How long should my cover letter be?

Under one page, 250-350 words, 3-4 paragraphs. Recruiters scan, they do not read — anything longer than a page rarely gets the second paragraph read. If you find yourself going over, cut the second body paragraph and combine it with the first.

Do I include salary expectations?

Only if the JD or recruiter explicitly asked. In states with salary-history bans (CA, CO, MA, NY, WA, +12 others), employers should ask you for an expected range — provide it as "$X–$Y, based on [scope/level]." If the JD posted a range, do not restate it.

How long should my cover letter be?

Under one page, 250-350 words, 3-4 paragraphs. Recruiters scan, they do not read — anything longer than a page rarely gets the second paragraph read. If you find yourself going over, cut the second body paragraph and combine it with the first.

Do I include salary expectations?

Only if the JD or recruiter explicitly asked. In states with salary-history bans (CA, CO, MA, NY, WA, +12 others), employers should ask you for an expected range — provide it as "$X–$Y, based on [scope/level]." If the JD posted a range, do not restate it.

Cover Letter Template (General Purpose)

Three-paragraph cover letter — your details, employer details, role, and tailored body.

Customise

Date

Your name

Your address

Hiring manager / employer name

Company

Employer address

Role applying for

Opening paragraph (why this role)

Body paragraph (relevant experience)

Closing paragraph (next step + thanks)

Sign-off

Live preview

July 16, 2026

Alex Johnson
123 Example Ave
Portland, OR 97214
alex.johnson@example.com
(555) 010-2030

Hiring Team
Example Co.
Example Co.
456 Example Blvd
Portland, OR 97204

Re: Senior Product Designer

Dear Hiring Team,

I am writing to apply for the Senior Product Designer role at Example Co., which I saw posted on your careers page. Your work on accessible billing flows caught my attention — I have spent the last three years driving similar improvements at Sample Inc., where I led the redesign of our admin surfaces and reduced support tickets by 32%.

In my current role I own design for a 12-person engineering organisation, partnering closely with product and research to ship work that moves measurable metrics. Recent highlights include leading the design-system migration that removed 60% of one-off color values and mentoring two junior designers through the promotion process. I am especially excited about the design-system maturity work described in your job posting because it is closest to the impact I want to drive next.

I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my experience could contribute to Example Co.'s product team. I am available for a conversation at your convenience and can be reached at the contact details above. Thank you for considering my application.

Sincerely,

Alex Johnson

About this template

A good cover letter answers three questions in three paragraphs: why this role, why you, and what next. Opening: show you have read the posting and connect one specific thing about the company or role to your experience. Body: pick the 2-3 most relevant accomplishments — with measurable outcomes where possible — and connect them to what the role requires. Closing: a clear next-step request and thanks. Aim for under one page (3-4 paragraphs, ~250-350 words). Skip personal info (age, marital status, photo) per US EEOC guidance.

When to use it

Most application portals that include an "optional" cover-letter field — fill it; many recruiters use its presence as a signal
Roles where the JD explicitly requires a cover letter
When you are switching industries / functions and need to bridge the gap between your resume and the role

What to include

Date, your contact block, employer contact block
Specific role title in the "Re:" or first sentence
Opening: connect a concrete fact about the company/role to your experience
Body: 2-3 accomplishments with measurable outcomes
Closing: explicit next-step request + thanks
Sign-off + typed name

Frequently asked

Avoid it — it signals you did not look up the hiring manager. Better defaults: "Hiring Team", "Hiring Manager", or "[Company Name] Recruiting Team" if you genuinely cannot find a name. Best: spend 2 minutes on LinkedIn to find the actual hiring manager or recruiter and address them by name.

⚠ Legal disclaimer. This template is provided for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal advice from a qualified attorney. Always consult a licensed professional before using this document for any binding agreement.

Jurisdiction: United States — informal application document; no statutory format. EEOC anti-discrimination guidance (29 CFR Part 1607) discourages applicants from volunteering protected-class information (age, marital status, religion, etc.) on application materials.

Last reviewed: 2026-05

Reviewed by the ScoutMyTool editorial team, Founder — consult a licensed attorney for binding use.