailed list of cookies, click here .

This site uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. To learn more visit our Privacy Policy

• Cover Letter

How Long Should a Cover Letter Be? Ideal Length in 2024

Our customers have been hired by:

Before we get to discussing the ideal cover letter length, remember: it's not the only thing that matters. You must know how to put the space you have to good use. 

Let's find out how long should a cover letter be and what should be included to amaze your future employer.

This guide will show you:

• An example of a cover letter with the right word count.
• The answer for “ Can a cover letter be 2 pages?”  
• How long is a cover letter and how to keep its length under control.

Want to write your cover letter fast? Use our cover letter builder. Choose from  20+ professional cover letter templates  that match your resume. See actionable examples and get expert tips along the way.

Create your cover letter now

Sample cover letter for a resume— See more cover letter examples and create your cover letter here .

If you have already found the answer to your question, you may want to explore other subjects related to cover letter writing:

• What Does a Good Cover Letter Look Like
• What Your Cover Letter Should Say
• Cover Letter Structure

How Long Should a Cover Letter Be: Example

Margaret O'Connor

Business Analyst

456 Pine Street

Idaho Falls, Idaho, 83402

123-456-7890

[email protected]

linkedin.com/in/margaret.oconnor

Idaho Falls, April 19, 2022

Jackson Lopez

Hiring Manager

1234 Blvd Road

Boise, Idaho, 83702

Dear Mr. Lopez,

I am thrilled to apply for the business analyst position at Zen Labs. With my three years of experience in the field at Blink, I have honed my strategic planning, data analysis, and process improvement abilities, making me an ideal candidate for this role.

One noteworthy accomplishment at Blink was streamlining the company's data analysis processes, resulting in a 30% increase in operational efficiency. My analytical abilities and passion for problem-solving will allow me to contribute to the continued success of Zen Labs.

I am drawn to Zen Labs because of your commitment to innovation and reputation for nurturing talent. My experience in project management and proficiency in utilizing data analysis tools will aid in designing efficient strategies that align with the company's objectives. My skills will bring the value and growth Zen Labs seeks in a business analyst.

I would be thrilled to have an in-person meeting to discuss further how my experience and expertise can best serve Zen Labs. Please reach out at your earliest convenience to arrange a time.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to contributing to Zen Labs.

Best Regards,

How Long Should a Cover Letter Be?

A good cover letter contains 3 to 4 concise paragraphs and no more than 400 words in total. For entry-level candidates, 200 words is the sweet spot. Ideally, your cover letter contents should take up slightly more than half a page .

Here are the numbers to benchmark your cover letter against:

Why so short? , you might ask. Think about the main purpose of a cover letter: your cover letter introduces you to the recruiter and it’s supposed to get them interested in you as a candidate. As such, it has to be brief and to-the-point—it must strike the right balance between the length and the message. 

Recruiters receive dozens of job applications for each position. If instead of the information they’re looking for, they come across a story of your life, they’ll skip it without batting an eyelash.

And here's an example of a one-page cover letter with the right page, paragraph, and word count:

One Page Cover Letter—Example With the Ideal Number of Words

Sample cover letter made with our builder: See more cover letter templates and create your cover letter here .

The example above shows a cover letter outline . Its length is perfect for a PDF file that you can send as an email attachment.

But you may want to write your cover letter in the body of the email you’ll be sending to the hiring manager.

If that’s the case, just skip the cover letter heading and start with Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name] . Plus, make it as compact as possible—get rid of all the fluff and do your best to reduce the message to the absolute minimum. Take a look at how it's done in the example below where the main body is only 120 words:

Short Email Cover Letter—Example

I'm very excited about the software engineer position at Igatronix, Inc. I'm confident I can help you become the #1 SaaS video editing platform on the web. For one, I led the team that won the Bossie for an online video editing application.

To me, the Bossie wasn't just an award, but a culmination of:

• Eight years as the CEO of a profitable video production firm.
• Growing revenue for a SaaS business 22% through superior development.
• Advanced product testing, pulling in client teams to boost customer ratings 32%.

I've been a huge fan of Igatronix products for several years. It's your commitment to letting employees guide the life cycle that delivers your success. You value self-motivated, highly creative software engineers, and my record speaks for itself.

Can we set up a time...

The trick is to use experience bullet points to your advantage. They not only make your strongest selling points prominent but also help you save a lot of space.

And, just like with a paper cover letter, make sure you sell:

• Why this role.
• Why this company.

If you don’t know how to write a good cover letter email, this article will guide you by the hand: How to Write an Email Cover Letter

For more information on how to write a short and sweet cover letter, check out this guide: Short Cover Letter Examples [5+ Samples for Job Application

Pro Tip: A resume and cover letter make a fabulous duo but keep your cover unique and only complementary to your resume. Your recruiter should not experience déjà vu.

When making a resume in our builder, drag & drop bullet points, skills, and auto-fill the boring stuff. Spell check? Check . Start building a  professional resume template here for free .

When you’re done, our online resume builder will score your resume and our resume checker will tell you exactly how to make it better.

How Long is a Cover Letter and How to Make the Most of Its Length

Here’s a typical scenario: You typed up your entire cover letter and… realized it’s more of a novelette than a letter. Don’t worry, though, we’re here to help.

Let's start with frequently asked questions about the cover letter length.

Can a cover letter be 2 pages?

A cover letter should never be 2 pages. A 2-page cover letter violates the cover letter definition. Namely, a cover letter is a brief description of why you fit the job. In rare cases, a  resume can be two pages if you've got enough experience .

Is my cover letter too long?

A cover letter is too long if it's a full page or longer. Three-page or two-page cover letters are a waste of paper. A cover letter should be about three paragraphs of facts explaining why you're perfect for the position.

Should a cover letter be one page?

Another question is: does a cover letter have to be one page? Actually, a cover letter should always be less than one page. Short cover letters get more eye-time with managers. A cover letter that's less than a page sends an instant signal to the manager that your letter won't run over to page 2.

How many words should a cover letter be?

How long are cover letters? Cover letter word count should be between 200 and 400 words (300 is the sweet spot.) Why? Because that's the right length to fill up slightly more than half a page with 12-point font. But that's not how you'll get the interview.

How long should an electronic cover letter be?

An electronic cover letter should be the length of cover letters on paper. Namely, three paragraphs, 250-300 words, and less than a full page. The difference is, write a great subject line and leave the address section off the top.

Should a cover letter be double spaced?

A cover letter should not be double spaced. Always single space a cover letter. That includes the address. The only place to double space a cover letter is in between the paragraphs. That is: insert a blank line after each paragraph ends.

What about academic cover letter length?

A cover letter for an academic position should be no longer than two pages, but long enough to show off your accomplishments. Research, teaching, departmental service, and relevant accolades. The typical academic cover letter is usually one and a half to two pages long (or about five to eight paragraphs.)

Why does the right length of cover letter matter?

The right cover letter length matters because it sends a signal you're worth looking into. But how you make a cover letter the right length decides how many interviews you get.

So the real question is,  how do you make your cover letter the right length ?

Tips for finding the ideal cover letter length

• Focus on the value you bring.

Identify what’s relevant and ignore all the rest. How? Treat the job offer as a guide and only touch upon the things it mentions. Say what you can do to help the company in the areas specified by the recruiter in the ad.

• Don’t write a biography.

Cover letters introduce you to the recruiter. So make sure it’s an introduction, not the story of your entire life. If you have no idea how to go about this, read our guide on how to write a cover letter .

• Get a second opinion.

Have someone read your cover letter and ask them for a critique. The thing is that it’s very hard to see redundancies and inconsistencies in your own piece of writing. Give it to someone who’ll look at it with fresh eyes.

• Observe the limits.

If the right cover letter length is about 400 words, do your best to stay below this limit. Also, double-check if the employer hasn’t specified their own limits anywhere. If they did, stick to these.

• Don’t reveal everything.

Imposing a limit on the length of your cover letter will make you less likely to give everything away too soon. In other words, do show your best side on the cover letter, but keep some aces up your sleeve for the interview.

• Get the formatting right.

White space is your friend, so don't fill up the entire page with densely packed paragraphs. Set one-inch margins all around, left-align the contents, choose an elegant cover letter font , and don't go below 11pt in terms of the font size. But don't overdo it. Adding double spaces between lines of text is not such a great idea—stick to single line spacing or 1.15 at the maximum. 

Still not sure how to format your cover letter to optimize its length? Head straight to our guide on Proper Cover Letter Format

Plus, a great cover letter that matches your resume will give you an advantage over other candidates. You can write it in our cover letter builder here.  Here's what it may look like:

See more cover letter templates and start writing.

Key Takeaway

So again, how long does a cover letter have to be? The ideal cover letter length is:

• Word count: not more than 400 words
• Format: 3 to 4 concise paragraphs
• Page Length: Slightly longer than half a page

But it's the things that make it the right length that land the interview. Fluff should never add to cover letter length. The ideal length of a cover letter should be decided by how long it takes to prove three things: Why this job, why this company, and why you.

Want to know more about how long should a cover letter be? What frustrates you about the cover letter length? Give us a shout out in the comments! We love to help!

