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Writing a cover letter can be overwhelmingespecially if you’re not a confident writer or practised in applying for jobs.

Don’t worry— all good cover letters follow a similar structureand on this pagewe’ve created a template that you can use to write an impressive cover letter that reads professionally and maximises your chances of getting to the job interview stage.

Basic cover letter template

Here’s a general-purpose cover letter template you can quickly personalise to apply for any job:

Your Name
Your Address
Your CityStateZip Code
Your Email Address
Your Phone Number

Date

Hiring Manager Name (or Job Title)
Company Name
Company Address

Dear [Mr/Ms/Mx Last Name],

I am excited to apply for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]as advertised on [Company WebsiteJob BoardSocial Network]. I admire your [commitment to innovationcompany culturerecent project etc.]and I am confident that my skills and experience are a great match for the responsibilities outlined in the job description.

In my previous role as [Previous Job Title] at [Previous Company]I was responsible for [2-3 of your most relevant responsibilities and accomplishments]. For exampleI [action verb] [task or project]resulting in [quantifiable resulte.g.a 15% increase in five-star customer reviews]. Some of my most noteworthy achievements are as follows:

  • [Achievement #1]
  • [Achievement #2]
  • [Achievement #3]

I am drawn to this opportunity at [Company Name] because [specific reason about the company or the role that excites youe.g.a productshared valueor opportunity for growth]. For instance[specific example]. I am confident that my [key skill or strength] would enable me to make a significant contribution to your team.

Thank you for considering my application. I have attached my resume for your review and welcome the opportunity to discuss my qualifications further in an interview. I can be reached at [your phone number] or [your email address].

 

Sincerely,

 

[Your Name]

 

How to use this cover letter template

It just takes a few simple steps to align this template with the needs and expectations of your target employer:

  1. Replace the information in [brackets] with your own
  2. Check the job description to make sure you’ve prioritised your most relevant strengths and achievements
  3. Tweak the language by mirroring any relevant recruitment keywords that the employer used
  4. Double-check for spelling and grammar mistakes
  5. Save as a PDF and attach to your job application email

Remember that proper research is essential to the process of writing an impressive cover letter. Before you start modifying your templatemake sure you understand the employer’s core businessvaluesand company culture. Look for recent news or achievements that relate to your target position. Specificity shows that you’re paying close attention.

Build a standout cover letter in just a few clicks using our cover letter builder.

Example of a completed cover letter

Hannah Powell
12 Barkbury Road
RichmondTW10 6DF
[email protected]
07123 456 789

April 2120XX

Joanna Greene
Lululemon
Mezzanine Level
Eighty Strand
LondonWC2R 0DT

Dear Ms Greene,

I am excited to apply for the Executive Assistant position at Lululemonas advertised on FlexiJob. I deeply admire Lululemon’s commitment to fostering an active life and its vibrant company cultureand I am confident that my extensive experience and values align perfectly with the requirements of this role and the spirit of your organization.

In my previous role as Executive Assistant at UnileverI managed complex calendars for multiple senior executivesproactively reducing scheduling conflicts and ensuring efficient time management. I also organised international travelsecuring cost reductions through meticulous planning. FurthermoreI implemented a new digital filing system that significantly improved document retrieval. My experience at Deloitte further honed my administrative and communication skillssupporting a dynamic marketing team and contributing to budget efficiency.

I am particularly drawn to this opportunity at Lululemon because of its dedication to community and well-beingvalues that resonate strongly with my own active life and empathetic nature. My proactive approach and strong work ethicas demonstrated by my achievements at Unilever and Deloittewould allow me to make a significant contribution to your team’s efficiency and success.

Thank you for considering my application. My CV is attached for your reviewand I welcome the opportunity to discuss how my skills and passion for Lululemon can benefit your team. I can be reached at 07123 456 789 or [email protected].

Sincerely,

Hannah Powell

This finished letter shows how you can personalise our template for a specific job opportunity. To find a sample that has been tailored to your target job titlecheck out our library of cover letter examples for different UK industries.

