Twitter seems to be split right down the middle on this issue:
Is it the end of the world to have a two page cover letter?
My resume is one page, but there are a lot of things specific to this job to say that just don't seem like they can be said in a few sentences.
After headers, greetings, signature lines, etc., there isn't a whole lot of room to go in to any sort of detail about experience!
I'd like to keep it to one page and I'm going to sleep on it tonight and see what I can do tomorrow, just wanted to get everyone's opinions.
WHAT SAY YOU?!
One page only. I know several HR managers and recruiters in various professions and all of them have basically said the same thing on this - half the time the cover letter isn't even read and when it is, it's a quick skimming. Two pages will likely get tossed completely. Make like a lawyer and write a "brief." ;)
ReplyDeleteMy vote is for one page. I reviewed a stack of about 50 resumes today. Was only looking at the cover letter if there was a gap in employment or a lack of obvious fit for the job (and, even then, I was skimming the cover letters very quickly).
ReplyDeleteOne page. My boss won't read an application if the cover letter and/or resume exceed one page. He spends approximately 45 seconds reading the cover letter - so I guess short length is a must? (Ha! Never something she would say.)
ReplyDeleteOne page only. I'm a lawyer also, and a well-written, succinct cover letter is so much better than one that sells yourself on every single point of the job. Pick two or three to highlight in one sentence or less. Long cover letters are not only not read, they are annoying.
ReplyDeleteI'd keep it to one page as well. A two pager is not going to HELP in any way, so try to cut it down. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteI live and die by the one page rule.
ReplyDeleteI'm a recruiter, and Lawfrog's correct. I don't read cover letters. I look for specific keywords in resumes, so if you're reading the job description, try to throw in some of those keywords - get specific in those first couple of bullet points. I know it's annoying to change up your resume for each position you apply for, but it's kind of worth it. :) Yeah, and try to keep it at one page.
ReplyDeleteI'm with one page on cover letters.... two page resumes are okay with me though! Thinking of you - good luck with everything!
ReplyDeletePrint it on Legal paper
ReplyDelete