About Zety’s Editorial Process

This article has been reviewed by our editorial team to make sure it follows Zety's editorial guidelines . We’re committed to sharing our expertise and giving you trustworthy career advice tailored to your needs. High-quality content is what brings over 40 million readers to our site every year. But we don't stop there. Our team conducts original research to understand the job market better, and we pride ourselves on being quoted by top universities and prime media outlets from around the world.

• https://www.jobvite.com/jobvite-news-and-reports/2019-recruiting-benchmark-report-your-guide-to-finding-top-talent/

Don't miss out on exclusive stories that will supercharge your career!

Get a weekly dose of inspiration delivered to your inbox

Similar articles

How to Start a Cover Letter [+ Introduction Examples]

Writer’s block got you staring at your blank screen? It’s not as hard as you think to start a cover letter that will blow the hiring manager away—this guide shows you how.

35+ Successful Cover Letter Tips & Advice (With Examples)

Cover letter writing tips—sure to turn any boring letter into something employers want to read.

What Is a Cover Letter for a Job? Purpose & Example

Everyone has heard of one, but what is a cover letter for a job and what does it do? Here’s a simple explanation plus a full toolbox of cover letter advice.

This site uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. To learn more visit our Privacy Policy

How Long Should A Cover Letter Be? The Best Length in 2024

I had an interview yesterday and the first thing they said on the phone was: “Wow! I love your cover letter.” Patrick I love the variety of templates. Good job guys, keep up the good work! Dylan  My previous cover letter was really weak and I used to spend hours adjusting it in Word. Now, I can introduce any changes within minutes. Absolutely wonderful! George

New to Cover Letter Writing?

How long should a cover letter be , example with a perfect cover letter length, how to write a cover letter without wasting words and space, best practices for writing a cover letter: the four-paragraph structure, key takeaways, about resumelab’s editorial process, frequently asked questions about cover letter length, can a cover letter be two pages i have so much to tell, how long should an electronic cover letter be, how long should an entry-level cover letter be, was it interesting here are similar articles.

Is a Cover Letter Necessary in 2024? Do I Need a Cover Letter?

33+ Cover Letter Tips and Advice to Stand Out in 2024

What Does a Resume Look Like in 2024 (+Actionable Tips)

How Long Should a Cover Letter Be? (Examples)

By Biron Clark

Published: November 10, 2023

Cover Letters

Biron Clark

Writer & Career Coach

If you’re wondering how long a cover letter should be, this article has everything you need to know (including exactly how many words to make your cover letter).

I’m going to share why most job seekers are making their cover letters far too long, and why you will likely get more job interviews by writing less in your cover letter.

Let’s get started…

How Long Should a Cover Letter Be?

Cover letters should be one page long and total 75 to 250 words. This recommendation applies to both printed and email cover letters. It’s okay if your cover letter doesn’t take up an entire page, but it should never exceed one full page.

Job seekers needing to explain gaps in employment , a recent change in career path, etc., may want to utilize more words in their cover letter than someone with a more standard background.

A job seeker who is staying within their current industry and career path (e.g. moving from Software Engineer to Senior Software Engineer) and not needing to explain a lengthy work gap should aim to be on the lower end of the recommended cover letter word count mentioned above — somewhere between 70 and 150 words.

As an example, my favorite cover letter template from Harvard Business Review has only 76 words:

As you customize this cover letter, the word count will likely rise a bit, but it’ll remain much shorter than what most job seekers send. And that’s a good thing!

This type of letter is going to be very different than what most job seekers are sending and what you’ve seen recommended online, and that’s often a plus.

Coming up soon, I’ll explain why a shorter cover letter may improve your odds of hearing back on a job application.

How Many Paragraphs Should a Cover Letter Include?

The typical cover letter should contain three to six paragraphs. Each paragraph should be relatively short, containing two to four sentences. This is especially important in the first paragraph of your cover letter, where you want to entice the reader and encourage them to keep reading by providing a short, punchy opening.

In general, when writing to grab someone’s attention, focus heavily on making the first paragraph compelling, because this is your first impression or “elevator pitch,” for why they should keep reading.

Now that you know how long a cover letter should be, let’s look at some specific benefits of using this length, which is shorter than some people recommend.

Reasons to Consider a Shorter Cover Letter

Now that you know how many words a cover letter should be, let’s talk about why I recommend this as the ideal length, even though some career experts recommend your cover letter be longer.

There are four things that happen when you keep your cover letter relatively short…

1. You Stand Out by Being Different

Here’s an example of a typical full-page cover letter that many job seekers are sending:

If you’ve sent something like that in the past, it’s NOT your fault…

Almost every website with cover letter templates recommends this format, and it’s what you’re constantly told to send.

But that’s the beauty of limiting your cover letter to my ideal cover letter length of 75 to 250 words. It’s different than what everyone else is doing!

From the first glance, you’re showing the hiring manager that your cover letter is unique and worth reading closely . You show that you’re not going to bore them half to sleep with yet another generic letter containing info from a template or info that’s already on your resume.

Whereas, if you send a full-page cover letter like the image/example above, the hiring manager is thinking, “Okay, here’s another huge page of info to read through that’s probably based on a template.”

This happens to them over and over, all day.

That brings me to my next benefit…

2. You Get Your Cover Letter Read (Not Skimmed!)

Most job seekers send cover letters that so long-winded that nobody wants to read them. The hiring manager may read to the second or third paragraph, but they’re unlikely to through to the end.

Beyond that, job hunters send cover letters that repeat information from their resume, which doesn’t provide any value to the hiring manager or recruiter .

But because your cover letter is short, and ideally has small paragraphs, it’s inviting to read. Hiring managers open your email or letter and think, “Great, I can read this no problem.”

So they read your cover letter from start to finish without skipping a word!

This is why you should always send the hiring manager a short cover letter where each line has a purpose and message and does something to sell them on why you deserve the interview.

You don’t have to take my word for it, though. Test it! Send half of your cover letters in the standard, full-page style seen above, but with the other half, test what I’m suggesting here. Greatly reduce the word count, get right to the point, only offer info that’s not on your resume.

We’ve now looked at two reasons why the full-page cover letter is not the ideal length/approach. But I’ve got two more reasons for you…

3. You Draw Attention to Your Strongest Points/Skills

If you’re naming 20 different skills and qualifications in your cover letter, it’s hard for a recruiter or hiring manager to pick out the most important pieces.

Whereas, if you just name your three or four strongest arguments for why you’d be a great fit for their job description, those points will stand out (and get read, as mentioned above).

Sometimes less is more, and with cover letters, it’s often the case!

So this is another factor to consider when deciding how long your cover letter should be.

4. You Get Your “Call to Action” Read So You Win More Interviews

Finally, you should end each cover letter with a “Call to Action,” which I’ll explain in the next section.

This is where you ask for the interview, which is something many job seekers don’t do properly (or don’t do at all) in their cover letter.

And by keeping your letter brief, this closing paragraph comes relatively quickly… sometimes as the third or fourth paragraph… so it’s much more likely to get the reader’s full attention which means you’ll get more interviews.

Recommended Cover Letter Font Size

The best font size for your cover letter is 12 points, whether you’re sending a printed or an email cover letter. Avoid fancy fonts and choose a simple, easy-to-read font like Calibri or Arial. Include plenty of white space and small, punchy paragraphs. It’s better to have multiple, concise paragraphs in your cover letter than one or two very long paragraphs. This helps with readability.

How to End Your Cover Letter: Ask for the Interview

This is one other mistake a lot of job seekers make with their cover letters, along with repeating info on the resume and just being far too long-winded. They don’t ask for the interview in their closing paragraph!

The whole point of the cover letter is to win you job interviews . So after you’ve got the specific word count you want, make sure to finish up by actually asking the hiring manager to call you and set up a time to discuss in more detail!

Here’s an example of how you could conclude an email cover letter:

I’d love to discuss the position over the phone and provide a bit more context for how I can help you in this role. Are you available for a phone call later this week or early next week? My phone number is 555-218-4987.

Or, simply use the cover letter conclusion from the first example in this article, from Harvard Business Review:

I have attached my resume for your review and would welcome the chance to speak with you sometime.

However, I prefer a slightly stronger conclusion to a cover letter that really prompts the hiring manager to reply to a direct question. That should get you more responses from your cover letter, no matter your cover letter length!

Conclusion: How Many Words Should a Cover Letter Be?

To reiterate how long a cover letter should be, I recommend sticking to 250 words or less and never exceeding one page.

It’s beneficial to keep your letter short and concise for both a printed cover letter and a cover letter sent by email.

The shorter format allows you to focus on your strongest points and grab the hiring manager’s attention without overwhelming them with too much text or info. This will help you get more interviews and separate you from other job seekers who send long, generic, cut-and-paste cover letters with their applications.

However, as mentioned earlier, the length of your cover letter will vary depending on the industry (in a very formal, traditional industry, you may want to go for a slightly longer word count).

If you have an unusual scenario to explain, then your ideal cover letter length may be longer, too.

So don’t take the advice above as a hard-and-fast rule, but just a general guideline on how long a typical cover letter should be to win more job interviews.

