How to Write a Cover Letter in the UK (2026): Format, Length and Template

How to write a cover letter in the UK comes down to four things: one A4 page, around 250 to 400 words, a clear link between the job advert and your own evidence, and a polite, direct tone. This guide shows what to include, how to lay it out, a template you can copy and the mistakes recruiters see most.

A cover letter (also called a covering letter in the UK) is a short document sent with your CV. Your CV lists what you have done. The cover letter explains why you are applying for this role at this employer and picks out the two or three things that matter most.

• Length: one A4 page, about 250 to 400 words.
• Paragraphs: three to four short ones.
• Greeting: the hiring manager's name if you can find it, otherwise "Dear Hiring Manager".
• Sign-off: "Yours sincerely" if you used a name, "Yours faithfully" if you used "Dear Sir or Madam".
• Font: a clean font such as Arial or Calibri, size 11 or 12. See how to choose a cover letter font.

UK university careers services such as Prospects give the same advice: keep it to one page and tailor it to the job.

1. Name the role and the employer in the first lines and say where you saw the advert.
2. Show you know the organisation: one specific fact such as a recent project, a value or a product, not a Wikipedia summary.
3. Match the job description: pick the two or three requirements that matter most and answer each with evidence.
4. Give evidence, not adjectives: "I grew our student society's membership by 40%" beats "I am a great leader".
5. Finish with a clear next step: say you would welcome an interview.

Paragraph 1 (about 50 words): why you are writing

The role, where you saw it, and one line on why you fit. Need help with the opening? See how to start a cover letter.

Paragraph 2 (about 150 to 200 words): your strongest evidence

One or two examples that match the job description. Do not repeat your CV; explain what you did and what happened.

Paragraph 3 (about 50 to 100 words): why this employer

What attracts you to them and what you would bring.

Paragraph 4 (about 40 words): close

Thank them and say you would welcome the chance to talk. See how to close and sign off a cover letter.

[Your name]
[Address] | [Phone] | [Email] | [LinkedIn]

[Date]

Dear [Mr/Ms Surname] / Dear Hiring Manager,

Application for [Job title], reference [number]

I am writing to apply for the [job title] role advertised on [where you saw it]. I recently completed a [degree] at [university] and I am keen to bring [one relevant strength] to [employer].

During my degree, I [specific achievement with a number or outcome that matches a job requirement]. In my [part-time job / society / placement], I [second example]. These experiences taught me [skill the advert asks for].

I am drawn to [employer] because [specific reason: project, value, product]. I would bring [what you will contribute].

Thank you for considering my application. I have attached my CV and would welcome the chance to discuss the role.

Yours sincerely,
[Your name]

• Write in British English and use "CV", not "resume".
• Use "Dear Mr/Ms [Surname]" or "Dear Hiring Manager". Avoid "To whom it may concern".
• Put the date and your contact details at the top. For an email, you can put the letter in the body and skip the postal addresses. See how to format a cover letter.
• Save as PDF with a clear file name, for example Surname-Firstname-Cover-Letter.pdf.

Do

• Tailor every letter to the role and employer.
• Use evidence with numbers where you can.
• Proofread twice, then read it aloud.

Don't

• Repeat your CV line by line.
• Use generic openings or the same letter for every job.
• Write more than one page.
• Over-claim: avoid words like "best" or "perfect" without proof.

Use your degree modules, projects, societies, volunteering and part-time work as evidence. Prospects suggests highlighting relevant modules and transferable skills. See how to write a cover letter with no experience and our graduate cover letter tips.

See worked examples for operations manager, care assistant, business analyst, customer service representative, graphic designer, accountant, data analyst and internship applications. Applying to a graduate scheme? Read our investment banking cover letter guide and the Graduate Scheme hub. Pair your letter with a strong graduate CV, or try our AI cover letter generator.

How long should a cover letter be in the UK?

One A4 page, around 250 to 400 words. More detail: how long should a cover letter be.

Do I need a cover letter if the job doesn't ask for one?

Not always, but a short, tailored one can help, especially for graduate roles. If an application says "no cover letter", follow that.

Should I address it to a name?

Yes, if you can find it on the advert or LinkedIn. If not, "Dear Hiring Manager" is fine.

Yours sincerely or yours faithfully?

Sincerely with a name, faithfully with "Dear Sir or Madam".

UK cover letter format

In the UK, cover letters are expected to be formal and well-structured. It's customary to address the cover letter to a specific person whenever possible, using "Dear Mr./Ms. [Last Name]" or "Dear Hiring Manager" if the name isn't provided. UK employers value a clear and concise format that begins with a brief introduction stating the position applied for and where it was advertised.

British cover letters typically highlight key achievements and experiences that directly relate to the job requirements. It's crucial to demonstrate knowledge of the company and its industry, showing a genuine interest in how your skills and background align with their organisational goals. UK candidates often emphasise their qualifications and how they can contribute to the company's success, ending the letter with "Yours sincerely" or "Yours faithfully" followed by their name to maintain a professional tone.

Cover letter example for a UK company

Jane Doe
123 Any Street
London, SW1A 1AA
[email protected]
01234 567890

5 July 2026

Mr. John Smith
ABC Corporation
456 Business Road
Manchester, M1 1AA

Dear Mr. Smith,

I am writing to apply for the Marketing Manager position advertised on LinkedIn. With a Master's degree in Marketing and over 10 years of experience in digital marketing, I am confident in my ability to drive successful campaigns and increase brand visibility for ABC Corporation.

In my previous role at XYZ Ltd., I led a team that successfully increased online engagement by 50% through innovative social media strategies. This experience has equipped me with the skills necessary to develop and execute effective marketing plans. I am particularly excited about ABC Corporation's recent launch of its new product line and am eager to bring my expertise to your dynamic team.

