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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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Three excellent cover letter examples

Cover letters are the first chance you have to impress an employer – they’re not just a protective jacket for your CV. Here’s our guide on what to include and how to format them

  • More CV and cover letter templates
  • Looking for a job? Explore the range of vacancies on Guardian Jobs and find the perfect role for you

The first thing a potential employer sees in your job application is the cover letter. This doesn’t just support your CV – it’s an opportunity for you to stand out from the crowd and persuade the recruiter to put you through to the next round.

Be wary of spending hours on perfecting your CV at the expense of your cover letter. If you need some inspiration on what to include and what format to use, here are our helpful guides – just remember not to copy them as exact templates.

1. Standard, conservative style

This is ideal for sectors such as business, law, accountancy and retail. For more creative sectors, a letter like this might be less appealing, and could work against you.

Dear Mr Black, Please find enclosed my CV in application for the post advertised in the Guardian on 30 November. The nature of my degree course has prepared me for this position. It involved a great deal of independent research, requiring initiative, self-motivation and a wide range of skills. For one course, [insert course], an understanding of the [insert sector] industry was essential. I found this subject very stimulating. I am a fast and accurate writer, with a keen eye for detail and I should be very grateful for the opportunity to progress to market reporting. I am able to take on the responsibility of this position immediately, and have the enthusiasm and determination to ensure that I make a success of it. Thank you for taking the time to consider this application and I look forward to hearing from you in the near future. Yours sincerely

2. Standard speculative letter

This may vary according to the nature of the organisation and the industry you’re applying to.

Dear Mr Brown, I am writing to enquire if you have any vacancies in your company. I enclose my CV for your information. As you can see, I have had extensive vacation work experience in office environments, the retail sector and service industries, giving me varied skills and the ability to work with many different types of people. I believe I could fit easily into your team. I am a conscientious person who works hard and pays attention to detail. I’m flexible, quick to pick up new skills and eager to learn from others. I also have lots of ideas and enthusiasm. I’m keen to work for a company with a great reputation and high profile like [insert company name]. I have excellent references and would be delighted to discuss any possible vacancy with you at your convenience. In case you do not have any suitable openings at the moment, I would be grateful if you would keep my CV on file for any future possibilities. Yours sincerely

3. Letter for creative jobs

We’ve used the example of a copywriter but you can adapt it for your profession. The aim of a creative letter is to be original and show you have imagination, but understand what the job entails. Balance is essential: don’t be too wacky, or it will turn off the reader.

Dear Ms Green, · Confused by commas? · Puzzled by parenthesis? · Stumped by spelling? · Perturbed by punctuation? · Annoyed at the apostrophe? (And alliteration?) Well, you’re not alone. It seems that fewer and fewer people can write. Unfortunately, there are still a lot of people who can read. So they’ll spot a gaffe from a mile off. And that means it’s a false economy, unless you’re 100% sure of yourself, to write your own materials. (Or to let clients do it for themselves.) To have materials properly copywritten is, when one considers the whole process of publishing materials and the impact that the client wishes to make, a minor expense. Sloppiness loses clients, loses customers. There is an answer. Me. Firm quotes are free. You can see some of what I do on my multilingual website at [insert web address]. If you’d like, I can get some samples out to you within 24 hours. And, if you use me, you’ll have some sort of guarantee that you can sleep soundly as those tens of thousands of copies are rolling off the presses. Luck shouldn’t come into it! With kindest regards

Other helpful resources

How to write a perfect CV and cover letter

Applying for jobs without experience? How to build and sell your skills

Five steps to the perfect graduate CV

School-leavers and graduates: how to write your first CV

How to write a personal statement for your CV

CV templates to fit every stage of your career

Looking for a job? Browse Guardian Jobs for your next career step.

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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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Person in smart clothes amending or writing a cover letter using a pen. Making sure they include relevant information to secure a job interview

Cover letters

What is a cover letter.

This is a letter that you send with your CV when you apply for a job. It introduces you to the employer and is an opportunity for you to highlight your skills and experience that are relevant for the role you are applying for. Each cover letter, like your CV, should be tailored for each job application.

How long is a Cover letter? 