As a final step, make sure to proofread everything! Sending a cover letter with a typo or mistake can cost you the job interview even if you have great qualifications and writing style.

More cover letter resources:

• Do you need to send a cover letter?
• How to write a cover letter with no experience
• 3 steps to writing a cover letter that stands out

About the Author

Read more articles by Biron Clark

Continue Reading

How to Write a Graphic Designer Cover Letter (3 Examples)

How to write a paralegal cover letter (2 examples), how to write a medical assistant cover letter (3 examples), how to write a research assistant cover letter (3 examples), how to write a software engineer cover letter (3 examples), how to write a hr cover letter (4 examples), how to write a data analyst cover letter (3 examples), how to write a bartender cover letter (3 examples), create a professional resume for free.

No-sign up or payment required.

How to Write a Cover Letter in 2024 + Examples

After weeks of heavy job search, you’re almost there!

You’ve perfected your resume. 

You’ve short-listed the coolest jobs you want to apply for.

You’ve even had a friend train you for every single interview question out there.

But then, before you can send your application and call it a day, you remember that the job ad requires a cover letter.

Now you’re stuck wondering how to write a cover letter ...

Don’t panic! We’ve got you covered. Writing a cover letter is a lot simpler than you might think. 

In this guide, we’re going to teach you how to write a cover letter that gets you the job you deserve.

• What’s a cover letter & why it’s important for your job search
• How to write a convincing cover letter that gets you the job (step-by-step!)
• How to perfect your cover letter with the Novoresume free checklist
• What excellent cover letter examples look like

New to cover letter writing? Give our resumes 101 video a watch before diving into the article!

So, let’s get started with the basics!

What is a Cover Letter? (and Why It’s Important)

A cover letter is a one-page document that you submit as part of your job application (alongside your CV or Resume). 

Its purpose is to introduce you and briefly summarize your professional background. On average, your cover letter should be from 250 to 400 words long .

A good cover letter can spark the HR manager’s interest and get them to read your resume. 

A bad cover letter, on the other hand, might mean that your application is going directly to the paper shredder. So, to make sure this doesn’t happen, it’s essential to know how to write a convincing cover letter.

How does a good cover letter look, you might ask. Well, here’s an example:

Keep in mind, though, that a cover letter is a supplement to your resume, not a replacement. Meaning, you don’t just repeat whatever is mentioned in your resume.

If you’re writing a cover letter for the first time, writing all this might seem pretty tough. After all, you’re probably not a professional writer.

The thing is, though, you don’t need to be creative, or even any good at writing. All you have to do is follow a tried-and-tested format:

• Header - Input contact information
• Greeting the hiring manager
• Opening paragraph - Grab the reader’s attention with 2-3 of your top achievements
• Second paragraph - Explain why you’re the perfect candidate for the job
• Third paragraph - Explain why you’re a good match for the company
• Formal closing

Or, here’s what this looks like in practice:

How to Write the Perfect Cover Letter (And Get Hired!)

Now that we’ve got the basics out of the way, we’re going to guide you through the process of writing a cover letter step by step. 

Step #1 - Pick the Right Cover Letter Template

A good cover letter is all about leaving the right first impression.

So, what’s a better way to leave a good impression than a well-formatted, visual template?

You can simply pick one of our hand-picked cover letter templates , and you’ll be all set in a jiffy!

As a bonus, our AI will even give you suggestions on how to improve your cover letter on the go.

Step #2 - Start the Cover Letter with a Header

As with a resume, it’s important to start your cover letter with a Contact Information section:

Here, you want to include all essential information, including:

• Phone Number
• Name of the hiring manager / their professional title
• Name of the company you’re applying to

In certain cases, you might also consider adding:

• Social Media Profiles - Any type of profile that’s relevant to your field. Social Profiles on websites like LinkedIn, GitHub (for developers), Medium (for writers), etc.
• Personal Website - If you have a personal website that somehow adds value to your application, you can mention it. Let’s say you’re a professional writer. In that case, you’d want to link to your blog.

And here’s what you shouldn’t mention in your header:

• Your Full Address 
• Unprofessional Email - Make sure your email is presentable. It’s pretty hard for a hiring manager to take you seriously if your email address is “[email protected].” Whenever applying for jobs, stick to the “[first name] + [last name] @ email provider.com” format.

Step #3 - Greet the Hiring Manager

Once you’ve properly listed your contact information, you need to start writing the cover letter contents.

The first thing to do here is to address the cover letter to the hiring manager .

That’s right, the hiring manager! Not the overly popular “Dear Sir or Madam.” You want to show your future boss that you did your research and are really passionate about working with their team.

No one wants to hire a job seeker who just spams 20+ companies and hopes to get hired in any of them.

So, how do you find out who’s the hiring manager? There are several ways to do this. 

The simplest option is to look up the head of the relevant department on LinkedIn. Let’s say you’re applying for the position of a Communication Specialist at Novoresume. The hiring manager is probably Head of Communications or Chief Communications Office.

So, you do a quick lookup on LinkedIn:

And voila! You have your hiring manager.

Or let’s say you’re applying for the position of a server. In that case, you’d be looking for the “restaurant manager.”

If this doesn’t work, you can also check out the “Team” page on the company website; there’s a good chance you’ll at least find the right person there.

Here are several other greetings you could use:

• Dear [Department] Hiring Manager
• Dear Hiring Manager
• To whom it may concern
• Dear [Department] Team

Step #4 - Write an Attention-Grabbing Introduction

First impressions matter, especially when it comes to your job search.

Recruiters get hundreds, sometimes even thousands, of applications. Chances are, they’re not going to be reading every single cover letter end-to-end.

So, it’s essential to catch their attention from the very first paragraph .

The #1 problem we see with most cover letter opening paragraphs is that they’re usually extremely generic. Most of them look something like this..

• Hey, my name is Jonathan and I’d like to work as a Sales Manager at XYZ Inc. I’ve worked as a sales manager at MadeUpCompany Inc. for 5+ years, so I believe that I’d be a good fit for the position.

See the issue here? This opening paragraph doesn’t say pretty much anything except the fact that you’ve worked the job before.

Do you know who else has similar work experience? All the other applicants you’re competing with.

Instead, you want to start off with 2-3 of your top achievements to really grab the reader’s attention. Preferably, the achievements should be as relevant as possible to the position.

So now, let’s make our previous example shine:

My name’s Michael and I’d like to help XYZ Inc. hit and exceed their sales goals as a Sales Manager. I’ve worked with Company X, a fin-tech company, for 3+ years. As a Sales Representative, I generated an average of $30,000+ in sales per month (beating the KPIs by around 40%). I believe that my previous industry experience, as well as excellence in sales, makes me the right candidate for the job.

See the difference between the two examples? If you were the hiring manager, which sales manager would you hire, Jonathan or Michael?

Now that we’ve covered the introduction, let’s talk about the body of your cover letter. This part is split into two paragraphs: the first is for explaining why you’re the perfect person for the job, and the latter is for proving that you’re a good fit for the company.

So, let’s get started...

Step #5 - Explain why you’re the perfect person for the job

This is where you show off your professional skills and convince the HR manager that you’re a better fit for the job than all the other applicants.

But first things first - before you even write anything, you need to learn what the most important requirements for the role are. So, open up the job ad and identify which of the responsibilities are the most critical.

For the sake of the example, let’s say you’re applying for the position of a Facebook Advertiser. You scan the job ad and see that the top requirements are:

• Experience managing a Facebook ad budget of $10,000+ / month
• Some skills in advertising on other platforms (Google Search + Twitter)
• Excellent copywriting skills

Now, in this section, you need to discuss how you fulfill these requirements. So, here’s how that would look for our example:

In my previous role as a Facebook Marketing Expert at XYZ Inc. I handled customer acquisition through ads, managing a monthly Facebook ad budget of $20,000+ . As the sole digital marketer at the company, I managed the ad creation & management process end-to-end. Meaning, I created the ad copy , images, picked the targeting, ran optimization trials, and so on.

Other than Facebook advertising, I’ve also delved into other online PPC channels, including:

• Google Search

Are you a student applying for your first internship? You probably don’t have a lot of work experience to show off in this section. Learn how to write an internship cover letter here.

Step #6 - Explain why you’re a good fit for the company

Once you’ve written the last paragraph, you might be thinking - I’m a shoo-in for the job! What else do I need to write? I’ll just wrap up the cover letter and hit that sweet SEND button.

Well, no. You’re not quite there yet.

The HR manager doesn’t only look at whether you’ll be good at the job or not. They’re looking for someone that’s also a good fit for the company culture.

After all, employees that don’t fit in are bound to quit, sooner or later. This ends up costing the company a ton of money, up to 50% of the employee’s annual salary . 

Meaning, you also need to convince the HR manager that you’re really passionate about working with them.

How do you do this? Well, as a start, you want to do some research about the company. You want to know things like:

• What’s the company’s business model?
• What’s the company product or service? Have you used it?
• What’s the culture like? Will someone micro-manage your work, or will you have autonomy on how you get things done?

