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How to write a cover letter.

A cover letter introduces you to an employer and asks them to think about your application. 

It’s a short letter, usually 3 to 5 paragraphs long.

When to include a cover letter

You should always include a cover letter when you apply for a job using a CV. 

You can write it as an email if you’re applying online or print a copy to go with a paper application.

When writing a cover letter, let the employer know you’re keen by showing that you’ve researched the company. Learn more about what they do through:

  • their website
  • recent news articles
  • talking to people you know who work there

Send it to the right person

It's important to try to address your cover letter to someone by name. Check you have the details of the person you need to send it to. 

You'll need their name and preferred title. For example, ‘Dr’, ‘Mr’, ‘Mrs’, ‘Ms’, and their job title. You should also make sure you have the right company name and address, including postcode.

If you do not know their name

If the job advert does not include a name you can check the company website. Try to find details of the head of the department, head of human resources or a recruitment manager.

If you still cannot find a name, you can start your letter with ‘Dear Sir or Madam’.

Introduction

Introduce yourself and explain how you found the advertised job. You can mention the job title, and reference number if there is one. 

If you’re asking about any job openings and not applying to a vacancy, tell them what sort of job you’re looking for. Let the employer see how keen you are to work for them.

Show you're right for the job

Highlight the skills and experience you have that match what the employer is looking for. 

Convince them that you're enthusiastic about working for them. Let them know you share their work values, culture and style.

Give extra information

If you have gaps in your employment history, you could talk about the skills you gained while you were out of work.

If you’ve mentioned on your CV that you have a disability, you might want to talk more about this in your cover letter. Organisations like Disability UK can give you advice on how to do this. You do not have to mention your disability at this stage if you prefer not to.

You can get more help with specialist advice on finding work if you have a disability.

Ending your cover letter

Thank the employer for considering your application. Let them know that they can get more details from your CV, and tell them you're looking forward to hearing from them.

Let them know how they can best contact you. Make sure your contact details are correct on both your cover letter and CV.

Yours sincerely or yours faithfully

If you know the name of the person you’re writing to, you should end the letter with ‘Yours sincerely’.

If you’ve addressed the letter ‘Dear Sir or Madam’, you should end the letter with ‘Yours faithfully’.

Tips for writing a cover letter

When writing your cover letter, remember to:

  • write a new one for every job you apply for and make sure it’s tailored to the company and the specific role
  • use the same font and size as you do for your CV, so it looks consistent
  • make sure the company name and recruiter’s details are correct
  • use the right language and tone: keep it professional and match the keywords used by the employer in their job advert
  • show you’ve done your research into the job and the company
  • highlight your most relevant skills and experience to stand out from other applicants
  • back up any statements you make with facts and use the STAR method
  • double check spelling and grammar before you send it
  • keep a copy of your cover letter as they may ask you about it in an interview

Related content

How to write a CV

Completing application forms

Interview tips

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Sample cover letter

Cover letters add context to your CV and when used correctly are a great way to convince employers that you're right for the job. This sample cover letter should help you get started

A cover letter demonstrates to recruiters how well you express yourself, so you need to make sure that you don't just repeat your CV or give rambling explanations. Instead, use this opportunity to focus on your skills and experience, saving your qualifications for your CV.

The basic cover letter structure covers:

  • why you're writing the letter
  • why you think you're suitable for the job (with examples)
  • relevant skills and experience
  • summary of your interest in the role.

Double check what you've written as spelling mistakes or lack of attention to detail will put your cover letter straight on the no pile.

Please be aware that this is an example. Use this cover letter template to help generate ideas and structure your own document but avoid copying and pasting. Your cover letter needs to be original and tailored to the job you're applying for.

Avril Lee 115 My Street Mytown WX55 1CQ [email protected] 07777999888

Harry Smith Graduate HR director Big Company Ltd Woodcotes Business Park The Midlands MX9 6PQ

5th May 2023

Dear Mr Smith

Re: Logistics graduate scheme

I would like to apply for the logistics track of your graduate training scheme, advertised on the Prospects.ac.uk website. As requested, I am enclosing my CV.

I am in the final year of my geography degree, expecting a 2:1. Always intending to have a career in business, I have taken modules on the geography of business and GIS modelling. My final-year dissertation is on changing patterns in retail. During my degree, I have developed my analytical skills and ability to read, manage and present data. I have also become familiar with a range of business intelligence sources.

As you can see from my CV I have experience in:

  • Retail - moving from shelf stacker to checkout operator to team leader in my two years with Fresh Foods. I contributed to the store consistently being in the top five for the region by providing excellent customer service.
  • Warehouse operations - picking and packing to meet targets over the busy Christmas period.

I have also:

  • Worked in and led teams at Fresh Foods, on course projects and in sports.
  • Communicated with colleagues at all levels in retail and warehousing.
  • Solved problems as a team leader, ensuring staff cover and dealing with customer complaints.
  • Worked flexibly doing both early and late shifts and covering for absence, sometimes at short notice.
  • Managed my time when combining study with work and sport.

