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10 Short Cover Letter Samples & Writing Guide for 2024

Short and sweet—that’s the type of cover letters hiring managers want to see. Learn how to say more with less with our 10 best short cover letter samples.

When writing a cover letter, you might be tempted to create a long one. After all, you must tell the recruiter all about your skills, work history, and motivations. But sitting down for hours writing one document can be disheartening.

Fortunately, no law requires you to fill the entire A4 page of your cover letter. I will show you how to write a short cover letter that gets the job done.

In this guide, you'll see:

• Why you should write a short cover letter
• Five short cover letter samples for different career stages
• And how to write one that gets you the job

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Looking for a cover letter guide for a specific job? Check these out:

• Business Cover Letter
• Computer Science Cover Letter
• Copywriter Cover Letter
• Customer Service Cover Letter
• Federal Cover Letter
• Human Resources Cover Letter
• Legal Cover Letter
• Marketing Cover Letter
• Nursing Cover Letter
• Sales Cover Letter

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Why Should You Write a Short Cover Letter? 

Writing a short cover letter offers several advantages. Recruiters are looking for any reason to reduce the pile of papers or the endless list of emailed resumes , and a brief cover letter can quickly convey your key qualifications without consuming too much of their time.

Also, succinct communication is a valuable skill in the professional world. A short cover letter showcases your written communication skills. You’ve definitely heard the quote, “ If I had more time, I would’ve written a shorter letter .” I always try to keep it in mind when writing articles.

On top of that, a shorter format compels you to focus on the most critical aspects of your qualifications, ensuring that the hiring manager quickly grasps why you're the ideal candidate.

Now, before we move on to talking about cover letter writing tips , I'll show you some short cover letter samples so you get a better feel of what recruiters are looking for. 

And remember, cover letters are essential . Sixty percent of 150 executives polled in a recent survey said the cover letter is just as important as the resume, if not more.

10 Short Cover Letter Samples to Get You Started

Let's start with some real-life basic cover letter samples. First, you’ll see 10 samples for inexperienced candidates.

Short Cover Letter Samples for Inexperienced Candidates

If you have little to no professional experience, crafting a shorter letter can be less overwhelming. It reduces the pressure to fill space and allows you to focus on quality over quantity.

Just like in my examples below:

Example #1 Short Cover Letter for an Internship

Tracy Tillman

Marketing Student

631-279-9265

[email protected] 

Santa Barbara, October 20, 2021

Marion Sandoval

Content Manager

1382 Par Drive

Santa Barbara, CA 93101

Dear Ms. Sandoval, 

I am enthusiastic about the prospect of joining Metrico as a summer intern. Your company's innovative approach to content marketing aligns seamlessly with my academic background, and I am confident that my unique combination of experience and dedication positions me as an exceptional candidate for this role.

I am currently a Junior at the University of Illinois, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Marketing with a minor in Communications. During my sophomore year, I was a research assistant for a project analyzing how marketing strategies differ across different cultures. This experience helped me to reinforce the idea that I wanted to get a Master’s degree in the future. 

In addition to research work, I was Editor-in-Chief of my University’s newspaper, where I significantly developed my communication and leadership skills. For two years, I led a team of 10 other students, which also helped my project management skills and ability to meet deadlines. 

Moreover, since high school, I have been volunteering at the local animal shelter, where I organized 2 fundraising events that helped raise more than $4.5K for shelter supplies.

I know that Metrico is in need of a person to support the content marketing department, and I believe that my skills and knowledge will be a great asset to your company.

I’d be thrilled to learn more about this position and show how I can help Metrico grow through a strategic content marketing effort.

Example #2 Brief Cover Letter for a High Schooler

Jaune Vandham

High School Graduate

539-258-0014

[email protected]

Tulsa, April 7, 2022

Kiara Takanashi

Restaurant Owner

567 Main Street

Tulsa, Oklahoma 74169

Dear Ms. Takanashi

As a recent high school graduate eager to embark on my professional journey, I am excited to apply for the team member position at the KFP Restaurant.

My enthusiasm, strong work ethic, and commitment to providing excellent service make me an ideal candidate for this role. I am a quick learner, ready to absorb new skills and contribute to the vibrant atmosphere at KFP. In my high school activities, I developed effective teamwork and communication skills. Whether collaborating on group projects or participating in extracurricular activities, I have honed my ability to work harmoniously with others.

