How to Write a Cover Letter (UK 2026): Step-by-Step Guide with Example
A cover letter introduces you to an employer and asks them to think about your application. The National Careers Service describes it as a short letter, usually 3 to 5 paragraphs long, and says you should always include one when you apply for a job with a CV (National Careers Service). This guide shows the UK structure step by step, with a full graduate example, the mistakes to avoid and a checklist. For quick answers on single points, see our guides to how to start a cover letter, how long a cover letter should be and how to format a cover letter.
“Write a new one for every job you apply for.”
National Careers Service, “How to write a cover letter”
Do you need a cover letter?
If you apply with a CV, yes: the National Careers Service says to always include one, either as an email or as a printed copy for a paper application (National Careers Service). Some graduate schemes skip the cover letter and use an application form or video interview instead, so always follow the instructions on the posting. You can check each employer’s requirements on its page in our graduate schemes hub.
Cover letter structure at a glance
| Part | What to put there | Length |
|---|---|---|
| Header | Your contact details, date, employer’s details | 4–6 lines |
| Greeting | “Dear Ms Patel” or “Dear Sir or Madam” | 1 line |
| Opening | Role, where you found it, one-line reason for applying | 2–3 sentences |
| Middle | 2–3 skills or experiences that match the job, with evidence | 1–2 paragraphs |
| Why this employer | One specific reason from your research | 1 short paragraph |
| Close | Thanks, point to your CV, how to contact you | 2–3 sentences |
| Sign-off | “Yours sincerely” or “Yours faithfully” and your name | 2 lines |
The National Careers Service puts the whole letter at 3 to 5 paragraphs, and gradireland says no more than one page (gradireland).
How to write a cover letter, step by step
1. Research the employer and the role
Show you are keen by researching the company. The National Careers Service suggests its website, recent news articles and people you know who work there. For graduate schemes, read the employer’s own programme page too, for example our guides to Santander or NHS GMTS.
2. Address it to a named person
Try to address the letter to someone by name, with their preferred title. If the advert doesn’t give one, check the company website for the head of the department, head of HR or a recruitment manager. Only if you still can’t find a name, start with “Dear Sir or Madam”. Our guide on how to address a cover letter without a name has options.
3. Open with the role and why you are applying
Introduce yourself, name the job title and reference number if there is one, and say how you found the vacancy. Add one line that shows your motivation. Don’t repeat your CV.
4. Match your skills to what the employer asks for
Pick the two or three requirements in the advert that matter most and give one concrete example for each, from university, work, volunteering or societies. The National Careers Service advises backing up statements with facts and using the STAR method. Use the employer’s own keywords from the advert.
5. Say why this employer
Add one specific reason you want to work for them, from your research. Generic praise (“a leading company”) is easy to spot.
6. Close clearly
Thank the employer for considering your application, point them to your CV for more detail, say you look forward to hearing from them and make sure your contact details are correct on both documents. See how to close and sign off a cover letter.
7. Check, save and keep a copy
Check spelling and grammar, use the same font and size as your CV, and keep a copy because you may be asked about it at interview. Our guide on how to choose a cover letter font covers the basics.
Yours sincerely or yours faithfully?
Use “Yours sincerely” if you know the person’s name. Use “Yours faithfully” if you wrote “Dear Sir or Madam” (National Careers Service).
Cover letter example for a graduate (UK)
Edit the details to fit your own experience. Keep it to one page.
Priya Shah
14 Carlton Road, Leeds LS6 1AB
[email protected] | 07700 900123
12 October 2026
Ms Helen Carter
Graduate Recruitment Manager
Northfield Retail Group
Manchester M1 2AB
Dear Ms Carter,
Application for the Graduate Operations Programme (ref. GOP-27)
I am applying for the Graduate Operations Programme advertised on your careers site. I will graduate from the University of Leeds with a 2:1 in Geography in July 2027, and I want to build a career in operations where I can improve how teams work.
In my final-year dissertation I analysed delivery data for a local food charity and suggested a rota change that reduced missed collections by about a quarter. As treasurer of the university hiking society I managed a budget of £3,000 and organised 12 trips for 80 members. These roles taught me to work with data, plan carefully and keep a team on track.
I am drawn to Northfield's recent move to regional distribution hubs, which I read about in your annual report, because it combines logistics with customer service, two areas I enjoy. I would welcome the chance to learn from your operations managers.
Thank you for considering my application. My CV gives more detail, and I look forward to hearing from you. I am available for interview at short notice and can be reached on the number above.
Yours sincerely,
Priya ShahThe numbers and names in this example are made up. Replace them with your own evidence, and never copy it word for word.
Common cover letter mistakes
- Sending the same letter to every employer. The National Careers Service says to write a new one for every job.
- Repeating your CV instead of adding detail (gradireland).
- Writing more than one page.
- Using “Dear Sir or Madam” when the name is easy to find.
- Making claims with no evidence.
- Typos and the wrong company name.
Cover letter checklist
Is it tailored to this role? Does it have a named recipient? Does it fit on one page? Do you give two or three pieces of evidence? Do you say why this employer? Are your contact details correct? Have you checked spelling and kept a copy?
More cover letter guides
- Cover letter with no experience
- Internship cover letter
- Graduate cover letter tips and examples
- Short cover letter guide
- Cover letter templates by Debut
- AI cover letter generator by Debut
- Cover letter for graduate investment banking jobs
- Applying to a scheme? See the graduate schemes hub and our assessment centre guide.
FAQ
How long should a cover letter be?
The National Careers Service says usually 3 to 5 paragraphs, and gradireland says no more than one page.
Do I always need a cover letter?
Always include one when you apply with a CV. Some graduate schemes use application forms instead, so follow the posting.
How do I address a cover letter if I don’t know the name?
Check the company website for the head of department, head of HR or a recruitment manager. If you can’t find a name, use “Dear Sir or Madam” and end with “Yours faithfully”.
Should I use “Yours sincerely” or “Yours faithfully”?
“Yours sincerely” with a named recipient, “Yours faithfully” after “Dear Sir or Madam”.
Should I repeat my CV in my cover letter?
No. Add evidence and motivation, and point to your CV for the detail.
Can I use one cover letter for several jobs?
No. Write a new one for each job and tailor it to the company and role.