So, get to Googling. Chances are, you’ll find all the information you need either on the company website or somewhere around the web.

Then, you need to figure out what you like about the company and turn that into text.

Let’s say, for example, you’re passionate about their product and you like the culture of innovation / independent work in the organization.

You’d write something like:

I’ve personally used the XYZ Smartphone, and I believe that it’s the most innovative tech I’ve used in years. The features such as Made-Up-Feature #1 and Made-Up-Feature #2 were real game changers for the device. 

I really admire how Company XYZ thrives for excellence for all its product lines, creating market-leading tech. As someone that thrives in a self-driven environment, I truly believe that I and Company XYZ will be a great match.

What you don’t want to do here is be super generic for the sake of having something to write. Most job seekers tend to mess this one up. Let’s take a look at a very common example we tend to see (way too often):

I’d love to work for Company XYZ because of its culture of innovation. I believe that since I’m super creative, I’d be a good fit for the company. The company values of integrity and transparency really vibe with me.

See what’s wrong here? The example doesn’t really say anything about the company. “Culture of Innovation” is something most companies claim to have. 

The same goes for “values of integrity and transparency” - the writer just googled what the values for the organization are, and said that they like them.

Any hiring manager that reads this will see through the fluff.

So, make sure to do a lot of research and come up with good reasons why you're applying.

Step #7 - Wrap up with a call to action

Finally, it’s time to finish up your cover letter and write the conclusion.

In the final paragraph, you want to:

• Wrap up any points you couldn't in the previous paragraphs. Do you have anything left to say? Any other information that could help the hiring manager make their decision? Mention it here.
• Thank the hiring manager for their time. It never hurts to be courteous, as long as you don’t come off as too needy.
• Finish the cover letter with a call to action. The very last sentence in your cover letter should be a call to action. You should ask the hiring manager to take some sort of action.

And now, let’s turn this into a practical example:

So to wrap it all up, thanks for looking into my application. I hope I can help Company X make the most out of their Facebook marketing initiatives. I'd love to further discuss how my previous success at XYZ Inc. can help you achieve your facebook marketing goals.

Step #8 - Use the right formal closing

Once you’re done with the final paragraph, all you have to do is write down a formal “goodbye” and you’re good to go.

Feel free to use one of the most popular conclusions to a cover letter:

• Best Regards,
• Kind Regards,

And we’re finally done! Before sending off the cover letter, make sure to proofread it with software like Grammarly, or maybe even get a friend to review it for you.

Does your cover letter heading include all essential information?

• Professional email
• Relevant Social Media Profiles

Do you address the right person? I.e. hiring manager in the company / your future direct supervisor

Does your introductory paragraph grab the reader's attention?

• Did you mention 2-3 of your top achievements?
• Did you use numbers and facts to back up your experience?

Do you successfully convey that you’re the right pro for the job?

• Did you identify the core requirements?
• Did you successfully convey how your experiences help you fit the requirements perfectly?

Do you convince the hiring manager that you’re passionate about the company you’re applying to?

• Did you identify the top 3 things that you like about the company?
• Did you avoid generic reasons for explaining your interest in the company?

Did you finalize the conclusion with a call to action?

Did you use the right formal closure for the cover letter?

5+ Cover Letter Examples

Need some inspiration? Read on to learn about some of the best cover letter examples we’ve seen (for different fields).

College Student Cover Letter Example

Middle Management Cover Letter Example

Career Change Cover Letter Example

Management Cover Letter Example

Senior Executive Cover Letter Example

Want to discover more examples AND learn what makes them stand out? Check out our guide to cover letter examples .

Next Steps in Your Job Search - Creating a Killer Resume

Your cover letter is only as good as your resume. If either one is weak, your entire application is for naught. 

After all, a cover letter is just an introduction. Imagine going through all this effort to leave an amazing first impression, but flopping at the end because of a mediocre resume.

...But don’t you worry, we’ve got you covered on that end, too.

If you want to learn more about Resumes & CVs, we have a dedicated FREE guide for that. Check out our complete guide on how to make a resume , as well as how to write a CV - our experts will teach you everything you need to know in order to land your dream job.

Or, if you’re already an expert, just pick one of our resume templates and get started.

Key Takeaways

Now that we’ve walked you through all the steps of writing a cover letter, let’s summarize everything we’ve learned:

• A cover letter is a 250 - 400 word document that convinces the hiring manager of your competence
• A cover letter goes in your job application alongside your resume
• Your introduction to the cover letter should grab the hiring manager’s attention and keep it all the way until the conclusion
• There are 2 main topics you need to include in your cover letter: why you’re the perfect candidate for the job & why you’re passionate about working in the company you’re applying to
• Most of the content of your cover letter should be factual , without any fluff or generalizations

At Novorésumé, we’re committed to helping you get the job you deserve, every step of the way! Follow our blog to stay up to date with the industry-leading advice. Or, check out some of our top guides…

• How to Write a Motivational Letter
• How to Write a Resume with No Work Experience
• Most Common Interview Questions and Answers

To provide a safer experience, the best content and great communication, we use cookies. Learn how we use them for non-authenticated users.

How Long Should a Cover Letter Be? The Optimal Length

A cover letter is an important tool when applying for a job. It’s a document that you submit alongside your resume, and it’s your chance to communicate directly with the hiring manager. A well-crafted cover letter can make a great first impression and set you apart from other job applicants.

The purpose of this article is to provide guidance on how long a cover letter should be. The optimal length of a cover letter is a common question among job seekers, and there are conflicting opinions on the topic. Some say that a cover letter should be no more than one page, while others argue that it’s okay to go over two pages.

In this article, we’ll discuss the different factors that affect the length of a cover letter, such as the job you’re applying for, your level of experience, and the company you’re applying to. We’ll also examine the pros and cons of shorter versus longer cover letters.

By the end of this article, you’ll have a better understanding of what the optimal length of a cover letter is in different situations so that you can create a cover letter that is concise, yet effective. Whether you’re a recent graduate or an experienced professional, this article will provide you with valuable insights on how to write a cover letter that will impress hiring managers and land you the job you want.

What is a Cover Letter?

A cover letter is a document that accompanies your resume or CV when you are applying for a job. It is usually in the form of a one-page letter that introduces yourself to the hiring manager and explains why you are the best candidate for the job. The cover letter is an essential part of the job application process, and it can make or break your chances of getting an interview.

Definition and Explanation of a Cover Letter

The purpose of a cover letter is to complement your resume, not repeat it. While your resume is a summary of your education, experience and skills, your cover letter is your chance to showcase your personality, explain why you are passionate about the job and highlight your achievements.

A well-written cover letter should be tailored to the specific job you are applying for. It should be brief, informative, and engaging. A good cover letter should highlight your key skills, experiences and achievements that relate to the job. It should also demonstrate your understanding of the company culture and explain why you are a good fit for the role.

Importance of Sending One with Your Resume

Sending a cover letter with your resume is crucial. A cover letter can give the hiring manager more context about your professional experience and qualifications, and help you stand out from other applicants. It shows that you have put effort into your job application and that you are committed to the job.

Furthermore, a cover letter is an opportunity to showcase your writing skills. Many employers use a cover letter to assess your written communication skills, so it’s important to make sure it is well-written, clear and concise.

A well-written cover letter is essential when you are applying for a job. It is an opportunity to showcase your personality, explain why you are passionate about the job, and highlight your key skills and achievements. Sending a cover letter with your resume can make you stand out from other applicants and demonstrate that you are committed to the job.

The Role of a Cover Letter in Your Job Search

A cover letter is an essential component of your job application, and it can significantly impact your chances of getting hired. It serves as an introduction to your resume and highlights your qualifications, skills, and experience that match the job requirements.

How a Cover Letter Affects Your Chances of Getting Hired

According to research, more than 50% of hiring managers consider a cover letter to be crucial when evaluating job candidates. It provides them with more information about you compared to just a resume, making it easier for them to determine if you’re the right fit for the job.

A well-written cover letter can show your personality, professionalism, and communication skills. It can also demonstrate why you’re the best candidate for the position and how you can contribute to the company’s success.

On the other hand, a poorly written cover letter can hurt your chances of getting hired. It can make you appear unprofessional, uninterested, or unqualified for the job, even if your resume suggests otherwise.

Explaining Why Some Hiring Managers Still Require a Cover Letter

Despite the debates about whether a cover letter is necessary, many hiring managers still require it as part of the job application process. There are several reasons for this:

1. To evaluate your communication skills

A cover letter is a written document, and it allows the hiring manager to assess your writing skills and communication abilities. Employers are always seeking employees who can express themselves concisely and effectively.

2. To gauge your interest and motivation

A cover letter shows that you’re serious about the job and you’ve taken the time to learn about the company and the position. It captures your motivation for applying and why you think you’re a great fit. It’s an opportunity to express your enthusiasm and demonstrate your knowledge of the company’s mission and culture.

3. To highlight your personality and personal brand

A well-written cover letter can showcase your personality and personal brand. It allows the hiring manager to get a glimpse of who you are and how you conduct yourself professionally. This can help you stand out from other applicants, especially if you’re applying for a highly competitive position.