My semester in Germany exposed me to a different culture and improved my language skills. In addition, my voluntary work with young people has increased my resilience and ability to mix with people from all walks of life.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours sincerely

(Sign your name here)

Find out more

  • Get more information on cover letters .
  • If you're applying for a job that's not advertised take a look at an example speculative cover letter .
  • Learn more about the 5 things to avoid when writing a cover letter .

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General Cover Letter Template Example

General covering letter template example can be useful for you to apply for the latest job vacancies. You should amend this example as suitable first and use it for your job applications in the UK.

Mr John Brown 222 Every Road Any Town AA1 1BB

Mrs Jane Smith (ensure that you address your application to a particular individual – if none is given in the advertisement, check the company’s website) ABC Company All Streets Any Town YY1 1ZZ

Dear Mrs Smith

Position of General Assistant

I saw the advertisement for the post of General Assistant on the XYZ website and am very keen to apply. (Try to mention your enthusiasm for the post or state why you want to work for the company – for example, its reputation or development opportunities.)

The second paragraph should be reserved for a description of your experience and responsibilities. Where possible, link these to the essential requirements of the post. If you have no experience, concentrate on your transferable skills and any unpaid or community work that you have undertaken. (Be specific where you can but make sure that you don’t replicate the content of your CV. Think of your proudest/strongest work moments and mention them.)

Take the opportunity in the next paragraph to talk about core skills such as problem solving, communications and networking. (This is your opportunity to give a more rounded picture of you as a candidate. If you have several pieces of information to convey, use two paragraphs or bullet points to break up the text.)

I would be delighted to discuss my application further at an interview. Please contact me on (phone number) or at (email address) if you need any additional information. (Make it as easy as possible for people to get in touch with you.)

Thank you for your consideration.

Yours sincerely

Download general cover letter template example in PDF.

Don’t forget job application letters can be as important as CV’s, so take extra care when writing your letter. You can of course use somebody professional however it’s best to use examples and write your own letter. We have hundreds of them which you can download and study on your computer.

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Land the job with cover letter templates

Show hiring managers why you're the perfect job candidate with professional, customizable cover letter templates. find the perfect cover letter template for any industry or career path..

Cover letter template surrounded by 3D design elements

Download free cover letter templates

Stand out from other job applicants with free, professional cover letter templates. Cover letters are a perfect complement to your resume and provide an effective opportunity to show your personality and enthusiasm for a position. Focus on writing a compelling cover letter and let a professionally designed template do the rest.

These free cover letter templates are perfect for any stage of your career, whether you're looking to land an internship or your dream job. If you're applying for a corporate position, you may want to opt for a simple cover letter template. There are a variety of other cover letter designs available, from basic cover letter templates to creative cover letter templates.

Each of these cover letter templates is customizable in Word , so you can add your own text, change design elements, and more. Print out your cover letter or download it for free to use for online job applications. Once you've customized the perfect cover letter, explore resume templates that will match your cover letter design, or download free business cards for your next networking event.

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COMMENTS

  1. How To Write a General Cover Letter

    3. Open with a salutation. Next, greet the reader of your cover letter. If you're unsure who to address the cover letter to or want to make it as generalised as possible, you can use the greeting 'to whom it may concern.'. Ideally, you want to find the name of the recruiter to address them specifically.

  2. Cover letter examples and templates

    Salutation. Introduction. Body paragraph. Closing paragraph. Letter ending and signature. The following cover letter samples and examples will show you how to write a cover letter for many employment circumstances. Browse cover letters by job title for inspiration. ( Get more cover letter tips and advice ). Accountant.

  3. Free cover letter template

    Sign off your cover letter with 'Yours sincerely' (if you know the name of the hiring manager)/'Yours faithfully' (if you do not), and your name. Example: Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to meeting with you to discuss my application further. Yours sincerely,

  4. How to write the perfect cover letter (With examples)

    1. Begin by introducing yourself. To start your cover letter, introduce yourself. This means including your full name, your specific interest in the position and the reasons you've chosen to apply. If you got a referral to the job from another party, ensure to mention this in the first paragraph. 2.

  5. Generic Cover Letter: How to Write + General Examples

    Here's how to write a general cover letter step by step: 1. Include a proper header. The layout of your general cover letter header should never change. Start by aligning to the right your full name, postal address, email, and phone number. Drop down a line and add the date of writing. Skip another line and align to the left the recruiter's ...

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    When writing your cover letter, remember to: write a new one for every job you apply for and make sure it's tailored to the company and the specific role. use the same font and size as you do for your CV, so it looks consistent. make sure the company name and recruiter's details are correct. use the right language and tone: keep it ...

  7. Cover Letter Template of 2024

    A good cover letter template should include your contact details, and the contact details of the company you are applying to. In the introduction you should also mention your previous/ current position and the duties (or skills) you performed there that are relevant to the position you are applying for. In the next section, write about what you ...

