addressing a cover letter uk

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How to write a cover letter.

A cover letter introduces you to an employer and asks them to think about your application. 

It’s a short letter, usually 3 to 5 paragraphs long.

When to include a cover letter

You should always include a cover letter when you apply for a job using a CV. 

You can write it as an email if you’re applying online or print a copy to go with a paper application.

When writing a cover letter, let the employer know you’re keen by showing that you’ve researched the company. Learn more about what they do through:

• their website
• recent news articles
• talking to people you know who work there

Send it to the right person

It's important to try to address your cover letter to someone by name. Check you have the details of the person you need to send it to. 

You'll need their name and preferred title. For example, ‘Dr’, ‘Mr’, ‘Mrs’, ‘Ms’, and their job title. You should also make sure you have the right company name and address, including postcode.

If you do not know their name

If the job advert does not include a name you can check the company website. Try to find details of the head of the department, head of human resources or a recruitment manager.

If you still cannot find a name, you can start your letter with ‘Dear Sir or Madam’.

Introduction

Introduce yourself and explain how you found the advertised job. You can mention the job title, and reference number if there is one. 

If you’re asking about any job openings and not applying to a vacancy, tell them what sort of job you’re looking for. Let the employer see how keen you are to work for them.

Show you're right for the job

Highlight the skills and experience you have that match what the employer is looking for. 

Convince them that you're enthusiastic about working for them. Let them know you share their work values, culture and style.

Give extra information

If you have gaps in your employment history, you could talk about the skills you gained while you were out of work.

If you’ve mentioned on your CV that you have a disability, you might want to talk more about this in your cover letter. Organisations like Disability UK can give you advice on how to do this. You do not have to mention your disability at this stage if you prefer not to.

You can get more help with specialist advice on finding work if you have a disability.

Ending your cover letter

Thank the employer for considering your application. Let them know that they can get more details from your CV, and tell them you're looking forward to hearing from them.

Let them know how they can best contact you. Make sure your contact details are correct on both your cover letter and CV.

Yours sincerely or yours faithfully

If you know the name of the person you’re writing to, you should end the letter with ‘Yours sincerely’.

If you’ve addressed the letter ‘Dear Sir or Madam’, you should end the letter with ‘Yours faithfully’.

Tips for writing a cover letter

When writing your cover letter, remember to:

• write a new one for every job you apply for and make sure it’s tailored to the company and the specific role
• use the same font and size as you do for your CV, so it looks consistent
• make sure the company name and recruiter’s details are correct
• use the right language and tone: keep it professional and match the keywords used by the employer in their job advert
• show you’ve done your research into the job and the company
• highlight your most relevant skills and experience to stand out from other applicants
• back up any statements you make with facts and use the STAR method
• double check spelling and grammar before you send it
• keep a copy of your cover letter as they may ask you about it in an interview

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How to write a CV

Completing application forms

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How To Address A Cover Letter With Real Life Examples

Crafted a tailored job application that shows you’re perfect for the role? There’s one last step to impress employers – knowing how to address a cover letter correctly.

84% of recruiters say an impersonal application would make them likely to dismiss a candidate.

The first line of your cover letter makes an impression. Addressing the hiring manager directly shows straight away that you’ve done the research to tailor your application. But it’s not always easy to find the name you need.

In this blog, we’ll give you some strategies to find out how to address your cover letter.  83% of hiring managers say cover letters are important for their final hiring decision , so it’s vital to get it right to secure your dream position.

How to address a cover letter when you know the hiring manager

If you have the hiring manager’s first and last name, it’s easy to know how to address a cover letter. Use their full name to greet them in your cover letter’s first line, like the following examples:

• ‘Dear John Brown,’
• ‘Dear Mary Smith,’

Make sure the name you have is for the hiring manager, not a corporate recruiter. Some recruiters say that they don’t read cover letters, as they’re handling a huge number of candidates.

They will typically look at CVs to send the hiring manager a narrowed list of applicants, along with their cover letters. The hiring manager will make the final decision, so address your letter to them.

Using titles when addressing your cover letter

The traditional answer for how to address a cover letter is to use a full name with a formal title, such as ‘Dear Mr. John Brown’ or ‘Dear Ms. Mary Smith.’

But it’s not always easy to tell gender from a name. If it’s at all unclear, it’s much better to simply address your letter with the person’s full name, as in our first examples.

