How to Write a UK Cover Letter — Templates and Tips for 2025

Many South African professionals send cover letters that are either too informal, too long, or pitched incorrectly for UK employers. Getting the cover letter right does not guarantee you an interview — but getting it wrong can cost you one. UK employers read cover letters more carefully than many candidates assume.

Here is exactly what UK employers expect.

Does the UK actually use cover letters?

Yes — most UK job applications require a cover letter, particularly for professional, management, and graduate-level roles. It is typically submitted alongside your CV as a separate document or pasted into an application form.

Some technology companies and startups are moving away from them, preferring take-home tests or portfolio submissions instead. But for finance, law, consulting, healthcare management, and most corporate roles, a cover letter is expected and will be read.

UK cover letter: the structure

A UK cover letter has a clear, conventional structure. Deviating from it signals unfamiliarity with British professional norms.

Header: Your name and contact details at the top. Then the date. Then the hiring manager's name and job title (if you know them — always try to find out), followed by the company name and address.

Opening salutation: "Dear [First name Last name]" if you know their name. "Dear Hiring Manager" if you do not. Never "To Whom It May Concern" — it is outdated and impersonal.

Paragraph 1 — The opening: State clearly what role you are applying for and where you saw it advertised. Then give one sentence on why you are a strong candidate. This is not the place for "I am writing to express my interest" — that is filler. Get straight to the point.

Paragraph 2 — Why you: Your two or three most relevant experiences or achievements for this specific role. This should be tailored to the job description. Do not summarise your entire CV — pick the two or three things that are most directly relevant and explain them briefly with evidence.

Paragraph 3 — Why them: One short paragraph explaining why you want to work for this specific company. This is where many candidates fail — they write generic sentences like "I admire your company's values." UK employers want to see that you have done your research. Mention a specific product, project, initiative, or market position that genuinely interests you and explain the connection to your own career goals.

Closing paragraph: Express your enthusiasm for the opportunity. State that your CV is enclosed. Note that you are available for interview. Thank them for their consideration.

Sign-off: "Yours sincerely" if you used their name. "Yours faithfully" if you used "Dear Hiring Manager." Then your full name.

Length: one page, always

A UK cover letter is one page. Typically three to four short paragraphs. It is not a third page of your CV — it is a targeted pitch. Anything longer signals you cannot edit yourself, which is itself a red flag.

The total word count should be 250–400 words. That is enough to make your case without overstaying your welcome.

Tone: professional but direct

UK cover letters are formal but not stiff. They should sound like a confident, professional person talking, not like a form letter. Avoid:

• Excessive flattery: "I have long admired your world-class organisation"
• Filler phrases: "I am a hardworking team player with excellent communication skills"
• Passive voice: "It was through my work that results were delivered"

Use instead:

• Direct statements: "I delivered X, which resulted in Y"
• Specific evidence: "In my three years at [Company], I led a team of 12 and reduced client churn by 18%"
• Genuine interest: "I have been following your expansion into climate-focused lending since last year's announcement and believe my background in sustainable finance directly supports this direction"

What UK employers look for

Research published by recruitment firm Reed identified the top things UK hiring managers look for in a cover letter:

• Evidence that you understand the role and its requirements
• Specific examples of relevant experience (not just a list of skills)
• Genuine interest in the company (not a generic letter)
• Correct spelling and grammar (a single error is often disqualifying for professional roles)
• Brevity and clarity

What they do not want: a cover letter that simply repeats the CV, excessive personal information, or statements about how much you need this job.

British spelling in cover letters

As with your CV, your cover letter must use British spelling. Spell-check using British English before sending. Key differences: organise, prioritise, recognise (not -ize). Colour, favour, behaviour (not -or). Programme (not program). Centre (not center).

A note on salary expectations

UK cover letters do not include salary expectations unless the job posting specifically asks for them. If asked, give a number based on your research rather than a range.

Generating a British cover letter in 30 seconds

Jobsesame's AI cover letter generator creates fully British-formatted cover letters automatically — tailored to the specific UK job you are applying for, in the correct structure, tone, and spelling conventions. It uses the job description and your CV to write a targeted letter you can send immediately. Browse UK jobs and generate your cover letter at jobsesame.co.za/uk.