  8. Sample cover letter

    Please be aware that this is an example. Use this cover letter template to help generate ideas and structure your own document but avoid copying and pasting. Your cover letter needs to be original and tailored to the job you're applying for. Avril Lee 115 My Street Mytown WX55 1CQ [email protected] 07777999888.

  9. The Best Cover Letter Templates for 2024 (UK-ready)

    Here's what to include in a cover letter to boost your chances of getting hired: Your contact details and the recruiter's details (in a business-style header). A professional greeting, ideally using the recruiter's surname, e.g. Dear Mr Smith. Dear Hiring Manager is a good alternative if you don't know who'll read your cover letter.

  10. 43+ Free Cover Letter Template Downloads Designed for the UK

    1. Use a professional email address. Your cover letter template has spaces for your contact information, but don't just throw a random email address in there. Make sure your email is professional, using some combination of your name, initials, and job title. For example, [email protected] is an email address that makes the applicant look ...

  11. 65+ UK Cover Letter Examples for Job Applications in 2024

    Here are 6 common types of cover letters: Fill-in Cover Letter Example. Generic Cover Letter Example. Cover Letter Example (No Experience) Graduate Cover Letter Example. Creative Cover Letter Example. Concise Cover Letter Example. 1. Copy-and-paste cover letter sample.

  12. 20+ Cover Letter Examples: Samples for Any Job In 2024

    Sample cover letter for a CV made with our builder—See more templates and create your cover letter here. ... General Cover Letter. ... all new user training, cutting customer issues by 30%. Provided software training to 12 business units across the UK. Automation. Led project to develop custom ERP software, automating requirements-tracking ...

  13. CV Cover Letter Template

    Cover letter templates. This section covers a range of free cover letter templates, designed to teach you how to write a cover letter. Whether you're looking for cover letter examples, resignation letter templates, career change cover letter templates - or anything else, we can help you get started.

  14. How to Write a General Cover Letter That's Not Generic

    Start with a good generic cover letter template. Make general cover letters personal with details from the job ad. List your specific achievements that fit the job posting's requirements. Create a master cover letter template with your information. Spend 2 minutes updating your master cover letter for each application.

  15. Generic cover letter

    When editing your general cover letter, you should change the salutation to address the hiring manager by name (e.g., "Dear Ms. or Dear Mr. Smith"). 2. The date on the letter. Make sure the date on your cover letter is current. 3. The name of the company you're applying to.

  16. Free Cover Letter Templates (Try now) · Resume.io

    20 Free Cover Letter Templates that gets you hired faster Pick a Modern, Creative, Professional or Simple Cover letter template 13 million users worldwide ... General cover letter template. A general sales cover letter template is the perfect starting point for writing your next job-winning cover letter. In the example below, you'll find a ...

  17. What is a cover letter template?

    A cover letter gives you the opportunity to expand on any information you included in your CV. Knowing how to properly highlight your qualifications gives you a better chance of impressing recruiters. Use these steps to create a cover letter for your next job application: 1. Include your name and contact information.

  18. 50 Microsoft Word Cover Letter Templates (Free Download!)

    2. Clean B&W. This free cover letter template for Word adds a bold black info column around your all-important contact info. Download it free here. 3. Cosmopolitan Violet. This free cover letter template for Word has a bullet list for achievements, an eye-catching header, and a call-to-action paragraph.

  19. General Cover Letter Template Example

    General Cover Letter Template Example. I saw the advertisement for the post of General Assistant on the XYZ website and am very keen to apply. (Try to mention your enthusiasm for the post or state why you want to work for the company - for example, its reputation or development opportunities.) The second paragraph should be reserved for a ...

  20. General Cover Letter: Samples, Template & 5 Writing Tips

    Here's how to address your cover letter: List the hiring manager's contact information at the top - Include the company's address as well as the hiring manager's phone number and email. Address the hiring manager by name - Even if you don't have time to fully customize every cover letter you send out, at least make sure to address ...

  21. Writing a General Purpose Cover Letter: With Template

    General purpose cover letter example Use this sample general cover letter as inspiration to help you compose your own: Jane Chi 705 Oleander Ct. Portland, OR 97216 555-807-5165 [email protected] June 1, 2019 Michael Cortez Talent Acquisition TopTier Data Analysts, Inc. 9307 Washington Blvd. Seattle, WA 98109 Dear Mr. Cortez, I am a hard-working and determined professional seeking an ...

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    Cover letter format example Finally, here is a cover letter format example. Tara Treadwell +44 4555 5555 55 [email protected] January 23, 2018 Dear Recruitment Manager, I'm excited to be applying for the Web Developer position at [Company Name]. I've been programming websites and using CSS to create user-friendly experiences since I was in sixth form, so it's long been a passion ...

  23. Free cover letter templates

    Each of these cover letter templates is customizable in Word, so you can add your own text, change design elements, and more. Print out your cover letter or download it for free to use for online job applications. Once you've customized the perfect cover letter, explore resume templates that will match your cover letter design, or download free ...