Recruiters frequently spend under a minute on a first pass of a cover letter, which makes length one of the easiest things to get wrong. Too short reads as an afterthought; too long signals you don't know how to prioritize.

The range that works

Most hiring guidance converges on 250-400 words, roughly three to four short paragraphs that fit on a single page without shrinking the font. That's enough space to connect your experience to the role without repeating your resume line by line.

What to prioritize in that space

• One specific, relevant achievement with a number attached
• A clear reason you want this role, not just any role
• A confident, short closing — no apologizing for your experience

Draft, then measure

Write your letter without worrying about the count, then paste it into a word counter to check where you landed. If you're well over 400 words, look for the paragraph that's re-explaining your resume — that's usually the one to cut.