Short Cover Letter Samples (With Tips on How to Write)

With so many people applying for jobs, it can be tough to impress hiring managers and land an interview; often, your resume might not even get a glance. But one opportunity you have to stand out and increase your chances of getting noticed? A cover letter—and, more specifically, a short cover letter.

“Recruiters and hiring managers are incredibly busy—and receiving hundreds, if not thousands, of applications for a single job opening,” says tech career coach Dr. Kyle Elliott. “As an applicant, you want to do everything in your power to make it as simple as possible for a prospective employer to put you in the 'yes' pile and invite you for an interview."

One of the ways to simplify that process is to write a cover letter that’s concise, compelling, and free of “fluff” or unnecessary verbiage. “This increases the likelihood that it'll actually be read by the recipient,” says Elliott. 

And as a bonus? Keeping cover letters short and to-the-point is also helpful for you, the job seeker, as “it saves you considerable time by making it easier to customize your letter for each application you submit,” says Elliot.

The key elements of a short cover letter

Clearly, sending a short cover letter can be a helpful tool during the job searching process. But what, exactly, does that look like?

First, as the name implies, it should be short. “Aim for approximately 250 words in length for your cover letter,” says Elliott. “Anything much longer and you risk your cover letter not being read.”

Because you only have so much space, when writing your cover letter, stick to the essentials. “Showcase your top achievements, how your skills align with the job, and why you're a great fit,” says Andrea J. Miller, CEO of LeadWell Company, a consultancy that offers career coaching services. “Think of it as a quick, sharp intro that leaves them wanting more, leading them straight to your resume. Keep it simple, direct, and to the point. Less is more.”

If it makes sense, you can also “focus your cover letter on why you're drawn to the company and what sets you apart from other applicants,” says Elliott.  

How to write a short cover letter

Need some more guidance on how to write a short (but effective!) cover letter? Here are some tips to consider:

1. Don’t just rehash your resume

Your cover letter and your resume are two different things—so make sure to keep it original.

“Remember that your cover letter isn't just another way of saying what's already in your resume; whenever possible, you should avoid overlap between the two,” says Brian Cho, CEO and founder of career coaching and testing service JobTest.org. “Instead, use your cover letter as a way to give a glimpse of your personality and passion.”

2. Review before sending

Like any other professional correspondence, don’t just write your cover letter and hit “send.” Instead, make sure to give yourself time to “edit, edit, edit,” says Cho. “Once you have your first draft, look for ways to trim the fluff until all that's left is the most compelling, effective language possible.”

3. Use follow-up language

The goal of sending a cover letter is to get some sort of response (for example, an interview)—so feel free to use language that showcases your desire for an answer.

“Don't be afraid to reference the follow up in your conclusion,” says Cho. “Phrases like ‘I look forward to learning more about the role’ can demonstrate excitement and confidence in a respectful, optimistic way.”

Short cover letter samples

Now that you understand the framework of a short cover letter, let’s see it in action. Here are a few professional examples:

Sample Cover Letter #1: Graphic Designer at a Creative Agency

Kelly Anderson
321 Rodeo St
Portland, OR 12345
[email protected]
(123) 456-7890
December 29, 2023

Bob Smith
Hiring Manager
Creative Designs Inc.
456 Creative Ave
Portland, OR 12345

Dear Ms. Smith,

I am excited to apply for the Graphic Designer position at Creative Designs Inc.. With my Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design and a three-year track record of success at Creative Creations Agency, I am confident in my ability to contribute to your design team.

In my current role at Creative Creations Agency, I spearheaded the redesign of a major client’s branding, which resulted in a 40% increase in online engagement. This experience sharpened my skills in Adobe Creative Suite and visual storytelling, directly aligning with the qualifications for the Graphic Designer role. Additionally, my expertise in creating engaging digital content has been a key factor in driving client satisfaction.

The innovative approach of Creative Designs Inc. greatly appeals to me, particularly your commitment to sustainable design practices. I am excited about the possibility of contributing to upcoming projects, bringing my unique flair for modern aesthetics and environmental awareness.

Enclosed is my resume outlining my qualifications. I would love the opportunity to discuss how my creative vision and technical skills can contribute to the ongoing success and innovation at Innovative Designs Inc.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to learning more about the position.

