cv covering letters examples uk

[Date] [Your address line 1] [Address line 2] [Address line 3] [Your phone number and email] [Company name] [Company address line 1] [Company address line 2] Dear [Name or Sir or Madam ],

Cover letter paragraph 1: The introduction

The position you are interested in and why you are applying for it – a brief introductory passage that covers three things:

Something like:

“I am writing to apply for the role of [job title] in response to an advert I saw on [name of job site]. Please find my CV attached.”

Cover letter paragraph 2: The by-line

This paragraph should be all about you and detail the skills you possess that are relevant to the role, particularly those that have been identified in the job advert or description. Be careful not to reproduce your CV. Mirror phrases and skills that are mentioned in the job advert or description.

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Cover letter paragraph 3: Show your knowledge

This is where you can demonstrate the research that you did before applying. Show that you know what sector they operate in and what they do, and demonstrate why you wish to work there, how you could make a difference, and how you align with the company’s ideals, culture and core values.

In short: show that you’re the perfect candidate!

Cover letter paragraph 4: Conclusion

Your cover letter, the masterpiece that it now is, should end with a clear call to action. You want to secure an interview for this position, so mention that and let them know when you’re available for a callback or contact to arrange it. Don’t be demanding, just be confident and clear. If you plan to follow up with a phone call, then let them know. If you’re not comfortable doing this then end your letter with:

“I look forward to hearing from you.”

Thank them for taking the time to read your letter, and sign off with:

“Yours sincerely [ or faithfully if you don’t know their name ] , [Your Name]”

Use a covering letter as a speculative approach to a company you’d like to work for

Have you noticed a company that you’d really like to work for, but they’re not currently advertising any open positions? In this case, a ‘ cold-contact cover letter ‘ makes a great speculative application letter. Here’s what to include in that cover letter:

Remember, each speculative cover letter should be unique.

Send your cover letter

Because you are almost always going to be sending your cover letter online, we recommend that you attach it to your email in a .pdf format. This way, any computer will be able to view the file, and all your formatting will be preserved.

If you need to send your cover letter as the actual body text of your email, your approach will need to be slightly different. First, make sure you format the subject line of your email like so:

Application for [Job Title] – [Your Name]

If you were given a reference number, include that in the subject line as well. Once you’ve done that, it’s time to think about the layout of your letter. The paragraphs can be the same as an original cover letter, but you can remove the addresses, date and signature.

If you’re applying for a job via a job board, you can sometimes afford to scale down your cover letter to its key components.

Check out this example cover letter:

Hi [Name], I am interested in applying for the current vacancy you have for a [job title]. In my current role as [role title] with [company name], I am responsible for [insert relevant experience relating to job advert] but am currently looking to make a step up into a more challenging role with a reputable company who can offer career growth. I am currently on a notice period of [notice period] and can interview immediately. Kind regards, [Name] [Phone number] [Email]

By following these covering letter guidelines and examples you’ll be ahead of many other applicants applying for roles, and one step nearer to securing an interview.

Try to have fun with it – we wish you the best of luck!

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Examples of UK Cover Letters

Accompanying your CV, your cover letter can shape the way recruiters see your application. But if you’ve not written one in a while, or ever, it can be difficult knowing where to start. That’s where great cover letter examples can help.

Writing a cover letter with an example makes things a whole lot easier. It allows you to see how things are presented, structured, and worded. A good cover letter example will also provide inspiration for your own application in terms of what to include. Above all else, it provides a starting point, so you’re not left overwhelmed and frustrated.

At myPerfectCV, we have a selection of cover letter examples for job applications in a wide range of sectors. Marketing, customer service, engineering, finance – you name it, you’ll find an excellent cover letter example to guide your own letter, along with template cover letters to give you a starting point.

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Cover letter examples for top jobs, examples of cover letters for an experienced job application, best cover letter examples for career change, uk cover letter examples: benefits, tips when using our example cover letters, top faqs about cover letter examples, start writing a cover letter using our examples, cover letter example for customer service.

