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How to write a cover letter.
A cover letter introduces you to an employer and asks them to think about your application.
It’s a short letter, usually 3 to 5 paragraphs long.
When to include a cover letter
You should always include a cover letter when you apply for a job using a CV.
You can write it as an email if you’re applying online or print a copy to go with a paper application.
When writing a cover letter, let the employer know you’re keen by showing that you’ve researched the company. Learn more about what they do through:
- their website
- recent news articles
- talking to people you know who work there
Send it to the right person
It's important to try to address your cover letter to someone by name. Check you have the details of the person you need to send it to.
You'll need their name and preferred title. For example, ‘Dr’, ‘Mr’, ‘Mrs’, ‘Ms’, and their job title. You should also make sure you have the right company name and address, including postcode.
If you do not know their name
If the job advert does not include a name you can check the company website. Try to find details of the head of the department, head of human resources or a recruitment manager.
If you still cannot find a name, you can start your letter with ‘Dear Sir or Madam’.
Introduction
Introduce yourself and explain how you found the advertised job. You can mention the job title, and reference number if there is one.
If you’re asking about any job openings and not applying to a vacancy, tell them what sort of job you’re looking for. Let the employer see how keen you are to work for them.
Show you're right for the job
Highlight the skills and experience you have that match what the employer is looking for.
Convince them that you're enthusiastic about working for them. Let them know you share their work values, culture and style.
Give extra information
If you have gaps in your employment history, you could talk about the skills you gained while you were out of work.
If you’ve mentioned on your CV that you have a disability, you might want to talk more about this in your cover letter. Organisations like Disability UK can give you advice on how to do this. You do not have to mention your disability at this stage if you prefer not to.
You can get more help with specialist advice on finding work if you have a disability.
Ending your cover letter
Thank the employer for considering your application. Let them know that they can get more details from your CV, and tell them you're looking forward to hearing from them.
Let them know how they can best contact you. Make sure your contact details are correct on both your cover letter and CV.
Yours sincerely or yours faithfully
If you know the name of the person you’re writing to, you should end the letter with ‘Yours sincerely’.
If you’ve addressed the letter ‘Dear Sir or Madam’, you should end the letter with ‘Yours faithfully’.
Tips for writing a cover letter
When writing your cover letter, remember to:
- write a new one for every job you apply for and make sure it’s tailored to the company and the specific role
- use the same font and size as you do for your CV, so it looks consistent
- make sure the company name and recruiter’s details are correct
- use the right language and tone: keep it professional and match the keywords used by the employer in their job advert
- show you’ve done your research into the job and the company
- highlight your most relevant skills and experience to stand out from other applicants
- back up any statements you make with facts and use the STAR method
- double check spelling and grammar before you send it
- keep a copy of your cover letter as they may ask you about it in an interview
Related content
How to write a CV
Completing application forms
Interview tips
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Sample cover letter
Cover letters add context to your CV and when used correctly are a great way to convince employers that you're right for the job. This sample cover letter should help you get started
A cover letter demonstrates to recruiters how well you express yourself, so you need to make sure that you don't just repeat your CV or give rambling explanations. Instead, use this opportunity to focus on your skills and experience, saving your qualifications for your CV.
The basic cover letter structure covers:
- why you're writing the letter
- why you think you're suitable for the job (with examples)
- relevant skills and experience
- summary of your interest in the role.
Double check what you've written as spelling mistakes or lack of attention to detail will put your cover letter straight on the no pile.
Please be aware that this is an example. Use this cover letter template to help generate ideas and structure your own document but avoid copying and pasting. Your cover letter needs to be original and tailored to the job you're applying for.
Avril Lee 115 My Street Mytown WX55 1CQ [email protected] 07777999888
Harry Smith Graduate HR director Big Company Ltd Woodcotes Business Park The Midlands MX9 6PQ
5th May 2023
Dear Mr Smith
Re: Logistics graduate scheme
I would like to apply for the logistics track of your graduate training scheme, advertised on the Prospects.ac.uk website. As requested, I am enclosing my CV.
I am in the final year of my geography degree, expecting a 2:1. Always intending to have a career in business, I have taken modules on the geography of business and GIS modelling. My final-year dissertation is on changing patterns in retail. During my degree, I have developed my analytical skills and ability to read, manage and present data. I have also become familiar with a range of business intelligence sources.
As you can see from my CV I have experience in:
- Retail - moving from shelf stacker to checkout operator to team leader in my two years with Fresh Foods. I contributed to the store consistently being in the top five for the region by providing excellent customer service.
- Warehouse operations - picking and packing to meet targets over the busy Christmas period.
I have also:
- Worked in and led teams at Fresh Foods, on course projects and in sports.
