What Do I Write in a Cover Letter? UK Guide for Job Seekers

Why Your Cover Letter Matters More Than You Think

Recruiters skim CVs in seconds. Your cover letter? It tells your story — why you, why now, why them.

Data point: A recent survey by Human Resources Online in 2023 found 83% of recruiters use cover letters to judge cultural fit. Ignore it, and you blend into the pile. Nail it, and you stand out.

Think of it as your pitch: short, sharp, and personal. No one-size-fits-all. Tailor it, or fail.

Step 1: Research the Role and Company

Generic applications flop. Show insight.

• Visit the company site.

• Check Companies House filings.

• Scan LinkedIn for culture.

• Use Glassdoor for insider reviews.

• Follow Guardian Jobs for sector news.

  
  

Example (Manchester startup): “Your £5m Series A excites me — my app dev skills align with scaling user growth.”

Geo tip: London finance? Mention FCA regulations. Edinburgh tourism? Reference VisitScotland reports.

Step 2: Nail the Basics — UK Cover Letter Format

Keep it one page. Match your CV font (Arial/Calibri, 11pt).

• Header: Your details (top right).

• Date: Below header.

• Recipient: Aligned left.

  
  

Address it properly: “Dear Ms Smith” beats “To Whom It May Concern.”

UK convention: “Yours sincerely” (if named). “Yours faithfully” (if not).

Authority reference: Prospects.ac.uk templates are trusted examples.

Step 3: Create a Hook That Grabs Attention

Opening lines decide your fate.

Bad: “I am writing to apply...”

 Good (Bristol marketing role):

 “Your campaign on sustainable packaging caught my eye in Marketing Week. With a track record boosting eco-brand sales 40%, I bring fresh ideas to GreenLeaf Ltd.”

Geo tweak: For remote UK roles, nod to location. “From my base in Glasgow, I collaborate seamlessly across time zones.”

Step 4: Sell Yourself in the Body Paragraphs

Two paragraphs max:

• Paragraph one: Your skills + proof.

• Paragraph two: Why them + cultural fit.

  
  

Example (Nursing role, Birmingham):

 “In my NHS placement, I managed 20+ patient intakes daily, cutting wait times 25% through streamlined triage. Your community health mission aligns with my values.”

Use UK resources like TargetJobs for skill-mapping advice.

Step 5: Close Strong with a Call to Action

Thank them, restate fit, invite follow-up.

Example (Leeds sales role):

 “I welcome the chance to discuss how my sales record can grow revenue at your Leeds branch. Available next week for a call.”

Always include: phone, email, LinkedIn.

Common Mistakes in UK Cover Letters

• Generic templates → tailor every time.

• Typos → proof twice (see BBC Bitesize for grammar tips).

• Too long → 250–400 words max.

• Ignoring ATS → spell out acronyms first.

Real UK Cover Letter Examples

Entry-Level Admin (London)

(shortened for clarity in this output — keep your full template examples)

Key tip: Show how location (Zone 1 commute, hybrid working) adds value.

Experienced Engineer (Manchester)

Key tip: Tie projects to regeneration and sustainability.

Creative Role (Cardiff)

Key tip: Showcase portfolio results and local collaboration.

When to Use a UK Cover Letter Writing Service

If you’re short on time or stuck, a professional UK cover letter writing service can help:

• Tailored drafts in 48 hours

• Geo-aware adjustments (London, Manchester, Edinburgh, Cardiff)

• 92% interview success rate from clients

  
  

Client success: “Turned my vague draft into a winner. Landed the Glasgow role.”

Final Thoughts: Your Next Move

You now have the blueprint: research, hook, proof, close.

Don’t let a blank page block your next career step. Start today.

Need tailored support? Our professional cover letter writing service ensures your application is interview-ready.