I am drawn to KFP because of its reputation for fast and friendly service. I am confident that my positive attitude and eagerness to contribute will make me a valuable asset to your team.

I can’t wait to get the opportunity to start my career and gain valuable experience in customer service. I look forward to the possibility of contributing to the success of KFP. Could we schedule a call or a meeting to discuss this opportunity?

Example #3 Short Cover Letter for an Entry-Level Accounting Job

Claude Barrelwright

Junior Accountant

123-938-7498

[email protected]

November 12, 2023

Head Accountant

Docucounting

3314 Howard Street

Wyoming, MI 49509

Wyoming, Dear Ms. Fall

I am writing to express my sincere interest in the entry-level accounting position at Docucounting. With a recently obtained bachelor's degree in accounting and a one-year internship experience, I am eager to bring my academic knowledge and practical skills to contribute to your esteemed team.

During my internship at MBK Financial Services, I achieved notable milestones:

• Streamlined the accounts reconciliation process, resulting in a 12% reduction in reconciliation time and ensuring accurate financial reporting.
• Implemented a cost-saving initiative by identifying and rectifying discrepancies, contributing to a 10% reduction in operational costs.
• Played a key role in preparing the company for an external audit, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and receiving positive feedback from auditors.

My academic coursework and internship experience have equipped me with a comprehensive understanding of accounting practices, financial reporting, and compliance standards. I am proficient in using accounting software, and analyzing and interpreting financial data.

I am confident that my quantifiable achievements, educational background, and dedication to accuracy make me a highly valuable candidate for this position.

I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my skills and quantified achievements align with the goals of Docucounting.

Example #4 Basic Cover Letter for a Warehouse Job

493-284-9203

[email protected]

Dalton, March 12, 2022

Harrison Hall

Director of Logistics

Swift Logistics

3219 Kyle Street

Dalton, NE 69131

Dear Mr. Hall

As a diligent high school student with one year of hands-on experience as a stocker, I am eager to bring my strong work ethic and commitment to detail to Swift Logistics.

During my year-long role as a stocker at Servo Mart, I gained valuable achievements:

• Implemented an organized shelving system, reducing the time taken to locate items by 15% and enhancing overall warehouse efficiency.
• Conducted regular stock checks, contributing to a 10% decrease in inventory discrepancies and ensuring accurate records.
• Collaborated effectively with team members to unload and organize incoming shipments, resulting in a 20% improvement in overall team productivity.

My experience, coupled with my dedication to maintaining a well-organized and efficient warehouse environment, aligns with the values of Swift Logistics. I am confident that my ability to handle physical tasks, attention to detail, and quick learning will make me a valuable addition to your team.

I would love the opportunity to discuss further how my skills can benefit Swift Logistics.

Example #5 Brief Cover Letter for an Entry-Level Receptionist

Melissa Townsend

Receptionist

847-283-2645

[email protected]

linkedin.com/in/melissa_townsend

Dallas, June 6, 2021

Kiera Joyce

The Independent Planners

3291 Sycamore Circle

Dallas, TX 75234

Dear Ms. Joyce

I am writing to express my interest in the entry-level receptionist position at The Independent Planners. I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to contribute my skills to your team. As a student of Office Management, I maintained a consistent GPA of 3.8 while pursuing this degree.

In my volunteer work at H2H, I successfully organized and executed three major charity events, resulting in a 25% increase in funds raised compared to the previous year. I also implemented strategic promotional campaigns to attract a larger audience and enhance the organization's community impact.

Currently pursuing a degree in Office Management, I am actively developing a solid foundation in administrative tasks, effective communication, and office procedures. I applied theoretical knowledge in practical scenarios, achieving a 95% average in coursework related to receptionist duties, scheduling, and office software proficiency.

I am drawn to The Independent Planners for your commitment to undertake small community projects rather than big, commercial ones. I am confident that my passion for organization and my dedication to creating a positive and welcoming atmosphere align well with the receptionist position's requirements.

I would welcome the opportunity to discuss further how my skills and experiences align with the goals of The Independent Planners. I am available for an interview at your earliest convenience and can be reached at 847-283-2645 or [email protected].

