A cover letter can be your foot in the door to a new job. It is the first impression that a would-be employer gets to see, and is often the reason why a CV doesn't even get opened. This article should boil down the tactic of how long a cover letter should be, in order to give it the maximum chance of improving your prospects for a new role.

Why use one?

First of all the number one reason to use a cover letter is simple, it allows you to bring out your personality. When a recruiter has a job open, they are likely to see hundreds if not thousands of applications for the role that has been advertised. Unless you are highly qualified then there's a good chance that several other candidates for the role are similarly qualified. Resumes are stiff and relatively uninspiring and this is where a strong cover letter comes into play.

So how long should it be?

Well, in a survey 70% of recruiters preferred a cover letter to be half a page or less. This would indicate that being concise is key. But that shouldn't stop you from trying to insert as much of you as possible into the piece. Don't stuff the document if short sentences work better. Let it be as long as it needs to be to make the points that you are trying to make.

Recruiters these days are much more focused on social cohesion than in the past, and it is highly likely that recruiters will be seeking someone who fits in with the team that already exists, so allow your personality to shine through in the piece. Don't be afraid to be funny if that is who you are. Though if going down the comedic route, try it out on someone who's opinion you trust first. For some recruiters, this could be a big turn-off.

In summary

Try to be personable and relatable, but be yourself. If you try and be someone you are not, it is going to become clear relatively quickly to the recruiter, and your chances will probably end there. Also if you can try and speak to the recruiter on the phone. A human connection that is formed before even the letter is sent will help to add your personality to the complete application.

So in short, tell the truth, be personable, build a rapport and try and speak to the person even before the application goes in. Also ensure not to waffle on in the letter, be concise without being too short. Also be sure to run the finished article past someone that you trust, they are likely to spot any flaws in the letter, and may even offer you some positives about yourself that you should add to the document. After the document has gone in you must follow up, even if it's just a quick email. This shows that you have a strong interest in the job and aren't just speculating.