Customer service cover letter examples need to set candidates apart in a competitive sector. The candidate does so by highlighting a successful track record with references to boot.

Cover letter example for retail assistant

One of our cover letter examples for retail, this letter highlights key qualities like communication and results orientation alongside relevant skills such as stocking and sales.

Cover letter example for graduate

Graduate cover letter examples don’t come better than this clear, concise description of a candidate’s university background and how it has prepared them for the role of a trainee pharmacist.

Cover letter example for engineer

This engineering cover letter example uses a smart, simple layout to explain how the candidate fits the job requirements, including leadership skills, project management, and quality assurance.

Cover letter example for finance

A great example of a finance cover letter, which specific abilities in tax preparation, financial analysis, and payroll configuring for a role as an accountant.

Cover letter example for a teacher

The introduction to our teacher cover letter example is followed by a clear, concise summary of what they can offer to the school, from OFSTED success to SEN experience, backed by specific responsibilities.

Cover letter example for an admin assistant

Administrative cover letter examples aren’t always from those with job-specific experience. In this case, payment processing and customer service are emphasised from a previous role as a cashier.

Cover letter example for a recruitment consultant

Moving from HR to consulting, this cover letter example works to underline the key skills which are transferable between the two sectors, including employment law, recruitment processes, and organisational skills.

Cover letter example for marketing

Reflecting one of the most common career changes – student to intern – this cover letter example outlines how the candidate’s educational successes make them a good fit for a marketing role.

Make the right first impression

As the first thing recruiters see, your cover letter needs to look the part. Using our perfect cover letter examples, you can get a good idea of layout, structure, and design before starting your own CV. Base your own letter on our simple cover letter examples, or go for something bolder for a creative job application.

Customise your cover letter

Using our cover letter examples for job applications makes it easier to personalise your own letter. Cherry-pick your favourite features, let the example skills and experience inspire ideas about your own career, or even use an excellent cover letter example as a template .

A variety of roles and sectors

From architecture, accounting, and admin to law, sales, and fashion, our cover letter examples span a long list of UK sectors, roles, and experience levels. That provides better guidance for your own cover letter, with an example that’s more aligned with your own experience and skills.

Create a cohesive job application

If you’re looking for a letter template, cover letter examples are a great fit. But what about your CV? Our online builder allows you to match your CV to cover letter examples to impress UK recruiters with a cohesive job application.

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Learn about the company and reflect their values

Get a second opinion from a friend or relative, take a break, re-read and add to your cover letter, compare with a professional cover letter example, how to write a cover letter example.

Writing a cover letter like our examples isn’t as hard as it looks. For starters, you can use the same structure and layout, and even cover the same talking points. Your cover letter should outline what role you’re applying for, why you’re applying, and what makes you suitable for the job. You should draw upon past experience, qualifications, and personal qualities or interests to demonstrate what you can offer in the given role.

How to start a cover letter

Our examples demonstrate several different ways to open your cover letter and address the recruiter. Firstly, you should include the job title and reference (if provided) above the first line of your letter. If you have a name for the recruiter or hiring manager, you should use this to open the letter. ‘Dear Sarah Green’ or ‘Dear Mrs Green’ are perfectly acceptable, for example. If no name is given, you can choose from addresses like ‘To Whom it May Concern’, ‘Dear Hiring Manager’, or ‘To the Directors at [Company Name]’.

How to end a cover letter

Examples of cover letters (UK) can also assist with the way you end your cover letter. There are two main parts to consider. Firstly, you’ll need a closing statement, which thanks the recruiter for their time and encourages a response, such as ‘Thank you for taking time to consider my application. I look forward to hearing from you.’ Next, there’s the sign off. If you have addressed the person by name, ‘Yours sincerely’ is the conventional way to end a cover letter. Alternatively, use ‘Yours faithfully’ if you don’t have a name for the recruiter or hiring manager.