If you need to find which title to use, search the person and their company on LinkedIn and look for their headshot. You might also find the person’s image on ‘Meet The Team’ or similar sections of company websites.

Keep a lookout for any professional titles the hiring manager holds, such as ‘Dr.’ or ‘Prof.’ Not only will using these show you’ve done your research, they’re also a sign of respect.

Find the name you need to address your cover letter

Often, you don’t know how to address a cover letter because you don’t have a name to use. But don’t worry – we have some tricks up our sleeve.

The first step is to check the job listing. You can also use a CTRL + F search to look for any @ symbols in the listing. This will bring up email addresses, which could contain the name you need.

If you can’t find any answers, it’s time to get searching. Start by checking if the job description lists the position you’ll report to.

You can use this job title to conduct a Google search operator search. This will bring up any places where the title is mentioned on the company website, so you can see if there’s a name associated with them.

Just fill in the fields and enter the following search in Google: “[position you’re reporting to]” site:company website .

Try searching LinkedIn , too. The social network lets you filter searches for Title and Current Company. To do this, enter your search, choose ‘People’ and look under ‘All Filters.’

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What to do when you don’t know who you’ll report to

If you don’t know who you’re reporting to, try to find the head of the position’s department using the same techniques. 

It’s better to address the letter higher up than needed, and will show you’ve done your research.

Finally, don’t be afraid to pick up the phone. Call the company, tell them what position you’re applying for, and ask who to address your cover letter to. Your initiative could leave a lasting impression.

How to address a cover letter when you can’t find a name

If all your searches have come to a dead-end – or if you’re writing a speculative cover letter where you have no job listing to refer to – you can still address a cover letter in a personalised way.

Try referencing the role or the department in your greeting. This could look like ‘Dear Marketing Executive Hiring Manager’, ‘Dear HR Department’ or ‘Dear Head of Accounting.’

If you still can’t find any information, don’t use ‘To Whom It May Concern’ – it’s now seen as dated, not to mention generic.

40% of hiring managers prefer ‘Dear Hiring Manager.’ It’s also gender-neutral, unlike Dear Sir or Madam, so it’s a safe option if you can’t find any role information and don’t know how to address a cover letter.

You now know how to address a cover letter in a personalised way that employers will love. But it’s not always easy to find the information you need.

At PurpleCV, we know how time-consuming the job application process can be. If you need a helping hand, our team of professional CV writers can create you a bespoke CV. 

We’ll make your skills shine, so you can get your cover letter in front of the people you need.

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Everything you need to know about addressing your cover letter

7 min read · Updated on July 05, 2022

Starting a cover letter can be the hardest part

Uncertain how to start a cover letter? You're not the only one. And yet, the way you address this key part of your application is of the utmost importance.

Research shows that there is just a 17% chance that your cover letter will be read at all. Because of this, you have to get it right from the start. Here, we break down everything you need to know about addressing your cover letter, from what information you need to the mistakes that could get your application binned.

Who should you address your cover letter to?

When determining how to address your cover letter, the biggest question to ask yourself is who will be reading it.

The answer? The HR manager. 

By the time an application makes it into the hands of an HR manager, it's probably already passed the desk of the recruiter or HR contact. As the HR manager only receives the shortlist of applications, they have more time to spend actually reading each one, which is why it's more likely that the HR manager will read your cover letter as opposed to the recruiter or less involved HR worker. 

Since the HR manager is the person who will be reading your cover letter, they are the person you should address it to.

There really is no better first impression to your application than to address your cover letter directly to the person who is doing the hiring. It shows you've done your research, have high attention to detail, and are prepared to go the extra mile.

So, how do you address a cover letter? You'll want to keep it professional by using the HR manager's full name and adding a formal salutation. 

How do you find out the name of the HR manager?

In this wonderful digital age in which we live, there are several ways to learn the name of the HR manager. Get ready to put on your sleuth hat and start investigating.

The job description

The best place to start is the job listing. Scroll to the bottom and look for the section for applying. Some job ads will mention the name and email address of the HR manager in this section. For example: "Please send your CV and cover letter to Jane Smith at [email protected]."

If the advertisement doesn't mention a name and the email address is generic, the next place to look is within the description itself. Often, a job listing will mention who the role reports to. For example: "You will report directly to the marketing manager." Once you have the job title of the HR manager, you're halfway there. 

