Blank Cover Letter Template

Copy and paste the cover letter template below into your preferred word processor and follow the template’s suggestions to write your own.

CHARLOTTE PATEL
  • c.patel@gmail.com
  • 07123 456 789
  • Kings Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1AA

Contact Person’s Name
47 High Street
Edinburgh
EH1 2AA
(0131) 1234-567
contact.person@gmail.com

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

The first paragraph should be a self-introduction. Write who you are, where your expertise lies, where you found the job advert, and why you’re applying for the job.

The second paragraph should respond directly to the job advert. Describe how your previous work experience, skills, and qualifications mean you meet the company’s needs. To make that easier, include words and phrases from the job description in your cover letter.

  • You can include a bulleted list of your accomplishments
  • Make sure you quantify (add numbers to) these bullet points
  • A cover letter with numbers is 100% better than one without

To go the extra mile, research the company and find out their activities and goals given the current state of their industry. Explain how you can fit into that plan and help the company achieve its objectives.

The final paragraph is the “call to action” part of your cover letter. Tell the employer that you’d love to have an interview. Repeat your email address and phone number. Then, thank them for taking the time to read your cover letter.

Yours sincerely,

 

[Your Name]

 

Tips for using a cover letter template

Downloading a good cover letter template is easy. But if you don’t know what to do next, follow these tips to ensure your covering letter convinces UK employers to interview you.

1. Follow the correct cover letter layout

When you write your cover letter, follow this outline:

  1. Cover letter header: Place your contact information at the top — with your name clearly visible — to create a good cover letter header. Then align the date to the right of the page.
  2. Employer information: Add the name, address, and phone number of the company you’re applying to, along with the name of whomever will receive your application.
  3. Greeting: ‘Dear [Name],’ is the best way to start your cover letter.
  4. Introductory paragraph: Let the reader know who you are, what role you’re applying for, and where you found out about the job opportunity.
  5. Body paragraph(s): This is the main content of your cover letter. Use this space to provide context for your CV, and describe some of your greatest professional accomplishments and skills.
  6. Closing paragraph: Finish by restating your enthusiasm for the role, and provide your availability and contact details so the recruiting manager can quickly get in touch.
  7. Sign-off: Use ‘Yours sincerely’ or ‘Yours faithfully’, and your full name. You can also add an e-signature for a personal touch if you like.

2. Use a professional email address

Your cover letter template has spaces for your contact information, but don’t just throw a random email address in there. Make sure your email is professional, using some combination of your name, initials, and job title.

For example, jen.designer@mail.com is an email address that makes you look professional, while jen.parties.hard@mail.com makes you seem immature.

3. Personalise your greeting

Whenever possible, address the contact person by name to personalise your cover letter.

‘Dear [Name],‘ is ideal. Find the right person to address your cover letter to by checking the job description or searching for their name via LinkedIn or the company website. Or you can call the company and ask.

If you still can’t find a person to address, use one of these alternatives:

  • Dear [Department Name] Hiring Team,
  • Dear [Company Name] Recruiting Manager,

4. Place your most marketable information in the opening paragraph

Immediately let the reader know who you are, your level of work experience, and why you’re a good fit for the role by emphasising your most job-relevant accomplishments.

This may sound like a hard task, but it’s as easy as reading the job advert, determining what the employer values most in a new hire, and explaining how you meet those qualifications in a few sentences.

5. Break up text with bullet points for better readability

A professional cover letter design is pleasing to the eyes, but the content you add to the template is still the most important part. So making your content easy to read is essential.

In addition to using a good cover letter font set to a readable size (10–12 points), try adding a few bullet points in the middle of your cover letter to break up larger chunks of paragraph text.

As the reader’s eyes will naturally be drawn to your list, use these bullets to highlight information you feel will impress them, using hard numbers whenever possible.

For instance, you could detail:

  • amounts of money you made or saved for your employer
  • numbers of people you trained or supervised
  • percentage increases or decreases