Understand that applying to jobs where there are many other applicants is a bit like playing the lottery: only a few will be picked up from the pile of applican

Understand that applying to jobs where there are many other applicants is a bit like playing the lottery: only a few will be picked up from the pile of applicants. Now say that you get past this round and that your application gets picked up by someone in HR or the Hiring Manager. They have a pile of others they need to look at as well. What would they prefer to read? This is a bit subjective: some would like you to not waste their time - keep it short and sweet. Others would like to read a love letter. So, what do you do? I'd say keep it short and sweet for most jobs that you apply to. Two, maybe three paragraphs with two to four sentences each with the last paragraph being an invitation to read the resume and get in touch with you for a meeting. One in ten.. maybe one in twenty jobs get a love letter. It has to be a job that you feel strongly about. But even the love letter - don't waste words - edit it well. Good luck!