UK Cover Letter Format (2026): Length, Tone and Examples

British cover letters are shorter, more formal and more structured than American ones. Here's what UK hiring managers expect in 2026.

One page, max

Three or four short paragraphs. Anything longer signals padding.

Salutation

"Dear [Name]" if you have it. "Dear Hiring Manager" if not. Never "To whom it may concern".

Structure

Para 1: role + headline reason you're a fit. Para 2: most relevant evidence with one quantified result. Para 3: what excites you about the company specifically. Para 4: practical close (notice period, availability).

Sign off

"Yours sincerely" if you used the recipient's name; "Yours faithfully" if you didn't.