A cover letter can be the make or break when going after that dream job. Hiring managers are inundated with hundreds of applications, and a good cover letter can be the thing that makes your application stand out.  

But writing a cover letter can feel daunting, especially if you haven’t done it before. What should you include? How can you set yourself apart from the pack? 

In this guide, we’ve put together 5 short cover letter examples to inspire you and guide you through the process. 

What is a short cover letter? 

A short cover letter is a brief document that accompanies your resume when applying for a job. It’s usually one page or less and acts as an introduction to your skills, qualifications, and interest in the position. 

Unlike a traditional cover letter, which can be longer and more detailed, a short cover letter focuses on highlighting key points quickly and concisely.

Why should you use a short cover letter?

You may be wondering why you should use a shorter cover letter when it’s traditional to use a longer one. There are a few reasons why you might consider using a short cover letter. 

 

  • First, it’s much easier for a hiring manager to read. Hiring managers get loads of applications when they post a job, which makes it difficult to read them all. A short cover letter gets right to the point, making it much easier for the hiring manager to scan through your qualifications. Ironically, a shorter cover letter can help you stand out specifically because it is shorter. 
  • A short cover letter also shows that you’re confident in your abilities and skills. By being concise and to the point, you show that you value your time and the hiring manager’s time. This can make a great first impression, demonstrating that you’re a respectful colleague.
  • Third, a short cover letter forces you to focus on your skills that are most relevant to the job at hand. You only have a few short paragraphs to work with. You need to carefully select which experiences and skills you mention in your cover letter. This helps avoid overwhelming the hiring manager with irrelevant information and instead focuses on what matters most for this specific position.
  • And lastly, everyone wants things to be quick. A short cover letter takes a hiring manager much less time to read and process. This actually makes it more likely that a hiring manager will take the time to look at it. 

Short cover letter examples from Picsart to inspire you

1. Junior video editor

This one-paragraph short cover letter example showcases the applicant’s experience in multiple areas. It features a bold, modern design that catches the eye and stands out among other cover letters. The applicant highlights their video editing skills, as well as their post-production abilities. Use this template

Creative Blue Cover Letter Template Design

2. Project manager

This cover letter highlights the candidate’s vast experience as a project manager in the tech industry. It also draws attention to some of the responsibilities they carried out in their previous job that are relevant to the job they’re applying for. The design is both bold and stark, featuring only black and white colors.  Use this template

Professional Senior Project Manager Cover-Letter

3. Engineering internship

This example is short and to the point. It highlights the applicant’s hands-on experience through their projects at university, as well as their work in another internship. This cover letter is perfect for anyone applying for an internship. Use this template

Professional A4 Internship Application Template Lilac

4. General job application

This elegant short cover letter example is a template that can be filled in with specifics related to the job you are applying for. It showcases the applicant’s skills, accomplishments, and suitability for the job. This cover letter is suitable for any type of general job application. Use this template

Elegant Pink Cover Letter Design Template

5. Marketing manager

This modern short cover letter is a single, effective paragraph that gets right to the point. It highlights the applicant’s experience in marketing and the specific skills that make them a great fit for a marketing manager position. Use this template for any marketing-related job application. Use this template

Professional Sage Green Resume Cover Letter Design

How to write your own cover letter with Picsart

Picsart makes it easy to create your own short cover letter. Start with one of our cover letter templates that fits your style and aesthetic. 

Once you’ve selected your cover letter template, fill it in with information related to your skills and the job you’re applying for. If you’re not sure what to write, you can use our Picsart AI text writer. Simply tell it what you want to write and let it do the work. 

Your cover letter should cement what’s in your resume, which you can create using our resume templates and resume creator.

Key elements to include in a short cover letter 

There are a few key elements you should include in your short cover letter. 

Opening paragraph – Your opening paragraph should start with a compelling, engaging sentence that talks about the position you’re applying for and why you’re excited to apply for it. This is your chance to grab the hiring manager’s attention and make them want to keep reading.

Introduction of skills – Next, introduce your relevant skills and experience that make you a strong candidate for the job. Be specific and highlight any accomplishments or achievements that are relevant to the role.

Why you’re a good fit – Then explain why you’re a good fit for the company culture and how your values align with theirs. This shows that you’ve done your research on the company and have a genuine interest in working for them.

Closing statement – Finally, end your cover letter with a strong closing statement reiterating your interest in the position and thanking the hiring manager for considering your application. 

Conclusion

A cover letter doesn’t have to be long to be impactful. Even a short, one-paragraph cover letter can catch a hiring manager’s attention if it’s done right. And creating a short cover letter is easy with Picsart’s cover letter maker

Hopefully, these short cover letter examples have inspired your own cover letter creation. Remember to tailor each cover letter to the specific job and company you’re applying for.  With a well-written and personalized cover letter, you can increase your chances of landing that dream role. Don’t overlook its importance in your job search process.