Not sure what type of cover letter is going to catch the eye of hiring managers, so they actually read your CV?
A well-written cover letter can be a game-changer in your job search, so long as you think carefully about what you include.
No need to panic, though.
For an easy win, use one of our 11 impressive cover letter templates, along with inspirational examples and a step-by-step writing guide.
Basic cover letter template
Dear [Recruiter’s name],
I am writing to apply for the [Job title] at [Company name], as advertised on [Website name]. With [Number of years of experience] in [Core responsibilities of role + quantified achievement if possible].
During my current job at [Company name], I [Core responsibilities of role + quantified achievement if possible].
I am eager to bring my [Mention suitable skill + aspirations] to the [Job title] at [Employer’s name] and I am available for an interview at your earliest convenience.
Kind regards,
[Name]
[Phone number]
[Email]
Basic cover letter example
Short cover letter template
Hi [Recruiter name],
I’d like to express my interest in the role of [Job title] as advertised on [Website name].
I am currently working in a [Current role] role for [Current employer], where I am responsible for [Core responsibilities of role + quantified achievement if possible].
I’m looking for a new challenge that will [Aspirations + mention of suitable skill].
It would be great to hear from you, and I am available to interview at any time.
Regards,
[Name]
[Phone number]
[Email]
Short cover letter example
Admin cover letter template
Good morning [Hiring Manager],
I am writing to submit my application for the position of [Role name] at [Company name]. As a passionate and committed individual with [Number of years] of experience and a track record of [Core responsibilities of role + quantified achievement if possible], I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to the continued success of your institution.
I have gained valuable insights into the [Core responsibilities of role + more quantified achievements.] In my current role as [Current role], I have continuously facilitated positive change and enhanced [Company name’s] reputation.
Some notable achievements I would like to mention include [List quantified achievements].
With all my experience and a [Qualification] in [Subject], I hope that you recognise my enthusiasm and will consider me for the position.
Kind regards,
[Name]
[Phone number]
[Email address]
Admin cover letter example
Finance cover letter template
Hi [Recruiter name],
I am excited to apply for the [Job title] at [Company name]. As a results-orientated professional with a track record of [Core responsibilities of role + quantified achievement if possible], I am confident that my expertise aligns perfectly with the needs of your organisation.
With [Number of years] of experience, I have developed [Core responsibilities of role + quantified achievement if possible].
In my current role as a [Current role] at [Current employer], I implemented a [Core responsibilities of role + quantified achievement if possible].
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of further discussing my qualifications, skills, and contributions I will bring as your new [Job title].
Kind regards,
[Name]
[Phone number]
[Email address]
Finance cover letter example
Sales cover letter template
Hi [Recruiter name],
I hope you’re well. I am writing to apply for the [Job title] at [Company name]. With [Core responsibilities of role + quantified achievement if possible].
I am eager to apply my proactive and goal-orientated approach to drive revenue growth at [Company name]. I am available for an interview at your earliest convenience to discuss how my dedication and skills can contribute to the success of your sales team.
Kind regards,
[Name]
[Phone number]
[Email address]
Sales cover letter example
Customer service cover letter template
Hi [Recruiter name],
I’d like to apply for the position of [Job title] as advertised on [Website name].
With [Years] of experience in customer-facing positions for leading retail companies, I have gathered extensive customer service skills in [Type of setting].
In my current role with [Company name], I am responsible for [Role responsibilities + quantified achievement if possible].
My role has given me [Aspirations + mention suitable skill].
I believe my skill sets and product knowledge will allow me to fit perfectly with the requirements you are seeking in a candidate, and I am available for an interview at short notice.
Kind regards,
[Name]
[Phone number]
[Email address]
Customer service cover letter example
Project management cover letter template
Hi [Recruiter name],
I am interested in applying for the role of [Job title]. My experience in [List core responsibilities of role + quantified achievement if possible].
I am enclosing my CV for your consideration, which further highlights my experience, which I am positive fully meets the demands of this role.
Kind regards,
[Name]
[Phone number]
[Email address]
Project management cover letter example
Education cover letter template
Hi [Recruiter name],
I hope you’re well.
I am writing concerning the advert for a [Job title] at [Name of educational setting]. Over the past [Number of years], I have [Core responsibilities of role + quantified achievement if possible].
I am seeking a new opportunity that will allow me to [Aspirations + mention of suitable skill].
I am keen to talk to you more about the job role, and I look forward to hearing from you.
Kind regards,
[Name]
[Phone number]
[Email address]
Education cover letter example
Internal promotion cover letter template
Hey [Recruiter name],
I hope you and the team are well! I am thrilled to apply for the promotion to [Job title] of the [Department] team at [Company name], as advertised on [Website name]. With my [Number of years] of service as a [Current role], within the company, supported by [Core responsibilities of role + quantified achievement if possible].
As a dedicated member of staff, I am eager to streamline and innovate the administrative operations at [Company name] in this new role. I would love to discuss my vision for this role further in an interview at your discretion.