It really depends on the role and seniority of the position you are applying for. Some job adverts will tell you the maximum length of a cover letter.

However, cover letters should generally be no more than one side of A4. Aim for three to five short paragraphs that highlight your skills and mirror the advert, job description and person specification (if supplied).

If you are applying by email your cover letter should be in the body of the email and not sent as a separate attachment. You can always write it out on an A4 page first to get the right length and then copy and paste the paragraphs into your email. Don’t forget to use your programme’s spelling and grammar checkers to avoid unnecessary mistakes. 

How to address your letter 

Where possible you should address the letter to the hiring manager or the person who is receiving the applications (this could be someone in HR or a recruitment consultant). If you don’t know who will be receiving the applications, it’s better to be more formal for example Dear Hiring Manager, Dear Whom it may concern or Dear Sir or Madam.

Remember if you use someone’s name, finish your letter with   Yours sincerely . If you don’t use someone’s name, use   Yours faithfully.

What to include 

Keep it brief and relevant; use this as an opportunity to highlight your skills and show why you should be considered for the role and invited to interview.

The opening sentence Start with explaining why you are writing to the organisation for example:

‘I am writing to you to apply for your recently advertised role of Diagnostic technician advertised on your company website.’

Next, say you’re suitable for the position, what attracted you to the role and the company. For example:

‘ I am a fully qualified diagnostic technician, and would like the opportunity to work within [insert company name], a forward-thinking business within the industry that has a superb reputation, with both its employees and customers.’

Next, you should highlight your experience and link this to what the business is looking for. Mirror keywords from the advertisement and/or job description. For example, if you a business is looking for candidates who have knowledge of specific tools and systems and you do highlight that. Similarly, if they looking for people who are ‘highly motivated and solution oriented’ give an example that shows you are:

‘Over the last four years, I have gained a wide and varied range of skills, and have in-depth knowledge of diagnostics using a range of tools and systems including [x system/tools]. I am motivated and believe one of my biggest strengths is my ability to problem solve and find solutions. I am a committed team member who is flexible and adaptable to meet my employer’s needs.’

Finally, repeat your interest in the role and that you are keen to discuss your application with them. And, last but not least, thank them for their time.

‘I would like the opportunity to discuss this role with you further and I am available at any time convenient to you.

Thank you for taking the time to read this and I hope to speak with you soon.’

If you would like help with your cover letter or with another aspect of looking for a job, call us on 08081 311 333 or chat with us online using the chat function at the top of the page - we're here to help.

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COMMENTS

  1. 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. Mention your skills and qualifications

  2. Cover letters

    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...

  3. Cover letter examples and templates

    Cover letters should be around three paragraphs long and include specific examples from your past experience that make you qualified for the position. A cover letter should include the following parts: Header Salutation Introduction Body paragraph Closing paragraph Letter ending and signature

  4. How to: Write a cover letter

    First things first, you need to do your research. Take some time to look into the role you're applying for and the company - and use this information to tailor your cover letter accordingly. When writing a cover letter, you should find out: What does the company do? Who are its competitors? Who is its target audience? What does the role involve?

  5. How to write a cover letter in 5 steps

    1. Customise your header based on the format of your application If you're writing your cover letter directly within an online job application, there's no need to include your address or other contact information, as you've probably already typed that into other areas of the application form.

  6. 36+ UK Cover Letter Examples for Job Applications in 2024

    Here are 5 common types of cover letters: 1. Copy-and-paste cover letter sample Use this text copy-and-paste cover letter sample to begin writing your letter: YOUR NAME Phone: 07123-456-789 Email: [email protected] Address: Your Town, Postcode LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/your-name Today's Date Contact Person's Name Company Name Street Address Town

  7. Cover letters

    Register CVs and cover letters Cover letters Jemma Smith, Editor May, 2023 It's important to get your cover letter right. It's your one opportunity to sell your skills and experience to potential employers. Find out how to write and format a cover letter and take ideas and inspiration from our cover letter templates What is a cover letter?