I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to contribute to ABC Corporation's continued growth and success. I have attached my CV for your review and would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my background and skills can be beneficial to your team.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of discussing this exciting opportunity with you.

Yours sincerely,
Jane Doe

USA cover letter format

In the USA, cover letters vary in format but generally follow a business formal approach. It's common to begin with a direct address, using "Dear Mr./Ms. [Last Name]" or "Dear Hiring Manager" if specific contact information isn't available. American cover letters typically start with a compelling introduction that states the position applied for and where it was found, followed by a concise summary of qualifications and relevant experience.

US employers appreciate cover letters that showcase accomplishments and specific examples of how skills have contributed to previous roles. It's essential to customise each cover letter to match the job description and align with the company's values and culture. American candidates often include a call to action, expressing enthusiasm for the opportunity to discuss their qualifications further. Ending with "Sincerely" followed by their name or "Best regards" maintains a professional tone and readiness for further communication.

Cover letter example for a USA company

John Smith
789 Main Street
New York, NY 10001
[email protected]
(123) 456-7890

July 5, 2026

Ms. Sarah Johnson
XYZ Inc.
123 Corporate Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94111

Dear Ms. Johnson,

I am writing to express my interest in the Software Engineer position listed on Indeed. With a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science and over 5 years of experience in software development, I am confident in my ability to contribute effectively to XYZ Inc..

At my previous job at Tech Solutions, I developed and implemented software solutions that increased operational efficiency by 30%. My expertise in programming languages such as Python and Java, along with my strong problem-solving skills, make me a strong candidate for this position. I am particularly impressed with XYZ Inc.'s commitment to innovation and excellence in the tech industry.

I am eager to bring my technical skills and experience to XYZ Inc. and contribute to your team's success. I have attached my resume for your review and would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my background and skills can be beneficial to your team.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of discussing this exciting opportunity with you.

Sincerely,
John Smith

Australia cover letter format

In Australia, cover letters typically follow a concise and professional format. It's crucial to address the cover letter to a specific person whenever possible, using "Dear Mr./Ms. [Last Name]". Australians appreciate a direct and straightforward approach that highlights relevant skills and experiences clearly linked to the job requirements. It's common to include achievements and specific examples of how your skills have contributed to previous roles. Additionally, demonstrating knowledge of the company and its values is highly valued, showing a genuine interest in the organisation's culture and goals.

Australians also expect cover letters to be well-structured and error-free, reflecting attention to detail. The use of Australian job boards like Seek is prevalent, and candidates are encouraged to tailor each cover letter to the specific job listing to emphasise fit and suitability for the role. Closing with "Yours sincerely" followed by your name maintains a professional tone, signalling readiness for further communication.

Cover letter example for an Australian company

Emma Brown
12 Green Street
Sydney, NSW 2000
[email protected]
(02) 1234 5678

5 July 2026

Mr. Robert Wilson
Aussie Tech Ltd.
34 Business Avenue
Melbourne, VIC 3000

Dear Mr. Wilson,

I am writing to apply for the Project Manager position advertised on Seek. With a Master's degree in Project Management and over 8 years of experience managing large-scale projects, I am confident in my ability to contribute effectively to Aussie Tech Ltd..

In my previous role at Down Under Projects, I successfully managed projects that resulted in a 20% increase in productivity. My experience in team leadership and resource management makes me a strong candidate for this position. I am particularly impressed by Aussie Tech Ltd.'s commitment to innovation and sustainable practices.

I am eager to bring my project management skills to Aussie Tech Ltd. and contribute to your team's success. I have attached my CV for your review and would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my background and skills can be beneficial to your team.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of discussing this exciting opportunity with you.

Yours sincerely,
Emma Brown

Canada cover letter format

In Canada, cover letters are seen as an essential part of the job application process, providing candidates with an opportunity to expand on their resume and demonstrate fit for the role. It's customary to begin with a formal greeting, addressing the hiring manager by name if possible, using "Dear Mr./Ms. [Last Name]". Canadian employers appreciate cover letters that not only summarise qualifications but also showcase a candidate's understanding of the company's goals and how they align with their own career aspirations.

Canadian cover letters often highlight specific achievements and skills relevant to the job, supported by quantifiable results where possible. Employers in Canada value authenticity and a genuine interest in their organisation, making it important to personalise each cover letter to the company and position. Job seekers commonly refer to local job boards like Workopolis for opportunities and ensure their cover letters are tailored to match Canadian business norms and expectations. Ending with "Sincerely" followed by your name is standard practice, indicating professionalism and readiness for further steps in the hiring process.

Cover letter example for a Canadian company

Michael Green
45 Maple Road
Toronto, ON M5H 2N2
[email protected]
(416) 123-4567

July 5, 2026

Ms. Lisa Martin
Maple Tech Inc.
789 Corporate Drive
Vancouver, BC V6B 1A1

Dear Ms. Martin,

I am writing to express my interest in the Business Analyst position advertised on Workopolis. With a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration and over 7 years of experience in business analysis, I am confident in my ability to contribute effectively to Maple Tech Inc..

At my previous job at Great North Solutions, I implemented data-driven strategies that improved efficiency by 25%. My analytical skills and experience with data analysis tools make me a strong candidate for this position. I am particularly drawn to Maple Tech Inc.'s dedication to fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment.

I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to bring my expertise to Maple Tech Inc. and contribute to your team's success. I have attached my resume for your review and would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my background and skills can be beneficial to your team.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of discussing this exciting opportunity with you.

Sincerely,
Michael Green