If a cover letter must be written when prioritizing speed, how many short paragraphs should it be limited to?

Three

When speed is the critical constraint in a job search, traditional thoroughness, especially in ancillary documents like cover letters, must be significantly curtailed. The guidance suggests that if a cover letter is unavoidable, it should be treated purely as a concise pitch. The structure mandated for maximum efficiency involves limiting the document strictly to three short paragraphs. The first paragraph must clearly state the specific job being sought. The second must summarize the applicant's top two most relevant achievements. Finally, the third paragraph should be a direct call to action, explicitly requesting the next step, which is typically an interview. This strict structure ensures the key information is conveyed rapidly.