  8. How to Write the Perfect Cover Letter

    Here's what you should include in a cover letter: Your contact information at the top The specific role that you're applying to An address to the hiring manager A brief description of why you're a good fit for the role (more on this next) Your relevant experience and skills A conclusion that reiterates your interest and ends with a call-to-action

  9. How to Write a Cover Letter: Guides & Examples

    A cover or covering letter is a brief, single-page document that accompanies your CV when you apply for a job. Its purpose is to introduce yourself and to highlight your key skills, particularly those that are relevant to the job you are applying for. It's your chance to showcase both your personality and suitability.

  10. How to Write a Cover Letter

    A cover letter should be roughly one side of A4 and broken up into short paragraphs so it's easy to read. Just like your CV, stick to a sensible font type, size, and colour. Ideally, you should submit it as a PDF version with a clear filename, so it always looks the same regardless of the device it's opened on. What should go in your cover letter?

  11. Three excellent cover letter examples

    Dear Mr Brown, I am writing to enquire if you have any vacancies in your company. I enclose my CV for your information. As you can see, I have had extensive vacation work experience in office...

  12. Free Cover Letter Examples for the UK Jobs [2024 ready]

    Here are the key elements of every well-written cover letter: 1 Heading: ideally, it sould be identical to the one on your resume.Include your full name, job title, and basic contact information. 2 Date and addressee's details: include the date of when you're writing the letter followed by the hiring manager's name and physical address.If you don't know exactly who you're addressing ...

  13. How to Format a UK Cover Letter in 2024 (+ Example)

    Business letter layout for the UK & tailored tips to create one. Use the LiveCareer cover letter builder and your cover letter will write itself. Choose a professional template, answer a few easy questions and the creator will generate a professional cover letter for you with just one click. Create your cover letter now

  14. How to Write a Cover Letter for a Job Application

    Dear (hiring manager name). Paragraph #1: an introduction + a great job-fitting achievement. Paragraph #2: your key skills + the reason you're the perfect fit for the job. Paragraph #3: your passion + why you want the job you're applying for. Paragraph #4: your CTA. Best regards + your name + your title.

  15. Sample cover letter

    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.

  16. How to write a cover letter: 2024 writing guide

    First, enter your contact details: your name, address underneath, your phone number on the next line and your email on the next one. Align it with the edge of the page. Underneath that, enter the details of the company you're applying to - also one below the other, aligned to the page edge.

  17. 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.

  18. How to write a simple cover letter (with examples)

    1. List your personal information The first step in writing a basic cover letter is to list your personal information. Even though this cover letter may be shorter than a traditional cover letter, it's still important for you to provide your contact information so that the hiring manager can contact you to discuss the position further.

  19. Free cover letter template

    Download Free Cover Letter Template Opening the letter Once you've covered the letter writing basics (address, hiring manager's name if you have it), the opening paragraph should be short and to the point. Explain what job you're applying for and where you found the vacancy.

  20. How to structure a cover letter (With example)

    Phone Number Email Address Although it's becoming less common, there may be a time when you're required to submit a paper copy of your cover letter. In this case, the top left-hand side of your letter should include the following elements: Date Your Name Your Address Your City, County, Postcode Your Phone Number

  21. How to Write a Great Cover Letter

    Some job adverts will tell you the maximum length of a cover letter. However, cover letters should generally be no more than one side of A4. Aim for three to five short paragraphs that highlight your skills and mirror the advert, job description and person specification (if supplied). If you are applying by email your cover letter should be in ...

  22. Cover Letter Example UK

    In this tutorial, I will show you: 'How to write a cover letter using the UK format'. I will write an example that embodies the structure or layout that a fo...

  23. How To Write a Cover Letter (With Examples and Tips)

    Updated July 14, 2023 While cover letters are not always required, many hiring managers still rely on them to gauge an applicant's skills, experience and background. The key to writing an effective cover letter is to clearly show how your professional experience fits the needs of the open role and the culture of the hiring company.

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    Get a JOB IN UK with this COVER LETTER | Tips to get UK Job Interview with TemplateWant a job in the UK? Well, how to write a cover letter is so important wh...

  25. How to write a modern cover letter (with template)

    Here's a step-by-step guide on how to write a fresh cover letter for new job openings: 1. Consider the design elements. The purpose of your cover letter is to offer a concise overview of your CV, so keep it to a single page. Consider the design of your CV and use a similar look to keep your application on-brand.