The company website

If you haven't had any luck finding a name via the job description, the next point of call is the company's website. Smaller companies will often have a "Meet the Team" page, which will give you the name and job title of each staff member. Alternatively, look for an "About" page, a company directory or a contact page that might give you an insight to the company structure, relevant job titles, or HR manager's name. 

Head to LinkedIn 

When in doubt, LinkedIn is your best friend. Log into your account and search for the company to find their page. Once on the company page, click on "See all employees" and scroll down the list to find the name of the relevant department manager, HR manager. or an HR contact. 

Call the company

If you want to be 100% certain, there's no harm in calling the company and asking the Receptionist. Simply mention that you are putting together your application for the vacant position and would like to address it to the correct person. Nine times out of 10, they will be able to assist. 

The wrong ways to address a cover letter

You know you should address your cover letter to the HR manager. Now, what kind of language should you use to do so? Here are some approaches you should avoid because they lack professionalism.

"Hey" or "Hi"

You're not texting your mate. When you're addressing a cover letter, the last thing you want to do is get overly familiar with them. Greetings such as "Hey," "Hi," and even "Hello" are strikingly casual. You should only use them when you know someone or are in a social environment. 

Needless to say, your cover letter is neither the time nor the place for these greetings. When you start a letter this way, it's unlikely that the employer or recruiter will read the whole thing. Your lack of professionalism and awareness is likely to lose you the opportunity before you've even received it.

"Dear Team"

When you address a cover letter this way, it means you are speaking to the entire team you are hoping to join. But the whole team will not be the ones who decide whether or not to hire you.

In actuality, you're writing to one or two individuals ‒ the people who have hiring power within the company. Addressing the entire team comes off as an attempt to cover all your bases without putting in the work to research.

"To Whom it may Concern"

You may have been taught this one in school, but that doesn't mean it's right. The working world has come a long way and it's time we started to update the lingo we use to match that. For instance, if you're applying for a modern role, such as one in a marketing or a digital field, this greeting won't align with their culture.

"Dear Sir or Madam" 

You may not know the gender of the HR manager, but that doesn't mean this opening will cut it. Plus, you are ignoring the fact that the person you're writing to could be non-binary and use they/them pronouns. This greeting is many people's go-to when they're addressing a cover letter, but much like "To Whom it may concern," this one is overly formal and outdated. 

What do you do if you just can't find a name?

Sometimes, no matter how much you research, you just can't figure out exactly who you should be addressing your cover letter to. So, other than avoiding the bad addresses listed above, how should you go about it?

To start, it's always better to aim higher up the food chain than lower. If you're able to find a list of executives, address your cover letter to the head of the appropriate department. 

Alternatively, opt for the most appropriate job title. For example: "Dear Marketing Manager" or "Dear Office Manager," depending on the department the position would fall under.

Making the best impression

Your cover letter is the part of your application where you can offer more detail to an HR manager and show why you're the best fit for the job. If you start it off on the wrong foot, you may discourage an employer from reading the rest of your letter and truly considering you as a candidate. But with research and professionalism, you can make a strong impression.

To match your cover letter, you need an impressive CV. See if yours makes the grade by getting a free CV review .

This article was updated in October 2020. It contains work written by Charlotte Grainger .

Recommended Reading:

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Do recruiters actually read cover letters anymore?

Cut these clichés from your cover letter

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How to Address a Cover Letter in 2024

Yes, how you address your cover letter matters.

After all, this is the first thing the recruiter reads when going through your cover letter, and yes, there is a right and wrong way to do it.

In this article, we’re going to teach you how to address your cover letter in such a way that you leave a positive impression on any recruiter!

• How to address a cover letter to a recruiter? (Casual or formal)
• What title to use when addressing the hiring manager
• How to address a cover letter without a contact person/to a company
• How to address a cover letter without an address
• How to address a cover letter in an email

How to Address a Cover Letter To a Recruiter (Casual or Formal)?

As we already mentioned, the way you address your cover letter is important because it is the very first thing recruiters see upon opening your cover letter. 

A well-formulated cover letter address means that you care enough to research the company (i.e. to find the hiring manager’s name and title) and that you show attention to detail. 

As such, you should always put some research into who you’re addressing your cover letter to and do so in a formal way.  

And yes, the formal part is important too. The recruiter isn’t your best friend - you want to maintain a sense of professionalism.

If this is how you address the recruiter in your cover letter:

• What’s up Hiring Manager
• Hi there Hiring Team

Then you say goodbye to the job.

