How Long Should A PhD Cover Letter Be?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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How long should an academic be? For an application, the PhD cover letter should be

approximately one A4 page in length

(around ). If necessary, it can be a little longer but should not be longer than two pages.

What should a PhD cover letter include?

Your PhD cover letter should include

your personal details, the position you're applying for

, your motivation for applying, what you know about the project, what relevant experience you have and what makes you suited for the position.

How long should academic cover letters be?

The academic cover letter generally follows very strict genre conventions. It should be

no more than two pages

, but definitely more than one and a half. No glaring amounts of white space, because this means you don't have enough qualifications to talk about yourself. The tone of the letter is crucial.

Is a 500 word cover letter too long?

The only problem is:

500 words is too much for a cover letter

. … The cover letter should never be longer than a single page. Although employers don't mention a specific word count in the requirements, the unwritten rule is to aim for 250-300 words.

How long is too long for a cover letter?

should be between half a page to one full page in length. Limit your cover letter length

to 4 paragraphs

, opening each with a succinct topic sentence and closing with an attention-grabbing final thought.

What should my cover letter include?

  • Parts of a Cover Letter.
  • First Paragraph: The Purpose.
  • Middle Paragraph: The Proof.
  • Last Paragraph: The Close.

Is a 350 word cover letter too long?

Your cover letter

shouldn't be longer than 350-400 words

or shorter than around 250 words, according to Indeed.com, and it should be kept to a single page. It should highlight the most relevant skills, experience, or qualifications. It shouldn't include all your achievements, that's what your resume is for.

Is 400 word cover letter too long?

The ideal cover letter should typically be

between 250 and 400 words

. This way, you can keep the letter brief and informative at the same time. However, employers have different requirements, so it's difficult to recommend a standard word count for cover letters.

Is it OK to have a 2 page cover letter?

As discussed, the answer to, “Can a cover letter be two pages?” is

yes

. This document can comprise of two pages in certain situations in which the job requirements, employer preferences, qualifications, and letter format permit this extension. However, it's usually best to limit your cover letter to a single page.

How do you address a low GPA cover letter?


Explain any family or personal situations that significantly affected your academic performance

, if applicable. For example, if a loved one died during your time at school, and the death hindered your ability to do well in class, briefly discuss this fact on your cover letter.

Should you introduce yourself in a cover letter?


Yes, you should introduce yourself in a cover letter

. Introduce yourself by stating your name, the position you're applying for, and how you found it. … While there are some other cover letter opening strategies, introducing yourself by name is the most professional way to begin a traditional cover letter.

Should you say I believe in a cover letter?


It's not really necessary to state

“I think” anywhere in your cover letter because, by its nature, everything you've written is what you think. Attaching “I think” to any sentence can undermine its efficacy, so it's best to avoid “I think,” and its sister phrases, like, “I believe,” and “I feel.”

What should not be included in a cover letter?

  • Spelling mistakes. Making silly mistakes such as typos on your cover letter gives a poor first impression. …
  • Personal information. Employers are not interested in your personal life. …
  • Salary expectations. …
  • Too much information. …
  • Negative comments. …
  • Lies or exaggerations.
  • Empty claims.

How do I make my cover letter stand out?

  1. Don't just rehash your resume. …
  2. Tailor your cover letter to a specific job. …
  3. Be proud of your past accomplishments. …
  4. Keep it brief. …
  5. Address the hiring manager personally. …
  6. Use keywords from the job description. …
  7. Address any concerns. …
  8. Proofread your cover letter!

What do employers look for in a cover letter?


Highlight how your skills and work experience are what the employer needs

.

Show genuine excitement and enthusiasm for the role

.

List your most significant achievements from previous roles

.

Tell the recruiter or employer

why you're the person for the job.

Is a 600 word cover letter too long?

The ideal cover letter should typically be between 250 and 400 words. This way, you can keep the letter brief and informative at the same time. However, employers have different requirements, so it's

difficult to recommend

a standard word count for cover letters.

Juan Martinez
Author
Juan Martinez
Juan Martinez is a journalism professor and experienced writer. With a passion for communication and education, Juan has taught students from all over the world. He is an expert in language and writing, and has written for various blogs and magazines.