A cover letter plays an essential role in your job search. It can significantly affect your chances of getting hired and open doors to new opportunities. Even if some hiring managers don’t require it, it’s always good to include a well-crafted cover letter as part of your job application.

Factors that Affect Cover Letter Length

It’s essential to note that the length of a cover letter is influenced by several factors. These include the industry, company type, job level, and requirements. Understanding how these factors affect the optimal length of your cover letter can help you tailor it accordingly and increase your chances of landing the job.

How the Industry and Company Type Impact the Optimal Length

The industry and company type you are applying to can impact the optimal length of your cover letter. Some industries, such as creative or marketing fields, may appreciate a more extended form of communication that highlights your creativity and writing skills. On the other hand, industries such as finance and law may prefer a more concise and straightforward approach.

Moreover, larger companies may receive a high volume of applications and may have an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) that scans cover letters for keywords. Therefore, a shorter and more concise cover letter may be ideal for these types of organizations.

How the Job Level and Requirements Affect the Length

The job level and requirements also have a significant impact on the optimal length of your cover letter. For entry-level positions, a one-page cover letter that highlights your relevant skills and experience may be sufficient. In contrast, higher-level positions or managerial roles may require a longer cover letter that demonstrates your leadership abilities and accomplishments.

Additionally, specific job requirements listed in the job posting should also guide the length of your cover letter. For example, if the job posting requests a portfolio or other supporting documentation, you may be able to keep your cover letter more concise. Conversely, if the job requires you to demonstrate proficiency in a specific skill, such as project management, your cover letter may need to be more detailed to showcase your experience in this area.

Understanding the factors that impact the optimal length of your cover letter is critical to crafting a winning application. By tailoring your cover letter to the industry, company type, job level, and requirements, you increase your chances of impressing the hiring manager and securing an interview.

Optimal Cover Letter Length for Entry-Level Job Seekers

As a new graduate or job seeker with less experience, you may be wondering how long your cover letter should be.

Here are some guidelines and tips to help you craft the perfect cover letter:

Guideline for new graduates and job seekers with less experience

Your cover letter should be long enough to convey your qualifications and interest in the position, but short enough to hold the reader’s attention. As an entry-level job seeker, you may not have as much experience to showcase, so focusing on your unique strengths and eagerness to learn can help make you stand out.

Examples and tips for writing a concise cover letter

• Start with a strong opening that grabs the reader’s attention and showcases your enthusiasm for the position.
• Keep your paragraphs short and focused, highlighting your relevant experience and qualifications.
• Be specific about your skills and how they can benefit the company. Use examples to illustrate your points.
• Use a professional tone and avoid being too casual or informal.
• Close with a strong statement that reiterates your interest in the position and invites further discussion.

Remember, a well-crafted cover letter can make all the difference in landing an interview, so take the time to make it concise, focused, and impactful.

Optimal Cover Letter Length for Mid-Career Professionals

For mid-career professionals, crafting a cover letter can be a challenging task. On one hand, you want to showcase your expertise and experience to potential employers. On the other hand, you don’t want to bore them with a lengthy document. So what’s the optimal length for a cover letter for mid-career professionals?

Guidelines for Individuals with a Few Years of Experience

If you have a few years of experience, it’s best to keep your cover letter concise and to the point. Ideally, your cover letter shouldn’t exceed one page. You should aim to highlight your most relevant experience and qualifications, without getting too detailed.

Tips for Crafting an Effective Cover Letter

Here are some tips to help you craft an effective cover letter:

• Start strong: Use the first paragraph to introduce yourself and grab the reader’s attention. You can mention your relevant experience, or an interesting anecdote that sets you apart.
• Highlight your most relevant experience: In the body of the cover letter, focus on your most relevant experience and qualifications. Make sure to mention the skills and achievements that make you a good fit for the job.
• Avoid repeating your resume: Your cover letter should complement your resume, not repeat it. Don’t simply list your job titles and responsibilities – focus on the impact you’ve made in your previous roles.
• Show your enthusiasm: Show your enthusiasm for the job and the company by explaining why you’re interested in the role. Do your research and mention something specific that you like about the company or the industry.
• Close with a strong call to action: In the final paragraph, make sure to thank the reader for their time and express your interest in the role. Don’t be afraid to ask for an interview, or to follow up on your application.

By following these guidelines and tips, you’ll be able to craft an effective cover letter that showcases your experience and expertise, while keeping it concise and to the point.

Optimal Cover Letter Length for Senior-Level Executives

As a seasoned professional or high-level executive, crafting an effective cover letter can be a daunting task. The challenge lies in balancing brevity with comprehensive information about your qualifications and achievements. Therefore, it is vital to adhere to specific guidelines to ensure that your cover letter does not come off as too lengthy or too brief.

Within this word count, be sure to highlight your most crucial skills, accomplishments, and experience relevant to the position in question. It is critical to give the hiring manager a clear picture of what you can offer to the company without overwhelming them with unnecessary details.

Here are a few tips to help you write a comprehensive cover letter:

Begin with a strong opening line that indicates your interest in the job and highlights your unique selling point.

Tailor your message to the company culture and requirements, demonstrating your knowledge of the organization and how you can contribute to its success.

Use bullet points to present your achievements and qualifications in an easy-to-read format.

Highlight your experience with figures and other measurable criteria that showcase your ability to drive results.

Remember that a cover letter should complement—not duplicate—your resume. Therefore, avoid merely listing qualifications and job titles already mentioned in your resume. Instead, use the opportunity to elaborate on specific experiences that demonstrate your fit for the position.

Keep your cover letter short and to the point while still providing enough information to show why you are the best candidate for the job. Utilize the tips above to write a compelling and comprehensive cover letter that leaves a memorable impression.

How to Make Your Cover Letter Concise and Relevant

Tips for editing and narrowing down the content:.

• Start with a strong opening that grabs the reader’s attention and introduces your relevant skills and experience.
• Use bullet points to list your achievements and qualifications, rather than lengthy paragraphs that may be overwhelming for the reader.
• Avoid repeating information that is already included in your resume or application.
• Be selective in highlighting your most relevant experience and skills that match the job requirements.

Strategies for making every word count:

• Use action verbs to describe your achievements and contributions.
• Focus on the impact you made in your previous roles, such as increased revenue or improved processes.
• Showcase your unique qualifications and accomplishments, rather than generic or common skills.
• Eliminate unnecessary adjectives or redundant phrases that do not add value to your application.

By following these tips and strategies, you can make sure that your cover letter is concise and relevant, while still showcasing your qualifications and experience. Remember that the optimal length of a cover letter is around 250-400 words, so aim to make every word count within this limit.

How to make your Cover Letter Comprehensive and Meaningful

Your cover letter is your chance to make a strong first impression and provide a deeper understanding of your skills and experience to the hiring manager. Here are some strategies for making your cover letter comprehensive and meaningful:

Strategies for adding depth and relevance to your cover letter:

• Customize your cover letter for each job application to showcase how your skills and experience align with the job requirements.
• Use specific examples to demonstrate your achievements and how they can benefit the company.
• Research the company’s mission and values to show your alignment with the company culture.
• Use industry-specific language to show your knowledge and expertise.

Tips for showcasing your skills and experience:

• Use storytelling techniques to engage the reader and create a connection with the hiring manager.
• Start by highlighting your most impressive achievements and then explain how they have prepared you for the job.
• Keep the cover letter concise and focused on your most relevant experiences.
• Use bullet points to break up longer paragraphs and make the cover letter easier to read.

A comprehensive and meaningful cover letter should showcase your skills and experience while being concise, focused, and customized to the job you are applying for. Use storytelling techniques and specific examples to engage the reader and show how you can contribute to the company’s success.

Appendices (if applicable)

Here are some example cover letter sections that you can use as a reference when crafting your own:

Introduction  – This section should include the purpose of the letter, the position you are applying for, and how you found out about the job opportunity.

Body  – This is where you should highlight your relevant skills, experience, and achievements that make you a strong candidate for the position. You should also mention why you are interested in the company and how you can contribute to their success.

Closing  – In this section, you should express your gratitude for considering your application and request for an interview to further discuss your qualifications.

And here are some sample cover letters that you can use as a guide when determining the optimal length:

Sample 1 (280 words)

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am writing to apply for the position of Marketing Coordinator at XYZ Company. As a recent graduate with a degree in marketing and a demonstrated ability to develop and execute successful marketing campaigns, I am confident that I am the right fit for this role.

In my previous internship and freelance work, I have gained experience in social media management, email marketing, and content creation. Additionally, my attention to detail and ability to work collaboratively have contributed to successful campaigns and satisfied clients.

I am passionate about the work that XYZ Company does and I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to your team. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss my qualifications further.

[Your Name]

Sample 2 (450 words)

Dear [Hiring Manager],

I am writing to express my interest in the [Job Title] position at your company. With [Number of Years] years of experience in [Industry or Field], I am confident that I am the ideal candidate for the job.

In my current position at [Current Company], I have successfully [Key Achievement or Responsibility]. Additionally, I have [Skill or Qualification] that I believe will enable me to excel in this role. I am excited about the opportunity to bring my expertise and passion for [Industry or Field] to this position at [Company].