All the best,
[Name]
[Phone number]
[Email address]
Internal promotion cover letter example
Student cover letter template
Good morning [Recruiter name],
I would like to submit my application for the [Job title] at [Company name], where I believe my skills in [Industry] can make a valuable contribution.
As a highly driven [Core responsibilities of studies + quantified achievement if possible].
I am eager to continue learning and to have the opportunity to work alongside the team at [Employer’s name]. I am available for an interview at your convenience to further discuss my qualifications. Thank you for considering my application.
Kind regards,
[Name]
[Phone number]
[Email address]
Student cover letter example
No experience cover letter template
Hi [Recruiter name],
I am an enthusiastic [Job title/student] at [Current employer/School or university name] with excellent [Core skills], seeking to apply for the [Job title] at [Company name].
In my current role as [Current role] at [Current employer], I [Core responsibilities of role + quantified achievement if possible].
I am excited to contribute my [Aspirations + mention of suitable skill]. I am available for an interview from [Insert date] and I am eager to discuss how my skills can benefit your company’s success.
Thank you for considering my application.
Sincerely,
[Name]
[Phone number]
[Email address]
No experience cover letter example
How to write a cover letter
Here are five steps on how to write a cover letter to ensure you get hiring managers in the UK and beyond to look at your CV.
Include your cover letter within the email or message
When submitting your job application, always include your cover letter within the body of your email or message. Never attached it as a separate document.
“But why?”, you ask.
Well, you should instantly grab the recruiter’s attention the moment they look at your application. If they have to endure the hassle of opening a document, it slows everything down, and they may not even bother.
Here’s how to include your cover letter in the body of your application message:
Tailor your greeting by directly addressing the recruiter
To get your cover letter off to a great start, make a brilliant first impression by using the hiring manager or recruiter’s name.
Avoid sounding overly formal or informal, though.
For instance, you could address the recruiter using:
- Hi
- Hi [insert recruiter’s name]
- Hi [insert department/team name]
Skip the conventional “Dear Sir or Madam” unless you’re targeting highly formal companies.
Here are a few tips on how to locate the recruiter’s name:
- Check the job ad – Sometimes, you can find their name and email address within the job advert itself.
- Visit the company website – Look at the “About Us” section to unearth the contact info for the recruitment team or head of department.
- Use LinkedIn – If you’re having a hard time pinning down the specific team and company related to the job opening, a quick search can reveal the person in charge of hiring for that specific job.
If you have no success in finding their name, don’t stress. Just say “Hi” – that’ll more than do the trick. Aim for a greeting that is both professional and welcoming.
Here are some examples of how to address your cover letter if you have trouble finding their name:
Be personable and professional
Your cover letter should be a blend of personality and professionalism.
Coming across as too casual can make you sound a little unprofessional while appearing excessively formal can make you look stiff.
Go for a professional, friendly tone.
Begin with something such as, “I hope you’re well” to bring a personal touch.
Pinpoint your applicable skills
Your cover letter’s purpose? To entice hiring managers to read your CV. To do this, quickly allude to your relevant skills tailored to the job you’re interested in.
Review the job description and note the essential qualifications and skills the recruiter wants.
Concentrate on these skills in your cover letter and tell them why you’re perfect for the role.
This gives recruiters the confidence they need to consider you for the job.
For instance, you could say:
- Finance – “My strategic planning skills allowed me to identify key growth opportunities and revenue drivers, ultimately leading to the impressive revenue increase of over £100 million.”
- Marine engineer – “I excel in the development and implementation of predictive maintenance programs, ensuring equipment reliability and longevity. I implemented a predictive maintenance programme that reduced downtime of critical equipment by 25%, as well as saved £120K+ annually through purchasing supplies from suitable industry vendors.”
- Medical writer – “My capacity to translate complex medical information into clear and accessible content for various audiences is a core skill that has empowered me to produce 15 high-quality educational materials. Moreover, my strong research proficiency was instrumental in increasing audience comprehension and patient satisfaction scores by 30% and 15% respectively.”
Conclude and add a professional signature
Your sign-off must be warm. So, say something like “Best regards” or “Kind regards.” Just be yourself while staying polite.
To add a nice finishing touch to your cover letter, add a professional signature at the very bottom.
Doing so helps the person on the other end know how to reach you and gives your cover letter a professional touch.
Here’s what you need to include in your professional sign-off:
- Your full name – Add your first and last name, like “Jessica Smith”. It’s just there so recruiters know who you are.
- Your phone number – Preferably, put your mobile number in here so recruiters can quickly get hold of you.
- Your email address – This must be a professional email address, like joe-gardiner@gmail.com. Don’t include an overly casual email – remember, this is a job application.
If you like, you could also include a couple of extra details:
- Your job title – For example, “Administrator” or “Delivery Driver.”
- A link to your LinkedIn – If you use LinkedIn, insert a link to your profile – this is like your professional social media.
