Following an online recommendation that says consulting firm prefers a shorter cover letter, I made my cover letter just about 230 words. Structure: I have the opening paragraph that talks about my interest in the role and my qualification briefly A middle paragraph that started with why I am qualified for the role. This middle paragraph is where I have details about my past work experience. I put each experience in a bullet point format for easy reading. Each bullet point is about 3 lines long. And I have my concluding paragraph. Everything is under 300 words. Do you think this will be appropriate or come across as too short?

Hi Anonymous, I agree with Vlad, definitely add a paragraph for the company you want to apply to. You should make the paragraph specific enough so that it cannot really be reused for other application – basically, you have to show that you have done due diligence on the company. Potential topics that you can use to show you know the company include: Company potential: how much the company is growing, which is a good guarantee for your future opportunities as well Sectors of interest: specific focus of the company in areas interesting for you People you met and culture: specific people of the company you talked to, and the things they shared on the company Your growth opportunities: specific programs of the company you heard about to enhance your growth Size/reputation of the firm: smaller companies usually offer a more entrepreneurial culture, with higher growth potential internally. Bigger companies have more resources and support staff, and more prestige in terms of future opportunities. Best, Francesco

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Anonymous A

on Jun 24, 2019

Global

Hello experts in the house. Is a 230 word cover letter too short?

Following an online recommendation that says consulting firm prefers a shorter cover letter, I made my cover letter just about 230 words.

Structure:

I have the opening paragraph that talks about my interest in the role and my qualification briefly
A middle paragraph that started with why I am qualified for the role. This middle paragraph is where I have details about my past work experience. I put each experience in a bullet point format for easy reading. Each bullet point is about 3 lines long.

And I have my concluding paragraph. Everything is under 300 words. Do you think this will be appropriate or come across as too short?

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Top answer

Deleted user

on Aug 20, 2020

Dear A,

Add another paragraph on why you targeted this specific company (office, location).

Best,
André

Vlad

Coach

on Jun 25, 2019

McKinsey / Accenture Alum / Got all BIG3 offers / Harvard Business School

Hi,

Add a 3rd paragraph explaining why you are targeting a particular company. 3 sentences are enough.

Best!

1 comment

Anonymous A

on Jun 25, 2019

Thank you

Francesco

Coach

on Jun 25, 2019

#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success: ➡ interviewoffers.com | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi Anonymous,

I agree with Vlad, definitely add a paragraph for the company you want to apply to. You should make the paragraph specific enough so that it cannot really be reused for other application – basically, you have to show that you have done due diligence on the company.

Potential topics that you can use to show you know the company include:

Company potential: how much the company is growing, which is a good guarantee for your future opportunities as well
Sectors of interest: specific focus of the company in areas interesting for you
People you met and culture: specific people of the company you talked to, and the things they shared on the company
Your growth opportunities: specific programs of the company you heard about to enhance your growth
Size/reputation of the firm: smaller companies usually offer a more entrepreneurial culture, with higher growth potential internally. Bigger companies have more resources and support staff, and more prestige in terms of future opportunities.

Best,

Francesco

1 comment

Anonymous A

on Jun 25, 2019

Thank you