UK cover letter examples
Eight complete cover letters written for the UK market, with the full text on the page so you can adapt them line by line. No downloads, no sign-up.
Graduate cover letter
A UK graduate cover letter runs to one side of A4 and around 300 words. Name the scheme and where you saw it, evidence two requirements using university projects, placements or part-time work, then explain why this employer and when you can start.
Read the full letterCareer Change cover letter
A career-change cover letter spends its space on transferable evidence, not on explaining the change. Open with the target role, evidence two of the advert's requirements with numbers from your current sector, then give one honest sentence on why you are moving.
Read the full letterNHS Band 6 Nurse cover letter
An NHS cover letter should map directly to the person specification. Quote the job reference, evidence the essential criteria in the same order they appear, and include your NMC registration in the first paragraph.
Read the full letterTeacher cover letter
A UK teaching cover letter is usually one to two sides and is read by the headteacher. Name the post and start date, evidence pupil progress with data, cover safeguarding, and say something specific about the school.
Read the full letterCustomer Service cover letter
A customer service cover letter should be short and specific: name the role, give two metrics from your current position such as CSAT or first-contact resolution, and confirm your availability for shifts.
Read the full letterCivil Service cover letter
Civil Service applications rarely take a traditional cover letter. Where a supporting statement is requested, structure it around the Success Profiles behaviours in the advert and write each example in STAR format within the word limit given.
Read the full letterInternal Promotion cover letter
An internal promotion letter should not restate your CV. Evidence work already visible to the reader, name the gap you have been filling, and be direct about the scope you are asking for.
Read the full letterSpeculative cover letter
A speculative cover letter has no advert to answer, so it has to create the reason to reply. Lead with something specific about the employer, offer one narrow area of value, and propose a concrete next step.
Read the full letterThe four-paragraph structure
- 1. The role, where you saw it, and one line on why you fit.
- 2. Evidence against the advert’s two most important requirements, with numbers.
- 3. Why this employer, referencing something real about them.
- 4. Availability, notice period and a polite close.
Cover letter FAQs
What should a UK cover letter include?
One side of A4 with four short paragraphs: the role and where you saw it, evidence against the two most important requirements in the advert, why this employer specifically, and your availability and notice period.
How long should a cover letter be in the UK?
250 to 400 words, on one side of A4. Anything longer gets skimmed rather than read.
Do UK employers still read cover letters?
Not all of them, but public sector, education and smaller employers often score them, and where two CVs are close the letter is frequently the tie-breaker. Because a tailored letter takes about ten minutes once you have a structure, it is still worth sending.
Should the cover letter repeat my CV?
No. The letter should say the things a CV cannot: why this employer, why now, and how you meet the two or three requirements that matter most for this specific role.