How to write a cover letter: a UK guide with examples

When you apply for a job, your cover letter is often your first chance to make a good impression. It sits alongside your CV and tells an employer something your CV can't: why you want this particular job, and why you'd be good at it.

A strong cover letter doesn't need to be long or clever. It needs to be tailored, clear and easy to read. In this guide we'll cover what a cover letter is, exactly what to include, how to start and finish it, the UK conventions employers expect, and a full example you can adapt for your own application.

In this guide:

• What is a cover letter?
• What to include in a cover letter
• How to start a cover letter
• How to structure your cover letter, paragraph by paragraph
• UK cover letter format and conventions
• Example cover letter (UK)
• Cover letters for different situations
• Common mistakes to avoid
• Cover letter checklist
• Frequently asked questions

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What is a cover letter?

A cover letter is a short, tailored letter you send with your CV when you apply for a job. It introduces you, explains why you're interested in the role, and shows how your skills and experience match what the employer is looking for.

In the UK you'll often see it called a covering letter - the two terms mean the same thing. Some employers also ask for a "supporting statement" or "personal statement" instead, which is usually longer and should respond to each point on the job's person specification.

Every cover letter should be written for the specific job you're applying for. Recruiters can spot a generic, copy-and-paste letter straight away, and it can undo the good work of a strong CV.

Do I still need a cover letter?

Not every employer asks for one, but sending a cover letter is still expected for most roles in the UK - and when it's optional, a good one can help you stand out from applicants who didn't bother. If an advert says "no cover letters" or uses an online form with no space for one, follow the instructions.

How long should a cover letter be?

A UK cover letter should be no longer than one side of A4 - usually three to five short paragraphs, or roughly 250–400 words.

If the job advert gives a word limit or a maximum length, stick to it. Being concise shows you can communicate clearly, and recruiters often have a lot of applications to get through.

What to include in a cover letter

A good UK cover letter includes:

1. Your contact details – name, phone number, email address and town or city (a full home address is optional now, especially for email applications).
2. The date and the employer's details – if you're sending a formal letter or a PDF attachment.
3. A greeting – addressed to a named person if possible.
4. The job you're applying for – the exact job title, plus a reference number if there is one, and where you saw it advertised.
5. Why you want the role and why this employer – something specific that shows you've done your research.
6. Your most relevant skills, experience and achievements – two or three examples that match the job description, ideally with results.
7. A positive close – restating your interest, thanking them and saying you'd welcome an interview.
8. The right sign-off – "Yours sincerely" or "Yours faithfully" (see UK conventions below), followed by your name.

What you don't need to include: your full employment history (that's what your CV is for), salary history, reasons for leaving every previous job, or personal details such as age, date of birth, marital status or a photo.

Section	What to include	Example
Opening paragraph	The role you're applying for and where you saw it	"I'm writing to apply for the position of Diagnostic Technician, recently advertised on your company website."
Why this role and company	What attracts you to the job and the employer	"I'm impressed by [Company Name]'s reputation for innovation and its commitment to customer care."
Key skills and experience	Your most relevant experience and achievements, using keywords from the advert	"Over the last four years, I've gained extensive experience using [specific tools/systems]."
Closing paragraph	Reaffirm your interest, thank them and mention your availability	"I would welcome the chance to discuss my application further."

How to start a cover letter

Who to address it to

Address your letter to a specific person whenever you can - usually the hiring manager or recruiter. Their name may be in the job advert; if not, check the company website or LinkedIn, or ring the company and ask. It shows attention to detail and makes your letter feel personal.

If you can't find a name, use a professional greeting such as:

• "Dear Hiring Manager,"
• "Dear Recruitment Team,"
• "Dear Sir or Madam," (more traditional, but still acceptable)

Use the person's title and surname (for example, "Dear Ms Patel" or "Dear Mr Jones"). If you're unsure of someone's title, using their full name - "Dear Sam Patel" - is fine. Avoid "To whom it may concern", which can feel impersonal.

Your opening line

Your first sentence should say clearly what you're applying for. Recruiters want to know straight away which role your letter relates to. After that, add a line that gives them a reason to keep reading.

Good ways to start a cover letter:

• Straightforward: "I'm writing to apply for the role of Service Advisor (ref. SA-204), advertised on Indeed."
• Lead with your strongest match: "As a Level 3 qualified vehicle technician with six years' experience in a busy main dealer workshop, I was excited to see your vacancy for a Senior Technician."
• Show you know the company: "Having followed [Company Name]'s expansion into EV servicing over the past year, I'd love to bring my high-voltage qualifications to your team as a Workshop Technician."
• Mention a referral: "[Name], your Parts Manager, suggested I get in touch about the Parts Advisor role at your Coventry branch."

Openings to avoid: "My name is…" (they already have it), "I am writing to apply for any suitable position" (too vague), or anything overly casual like "Hi there!"

How to structure your cover letter, paragraph by paragraph

Paragraph 1: introduction

Say which position you're applying for and where you found it. If you have a strong, relevant headline - a qualification, years of experience, or a referral - mention it here.

Paragraph 2: why this job and this employer

Explain what attracted you to the company or the role. Be specific: mention their products or services, their values, a recent project, or the way they train and develop staff. This shows you've done your research and you're not sending the same letter to everyone.