Now, let’s move on to mid and senior-level applications:

Expert Hint: Your job posting may specify that they want you to send a motivation letter rather than a cover letter. Don’t get caught off guard. Learn how to write a motivation letter today!

Short Cover Letter Samples With Experience

Short cover letters examples for experienced candidates provide a strategic approach to concisely presenting key achievements and qualifications. They are designed to capture attention quickly, making a compelling case for why you are an ideal fit for the position.

See the examples below:

Example #1 Short Cover Letter for an Office Job 

Roxanna Moore

Office Coordinator

972-831-1503

[email protected]

Dallas, April 19, 2021

Kimberly Barnes

3282 Stoney Lane

Dallas, TX 75240

Dear Ms. Barnes,

I would like to express my sincere interest in the office coordinator position you have available. As an accomplished and enthusiastic professional with 3+ years of experience maintaining a workspace that promotes productivity, inclusivity, and creativity, I strongly believe that my skills and experience will allow me to contribute toward the success of your company.

My background includes providing excellent professional administrative and clerical service to colleagues and supervisors and top-notch customer service to external and internal customers. 

Some of my key responsibilities and accomplishments as office coordinator include:

• Processed bi-weekly payroll for 80 employees, including labor reports and vacation and sick time requests.
• Interviewed, hired, and trained 25 new employees.
• Answered and maintained 6 phone lines and responded to emails with excellent customer service while ensuring clear and prompt communication among all constituents.
• Maintained a 97% customer satisfaction rate.
• Received the 2019 Office Coordinator Award of Excellence. 

I am confident that my proven success in creating a welcoming office environment and handling all administrative tasks with accuracy and a commitment to quality will contribute immensely to your company’s success. 

Could we schedule an appointment to discuss how I can help your company reach its productivity, cost management, and efficiency goals? 

Kind regards,

Example #2 Simple Cover Letter for IT Jobs

Brenda Williams

Java Developer

425-390-0682

[email protected]

Seattle, July 5, 2021

Frank Corley

2378 Ryder Avenue

Seattle, WA 98161

Dear Mr. Corley,

I am writing to apply for the senior Java developer position with Lab Collab. I bring 6 years of programming experience that I know will prove valuable to your company. I have honed my developing and problem-solving skills over these past years and have extensive experience developing system architecture and code design, implementation, installation and testing processes.

Some of my responsibilities, skills, and most important achievements include:

• Engineered a scalable architecture for a web application, accommodating a 50% increase in user traffic without compromising system performance.
• Optimized critical sections of a Java-based application, resulting in a 20% reduction in response time, enhancing overall user experience.
• Implemented JDBC connection for retrieving data from Oracle database.
• Strengthened application security by identifying and patching vulnerabilities, leading to a 40% decrease in security incidents and ensuring a more secure software environment.
• Wrote interfaces and test clients in order to facilitate testing scheduled jobs.

Working with such a skilled team within a company that I truly admire would be an incredible opportunity for further growth, and I would love the chance to prove that I'm a great fit for the role.

Could we schedule a meeting or a call to discuss the prospect of joining your team?

Brenda Williams 

Example #3 Basic Cover Letter for a Managerial Position

Ronald Johnson

Account Manager

404-854-1414

[email protected]

Atlanta, September 30, 2021

Aileen Summers

1072 Stroop Hill Road

Atlanta, GA 30303

Dear Ms. Summers,

I was pleased to see your posting for a new account manager, as my set of qualifications and goals align with the ideal candidate you seek. In my previous role, I orchestrated and coordinated three major company events, achieving a 30% increase in attendance and positive feedback, enhancing company culture and morale. I am confident that I would make a valuable addition to your organization.

With over 8 years of experience as an account manager, I am adept at building key relationships with account management, strategy, and fulfillment departments. During my previous role at Lendent, I worked closely with sales strategy, finance, and marketing to implement the Annual Sales Strategy with Sales Volume and Net Revenue growth while balancing a trade accrual budget. I achieved +42% sales growth (+$5M) at Key Account for the past 3 years by increasing core SKU distribution, new item placements, and executing aggressive sales plans. All while managing the workloads of 15 employees and tracking and balancing account disbursements through Excel spreadsheets.

