A UK cover letter is short, formal and tailored to one job. Most employers expect one page, a clear structure and British conventions for greetings and sign-offs. This guide shows the standard UK cover letter format and layout, with a full example you can adapt.
UK cover letter format at a glance
| Element | UK convention |
|---|---|
| Length | One A4 page, about 250–400 words |
| Structure | Greeting, 3–4 short paragraphs, sign-off |
| Greeting | "Dear Ms Patel" if you know the name; "Dear Hiring Manager" if you do not |
| Sign-off | "Yours sincerely" after a named greeting; "Yours faithfully" after "Dear Sir or Madam"; "Kind regards" is common for email applications |
| Spelling | British English |
| Titles | Mr, Mrs, Ms, Dr, usually without a full stop in British style |
UK cover letter layout
- Your contact details at the top (name, phone, email). Addresses are optional for email applications.
- Date, for example 31 October 2026 (day–month–year).
- Greeting.
- Opening paragraph: the role you are applying for and a one-sentence reason you are a strong fit.
- Middle paragraph(s): two or three requirements from the job description, each backed by an example from your experience.
- Motivation paragraph: why this organisation, based on something specific.
- Closing: a polite line about next steps and availability for interview.
- Sign-off and your name.
UK cover letter example
Dear Ms Patel,
I am writing to apply for the role of Marketing Executive at Greenleaf Foods, advertised on your careers page. With three years' experience in digital marketing for consumer brands, I would welcome the chance to help grow your online sales.
In my current role at Northwind Retail, I manage paid social campaigns with a monthly budget of £6,000 and improved our cost per acquisition by 18% last year by testing new audiences and creative. I also run our email programme, which I rebuilt in Klaviyo, increasing repeat purchases from subscribers.
Your job description highlights content planning and close work with the sales team. I currently produce a monthly content calendar with our sales and product colleagues, and I enjoy turning their insights into campaigns customers respond to.
I have followed Greenleaf's move into plant-based ranges and admire the way your campaigns explain sustainability without jargon. I would be delighted to bring my experience to your team.
Thank you for considering my application. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss it further at interview.
Yours sincerely,
Amira Hassan
This is an illustrative example. Write yours using only your real experience and results.
Tips for UK cover letters
- Match the job description. Use two or three of its key requirements as the backbone of your letter.
- Keep it specific. One concrete example per paragraph beats a list of adjectives.
- Do not repeat your CV. Expand on the most relevant parts and explain your motivation.
- Proofread for British spelling: organise, specialise, programme, licence (noun).
- Save as PDF unless the employer asks for Word.
Applying for an NHS, civil service or other public-sector role? Many of these employers ask for a supporting statement instead of a cover letter: see how to write a supporting statement.
Frequently asked questions
Do UK employers still read cover letters?
Many do, especially for professional, graduate and public-sector roles. If the application asks for one, a tailored letter is essential.
Should I use "Yours sincerely" or "Yours faithfully"?
"Yours sincerely" when you address a named person; "Yours faithfully" when you write "Dear Sir or Madam". "Kind regards" is widely accepted in emails.
How long should a UK cover letter be?
One page, typically 250–400 words in three or four paragraphs.
Conclusion
A strong UK cover letter is one page, formally structured, written in British English and built around the job's key requirements. Generate a first draft with the Cover Letter Generator, then personalise it with your own voice and examples.