What the sources say about length
MIT describes three parts: an introduction, a body of two to three paragraphs, and a closing paragraph. That is a letter of four or five short paragraphs.[2]
Neither school gives a word count. Harvard asks that the letter use the same font type and size as your resume, and that its formatting still holds up when converted to a PDF.[1]
What each part should do
- Introduction: state why you are writing, explain why you want this role and organization, and preview your main strengths.[2]
- Body: give a few examples from your experience that show you can succeed in the role, adding detail beyond your resume.[2]
- Closing: restate your interest briefly and thank the reader.[2]
MIT warns against repeating your resume in paragraph form and against a generic letter that is not tailored to the company. Harvard adds that you should address the letter to a specific person if you can, avoid flowery language, and not overuse the pronoun "I."[1], [2]
Our advice on length
Our advice: treat one page as a ceiling, not a target. A letter that says one specific thing well is better than a full page that repeats your resume.
Our advice: aim for roughly 250 to 400 words. That is our estimate of what four short paragraphs, a greeting, and a signature need at 10 to 12 points. Neither school states a word count.
Our advice: if the application form or posting sets its own limit or format, follow that instead.
Common questions
Is half a page enough for a cover letter?
Often, yes. Harvard and MIT set a maximum of one page and no minimum, and MIT's outline of an introduction, two to three body paragraphs, and a closing can fit well under a full page.[1], [2]
Should a cover letter repeat my resume?
No. MIT advises telling a few stories about key experiences that add detail, instead of repeating the resume in paragraph form.[2]
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Sources
- 1Harvard Mignone Center for Career Success: guide to creating a strong resume
Specific, fact-based bullets, no stated resume page limit, and cover letters of no more than a single page.
- 2MIT Career Advising and Professional Development: how to write an effective cover letter
No longer than one page in 10 to 12 point type, with an introduction, two to three body paragraphs, and a closing.
Sources last reviewed .