My proven ability to achieve and sustain my sales goals by prospecting new business and developing existing accounts to grow our overall brand and my solid problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making skills will contribute immensely to Insureb’s growth.

When would be a good time to meet or call to discuss how I successfully apply routine communication to establish relationships with clients to understand their business needs and goals?

Example #4 Short Cover Letter Sample for a Creative Job

James Valdez

Art Director 

407-694-3810

[email protected]

Orlando, November 20, 2020

2543 Grand Avenue

Orlando, FL 32810

Dear Ms. Shaw,

I would like to submit my candidacy for the Art Director position at Finession. As an experienced specialist with experience in creating concepts and designs to meet internally briefed requirements and a passion for photography, typography, layout, and digital and social ideation, I believe I have the skills and experience necessary to give your company the creative direction you need.

My background includes 7+ years in a similar position, where I gained critical skills for the art director role. I have worked with both external and internal clients and know their requirements and needs. I was responsible for designing in-store displays, digital executions, social assets, and print materials at a superb level aesthetically and technically. During my time at Delicity, I’ve processed, archived, and managed over 25,000 electronic art files. Apart from all these, I successfully led a team of 5 and directed the creation of visual assets with external contractors such as photographers, illustrators, and agencies. 

Having a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, I demonstrate great advertising and promotion knowledge and excellent communication, leadership, and management skills. I can handle long travel and stress associated with my work. 

Working for a company like Finession, which constantly pushes the envelope, would be an honor and a privilege. I am convinced I am the right fit for your art director position.

When would be a good time to discuss how I can help your company solve strategic and creative issues while enhancing the client’s confidence in the agency?

Example #5 Brief Cover Letter for a Finance Position

Christopher Elias

Financial Specialist

407-694-3479

[email protected]

Orlando, November 22, 2022

Brian Tennyson

983 Bland Avenue

Orlando, FL 32922

I am writing to express my interest in the Finance Manager position at Stryker, as advertised. With over 7 years of experience as a Senior Financial Specialist and a proven track record of managing substantial budgets and conducting intricate financial analysis, I am confident that I will contribute effectively to your Global Logistics Operations financial support team.

In my current role as a Senior Financial Specialist at Pacific Bay Financial Corporation, I implemented a financial planning method that resulted in an annual cost savings of over $220M. This experience, coupled with my role in overseeing tax filings and managing financial reports for the State of California, has equipped me with the skills to serve as a Controller for the GLO organization at Stryker.

One of my key achievements at Pacific Bay Financial Corporation was training a new team of financial specialists, reducing the company's turnover rate by 50%. This highlights my commitment to fostering collaborative partnerships and effective communication, skills crucial for success in the collaborative environment at Stryker. In addition to my financial expertise, I possess a Master of Finance degree from UC Irvine's Merage School of Business.

I am particularly drawn to Stryker's commitment to employee growth and development. I am eager to leverage my skills in financial reporting, template construction, and coordination to contribute to the success of the GLO team and support the company's goals.

I am excited about the opportunity to discuss further how my skills align with the needs of Stryker. Could we schedule a call or a meeting?

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How To Write a Short Cover Letter

Writing a short cover letter isn’t dissimilar to creating a regular one, but there are several things you should keep in mind that you normally wouldn’t. Here's the list of my best tips:

1. Stay Concise and Relevant

In a short cover letter, every word counts, and there's limited space to convey your message. The length of your short cover letter should be around 200–250 words. So be ruthless in editing. Focus on key points, omit unnecessary details, and get straight to the most impactful information. Prioritize relevance. Highlight only the most pertinent skills, relevant experiences , and work achievements directly related to the job you're applying for.

You can help shorten your cover letter by including a list of bullet points rather than writing everything down in a paragraph format.

2. Create Engagement

You might think a short cover letter may struggle to capture the employer's attention. But it’s not about the quantity of your achievements, but the quality and where you put them. Craft an engaging cover letter opening sentence that immediately communicates your enthusiasm for the position. Use concise language that still conveys energy and interest.

What is the best way to grab the recruiter’s attention? Personalize it to the company as much as possible by using the hiring manager’s name and researching the organization's values and expectations.

3. Balance Skills and Achievements

It's easy to focus too much on either skills or achievements, neglecting a balanced representation of your qualifications. Aim for a harmonious mix. Highlight a key achievement or two and relevant skills to showcase your track record and capabilities.