What is a cover letter for a job?

Our UK cover letter examples have one thing in common – they are written to accompany a CV. That’s exactly what a cover letter is intended for. It was traditionally a physical cover on top of your CV. However, with CVs sent digitally, it still remains an important step – and a great way to link the skills , experience, and qualities in your CV to the specific job role you’re applying for.

How many words should a cover letter be?

Using our short cover letter examples as a guide, cover letters should always be concise and to-the-point. In terms of pages, it’s definitely best to stay comfortably within one page with three to four paragraphs covering all the main points. While there’s no hard-and-fast rule for the word count of your cover letter, the guidelines above will usually come to between 300 to 400 words.

How can I explain career gaps in my cover letter?

A good cover letter is a perfect way to explain any gaps on your CV that could otherwise put recruiters off. Be honest and positive, explain that you were taking time to reconsider your career or focus on what you learnt in your time away from work.

How can I sell my limited experience?

Everybody starts somewhere. Sell yourself by showcasing transferable skills gained during your education or through your hobbies, and emphasise a willingness to learn and adapt.

Should I write a cover letter for each role?

Yes! Writing a cover letter for each job application allows you to tailor your experience to fit each role. It will enable you to focus on specific requirements of the job and how your knowledge and skills are the perfect fit.

Build my Cover Letter

Ready to get started on your own cover letter? Whether you’re a recent graduate or experienced professional, myPerfectCV can make the process a breeze. Take a look at our employment cover letter examples, then use our tried-and-tested cover letter builder to create your own.

Simply enter a few details about your career and skills, the job you’re applying for, and the kind of letter you want to create, then our builder will generate a great cover letter just for you. You can customise it further or download it ready to send to recruiters.

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Good Cover Letter Examples for UK Jobs in 2023

The best cover letters highlight your skills and convince employers to interview you. We provide six great cover letter examples below, each one written for different situations or industries.

A series of good cover letter examples for different situations in the UK

Writing a cover letter (also known as a job application letter or covering letter) is required when you apply for most jobs.

The cover letter examples below can give you ideas of how to write your own cover letter — no matter what sector of the economy you want to work in or your level of work experience.

Whether you need a situation-specific cover letter or just want to learn about cover letter formatting, we have the perfect examples for you.

Table of Contents

What to include in a cover letter

Here’s what to include in a good cover letter to make the best first impression:

Here’s a cover letter template you can use to learn how to write your cover letter professionally:

A good copy-and-paste cover letter example

Dear [Mr/Ms/Mx] [Recruiting Manager’s Name],

Opening Paragraph (Introduction)

Your cover letter opening should contain a self introduction. Write about who you are, where your expertise lies, where you found the job posting, and why you want to apply for the job.

Body Paragraphs

Your cover letter’s second and third paragraphs (it’s up to you how many paragraphs to use) should respond directly to the job description. Describe how your previous job experiences, skills, and abilities will help you meet the company’s needs. To make that easier, you should include exact words and phrases from the job descriptions in your cover letter.

Research the company and find out what their current activities and goals are. Explain how you can help them achieve those goals.

Closing Paragraph

Your cover letter’s closing paragraph is the call-to-action portion of your cover letter. Inform the hiring manager that you’d love to go in for an interview. Provide your email address or other contact information. Thank them for spending their time reading your cover letter.

Yours sincerely,

Types of cover letters (6 examples)

Here are six common types of cover letters:

1. Standard cover letter example

This standard cover letter was written by a mid-level candidate applying for a business analyst position.

What makes this cover letter a good general example is that it uses a traditional cover letter format that you can easily follow no matter your industry. Within the first paragraph, the candidate:

The cover letter example

A generic cover letter example with a green header and a left-aligned body. Highlights in green, yellow, and orange point out features mentioned in the description of this cover letter example.

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What makes this cover letter good

This cover letter is formal , to-the-point, and full of details .

