Ultimate Guide to Writing a UK Standard Cover Letter - Tips & Examples

Writing a UK standard cover letter is an essential skill for job seekers. A well-crafted cover letter complements your CV by highlighting your suitability for the role and expressing your enthusiasm for the company. We understand that writing a cover letter can be challenging and sometimes boring. To help you make it easier, UK Visa Jobs created this step-by-step cover letter writing guide with examples.

1. Header

• Your contact details: Name, address, phone number, and email
• Date
• Employer's contact details: Name (if known), title, company, and address

  Example:

     Alex Smith

     123 Park Lane

     London, E1 3BZ

     07700 900987 | alex.smith@email.com

     15 November 2023

 

     Ms. Jane Doe

     Hiring Manager

     ABC Publishing

     456 Literary Road

     London, W1D 4EZ

 

2. Salutation

• Address the letter to a specific person if possible, e.g., "Dear Ms. Doe".
• If the name is unknown, use "Dear Hiring Manager" or "Dear [Company Name] Team".

 

3. Opening Paragraph

• Introduce yourself and state the position you're applying for.
• Briefly mention how you found the job listing (optional). If you are introduced to this role by someone else, you should mention it here.

Example:

I am writing to express my interest in the Editorial Assistant position at ABC Publishing, as advertised on your careers page.

or 

I am a postgraduate candidate at University College London, majoring in MA in Comparative Business Economics. I would like to apply for a full-time analyst position in Morgan Stanley's Operations Department.

 

4. Body Paragraphs (1-2 Paragraphs)

• Explain why you applied for this job
• Highlight your relevant skills, experiences, and achievements.
• Relate your abilities to the job description.

Example:

I am highly motivated to join the Morgan Stanley Operations team, where my academic distinctions in finance and quantitative studies, coupled with diverse professional experiences, make me a strong candidate. My role as a research assistant refined my skills in analyzing complex financial data, enhancing my ability to report, research, problem-solve, and multitask effectively. Internships as a business journalist at ABC and an investment intern at CDE have further developed my interpersonal skills and my capacity to thrive under pressure. These experiences have prepared me to excel in a fast-paced environment like Morgan Stanley, known for its excellence in operations and commitment to innovation. I am eager to contribute my analytical acumen and professional resilience to the Morgan Stanley team, confident in my ability to uphold the highest professional standards and make a significant impact.

 

5. Company-Specific Paragraph

To write this part effectively, you need to research the company and the role. It is important to understand the company's values, culture, and the specifics of the role you're applying for. You can use your understanding in your cover letter to demonstrate that you are keen to work for them. For example, If applying to a publishing company, acknowledge their recent successful book series and express how your skills could contribute to future projects.

In this part,

• Explain why you're interested in the company.
• Show that you've done your research.

Example,

BDO's extensive and diverse client portfolio presents a unique opportunity for a graduate trainee like myself, offering unparalleled exposure to various industries and a platform for rapid professional growth. What particularly draws me to BDO is its exceptional approach to client service, which empowers employees with significant responsibilities and fosters a dynamic learning environment. Additionally, BDO’s commitment to social responsibility, especially through its National Educational Volunteering Programme, resonates deeply with my personal values. I am eager to contribute to a firm that not only leads in innovative accounting practices but also prioritises making a meaningful impact in the community. 

 

6. Closing Paragraph

• Reiterate your interest in the role.
• Mention your availability for an interview.
• Thank the reader for considering your application.

Example:

I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to bring my editorial skills to ABC Publishing. I am available for an interview at your earliest convenience and look forward to the possibility of contributing to your team.

 

7. Sign-Off

• Use a professional closing, such as "Yours sincerely" if you named a person or "Yours faithfully" if you did not.
• Your typed name.

Example:

     Yours sincerely,

     Alex Smith

 

Formatting Tips

• Use a professional font (e.g., Arial, Times New Roman) in size 10-12.
• Keep the letter to one page.
• Align text to the left and use single spacing.
• Proofread for spelling and grammatical errors.

 

A Cover Letter Example

Alex Smith
123 Park Lane
London, E1 3BZ
07700 900987 | alex.smith@email.com

15 November 2023

Ms. Jane Doe
Hiring Manager
ABC Publishing
456 Literary Road
London, W1D 4EZ

Dear Ms. Doe,

I am writing to express my strong interest in the Editorial Assistant position at ABC Publishing, as recently advertised on your company website. With a First-Class Honours degree in English Literature from the University of London and a passion for contemporary fiction, I believe I am well-equipped to contribute effectively to your dynamic editorial team.

During my internship at XYZ Media, I gained substantial experience in manuscript editing, proofreading, and coordinating with authors and agents. This role required a high level of attention to detail, organisational skills, and the ability to work under tight deadlines, skills that I understand are paramount in the Editorial Assistant role at ABC Publishing. Additionally, my successful management of XYZ Media’s social media accounts led to a 30% increase in online engagement, showcasing my ability to effectively promote content and engage with a wider audience.

I have been particularly impressed by ABC Publishing’s commitment to bringing diverse voices to the forefront of the literary scene. Your recent publication, "Voices Unheard," which highlighted emerging authors from underrepresented communities, was not only a compelling read but also a testament to your dedication to impactful storytelling. I am keen to contribute to such meaningful projects that align with my own values of diversity and inclusivity in literature.

Furthermore, my proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and experience in digital content creation align well with the increasing digital focus in the publishing industry. I am excited about the opportunity to bring my unique blend of traditional editorial skills and digital savvy to ABC Publishing.

I am eager to discuss how my background, skills, and enthusiasm for literature make me a perfect fit for this role. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of contributing to the esteemed team at ABC Publishing and am available for an interview at your earliest convenience.

Yours sincerely,

Alex Smith

 

Final Thoughts

A compelling cover letter tailored to the specific job and company can significantly boost your chances of landing an interview. Be authentic, concise, and professional throughout your letter, ensuring it reflects both your personality and professional suitability for the role.