Cover Letter Templates: UK 2024 Updated

The following guide includes cover letter templates you can copy-paste into your drafting tool of choice and edit to fit your personal and professional goals. Looking for CV guidance instead? check out How to Format a CV: UK CV Format Guidance.

What is a cover letter template?

A cover letter template provides a structured format for writing a cover letter. It typically includes sections for your contact information, a salutation, an introduction, the body of the letter, and a closing. When you need inspiration writing your own cover letter, you can turn to templates for ideas. Cover letter templates help you focus on communicating why you are qualified for the position professionally and interestingly without worrying about the format.

Simple cover letter templates

The following section includes three generic cover letter templates you can tailor to fit your professional needs. If you're looking for more customized versions, you might benefit from one of the situation-specific ones this article covers next.

Simple cover letter template 1:

Dear [First and last name],

I'm writing because I'm very interested in the [ROLE] position you recently advertised on [SITE].

I have a relevant degree from [DEGREE UNIVERSITY], and I have the following skills that I think make me an ideal candidate:

[LIST SKILLS IN PARAGRAPH-LENGTH SENTENCES.]

I'd like to discuss my application further and answer any questions you might have. Please contact me by phone at [PHONE NUMBER] or by email at [EMAIL ADDRESS].

Thank you for your consideration,

[YOUR NAME]

Simple cover letter template 2:

Dear __________,

I am writing to express my interest in the ___________ position as advertised on _____________.

I am a recent graduate of _______ with strong communication skills and a proven track record of ______________.

My ability to ______ is a valuable asset that will contribute to your company's growth and success.

I look forward to the opportunity to convince you that I am the right person for this job. Please contact me at __________ or via email at ________ to arrange an interview.

Thank you for your consideration, and I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Sincerely,

____________________

Read more: How to Prepare for an Interview

Simple cover letter template 3:

Dear [First and last name],

I hope you're doing well. I'm writing to you because my passion lies in [specific industry].

I'm looking for a position that will allow me to utilise my skills and make a difference in the lives of others. I believe I would be an asset to your company because {specific reason you believe you'd be good for the job].

Warm regards,

Your Name

Read more: How to Address a Cover Letter

Google Docs has cover letter templates you can use to guide your own writing. To access a Google Docs cover letter template, you must sign into your Google account first. Then, navigate to Google Drive, click "New," "Google Docs," and "From Template." In the template gallery, you'll select "Letters" and choose the one that best suits your situation.

Cover letter templates for specific situations

The following CV templates are more tailored to fit certain circumstances, such as recent graduation or LinkedIn recruiting.

Recent graduate cover letter template:

I am writing in response to your advertisement for a graduate accounting assistant on the Job Channel. I read that you seek a candidate with a strong work ethic, great attention to detail, and a desire to learn more about accounting. My education and work experience have prepared me to meet these requirements.

I have been employed at XYZ Company since graduating with my bachelor's degree in May 2023. In this position, I have quickly learned the ins and outs of the accounting department. My manager has tasked me with conducting multiple daily bank reconciliations, which has allowed me to better understand auditing best practises and financial reporting requirements.

One of my most memorable work experiences was when I was asked to develop a new spreadsheet that tracked the monthly sales of each product line. My manager explained her vision for the spreadsheet but gave me free rein to make suggestions to improve its functionality. By trusting my judgement, I devised an innovative solution that saved her time and improved her efficiency by 10%.

Please contact me to discuss how my skills and knowledge can map to any role you are recruiting for.

Response to a job advert cover letter template:

I read your posting on Indeed for a part-time retail sales associate in ABC Electronics' electronics department. My educational background and work experience make me an ideal candidate for the position.

While at XYZ College, I developed a passion for retail sales and customer service. I have sought out multiple opportunities to develop my customer service skills. For example, I have worked as a cashier at ABC Supermarket since I was in college. In this role, I have gained invaluable experience interacting with customers and identifying their needs and wants. I also have experience managing inventory systems that are tied to point-of-sale systems. My strong communication skills allow me to listen and identify what the customer is looking for actively

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to discussing more of my experience in an interview.

LinkedIn cover letter template:

Thank you for connecting with me on LinkedIn. I am interested in exploring job opportunities with your company. My current role is serving as a [position] at [company name], and I have five years of experience there. I have a genuine curiosity to learn, and by utilising my skills, I consistently reach goals and give clients exceptional work. My background includes [list of pertinent details].

Read more: Cover Letter Examples and Best Practices

Cover letter templates for different job roles

Take a look at more detailed cover letters that can help you get ideas for applying to different jobs.

Sales manager example cover letter

I am very interested in the sales manager job position with ABC Company. I have over ten years of experience in sales and management. My most recent position as a sales manager at DEF Company was extremely successful, largely due to my focus on building positive client relationships and attention to detail. I am confident that my skill set and experience are a great match for this role.

This past year, I successfully generated £2 million in revenue for DEF Company. My efforts were rewarded with a promotion and public recognition.

I am proficient at managing teams to achieve desired results. In addition to working directly with the sales team, my responsibilities included monitoring daily operations, maintaining client relationships, and ensuring the overall business goals were achieved. Given that ABC Company has a similar structure and established goals, I believe I will be able to quickly become an asset to your organisation.