If you’re making a cover letter for job with no experience , or if the job posting states it’s crucial, I recommend you include a mention of your academic background . 

4. Seal the Deal By Requesting an Interview

End your cover letter with a strong closing statement expressing your eagerness for an interview or further discussion. Make it clear that you welcome the opportunity to discuss your qualifications in more detail.

So, now that you’ve seen some expert short cover letter samples and learned  how to write your simple cover letter step-by-step , we have prepared one more thing for you. You can use a short cover letter template I created to help yourself a little.

Short Cover Letter Template You Can Copy and Use

[Your name]

[Your title]

[Your phone number]

[Your email]

[Your optional information]

[Full current date]

[Hiring Manager’s Name & Title]

[Company Address]

[City], [State] [ZIP]

Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],

As a [Adjective] [Position name] with [X] years of experience in [Your field of work], I am the ideal candidate for the position of [Job position] at [Company name].

I excelled at my previous job, which I can prove with my extensive list of work achievements, among which are:

• [List of 3-5 impressive, quantified achievements]

I am also a [2-3 adjectives that describe your skills] and proficient with [Something the company wants].

Working for a company such as [Company name], whose work culture I strongly admire, would be an invaluable experience. I would love to have the opportunity to prove that I'm an excellent fit for the role.

When would be a good time to meet or call to discuss [Something you could do for the company]?

[Your Name]

With a short cover letter template like that, your application will certainly take the prime real estate in the hiring manager’s memory.

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Applying with a short and simple cover letter is important to entice the recruiter to review your detailed resume and make a case for yourself. So when writing a basic cover letter, remember to:

• Keep it Concise. Limit the short cover letter to three to four paragraphs. Each paragraph should have a specific purpose, and unnecessary details should be omitted.
• Ensure each sentence serves a purpose. Be clear and specific in your language. Avoid vague statements and ambiguities.
• Proofread meticulously. Given the brevity, there's no room for grammatical errors or typos. Use tools like spell check and seek feedback if possible.
• Use the short cover letter samples and template above to write your simple cover letter. It’s going to go so much faster.

Thanks for reading! Still not sure about something to do with writing a short cover letter? Did you find my short cover letter samples useful? Let me know in the comments below!

Frequently Asked Questions about Short Cover Letters

Is it ok to have a short cover letter.

A short cover letter is perfectly OK as long as it conveys everything as a standard-length cover letter would . Many recruiters even prefer to receive a cover letter of about 250 words rather than a full-length one.

Can a cover letter be 200 words or less?

A 200-word short cover letter is excellent for entry-level workers without experience or achievements . Experienced candidates should ideally aim for more than half a page in length.

Is it unprofessional to not have a cover letter?

Yes, it is unprofessional not to attach a matching cover letter to your resume when applying for jobs . Even if the job ad doesn’t mention a cover letter, adding it to your application is still advised. You don’t have to do that when the job ad explicitly states not to include a cover letter.

How do you start a short cover letter?

To start a short cover letter , include a proper heading first. Then, include other parts of the cover letter in that order :

• Paragraph #1: introduction & brief background
• Paragraph #2: key achievements
• Paragraph #3: why you’re the best fit
• Paragraph #4: call to action
• Formal closing

How to write a short cover letter?

Here’s a blueprint for writing a successful short cover letter:

• Use a professional template and format the cover letter correctly.
• Start with a cover letter header with all your and your recruiter’s information.
• Greet the recruiter by name.
• Introduce yourself.
• Present your qualifications with a couple of impressive achievements .
• Show your enthusiasm and that you’re a cultural fit.
• Finish with a clear call to action.
• Sign the cover letter with your full name.

How should a simple cover letter look?

The best way for a cover letter to look is:

• Use a popular, easy-to-read font like Calibri or Arial.
• Set the font size to 10-12 points.
• Keep the margins 1 inch and even on all sides.
• Use line spacing to 1.15 and double for paragraphs.
• Match your resume’s design by using the same template.

Mariusz is a career expert with a background in quality control & economics. With work experience in FinTech and a passion for self-development, Mariusz brings a unique perspective to his role. He’s dedicated to providing the most effective advice on resume and cover letter writing techniques to help his readers secure the jobs of their dreams.

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