- Communicated with colleagues at all levels in retail and warehousing.
- Solved problems as a team leader, ensuring staff cover and dealing with customer complaints.
- Worked flexibly doing both early and late shifts and covering for absence, sometimes at short notice.
- Managed my time when combining study with work and sport.
My semester in Germany exposed me to a different culture and improved my language skills. In addition, my voluntary work with young people has increased my resilience and ability to mix with people from all walks of life.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Yours sincerely
(Sign your name here)
Find out more
- Get more information on cover letters .
- If you're applying for a job that's not advertised take a look at an example speculative cover letter .
- Learn more about the 5 things to avoid when writing a cover letter .
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- Adobe Acrobat
How to Format a Cover Letter.
In today’s competitive job market, ensuring your cover letter has the relevant information is essential. But it’s just as crucial to differentiate yourself from other candidates. To do this, you’ll need to know how to format a cover letter correctly. There are varying opinions on the correct cover letter format, but following a basic structure could land you your dream job.
Discover how to format a cover letter the right way with our comprehensive guide below.
What you’ll learn.
In detail: how to format a cover letter..
- Cover Letter Formatting Tips.
- Benefits of formatting your Cover Letter in PDF
When creating your cover letter, you’ll need to refer to the information provided in the job application. Some jobs have specific instructions - such as which font and template to use - to verify that the candidate has read the application in full.
If you’re wondering how to format your cover letter, we recommend using either Microsoft Word or a PDF. These are the best file formats for sending your CV and cover letter by email. Not only have they got a consistent format that is simple to follow, but they are also easily accessible. However, If you decided to write your cover letter in Word document and then convert to a PDF file , make sure check that your formatting translated correctly.
Here’s how to format a simple cover letter in a few steps:
List Your Contact information.
The first section of your cover letter should include the date and your contact information. This includes:
- Your city and county
- Your phone number
- Your email address
Your contact details, address and the date must be right aligned. Keep this section brief and to one line each.
Include Employer information.
Including the employer’s information is standard practice for a hard copy delivered by hand. However, it’s good practice to include it in an email copy as well. Information includes:
- The hiring manager’s name
- Company name
- Company address
- Company city, county and postcode
The employer’s contact information and the rest of the cover letter is left-aligned. Again, this should be kept to one line each.
Cover Letter Body.
The main body of your cover letter should let the employer know the position you’re applying for and why you should be considered for the role. Structure is incredibly important here, so ensure each point is separated into paragraphs.
- The first paragraph should include your greeting and why you’re applying for the role.
- The main body of the cover letter should consist of at least three paragraphs declaring your suitability and any relevant skills and experience you can bring to the role.
- In your final paragraph, use a call to action showing a clear indication that you’re interested in reaching the next stage of the application.
- Sign off with ‘Yours Sincerely’ if you know the hiring manager’s name and ‘Yours Faithfully’ if you don’t. Follow with your full name.
If possible, try to keep your cover letter to one page, with a maximum of four paragraphs. Employers read hundreds of cover letters a week and they’re likely to skip one that’s too long.
Download our Cover Letter template above
Then use Adobe tools to edit in details specific to your job.
Edit PDF Online for Free
Cover Letter Formatting Tips
Applying proper cover letter format helps to make a positive first impression on employers. When creating your cover letter document, remember:
Font and Font Size.
The font of your cover letter should be simple, clean and professional. There are a few basic, clear fonts to choose from, such as Arial, Calibri and Verdana. Fancy or decorated fonts can look complicated and unprofessional, so it’s best to avoid these. Similar to your CV, use 10 or 12-point font size to allow for easy reading. A smaller font can be hard to follow, while a larger font will appear unprofessional and clumsy.
A cover letter with minimal spacing can look cluttered. Consistent whitespace will make it easier for the employer to read in the right place. To achieve this, set your cover letter to single space and include a space between each section of your cover letter. Be careful to not indent any of your paragraphs.
Margin size.
Margins are often overlooked, but they make a huge difference to the structure of your cover letter. Use standard 1-inch margins for the entire document and try to keep it to one page. If the copy spills onto another page, try to cut down your paragraphs. Alternatively, you can shrink your margins to ¾” or ½”. Any smaller than this and your cover letter will look pinched.
Benefits of Formatting Your Cover Letter in PDF.
- The formatting stays the same - A PDF is compatible with most systems. This means they will look exactly the same no matter the device and the formatting won’t change.
- Can’t be easily edited - The recruiter or hiring manager can have the editor install, but you can lock the PDF , so there are no unexpected changes made without your knowledge.
- Easy to send through application software - Most applicant tracking software programs are more likely to have the ability to read PDFs rather than Word documents or .txt files.