In addition to my relevant experience and qualifications, I am highly organized and a strong communicator. I am able to manage multiple competing priorities while maintaining high-quality work and delivering projects on time.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss my qualifications and learn more about this exciting opportunity at your company.

As you can see, both samples are concise yet effective in showcasing the applicant’s qualifications and interest in the position. The optimal length of a cover letter should be around 250-400 words, depending on the job and industry. It’s important to remember that the cover letter should complement your resume, not repeat it. Focus on highlighting your unique qualifications and demonstrating your enthusiasm for the position and company.

Related Articles

• Financial Analyst Resume: The Ultimate Guide
• Panel Interview: What They Are and How to Prepare
• 11 Store Clerk Resume Examples to Land Your Dream Job
• Front End Developer Resume: Example & Writing Guide
• Wealth Manager Job Description: A Blueprint for Success

Rate this article

5 / 5. Reviews: 1

More from ResumeHead

How Long Should a Cover Letter Be

Our customers have been hired at: * Foot Note

For a complete job application package, you need a cover letter. But, how long should a cover letter be? Does length matter if it’s via email? Is there a difference between the length of an executive cover letter and an internship cover letter? 

In this guide, we will:

• Discuss the ideal length of a cover letter
• Show you an example of a great cover letter
• Offer tips to make the most out of your cover letter

How long should a cover letter be : By the numbers

A cover letter is a one-page document. It follows the business letter format, which means you have to consider the heading and signature to fit into this one-page document. When it comes to the content of the letter, the expectation is 250–400 words or three to four paragraphs.

Perfect Cover Letter Length

250- 400 Words 3-4 Paragraphs One-page document

Recruiters and hiring managers go over hundreds of applications to find desirable candidates. Catch their attention quickly by using keywords from the job description and writing a concise  cover letter with the relevant information they’re looking for in a candidate. 

Remember: A job application, which includes your resume and cover letter, is a document package that presents you as a desirable candidate to hiring managers so you get an interview . You will have an opportunity to impress the hiring manager with more skills and accomplishments during the interview. 

Make a cover letter with My Perfect Resume

Our Cover letter builder can help you write the perfect cover letter. Start Now!

Need help writing a cover letter? Our Cover Letter Builder will do the heavy lifting for you! Simply choose a template to match your resume, then choose and edit our job-specific content suggestions. You will have an effective cover letter in no time!

Cover letter example

Tips to write your perfect length cover letter.

• Tailor the cover letter to the job description . Your skills and experience provide you with a wide range of skills to offer a potential employer. Yet, their job description makes it clear exactly what they’re looking for. Use the job ad to build a cover letter with the value you bring to the position and company.
• Don’t repeat your resume. Save space by expanding on your accomplishments and skills instead of repeating what’s already on your resume.
• Use action verbs . These powerful verbs not only add more weight to your accomplishments and skills, it also helps shorten the used space and word count of your cover letter
• Using the STAR method will showcase your best job-relevant examples . While most commonly used to answer interview questions, you can take note from the “Situation, Task, Action, Response” method to highlight your achievements in an comprehensible format. 
• Bullet points help direct the reader’s eyes .There is no need for intricate storytelling. You can utilize bullet points to briefly write about job-relevant accomplishments and skills.
• Keep it short and relevant to the job. Remember, you want to entice the employer to set up an interview, not provide your entire career history. You’ll have time for more during the interview process.
• Use a Cover Letter Builder . If you have doubts about how to best format your cover letter or how to include relevant information, use technology. A cover letter builder will guide you in creating an effective cover letter and provide content suggestions to optimize your document.

Our Cover Letter How-To guides will help you craft an effective cover letter to connect with a potential employer.

How long should a cover letter be? FAQ

How long should a cover letter be for an internship.

Whether you’re applying for a job or an internship, the length of your cover letter remains the same. You can take advantage of the shorter cover letter length and focus on your relevant academic achievements.

How long should a cover letter be for an executive position?

Executives should also follow the rule of thumb and keep the cover letter to one page. It is important to be concise and keep the content focused to the job description, even at the executive level. You could go beyond one page, but you risk losing the interest of the reader. Instead, use bullet points to help bring attention to three important career achievements.

How long should paragraphs be in a cover letter?

There is no required word count for each paragraph. Focus on dividing your 250–400 words into the body paragraphs:

• The first paragraph is your introduction, your strongest skill and why you’re interested in the company. 
• Use the second paragraph (and third, if applicable) to present your accomplishments with the help of the STAR method to follow an easy-to-read structure.
• The final paragraph will reiterate your skills and interests. Also, include a simple call to action, like I will contact you next week or Looking forward to hearing from you . 

How long is a cover letter sent as an email?

When sent in the body of an email, a cover letter should aim at the lower end of the 250-400 word count. Keep the most important information in the first paragraph and use bullet points for your achievements. You can skip the heading, but keep the date and addressee. Remember to take into consideration the employer’s instructions on the job posting, as they could require the cover letter be sent as an attachment instead of the email body.

How Long Should Your Cover Letter Be Key Takeaways

• The ideal length of a cover letter is between 200–400 words, or one page, using a business letter format.
• Always customize your cover letter to the job description. 
• In 3–4 paragraphs, explain why you are the best candidate for the job and why you are interested in this company. 
• Use bullet points to draw the recruiter’s attention to specific information.
• A cover letter builder can help you simplify the process and create an impressive cover letter. 

How we reviewed this article

Since 2013, we have helped more than 15 million job seekers. We want to make your career journey accessible and manageable through our services and Career Center’s how-to guides and tips. In our commitment to bring you a transparent process, we present our Editorial Process .

• Harvard Business Review. Gallo, Amy. How to Write a Cover Letter
• Entrepreneur Magazine. How Long Should a Cover Letter Be in 2023? 
• Boston University. The Ladders. Report Eye Tracking Study .

Rate this article

3/5 stars with 2 reviews

Nilda Melissa Diaz, CPRW

Career advice expert.

Nilda Melissa is a Certified Professional Resume Writer who has written for The Washington Post and Latina Style Magazine. She has a master's in Journalism from Columbia University and is a member of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists.

*The names and logos of the companies referred to above are all trademarks of their respective holders. Unless specifically stated otherwise, such references are not intended to imply any affiliation or association with MyPerfectResume.

Trump has been unable to get bond for $464 million judgment, his lawyers say

Former President Donald Trump has not been able to get a bond to secure the $464 million civil fraud judgment against him and his co-defendants, his lawyers said in a court filing Monday.

Trump and his company need to post a bond for the full amount by next week in order to stop New York Attorney General Letitia James from being able to collect while he appeals . They've asked an appeals court to step in in the meantime and said Monday that they have not had any success getting a bond.

"Defendants’ ongoing diligent efforts have proven that a bond in the judgment’s full amount is 'a practical impossibility,'" the filing said. "These diligent efforts have included approaching about 30 surety companies through 4 separate brokers."

Their efforts, including “countless hours negotiating with one of the largest insurance companies in the world,” have proven that “obtaining an appeal bond in the full amount” of the judgment “is not possible under the circumstances presented,” the filing said.

The other bond companies will not “accept hard assets such as real estate as collateral,” but “will only accept cash or cash equivalents (such as marketable securities),” the filing said. The lawyers also noted those companies typically “require collateral of approximately 120% of the amount of the judgment” — which would total about $557 million.

"In addition, sureties would likely charge bond premiums of approximately 2 percent per year with two years in advance—an upfront cost over $18 million," the filing said. That $18 million would not be recoverable even if Trump wins his appeal.

In all, the filing said, the "actual amount of cash or cash equivalents required 'to collateralize the bond and have sufficient capital to run the business and satisfy its other obligations' approach[es] $1 billion."

While the filing says Trump can't afford the bond, it also argues that the attorney general doesn't have to worry about being able to collect her judgment.

"Defendants’ real estate holdings — including iconic properties like 40 Wall Street, Doral Miami, and Mar-a-Lago, — greatly exceed the amount of the judgment. Such assets are impossible to secrete or dispose of surreptitiously, leaving the plaintiff effectively secured during the pendency of an appeal," the filing said.

Trump's team also argued the $464 million penalty is "grossly disproportional" and cited the argument they made throughout the monthslong trial that "there are no victims, as there were no damages and no financial losses." 

In a filing last month, Trump's lawyers asked that the bond amount be reduced to $100 million, but Monday's filing argues he shouldn't have to put up any bond at all.

James' office has argued that Trump should put up the full amount.

A 30-day automatic stay of the judgment handed down by Judge Arthur Engoron is set to expire March 25, at which point James would be clear to start seizing Trump's assets unless the appeals court steps in.

James would not need an additional court order to start collecting in New York, where Trump has his company and a large number of real estate assets, but those efforts could be complicated by any mortgages or debts he has on those properties. It’s unclear what properties or assets James might look to seize.

Steven Cheung, a spokesman for Trump's campaign, said in a statement that the judgment is "unjust, unconstitutional" and "un-American."

"A bond of this size would be an abuse of the law," he said.