Paragraph 3: why you're a good fit

This is the most important part of your letter. Pick two or three requirements from the job description and give a clear example of how you meet each one. Where you can, include a result: a number, a timescale, or an improvement you made.

Use the same keywords as the job advert (for example, "customer-focused", "diagnostics", "stock control") - many employers use applicant tracking systems that scan for them, and it makes it easy for a recruiter to see the match. The STAR method is a useful way to shape each example.

If you're changing career or have less direct experience, focus on your transferable skills - the abilities that carry over from one job to another.

Paragraph 4: closing

Reaffirm your interest, thank the reader for their time and say you'd welcome the chance to discuss your application at an interview. Mention your availability or notice period if it's relevant.

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UK cover letter format and conventions

Cover letter conventions vary between countries. If you're applying for a job in the UK, these are the things employers expect.

Sign off correctly: "Yours sincerely" or "Yours faithfully"

• Yours sincerely – use this when you've addressed the person by name ("Dear Mr Jones").
• Yours faithfully – use this when you don't know their name ("Dear Sir or Madam" or "Dear Hiring Manager").

"Kind regards" or "Best regards" is generally fine for a cover letter written in the body of an email, but "Yours sincerely" or "Yours faithfully" is the safest choice for a formal letter.

Layout

For a formal letter or PDF attachment, a traditional UK layout is:

1. Your name and contact details (top right or top left)
2. The date, written in UK format (for example, 6 October 2026)
3. The employer's name and address (left-hand side)
4. Greeting
5. Three to five paragraphs
6. Sign-off and your name

Use a clear, professional font such as Arial or Calibri at 10–12pt, with plenty of white space. Save attachments as a PDF unless the employer asks for Word, and give the file a sensible name such as "Jane-Smith-Cover-Letter.pdf".

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Applying by email

If you're applying by email, you can write your cover letter directly in the body of the email rather than attaching it. Put the job title and reference number in the subject line (for example, "Application for Service Advisor – ref. SA-204"). It's a good idea to draft it in Word first so you can check the length, spelling and grammar, then paste it in.

What to leave out in the UK

Unlike in some other countries, UK employers don't expect - and generally shouldn't ask for - a photo, your date of birth or age, marital status, or nationality on a cover letter or CV. Under the Equality Act 2010, employers shouldn't make recruitment decisions based on protected characteristics, so leaving these details out keeps the focus on your skills.

Other UK-specific tips

• Use UK spelling – "organise", "colour", "programme", "licence" (noun).
• Right to work – you don't have to mention it, but if a role requires it and you have it, a brief line can help, especially if your CV shows overseas experience.
• Driving licence – for roles that involve driving, mention that you hold a full UK driving licence.
• Gaps in your CV – you don't need to over-explain, but a short, positive sentence (for example, "After taking time out to care for a family member, I'm now ready to return to full-time work") can answer a question before it's asked.

 

Cover letters for different situations

Changing career

Lead with why you're making the change and what you're bringing with you. Pick the transferable skills that matter most for the new role - customer service, problem-solving, working to deadlines, managing a team - and back each one up with an example.

Example: "After eight years as a vehicle technician, I'm keen to move into a training role where I can use my hands-on experience to help apprentices develop. I've mentored three apprentices through their Level 3 qualifications, and I enjoy explaining complex technical work in a way people understand."

Returning to work after redundancy or a break

There's no need to apologise or go into detail. A short, positive explanation, followed by a focus on what you can offer now, is all you need. Our guide to redundancy and your rights has more support if you've recently been made redundant.

Example: "Following the closure of our site in June, I'm looking for a new role where I can continue to use my experience in production planning and quality control."

Speculative cover letters

A speculative cover letter is one you send to a company that isn't currently advertising a role. Keep it short, explain the type of role you're interested in, show why you want to work for them in particular, and ask if they'd keep your CV on file or be open to a conversation. Find out more about finding the right job.

Using AI to help write your cover letter

AI tools such as ChatGPT can help you get started or tidy up your wording, but recruiters can usually tell when a letter has been written entirely by AI - it tends to sound generic. Always add your own examples, check every fact, and make sure it sounds like you. Read our tips on making the most of GenAI in your application.

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Common cover letter mistakes to avoid

• Sending the same letter to every employer – tailor every letter to the job description.
• Repeating your CV – use your letter to add context and examples, not to list every job you've had.
• Getting the company or person's name wrong – double-check before you send, especially if you're reusing a previous letter.
• Focusing on what you want, not what you offer – show how you'd help the employer.
• Being too long – keep to one side of A4.
• Using slang, emojis or overly casual language – keep it professional.
• Typos and grammar mistakes – read it aloud, use a spell-checker, and ask someone else to read it if you can.

Cover letter checklist

Before you send your cover letter, check that you've:

• Addressed it to a named person (or used a professional alternative)
• Included the exact job title and any reference number
• Explained why you want this job with this employer
• Given two or three specific examples that match the job description
• Kept it to one side of A4
• Used the right sign-off ("Yours sincerely" with a name, "Yours faithfully" without)
• Used UK spelling and checked for typos
• Saved it as a PDF with a clear file name (if attaching)
• Updated your CV to match

Need help?

If you'd like help writing your cover letter - or with any other part of finding a job, from your CV to preparing for interviews - call 08081 311 333 or chat with us online using the chat function at the top of the page.