Within the first couple of paragraphs, the candidate summarises their interest in the position and explains how their experience makes them a great fit.

Then, they mention a specific need that the company has and explain how their experience fills that need . Pointing back to the job advert shows the employer they’re passionate about the position and have the skills they’re looking for.

To follow up, the candidate highlights some impressive accomplishments , all backed up with hard numbers. This cover letter makes it clear what the candidate is capable of as a professional.

Finally, the applicant ends with a polite call to action, urging the employer to contact them for an interview.

Although this cover letter was written by a business analyst, the tone and format work well in nearly any industry, making it a good example of a general cover letter.

2. Career change cover letter example

Changing careers is intimidating. However, a well-written cover letter is perfect at highlighting the transferable skills you have and makes the process less of a challenge while showing employers why they should consider you.

This cover letter for a career change demonstrates how to effectively apply for a job in a new field. It features three key elements that should be included in any cover letter for a career change :

An example of a career change cover letter that is topped in red trim and features sans-serif font choices. Green, orange, and yellow highlights pick of elements of this cover letter example that are referenced on the webpage.

This cover letter works well because it’s honest and direct . The candidate starts by explaining their passion for social media and why they want to apply that passion to a professional role.

Additionally, they state that they’re suited for a career in social media management without any negativity about their current career in accounting. Most employers value candidates with a positive attitude, so never complain about your current job (even if you really don’t like it) in a career change cover letter.

Finally, the candidate proves their commitment to their desired career path by mentioning that they’ve completed an independent study programme to help them develop relevant skills.

The independence shows the employer that the candidate is self-motivated and has already put in the time and effort to build a successful career in social media, even without having studied social media.

3. Short cover letter example

With so many applicants to evaluate, a lengthy, waffling cover letter can lose the attention of HR managers.

A short but effective cover letter packed full of information about your experience is the perfect way to get (and keep) their attention.

The following concise cover letter example was written by a professional driver with four years of experience. In just six short sentences, they clearly communicate their experience and qualifications.

This cover letter may be short, but it contains a lot of valuable information.

In the opening, the candidate summarises their work experience and notes they’re familiar with the company they’re writing to, which indicates their interest in the sector.

Then, the candidate wastes no time highlighting some of their most impressive accomplishments as a driver.

Finally, they request an interview and list their contact information.

Ultimately, this candidate includes everything needed in a cover letter while maintaining a digestible length .

4. Speculative cover letter example

Writing a speculative cover letter is a great way to formally ask about job opportunities at companies you’d love to work for but that aren’t currently advertising open positions.

Done well, a speculative cover letter shows employers you’re willing to do anything to build a career at their company — a level of motivation they’re not used to seeing while hiring.

This speculative cover letter example was written by a recent university graduate looking to start a career with a popular recording studio. From the start, they state what kind of role they’re looking for and showcase their relevant skills:

The letter starts off by highlighting that the candidate is passionate about working for Westerfeld Recording because they’re a fan of their music. The candidate then explains what kind of positions they’d be interested in taking (in this case, any and all).

Communicating your range of skills is essential when writing a speculative cover letter because you need to show your skill set is flexible enough that you could fit into any role.

5. Creative cover letter example

In some situations, writing a creative cover letter is an effective way to stand out from other applicants and leave a lasting impression on employers.

This humorous cover letter example was written by an experienced candidate applying for a role at a popular podcast.

Right from the introduction, their unconventional tone and humour grab the reader’s attention. Then, they outline their experience and qualifications.

This cover letter is effective because it balances professionalism with a personable tone.

Adding some personality to your cover letter is a great way to stand out from the competition and present yourself as likeable and creative. Additionally, it helps your application leave a lasting impression on the employer (just make sure it’s a positive one).

And although a creative flourish can be a nice addition to a cover letter, it’s also important to focus on its substance and to maintain professionalism. This cover letter effectively achieves both goals.