Trump asked that if the state Appellate Division denies his request, the judges enter a temporary stay so he can try to make his case to the state's highest court, the Court of Appeals.

Engoron handed down his judgment last month after finding Trump and his company had repeatedly committed fraud by overinflating personal financial statements that he used to secure bank loans and insurance policies. James' office said there were years when Trump's assets were overvalued by more than $2 billion.

Trump maintained he did nothing wrong and testified that, if anything, his properties were undervalued.

The judge hit Trump and his co-defendants with a judgment saying they had to pay over $350 million — an amount that ballooned to $464 million with pre-judgment interest. Of that amount on the date the judgment was entered, the vast majority, or about $454 million, was against Trump and his companies.

That amount has grown since — the judgment against Trump will increase at a daily rate of nearly $112,000 until it’s paid off because of interest on the penalty, according to the attorney general’s office.

The filing Monday seeking to freeze the entire $464 million was filed on behalf of Trump and his co-defendants, including his sons Don Jr. and Eric, who've been running the Trump Organization since their father first went to the White House.  

In a separate case in New York federal court, Trump last week posted a $91 million bond to secure writer E. Jean Carroll's $83 million defamation judgment against him while he appeals that verdict as well.

Adam Reiss is a reporter and producer for NBC and MSNBC.

Dareh Gregorian is a politics reporter for NBC News.

Company Filings | More Search Options

Company Filings More Search Options -->

• Commissioners
• Reports and Publications
• Securities Laws
• Commission Votes
• Corporation Finance
• Enforcement
• Investment Management
• Economic and Risk Analysis
• Trading and Markets
• Office of Administrative Law Judges
• Examinations
• Litigation Releases
• Administrative Proceedings
• Opinions and Adjudicatory Orders
• Accounting and Auditing
• Trading Suspensions
• How Investigations Work
• Receiverships
• Information for Harmed Investors
• Rulemaking Activity
• Proposed Rules
• Final Rules
• Interim Final Temporary Rules
• Other Orders and Notices
• Self-Regulatory Organizations
• Staff Interpretations
• Investor Education
• Small Business Capital Raising
• EDGAR – Search & Access
• EDGAR – Information for Filers
• Company Filing Search
• How to Search EDGAR
• About EDGAR
• Press Releases
• Speeches and Statements
• Securities Topics
• Upcoming Events
• SEC in the News
• Media Gallery
• Divisions & Offices
• Public Statements

Press Release

Sec adopts rules to enhance and standardize climate-related disclosures for investors.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 2024-31

Washington D.C., March 6, 2024 —

The Securities and Exchange Commission today adopted rules to enhance and standardize climate-related disclosures by public companies and in public offerings. The final rules reflect the Commission’s efforts to respond to investors’ demand for more consistent, comparable, and reliable information about the financial effects of climate-related risks on a registrant’s operations and how it manages those risks while balancing concerns about mitigating the associated costs of the rules.

“Our federal securities laws lay out a basic bargain. Investors get to decide which risks they want to take so long as companies raising money from the public make what President Franklin Roosevelt called ‘complete and truthful disclosure,’” said SEC Chair Gary Gensler. “Over the last 90 years, the SEC has updated, from time to time, the disclosure requirements underlying that basic bargain and, when necessary, provided guidance with respect to those disclosure requirements.”

Chair Gensler added, “These final rules build on past requirements by mandating material climate risk disclosures by public companies and in public offerings. The rules will provide investors with consistent, comparable, and decision-useful information, and issuers with clear reporting requirements. Further, they will provide specificity on what companies must disclose, which will produce more useful information than what investors see today. They will also require that climate risk disclosures be included in a company’s SEC filings, such as annual reports and registration statements rather than on company websites, which will help make them more reliable.”

Specifically, the final rules will require a registrant to disclose:

• Climate-related risks that have had or are reasonably likely to have a material impact on the registrant’s business strategy, results of operations, or financial condition;
• The actual and potential material impacts of any identified climate-related risks on the registrant’s strategy, business model, and outlook;
• If, as part of its strategy, a registrant has undertaken activities to mitigate or adapt to a material climate-related risk, a quantitative and qualitative description of material expenditures incurred and material impacts on financial estimates and assumptions that directly result from such mitigation or adaptation activities;
• Specified disclosures regarding a registrant’s activities, if any, to mitigate or adapt to a material climate-related risk including the use, if any, of transition plans, scenario analysis, or internal carbon prices;
• Any oversight by the board of directors of climate-related risks and any role by management in assessing and managing the registrant’s material climate-related risks;
• Any processes the registrant has for identifying, assessing, and managing material climate-related risks and, if the registrant is managing those risks, whether and how any such processes are integrated into the registrant’s overall risk management system or processes;
• Information about a registrant’s climate-related targets or goals, if any, that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect the registrant’s business, results of operations, or financial condition. Disclosures would include material expenditures and material impacts on financial estimates and assumptions as a direct result of the target or goal or actions taken to make progress toward meeting such target or goal;
• For large accelerated filers (LAFs) and accelerated filers (AFs) that are not otherwise exempted, information about material Scope 1 emissions and/or Scope 2 emissions;
• For those required to disclose Scope 1 and/or Scope 2 emissions, an assurance report at the limited assurance level, which, for an LAF, following an additional transition period, will be at the reasonable assurance level;
• The capitalized costs, expenditures expensed, charges, and losses incurred as a result of severe weather events and other natural conditions, such as hurricanes, tornadoes, flooding, drought, wildfires, extreme temperatures, and sea level rise, subject to applicable one percent and de minimis disclosure thresholds, disclosed in a note to the financial statements;
• The capitalized costs, expenditures expensed, and losses related to carbon offsets and renewable energy credits or certificates (RECs) if used as a material component of a registrant’s plans to achieve its disclosed climate-related targets or goals, disclosed in a note to the financial statements; and
• If the estimates and assumptions a registrant uses to produce the financial statements were materially impacted by risks and uncertainties associated with severe weather events and other natural conditions or any disclosed climate-related targets or transition plans, a qualitative description of how the development of such estimates and assumptions was impacted, disclosed in a note to the financial statements.

Before adopting the final rules, the Commission considered more than 24,000 comment letters, including more than 4,500 unique letters, submitted in response to the rules’ proposing release issued in March 2022.

The adopting release is published on SEC.gov and will be published in the Federal Register. The final rules will become effective 60 days following publication of the adopting release in the Federal Register, and compliance dates for the rules will be phased in for all registrants, with the compliance date dependent on the registrant’s filer status.

Related Materials

• Rule Details

Advertisement

Supported by

What We Know About Trump’s Quest for a Half-Billion-Dollar Bond

Donald J. Trump failed to arrange a bond to halt collection of a $454 million judgment. The New York attorney general might begin to collect very soon.

• Share full article

By Kate Christobek and Ben Protess

Here’s the latest on Trump’s bond in the N.Y. civil fraud case .

Donald J. Trump is running out of time to stave off a financial crisis.

The former president is racing to secure an appeal bond for roughly half a billion dollars in his civil fraud case in New York, but has so far failed.

If he cannot, the New York attorney general’s office, which brought the fraud case, could begin to collect. The attorney general, Letitia James, could have enforced the judgment last month, but provided Mr. Trump a 30-day grace period that expires on Monday.

Ms. James might start slowly. She could even wait for an appeals court to decide whether to pause the judgment, a decision that could come as soon as this week.

But if she wanted to take a more aggressive stance, Ms. James could freeze some of Mr. Trump’s bank accounts, which might send the Trump family business into a tailspin.

She could also seek to seize some of his New York properties, and public records show that Ms. James has formally posted the judgment in Westchester County, a preliminary step toward staking a claim to Mr. Trump’s private estate and golf club there.

In recent days, The New York Times has received many questions about Mr. Trump’s financial woes. Here are answers to several:

What was Trump accused of?

Ms. James took Mr. Trump, his company and his adult sons to trial last fall, accusing them of fraudulently inflating the value of golf clubs, office buildings and other properties to the tune of about $2 billion.

Mr. Trump exaggerated the property values, and in turn his own net worth, to obtain favorable terms from banks and insurers, according to Ms. James.

At the trial, which lasted months, Ms. James’s lawyers argued that Mr. Trump’s company had ignored appraisals and manipulated numbers to sometimes absurd degrees.

The judge overseeing the case — there was no jury — ruled in favor of Ms. James.

How was he punished?

The judge, Arthur F. Engoron, came down hard on Mr. Trump, imposing a judgment of $355 million plus interest, amounting to $454 million.

The judge also imposed penalties that could curb Mr. Trump’s influence over his family business, barring him from serving as a top executive at a New York company for three years.

Can he appeal?

Yes. Mr. Trump is appealing Justice Engoron’s punishments, and has asked a higher court, the Appellate Division in Manhattan, to pause the financial judgment. If the appeals court denies that, he might ask the state’s highest court, the Court of Appeals in Albany.

Although he does not have to pay Ms. James’s office the $454 million while he appeals, he must either cut a check to the New York State court system for the full amount, or, more likely, obtain a bond.

What is an appeal bond?