Thank you for your consideration of my application for this position. I look forward to discussing how my skills can benefit ABC Company.

Graphic design cover letter template:

I am very interested in the open graphic design position with ABC Marketing Group. I have a strong portfolio and experience as a graphic designer.

I studied Graphic Design at XYZ University. During my time at ABC Marketing Group, I worked on developing logos, brochures, advertisements, etc. I have been working with Adobe Creative Suite for over three years. As an intern at ABC Marketing Group, I redesigned the company logo and developed an interactive banner ad using HTML/CSS/JS coding languages.

My work is highly creative, and my skills are polished by my experience working in the industry. In addition to my education and work experience, I completed several design-related courses during my tenure at XYZ University. Examples of the courses include Introduction to Graphic Design, Layout Techniques for Print Media, and Computer Aided Design for Graphic Designers.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to discussing this opportunity further via phone or email.

Retail cover letter template:

I am writing to apply for the open retail management position with ABC Fashion Brand. My experience in retail, customer service, and fashion merchandising makes me a great fit for this position.

For the past three years, I have managed the merchandise of a high-end women’s clothing store. I have been responsible for purchasing new inventory, keeping up with seasonal trends, managing and training staff, troubleshooting problems, and driving sales. In my current position, I am also responsible for maintaining our store’s social media accounts to help increase traffic and sales via our website and mobile app.

During my time at XYZ University, I studied business management and retail merchandising. My degree focuses on business analysis, business communications, e-commerce management, and marketing principles. I have also worked at ABC Clothing brand as a part-time retail manager while attending university.

Please contact me to discuss your role or email me for further information.

8 tips for filling out your cover letter template

When writing a cover letter, following a few key tips can significantly enhance your chances of making a positive impression on potential employers. Start by using a professional yet approachable tone to convey your qualifications and enthusiasm. Keep your cover letter concise, limiting it to one page while clearly articulating your story and how your experiences make you an ideal fit for the job. Always address the letter to a specific person to add a personal touch, and tailor your content to the position and company. Researching the company thoroughly will allow you to make your letter more relevant and be explicit about the value you can bring to the organization. By adhering to these guidelines, you can craft a compelling cover letter that stands out.

Use a professional tone.

The tone of your cover letter should be professional and courteous. You want to make a good impression on an employer, but you don't want to seem too stiff or formal. The point of a cover letter is not just to state your credentials; it's also to get the attention of a potential employer and convince them that you're the right person for the job.

Be concise.

A cover letter should be one page only. Hiring managers often have numerous applications to review, so a concise cover letter allows them to quickly understand your qualifications and fit for the position without wading through unnecessary details. Being concise also helps you focus on the most relevant points, making it easier for the reader to grasp why you are the right candidate. It forces you to prioritize your experiences and skills that best match the job description.

A concise cover letter also demonstrates your ability to communicate effectively and efficiently, showing that you can convey essential information succinctly—a valuable skill in any professional setting. A well-crafted, concise cover letter is more likely to leave a lasting impression, highlighting your ability to be clear and direct, which can set you apart from candidates who may submit lengthy, unfocused letters.

Tell a story with your cover letter.

A good cover letter needs to tell a story about you and why you're applying for this specific job. Your employer wants to know why they should hire you instead of someone else. Briefly tell your story by explaining how your previous experiences make you the ideal candidate for this position and how you'll be an asset to the company.

Use the reader's name.

Always address your cover letter directly to the hiring manager. If the job posting doesn't include a name or state who will be reading the applications, search the job posting, the company's website, or LinkedIn, or phone the company to get the name of the recruiter. If you cannot find a person's name after trying all avenues, "Dear Hiring Manager," is an appropriate greeting to use.

Read more: How to Start a Cover Letter

Tailor your letter to the position.

A well-written, customised cover letter is a powerful way to show a potential employer that you have the skills and experience they're looking for. Thoroughly read the job description to understand the specific skills and qualifications the employer is seeking. Relate your past experiences to the job description by providing examples of how your skills and achievements align with the role's requirements.

Read more: How to Write a Cover Letter for a Job Application

Research the company.

Before writing your cover letter, make sure you know as much as possible about the company and the position you're applying for. The more information you have at your fingertips, the more relevant you can make your cover letter and CV. Research the company’s culture, mission, and recent achievements, and weave this information into your letter to demonstrate your genuine interest and enthusiasm for the organization. Explain how your values align with the company’s values and how you can contribute to their goals.

Make it personal.

Your cover letter should be an introduction of who you are and why you're qualified for the job in question. Be sure to share details about yourself that are directly relevant to the position and company so that your reader will get an idea of what working with you would be like.

Be clear about how you add value.

Be direct and specific about how you can help the company achieve its goals or solve its problems. Make it clear what value you can bring to the organisation, as well as why you'd be a great fit for this particular job.

Write a strong cover letter with Coursera

If you want more hands-on guidance, consider completing the Guided Project on Coursera: Create a Resume and Cover Letter on Google Docs. In just 2 hours, you'll walk through creating a professional, effective resume with expert-level guidance.

Or, continue preparing for the next step in your career with the Career Discovery Specialization on Coursera.

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