Cover letter templates (by type)

The best cover letters follow the same basic formulabut in some situationsyou’ll need to alter your approach to make the right impact on the employer.

Use the simple cover letter templates below if you are:

  • Enquiring about jobs at a company that isn’t actively hiring
  • Applying for a job recommended to you by someone in your network
  • Writing a short cover letter to attach to an informal job application
  • Changing careers and want to give more context to your application

Speculative cover letter template

You write a speculative cover letter to ask about job opportunities at a company that isn’t actively hiring for a specific position. The template below will help you highlight your career goals and interest in the employerensuring your outreach letter is memorable and compelling.

Dear [Mr/Ms/Mx] [Contact Person’s Surname],

I’m a [Job Title] with [X] years of experience in [field]. I’ve followed [Company Name] for many years and admire your [mission]. I share your commitment to [core value] and would love to use my expertise to contribute to your vision should any full-time opportunities be available.

As you can see from my CVI have a strong track record in [relevant industry/field]. Some of my most noteworthy achievements are as follows:

  • [List achievements that highlight relevant technical or transferable skills]
  • [Or successes that demonstrate your knowledge of the company’s niche]

I am keen to work for [Company Name] because of my desire to advance in [specific field]. Given your organisation’s leading position in this fieldI cannot think of a better place to accelerate my continued professional growth while contributing my talents toward [specific objective].

 

Thank you for considering my application. I hope you will consider me for any opportunities in your [specific teams/departments]. I’ve attached my CV with full details of my relevant technical skills and experience. You can reach me at [07xxx xxx xxx] or [[email protected]].

 

Yours sincerely,

 

[Your Name]

 

Referral cover letter template

You should write a referral cover letter if you’ve been referred to the company by a current employee or mutual contact who is knowledgeable about your niche or industry.

Mention your referral in your cover letter introductionand clearly explain why they referred you or why you decided to follow up on the referral.

Dear [Mr./Ms./Mx. Last Name],

I spoke with [Referral Person Name] from [Department/Office/Branch/Company] last weekand they recommended I get in touch with you about the open [Job Title] position at [Company Name].

 

I have [X] years of experience in [relevant Industrye.g.marketing]and a successful track record in [specific fielde.g.content creation]. Some of my recent noteworthy achievements include [achievement 1 — something related to the job’s required skills or responsibilities]. I would love to replicate this success at [Company Name].

 

I find my work rewardingespecially [something that motivates youe.g.engaging with a wide variety of people]and I am eager to find a role that offers similar experiences. I have attached my resume so you have a more detailed overview of my skills and achievements. I truly believe I could be a valuable addition to your team.

I would love to discuss the role in more detail and will follow up early next week to check on my application. In the meantimeyou can reach me at [[email protected]] or [07xxx xxx xxx].

 

Yours sincerely,

 

[Your Name]

 

Short cover letter template

Short cover letters are ideal for informal job applications or when the employer already has a positive impression of you. They tend to be 150–250 words or a couple of paragraphs in length.

Use this template to get to the point and establish your most relevant strengths and interests in the position.

Dear [Mr/Ms/Mx] [Contact Person’s Surname],

I would like to express my interest in the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. With a passion for [common value/industry]I would be an excellent fit for your team.

My expertise in [skill area] is demonstrated by my over [X] years of experience in [relevant industry or field]. CurrentlyI work as a [job title]focusing on [relevant responsibility]. Some of my most noteworthy achievements are as follows:

  • [Achievement #1]
  • [Achievement #2]
  • [Achievement #3]

Given my backgroundI believe I am well prepared to handle the [specific challenge/responsibility] of this position. To that endI would love to discuss the role further with an in-person interview. You can reach me at [07xxx xxx xxx] or [[email protected]].

 

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Yours sincerely,

 

[Your Name]

 

Career-change cover letter template

If you’re changing careersexplaining the reasons for your transition can help you gain the employer’s confidence.

Use the following career change cover letter template to show your career development and the steps you’ve taken to prepare yourself for your target role.