An appeal bond is a document in which a company guarantees the $454 million judgment, plus interest, should Mr. Trump lose his appeal and fail to pay.

Mr. Trump would need to pledge significant collateral to a bond company — about $557 million, his lawyers said — including as much cash as possible, as well as stocks and bonds he could sell quickly.

He would also owe the bond company a fee that could amount to nearly $20 million.

Does he have enough cash to obtain one?

Short answer: No.

A recent New York Times analysis found that Mr. Trump had more than $350 million in cash as well as stocks and bonds, far short of what he would need in collateral for the bond.

In a court filing March 18, Mr. Trump’s lawyers said they had contacted more than 30 bond companies, and none had agreed to a deal.

But I thought he was a billionaire?

While Mr. Trump has long bragged about his wealth, his true financial position remains something of a mystery. Most of his fortune is tied up in real estate holdings, which bond companies don’t typically accept as collateral.

He also has less liquid collateral available today than he did even a few weeks ago. Mr. Trump this month had to post a $91.6 million bond in the defamation case he lost to E. Jean Carroll. For that, he most likely had to pledge more than $100 million in collateral to Chubb, the insurance company that provided guarantee. That money cannot be used as collateral for a second bond.

What is the deadline for the appeal bond?

There is no formal deadline. She offered the 30-day grace period and now may wait for the appeals court to weigh in on whether to pause the judgment.

How could Ms. James collect?

It could get ugly for Mr. Trump.

Ms. James could start by merely issuing a list of properties and accounts she is eyeing, or sending subpoenas to locate assets. Or she could move swiftly to freeze and ultimately seize his assets.

If she opted for the more aggressive path, Ms. James could send so-called restraining notices to Mr. Trump’s banks and brokerage firms, effectively freezing his accounts.

It’s a powerful weapon, legal experts said. She can send the notices on her own, without needing a judge to bless them.

To then collect, Ms. James can ask a judge to grant her an order directing the banks to hand over his assets to the state.

“The low-hanging fruit for the state to enforce the judgment in this case is to issue restraining notices to banks,” said Daniel W. Levy, a former federal prosecutor who is now a lawyer at McKool Smith in New York, where he has represented creditors in judgment proceedings.

What about seizing his properties?

Easier said than done.

Mr. Trump does not directly own his properties — in general, they are owned by corporate entities that he controls — and Ms. James would have to fight in court to pierce those layers. Even if Ms. James could take control and force a sale, Mr. Trump’s lenders would be first in line to collect.

The most sensible option, legal experts said, would be for Ms. James to pursue New York properties — specifically the buildings directly owned by a corporate entity that was a defendant in Ms. James’s case. That would include Mr. Trump’s Seven Springs estate in Westchester.

If she took control of the property, she could instruct a local sheriff to auction it.

She might also try to seize some of Mr. Trump’s marquee Florida properties, including his Doral golf resort, which was a defendant.

And she has threatened to take aim at his office tower on Wall Street in Lower Manhattan. But Mr. Trump does not actually own it: Instead, he effectively controls the property and pays rent to the owner.

Trump Tower also poses a challenge, because it was not a defendant, nor is it directly owned by one.

The legal experts cautioned that actually seizing any property through the courts could take significant time without a guarantee of a huge payoff.

But should Mr. Trump win delays, they could cost him. Under New York law, he must continue to pay 9 percent interest on the judgment.

Can she throw him in jail?

Although Ms. James can’t jail Mr. Trump — it is a civil case, not a criminal one — Justice Engoron could issue an arrest warrant if Mr. Trump repeatedly flouts court orders. That, however, is unlikely to happen.

What other options does Trump have?

Mr. Trump could quickly sell a property or another asset, or seek a supporter’s help. He might also try to obtain a loan from a bank, hedge fund or private equity firm that he could then post as collateral. The attorney general has suggested that Mr. Trump could pledge his properties to the court.

And his net worth could soon leap when shares of his social media company start trading on the stock market as soon as Monday. His stake is valued at roughly $3 billion. Although he is prohibited from selling shares for six months, Mr. Trump could find ways around that restriction that enable him to raise cash for the bond.

If all else fails, he could have the corporate entities implicated in the case file for bankruptcy, which would automatically halt judgments against them. Ms. James’s penalty against Mr. Trump himself would continue to be in force, and she would most likely seek to hold him accountable for his company’s debts.

Could Trump use campaign money to pay?

Probably not.

A super PAC supporting Mr. Trump’s candidacy can raise unlimited amounts, but it is banned from coordinating with him and cannot pay the judgment.

And although the former president has used a political action committee under his control to pay for lawyers and witnesses in his legal cases, that group lacks the money to address the $454 million penalty.

What else is happening Monday?

Mr. Trump has a crucial hearing in his Manhattan criminal case, which could be the first prosecution of a former American president.

The district attorney, Alvin L. Bragg, has accused Mr. Trump of covering up a sex scandal involving a porn star to bolster his 2016 presidential campaign.

Jury selection was originally scheduled to start on March 25, but the trial was delayed late last week after the disclosure of more than 100,000 pages of records that had been in the possession of the federal prosecutors

Justice Juan M. Merchan set the hearing to determine whether the new tentative trial date of April 15 should hold, and to rule on Mr. Trump’s motion for an outright dismissal.

The Manhattan case is among four prosecutions Mr. Trump faces.

Ben Protess is an investigative reporter at The Times, writing about public corruption. He has been covering the various criminal investigations into former President Trump and his allies. More about Ben Protess

(GENERAL-24-06) 2024-25 FAFSA Student Aid Index Update and Timeline (Updated March 14, 2024)

Updates: On March 14, 2024, we updated the 2024-25 FAFSA Updates page. Each time we update the page, we will update this announcement and re-push it to our subscription email. In addition, you can bookmark the page and check it periodically.

Issue Alerts: On Feb. 23, 2024, we updated the 2024-25 FAFSA Issue Alerts page. Each time we update the page, we will update this announcement and re-push it to our subscription email. In addition, you can bookmark the page and check it periodically.

We would like to provide you with an important update regarding the 2024-25 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA ® ) process. This Electronic Announcement provides further details regarding aid eligibility and the post-processing experience for students, institutions, state higher education agencies, and scholarship organizations.

Since the form went live on Dec. 30, more than 3.1 million forms have been submitted. The Department continues to work to ensure students and their families have access to a stable and secure form.

As part of our continuing commitment to put students first, we will ensure students and their families receive all the aid they are entitled to receive. To account for inflationary adjustments as required under the law, the Department has updated the supporting tables used in the Student Aid Index (SAI) calculation, ensuring that students are benefitting from approximately an additional $1.8 billion in aid. These tables, which directly impact eligibility for need-based federal student aid, detail the allowances against income and assets reported by students and families on their FAFSA form. The revised tables are included in the final Student Aid Index (SAI) and Pell Grant Eligibility Guide . In the coming weeks, our teams will be updating the Federal Processing System (FPS) to include the updated tables. Based upon estimations for completing that work, the Department will begin transmitting batches of FAFSA information (ISIRs) to schools and state agencies in the first half of March, which will include the updated SAI tables. We anticipate catching up with the majority of ISIR transmissions to schools in the weeks following the beginning of ISIR delivery.

We anticipate that the 2024-25 FAFSA processing timeline will change as follows.

Post-Processing Experience for Students

Students will receive an email informing them that their FAFSA form has been fully processed and their FAFSA information has been sent to the schools they listed on their form.

Students who applied using the online FAFSA form will receive an email that they can access their FAFSA Submission Summary by logging in to StudentAid.gov using their account username and password.

The Department will send an email reminder to previous FAFSA applicants who have not yet submitted a 2024-25 FAFSA form.

Students will be able to make corrections to their FAFSA once their eligibility has been calculated and ISIR generated. Students may view their eligibility calculation by logging back into their Studentaid.gov account.

The Department will fully process paper applications in the weeks following.

Post-Processing Experience for Institutions, State Higher Ed Agencies, and Designated Scholarship Organizations

Institutions, state higher ed agencies, and designated scholarship organizations will begin receiving batches of FAFSA information (ISIRs) starting in the first half of March. The information transmitted to schools will include the updated SAI tables.

We are continuing to test several vendor built systems and we will provide regular progress updates to schools and stakeholders as we move forward.

As in previous years, when the Congressional appropriations process has completed and determined the 2024-25 Maximum Federal Pell Grant award amount, ISIRs will be re-processed to reflect that update.

Resources for Institutions, State Higher Education Agencies, and Other External Partners

The Department will continue to assist our external partners through webinars, resources, and updates on the Knowledge Center . We also welcome our partners to continue to submit questions related to the 2024-25 FAFSA launch using the Contact Customer Support form in FSA’s Partner Connect Help Center. To submit a question, please enter your name, email address, topic, and question. When submitting a question related to this Electronic Announcement, please select the topic “2024-25 FAFSA.”

Stay Informed

We will continue to update the “2024-25 FAFSA Updates” page and the key dates noted in this announcement in the 2024-25 FAFSA Roadmap . We encourage our partners to sign up for Knowledge Center Subscription emails to receive the latest news on a daily or weekly basis.

Last Modified: 03/15/2024