Sincerely,

Kelly Anderson

Sample Cover Letter #2: Marketing Manager in a Tech Company

Sarah Penderson
367 Maple Lane
Techville, CA 99999
[email protected]
(123) 456-7890
December 29, 2023

Jacob Brown
Director of Marketing
TechGenius Solutions
123 Technology Way
Techville, CA 9999

Dear Mr. Brown,

I am writing to express my interest in the Marketing Manager position at TechGenius Solutions. My extensive experience in digital marketing and a proven track record of increasing online presence for technology companies make me an ideal candidate for this role.

As the Lead Digital Marketer at WebInnovations, I managed a team to implement a comprehensive digital strategy that resulted in a 40% increase in web traffic and a 37% growth in social media engagement within 12 months. In addition, my expertise in SEO, content marketing, and data analytics aligns well with the needs of the Marketing Manager position at TechGenius Solutions.

What excites me about TechGenius Solutions is your dedication to pioneering software solutions that enhance everyday life. The prospect of leading marketing initiatives for products at the forefront of technological innovation is particularly appealing to me, and I am eager to leverage my experience in tech-focused marketing to drive your brand’s growth and user engagement.

Attached is my resume, which further details my professional achievements. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my experience and passion for technology marketing align with the goals of TechGenius Solutions.

Thank you for considering my application. I am enthusiastic about the possibility of contributing to your team and helping TechGenius Solutions maintain its status as a leader in tech innovation.

Sincerely,

Sarah Penderson

Sample Cover Letter #3: Project Manager in a Construction Firm

Mina Lee
246 Downtown Dr
Craterville, TX 21212
[email protected]
(123) 456-7890
December 29, 2023

Samantha Bradshaw
Senior Hiring Manager
ConstructRight Inc.
135 Builder's Lane
Craterville, TX 21212

Dear Ms. Bradshaw,

I am reaching out to apply for the Project Manager role at ConstructRight Inc. My extensive experience in construction project management and background in delivering projects on time and within budget make me an excellent fit for this role.

In my current position at BuildIt Management Enterprises, I have managed over 20 large-scale construction projects, consistently delivering them up to 10% under budget and ahead of schedule. My proficiency in project planning, team leadership, and risk management has been instrumental in driving the success of these projects. These skills—coupled with my certification in Project Management Professional (PMP)—directly complement the requirements for the Project Manager role at ConstructRight Inc.

I am particularly attracted to the opportunity at ConstructRight Inc. because of your commitment to sustainable building practices and innovative construction solutions. The chance to lead projects that not only meet client needs but also contribute positively to the environment is extremely compelling to me.

Please find my resume attached. I am excited to discuss how my background, skills, and commitment to excellence in construction project management align with ConstructRight Inc.’s goals and objectives.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of joining ConstructRight Inc. and contributing to its reputation as a leader in sustainable construction.

Sincerely,

Mina Lee

Short cover letter template

Want the process of writing a short cover letter to be as simple as possible? Here’s a customizable template you can tailor to each job application:

Template:

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, Zip Code]
[Your Email Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]

[Recipient's Name]
[Recipient's Position]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
[City, State, Zip Code]

Dear [Recipient's Name],

I am writing to express my strong interest in the [Job Title] position at [Company Name], as advertised [Where You Found the Job Posting]. With my background in [Your Field or Industry] and proven record of [Your Key Achievement or Skill], I am confident that I would make a valuable addition to the [Company's Team/Department Name].

In my previous role at [Your Previous Company], I successfully [Mention a Key Responsibility or Achievement]. This experience honed my skills in [Specific Skill or Area of Expertise], which aligns perfectly with the requirements for the [Job Title] role. Moreover, my ability to [Another Relevant Skill or Experience] has been consistently praised by my supervisors and peers alike.

I am particularly drawn to this opportunity at [Company Name] because [Reason for Your Interest in the Company or Role]. I am excited about the possibility of contributing to [Something Specific About the Company or Team], and I am eager to bring my [Specific Strength or Unique Attribute] to your esteemed team.

Enclosed is my resume that further outlines my qualifications. I would welcome the chance to discuss how my background, skills, and enthusiasm make me a perfect fit for the [Job Title] position. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of contributing to the innovative work at [Company Name] and am eager to discuss how I can be an asset to your team.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]