After a unique introduction, the candidate immediately provides a series of brief, impressive examples of their relevant skills and accomplishments to prove they have the necessary hard skills to handle the work .

This style of cover letter is only appropriate when applying to companies with a casual office culture. If you’re applying for work in a formal corporate environment, it’s best to keep your tone buttoned up so employers take your application seriously.

6. Email cover letter example

It’s much more common today to send cover letters by email rather than through Royal Mail.

One option to do just that is to attach your formal cover letter to your email cover letter as a PDF or Microsoft Word document.

Another option is to write your cover letter directly into the body of your email, which saves the recruiting manager having to redownload an attachment each time they refer to it.

An example of a cover letter used in the body of an email to apply for a job.

The writer of this email cover letter has written an effective document that makes life as easy for the recruiting manager as possible.

For a start, the writer uses a descriptive subject line with their name and the reason why they’re writing to help the recruiting manager organise their inbox.

They’ve also addressed their cover letter to a contact person by name, which reassures the recruiting manager that this email is important and not spam.

In terms of content, the writer describes their long experience and achievements, and shortlists a handful of their key skills .

They’ve also attached their CV so that all of the application documents requested by the company are immediately accessible.

More great cover letter examples

Cover letter examples by industry

Looking for a cover letter sample for your industry? Here’s a list of cover letter examples for different roles. Simply click on the field you work in to see all of our cover letter examples:

Administration & office support

Business & professional services

Creative & design

Customer support & retail

Engineering & skilled trades

Engineering cover letter

Food & hospitality

Health & social care

IT & marketing

Marketing cover letter

News & media

Journalism cover letter

Frequently asked questions about cover letter examples

How do you build a cover letter.

You build a cover letter either by downloading a quality cover letter template online and filling it in by yourself or by using an AI-powered cover letter builder that asks you a few simple questions and lets you pick from pre-written, ready-formatted cover letter sentences.

Each method has its own advantages, but a cover letter builder is quicker — you can finish and download your cover letter within about 12 minutes.

How can cover letter examples help me?

Cover letter examples help you by providing you with a look at cover letters from your own industry.

You can quickly see what you should include in your own cover letter, check your cover letter format is correct, and get some inspiration for how to word your achievements.

What should be avoided in a cover letter?

Here’s what should be avoided in a cover letter:

Written by Samuel Johns, CPRW

Samuel Johns is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) and career counsellor on the CV Genius team. He has helped countless job hunters craft high-quality CVs and... more

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Cover Letter

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COMMENTS

Cover letters
How to write a cover letter · First paragraph - The opening statement should set out why you're writing the letter. · Second paragraph - Highlight relevant
Sample cover letter
Cover letters add context to your CV and when used correctly are a great way to convince employers that you're the right fit for the job.
Three excellent cover letter examples
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
Free cover letter template
Opening the letter · Second paragraph – Why are you suitable for the job? · Third paragraph – What can you do for the company? · Fourth paragraph – Reiterate.
How to: Write a cover letter
What does the company do? · Who are its competitors? · Who is its target audience? · What does the role involve? · What are the essential skills?
How to Write a Cover Letter: Guides & Examples
Address the letter formally · Your reason for writing · Mention any contacts · Detail your skills and experience · Say what you would like
Cover Letter Examples 2023 for All Job Applications
Firstly, you should include the job title and reference (if provided) above the first line of your letter. If you have a name for the recruiter or hiring
Writing a Short Cover Letter: Examples and Helpful Tips
Header: Find the recruiter's name and the company's address. · Greeting: Address the recruiter directly with a 'Dear...' statement. · Introduction
How to write the perfect cover letter (with examples)
My skill and passion for baking assure me that I'm the perfect candidate to fill this position within your team. I look forward to discussing
Good Cover Letter Examples for UK Jobs in 2023
Salutation: a greeting to a specific person. · Introduction: a summary of who you are, what role you're applying for, how you found the position