Get working on your Cover Letter with Adobe templates
- Adobe templates make Cover Letters simpler than ever before.
- Use Adobe tools to edit and personalise the doc to reflect your personality.
What font should I use for a cover letter?
Using a simple font will make your cover letter easy to read. Basic universal fonts like Arial and Calibri are the most popular choices. Choose a font size between 10 and 12 points to allow for plenty of white space.
Why do I need a cover letter?
A cover letter acts as an introduction to your application and you should write it with a specific job in mind. The cover letter should complement your CV and showcase your interest in the job, as well as what skills you can bring to the role.
How should I send the cover letter?
It’s best to send your cover letter via email as a PDF attachment along with your CV. You’re more likely to get noticed than someone who sends their CV and cover letter in another file type as the formatting will stay the same and look as you intended.
Related Acrobat content.
Need more expert guides on how to format a cover letter? Check out these other handy pages:
- How to write a cover letter that can help you to land your dream job
- How to email your CV and Cover letter
- Free PDF cover letter templates
Sign up to Adobe Acrobat and produce the perfect cover letter PDF with our online services and editing tools.
IMAGES
VIDEO
COMMENTS
Learn how to write a cover letter for a job application in the UK with this guide. Find out the elements, format, font, spacing, length and tips to impress employers.
Adjust the spacing to 1-1,5. Separate the paragraphs with a double space. Save your cover letter as a PDF unless noted otherwise. PDF file types protect your cover letter format. Here are the steps to structure each part of your cover letter the right way: 1. Start your business letter with a professional header.
Learn how to introduce yourself, show your skills and interest, and end your cover letter for a UK job application. Find tips, examples and advice on research, format and language.
Following the standard UK business letter format, you should stick with a standard, formal salutation. 'Dear' + the first name of the person to whom you're writing is generally the best option. 'Dear' + the person's title and surname is another option, as is 'Dear' + the person's full name (avoid this if possible).
Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to meeting with you to discuss my application further. Closing the letter. Sign off your cover letter with 'Yours sincerely' (if you know the name of the hiring manager), or 'Yours faithfully' (if you don't), followed by your name.
Typically, three to five short paragraphs, cover letters should not exceed one A4 page. If sending electronically, put the text in the body of the email rather than as an attachment, to avoid it being detected by spam filters. Applications should always include a cover letter unless the job advert instructs you differently.
Please be aware that this is an example. Use this cover letter template to help generate ideas and structure your own document but avoid copying and pasting. Your cover letter needs to be original and tailored to the job you're applying for. Avril Lee 115 My Street Mytown WX55 1CQ [email protected] 07777999888.
How to format a cover letter in 3 simple steps: step 1. Start with your contact information. First, enter your contact details: your name, address underneath, your phone number on the next line and your email on the next one. Align it with the edge of the page.
Cover letter paragraph 1: The introduction. The position you are interested in and why you are applying for it - a brief introductory passage that covers three things: Why you're writing the letter. What job role you are applying for. How you found out about the job. Something like:
Concise Cover Letter Example. 1. Copy-and-paste cover letter sample. Use this text copy-and-paste blank cover letter sample to get instructions on filling in your letter: Download this cover letter example for Microsoft Word. Use This Template.
1. Do use standard UK margins. Margins are the space around the sides of your cover letter. A standard UK cover letter uses 2.5 cm margins (that's 1 inch). Here's how to set that up in Microsoft Word and Google Docs: Microsoft Word. Click 'Layout' from the 'ribbon' bar at the top. Press on the 'Margins' click-down option. Select ...
Start your cover letter with the right salutation: Cover Letter Salutation Examples. Dear Mr. Brown, Dear James Brown, Dear James, Format your cover letter salutation so that it fits the company culture. If you're applying to a conservative, traditional organisation, go with Mr. / Ms. and the hiring manager's last name.
The first section of your cover letter should include the date and your contact information. This includes: Your name. Your city and county. Your phone number. Your email address. Your contact details, address and the date must be right aligned. Keep this section brief and to one line each.
Start with your full name and contact details. Place them at the top of the document, aligned to the right or centred. Your name can be bolded and in a slightly larger font. In addition to your name, include your address, telephone number and e-mail address. STEP 3.
Here's how to format your cover letter the right way: Use the correct margins, alignment, and spacing. Choose a clear, readable font and a maximum length of one page. Address your cover letter correctly and use a personalized salutation. Use the right structure for the body of your cover letter.
Here's how to format a cover letter in the UK: Address your cover letter using a business letter-style heading: your name and contact details, followed by the date of writing and, finally, the name and contact information of the addressee (i.e. the hiring manager or recruiter).
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