A short cover letter is a concise, highly targeted letter—usually 120–180 words—that highlights your most relevant skills, experience, and achievements without overwhelming the hiring manager. In competitive hiring environments, short cover letters are becoming more popular because they save time while still showing professionalism and intent.
This guide includes free short cover letter templates, examples you can copy, and expert tips for writing a powerful short cover letter that stands out.
What Is a Short Cover Letter?
A short cover letter is a concise, highly focused version of a traditional cover letter. Instead of using long paragraphs or detailed storytelling, it delivers the most important information in a tight, skimmable format. Typically 100–150 words, a short cover letter highlights:
- Who you are as a candidate
- Why you’re applying for the role
- Your top one or two most relevant skills
- A measurable achievement that proves your impact
- A brief, confident closing that shows enthusiasm
This format is perfect for modern hiring environments where recruiters scan applications quickly and favor clarity over lengthy explanations. A short cover letter helps you make a strong impression—without overwhelming the reader.
Why Use a Short Cover Letter?
A short cover letter comes with several strategic advantages, especially in fast-paced job markets:
1. Saves Time for You and the Recruiter
Short cover letters are quick to write and extremely easy to read. For hiring managers reviewing hundreds of applications, a concise message can actually make you more memorable.
2. Focuses Only on Your Best Selling Points
A brief format forces you to trim the fluff and highlight the one or two strengths that matter most for the job. This ensures your strongest qualifications stand out immediately.
3. ATS-Friendly
Because it’s clean, simple, and text-based, a short cover letter passes easily through applicant tracking systems. You avoid issues caused by heavy formatting, graphics, or long blocks of text.
4. Ideal for Modern Hiring Trends
Many companies—especially in tech, startups, marketing, customer service, and administrative roles—prefer fast, straightforward application materials. A short cover letter aligns perfectly with this shift.
5. Reduces Mistakes and Improves Clarity
Fewer words mean fewer chances for grammatical errors, repetitive ideas, or vague statements. A short cover letter encourages clear, confident communication.
Short Cover Letter Template
[Your Name]
[Phone Number] | [Email] | [LinkedIn][Today’s Date]
[Hiring Manager’s Name]
[Company Name]Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
I’m applying for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. With experience in [Key Skill/Field], I bring strengths in [Skill 1] and [Skill 2] that align with this role.In my recent role at [Previous Company], I [Insert measurable achievement: “increased sales by 22%,” “reduced response times by 30%,” etc.]. I’d love to apply these skills to support your team’s success.
Thank you for your time. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how I can contribute.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Short Cover Letter Examples
1. Short Cover Letter Example for Administrative Assistant
Dear Ms. Lopez,
I’m applying for the Administrative Assistant position at Oakwell Media. With three years of experience supporting daily office operations, I bring strengths in scheduling, communication, and process improvements.At Riverstone Agency, I reduced scheduling conflicts by 40% by streamlining calendar management. I’d love to bring the same level of organization to your team.
Thank you for considering my application.
Sincerely,
Anna Kim
2. Short Cover Letter Example for Customer Service
Dear Hiring Manager,
I’m excited to apply for the Customer Service Representative role at WebTech Solutions. I have two years of experience resolving customer issues, managing support tickets, and maintaining a 95% satisfaction score.I recently reduced average response time by 28% through improved workflow efficiency. I’m eager to support your customers with fast, friendly, reliable service.
Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
Mark Peterson
3. Short Cover Letter Example for Marketing
Dear Mr. Allen,
I’m applying for the Marketing Assistant role at BrightEdge. With experience in content creation and campaign reporting, I bring strong writing and analytics skills.At my previous job, I helped boost organic traffic by 60% in six months. I’d be excited to contribute my creativity and data-driven approach to your marketing team.
Best regards,
Sara Lawson
How to Write a Short Cover Letter (Tips That Work)
Writing a short cover letter doesn’t mean sacrificing quality—your goal is to communicate the most important information in the fewest, strongest words. Here’s how to do it effectively:
1. Start Strong
Begin with a direct, attention-grabbing opening. Mention the exact job title and immediately connect yourself to the role by highlighting your most relevant skill, credential, or area of expertise. This helps the hiring manager understand your value within the first sentence.
2. Use One Measurable Achievement
Since a short cover letter has limited space, choose one accomplishment that clearly demonstrates your impact. Metrics make your contribution believable and memorable.
Examples of concise, high-impact achievements:
- “Increased customer retention by 18% within one quarter.”
- “Reduced training time by 25% by restructuring onboarding steps.”
- “Handled 50+ daily inquiries while maintaining a 97% satisfaction rating.”
- “Boosted social engagement by 40% through targeted content updates.”
Even a simple number can instantly show that you’re capable of delivering results.
3. Keep Sentences Short and Clear
Short cover letters rely on clarity. Use clean, straightforward language and avoid filler phrases. Each sentence should communicate one idea—no long explanations, buzzwords, or unnecessary adjectives. Aim for a tone that’s confident, professional, and easy to skim.
4. Tailor It to the Job
Customization matters, even when your letter is brief. Add one or two lines that relate specifically to:
- the company’s mission,
- a recent project or achievement,
- a value you admire, or
- a skill mentioned in the job description.
This small touch shows genuine interest and separates you from applicants sending generic templates.
5. End with Confidence
Close your short cover letter with a brief, forward-focused statement. Reaffirm your enthusiasm for the role and politely express your interest in moving to the next stage.
Example:
“I’d welcome the opportunity to discuss how my skills can support your team.”
A confident ending leaves the reader with a positive impression—and encourages them to look at your résumé.
Final Thoughts
A short cover letter is a powerful way to make a strong, memorable impression without overwhelming the reader. With the templates and examples above, you can quickly craft a clear, professional message that highlights your biggest strengths and increases your chances of landing an interview.
Use these examples, customize them for each application, and keep your message focused on how you can help the employer succeed.
