Short Cover Letter Sample: A 6-Step Guide to Impress Employers

What is a Short Cover Letter? 

When you apply for a Job, a cover letter is sent with your resume. A cover letter submitted with a resume means you’re giving all information about yourself and your qualifications in advance or before conducting an interview. You mentioned all the details in this cover letter briefly rather than in a long cover letter. If you’re applying for a new post or a different kind of position, you can write a brief cover letter that helps to convey your important details to the employers. 

Importance of a Short Cover Letter

A short cover letter is more valuable for your application than a long one. Here, we discuss why a brief letter is convenient for candidates and hiring managers. 

• A brief cover letter is favorable for both applicants and hiring managers because it takes less time to write. Employers can easily read this document and find the desired information quickly. 
• When recruiters open any vacancy, they receive many applications from candidates; if your cover letter is brief, concise, and accurate, it will grab the recruiters' attention, and the chances of reading your application will increase. 
• It shows your professionalism and respect for the employer’s time. It also helps to communicate effectively.

When Should You Write a Short Cover Letter?

There are particular scenarios where a cover letter can stand your resume, including: 

Limited employment history: If you’re entry-level or on the first step of your career and have limited experience, a short cover letter can be impressive. It only focuses on what you can do for the company and makes every word valuable. 

Include in requirements: You can write it when mentioned in the Job requirements. It is important to follow the demands. It shows that you’re attentive and following employers’ guidelines. 

Limited characters: When applying online or restricting the word limit by company, you should write a simple cover letter, and you can also get help from short application letter samples. It helps to include all essential information clearly and quickly. 

Online application: If you’re applying Job application by email, then employers prefer to read a short message. A brief cover letter conveys key points without being extended; hiring managers will scan it and remember your application.  

Important Steps to Craft a Short Cover Letter

Writing a short cover letter is very easy. Here are the following steps to write it:

1- Plan Outline

Plan an outline before writing a short cover letter. It helps you write more vital information and focus only on the crucial points. It also enables you to include the most relevant information about your experience without adding unnecessary details that can limit your words. 

2- Take time to think

Ask some questions about yourself before crafting a short cover letter. The primary purpose of these questions is to determine what the employers want to know about you and to ensure that every word on the cover letter is valuable to stand out.

Here are some following questions;

• Why are you excited for this company and role? 
• Do you have the skills and experience for this position?
• How will you contribute to the company with the skills and achievements you have shared? 
• Have you any examples of measurable outcomes from a previous Job?

3- Follow the cover letter format

When you pen down a simple cover letter, its structure should be clear and appropriate. 

Here is the structure of it; 

**Header: **This section is at the top of the cover letter and includes all your contact information and the details about the hiring managers. Make sure that all information matches with your resume. 

**Salutation: **Add information about hiring managers. Always address your short cover letter with who’s going to scan it. Find their names and use their name to address them like “Dear Mr. John.” It will show your professional attitude.  

Opening paragraph: In this section, describe your history, such as education and Job titles. You should explain why you are interested in this post, and you can also include some achievements to grab the attention of recruiters or encourage them to read the cover letter. 

Main body: In this paragraph, you can explain how you are eligible for this post and why employers hire you. You should describe all skills and certifications related to the post and know you can stand out from the competitors. 

Conclusion: End the cover letter politely by explaining your capabilities or including a call to action. Thank employers for considering your application and inviting them for an interview. 

4- Be Clear and Concise

When writing a short cover letter, make sure it’s short or long. One thing to keep in mind is that you’re writing a professional application, not a story. When you describe your experience and achievements, you must explain all the details, but a simple cover letter cuts everything unnecessary.

Employers or recruiters have too many scanning applications and no time to read them all, or if you want to catch the attention of the recruiters, your letter should be clear and concise. By this, you will include only relevant information. Only mention those skills that are required for a Job. 

5- Proofread carefully

One of the worst mistakes is not proofreading after writing it. Reading it out one to two times is essential so that grammar, sentences, or punctuation mistakes negatively affect the hiring team. They will reject your application if they find any grammar or spelling mistakes. 

Please read it carefully and use some tools to check grammar or spelling mistakes like Grammarly or scribbr. You can also get help from your relatives, friends, or colleagues for proofreading. 

6- Cover letter templates

The design of the cover letter cannot be skipped; before reading a letter, hiring managers focus on its appearance. Your cover letter design and limited text make your application strong. When crafting a letter, you should focus on the page layout and spaces, select the proper format or font style, and ensure your application does not exceed the word limit. 

Short Cover Letter Examples

These brief cover letter examples prove that you do not need a full page to stand out; just put the right words in the right place. 

Digital Marketing Short Cover Letter Example

Contact Information:

David Thomas

Digital Marketing Associate

555-123-4567

Davidthomas@mail.com

New York

linkedin.com/in/made-up-person

TO:

Alexander Smith

Digital Marketing Manager

Marketing Agency YZ

New York 

Dear Mr. Alexander Smith,

I am thrilled about the Digital Marketing Associate role at Marketing Agency A. With three years of experience in digital marketing, I have led successful campaigns on multiple platforms, improving results. 

My expertise with analytical and reporting tools and my high project management skills can make me a great asset to your team. I am willing and able to contribute to your objective of improving brand awareness and fundraising through data-driven marketing.

Please contact me for an interview to examine how I can contribute to achieving your goals.

Sincerely,

David Thomas 

Information Technology Short Cover Letter Example

Contact Information:

Stephen Scot

Desktop analysts

555-123-4567

Stephenscot@mail.com

New York

linkedin.com/in/made-up-person

TO:

Alexandra Smith

Jerry Jose

Manager in Tech Company XYZ

New York

Dear Mr. Jerry Jose,

I am excited about the IT Specialist role at Tech company XYZ. With two years of experience in information technology, I have effectively implemented and overseen IT systems, guaranteeing smooth operations and enhanced performance.

My skills in system analysis, problem-solving, and network management, along with robust project management capabilities, make me a significant asset to your team. I am passionate about contributing to your goal of maximizing IT infrastructure and contributing innovation through advanced solutions.

Please contact me for an interview to communicate how I can help your company achieve its goals.

Sincerely,

Stephen Scott

Key takeaways: 

We have discussed a few major points in writing a short cover letter

• You should include a short cover letter with your resume, even though hiring managers have different opinions about them.
• You can write a short cover letter if you have little experience or want to change careers; it does not demand extra lengthy text or explanation about your achievements. 
• Select a sample/template to craft a short cover letter; it will improve your presentation
• Before submitting, you must proofread it once so that your application can not be rejected due to grammar, spelling, or other mistakes. 

Recommended Reading:

How to Write a Cover Letter for Internship - Tips & Format

How to End a Cover Letter with a Call to Action