Dear [Mr/Ms/Mx] [Contact Person’s Surname],

My name is [Your Name]and I’m applying for the [Job Title] role at [Company Name]. Ever since [event that inspired you to change careers]I became fascinated with [target field] and began dedicating my spare time to learning about the field. Equipped with my knowledge of [relevant skill 1] and [relevant skill 2]I believe I’d be a great addition to your team.

Prior to this application[outline how you prepared to work in the field by highlighting qualificationscoursesor projects that you successfully completed]. This endeavour involved [practical skills you used that would help if brought to the role]. If hiredI’d immediately put these lessons to practical use at your organisation.

AlsoI cultivated abilities as a [Previous Job Title] at [Company Name] that will help me thrive in the role. For instanceleveraging my [transferable skills] daily while handling [responsibility]I achieved [relevant achievement]. This experience will help me bring [example of relevant strength] to your agency.

OverallI value [Company Name]’s goals to [specific company objective]. If you’d like further information about my qualificationsyou can reach me at [07xxx xxx xxx] or [[email protected]]. Thank you for taking the time to review my application.

Yours sincerely,

 

[Your Name]

 

Online cover letter templates you can personalise

You can modify these templates’ colour and formatting in our cover letter builder. Click on your preferred design to get help describing your skills and reasons for applying in persuasive language.

These templates are quick and easy to personalise in our cover letter builder. Answer a couple of questions about your skills and backgroundand the software will handle the rest.

Build My Cover Letter

Free cover letter templates you can download and print

If you’d like a predesigned cover letter template that’s both professional and attention-grabbingwe offer several free options you can download for Microsoft Word or edit right away in Google Docs.

These templates offer simpleeye-catching designs to help your cover letter stand out without being distracting from what you have to say.

Frequently asked questions

What is a good format for a cover letter?

A good cover letter is 3–5 paragraphs long and outlines your primary qualificationsthe strengths you will bring to the team if hiredand your reasons for wanting the job.

Use this cover letter format:

A template showing how to format a cover letter correctly.
You can personalise this template in our online cover letter builder.

How long should a cover letter be?

Your cover letter should be 250–400 words long. A shorter cover letter length is appropriate if you know the employerbut a longer cover letter is never necessary. Your finished letter should never be longer than one side of A4.

What is a good opening line for a cover letter?

A good opening line for a cover letter gives a quick professional self-introduction and explains how you found the job. Here’s an example you can use as a template:

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am excited to apply for the position of Digital Marketing Manager (Reference: ABR20256181) as advertised on SocialJobs. With 3+ years of experience in content strategy and email marketingI would be an excellent fit for your team.

Include the job title and reference number (if one was provided). This information makes it easier for the employer to match your application to the correct vacancy. You never know if the employer is hiring for multiple roles.

Should I include my postal address and the firm’s address?

Including a postal address is only necessary if you plan on sending your cover letter by post. You don’t need to include your postal address or the company’s address if you plan on sending your cover letter by email.

How should I research the company before I start writing?

Start by quickly checking the company website and profiles on networking sites like LinkedIn and Glassdoor.

Make sure you have a clear understanding of the company’s main products or servicesmissionmarkets or regions it operates inand competitors or other key organisations in its niche.

You should also put yourself in the shoes of a customer or user and observe how they present themselves to their target audience. What is their brand personality like? What values do they emphasise?

Spend 15 minutes getting to know your potential employer and ask yourself what soft skills and personality traits you might need to fit in as a team member. Taking this approach will help make your letter more personal and authentic.

Seb Morgan
Written by

Seb Morgan

Seb is a Certified Professional Resume Writer with 10 years of combined experience in career counselling and editorial work. With a MA in Communications from National Chengchi University (Taiwan) and a BA in East Asian Studies from the Autonomous University of Madrid (Spain)he helps job seekers translate their experience into employer-ready applications for UK and international job markets. Seb’s insights in CV and cover letter writinginterview preparationand skill development have appeared in careers-focused and national mediaincluding OnrecEmployee Benefit Newsand The Sun. Reach him at [sebastian] @ [cvgenius.com] or via LinkedIn.