Now, you’re probably wondering, how can I find out whom to address my cover letter to?

That’s what we’re about to teach you:

Who Am I Addressing My Cover Letter To?

Here are some tricks to find the full name of the hiring manager: 

• Check the job listing. The job listing may have information about the recruiter or the department doing the hiring. Make sure to read through the entire job listing, as it might not be at an entirely obvious place.
• Check the company website. Some websites feature the names of the hiring managers or heads of departments that may go through your cover letter. Alternatively, LinkedIn is another place where you can look for this information.
• Check the company’s LinkedIn. You can look up who works in the company you’re applying for on their LinkedIn page.
• Ask around. Do you have friends that work for the company? They could provide you with valuable inside info.

To avoid making a bad impression, head over to our guide on cover letter mistakes to learn about what NOT to do when writing your cover letter.  

Addressing a Cover Letter With a Name

By now, you have probably found the hiring manager’s full name and gender. With this information available, it’s best to address the hiring manager formally, as follows: 

• Dear Mr. Brown,
• Dear Miss Fitzpatrick,
• Dear Mrs. Lockhart,
• Dear Ms. Walters,

If, for some reason, you are unsure about the person’s title, gender, marital status, or preferred pronouns, just address them using their entire name to avoid any mistakes. For example:

• Dear Alex Brown, 
• Dear Blair Fitzpatrick,
• Dear Jesse Lockhart,
• Dear Madison Walters,

Addressing someone with a title 

Now, if you found out that the hiring manager has a professional or academic title, then it’s more appropriate to address them using that title. If, for example, the hiring manager has a Ph.D., then it’s more respectful to address them as “Dr. Last Name,” instead of “Mr. Last Name.”  

Here are some professional titles and how they’re abbreviated: 

• A professor is Prof. 
• A reverend is Rev. 
• A sergeant is Sgt. 
• Honorable is Hon. 

If, however, you are uncertain about how a title is abbreviated, then avoid it altogether. 

Here are a few examples to give you an idea: 

• Dear Prof. Welsch,
• Dear Director Smith,
• Dear Rev. Owen,

Dear Dr. Leonard,

When addressing women and you don’t know their marital status, always go with Ms., because it doesn’t comment on marital status. Some women prefer not to be addressed with Miss or Mrs. even when they’re married, so sticking with Ms. is the best choice. 

Want to learn more cover letter tips ? Our guide has all you need to ace your cover letter!  

How to Address a Cover Letter Without a Contact Person

It might happen that, no matter how hard you search, you can’t find the name of the hiring manager or department head that will read your cover letter.

In that case, you can address your cover letter to the department, faculty, or the company.

• Dear Software Development Hiring Team,
• Dear Customer Service Department Hiring Team,
• Dear Head of the Literature Faculty,
• Dear Director of Marketing,
• Dear Human Resources Recruitment Team,

Alternatively, if you don’t have enough information either about the department or the team, you can opt for addressing the cover letter directly to the company’s hiring staff, as follows: 

Dear [Company Name] Hiring Team 

Dear [Company Name] Recruiting Staff

If all else fails (meaning, you don’t know the name of the department head or even the exact department, in addition to the recruiter) then you can use one of the good, old-fashioned:

Dear Hiring Manager,

...but NOT the impersonal and way outdated “To whom it may concern” and “Dear Sir/Madam.” 

Starting a cover letter can be challenging. Our guide can show you how to start a cover letter that will get you results from the get-go. 

How to Format the Company’s Address

Before you reach the salutation, you have to make sure that the header with the recipient’s contact information is formatted correctly. 

It might not be the deciding point of whether you’ll secure an interview or not, but it will cost you points if it’s off. 

So, the first thing you want to do is add your name and surname on the upper left side of the cover letter. Underneath, you should write your professional title (if applicable), your email , and your phone number . 

Now, after you’ve also added the date, you should leave one more space and add the recipient’s contact information and, most importantly, the company’s address. 

It should look something like this on your cover letter: 

When You Can’t Find the Company’s Address 

Some companies might have several addresses listed (as per their branches, for example), or even none at all. 

Since an application that doesn’t have an address line could end up lost or misplaced, make sure you do one of the following before skipping the company’s address completely:

• Check all your resources, (pretty much like when you were looking for the hiring manager’s name) to find the company’s address. 
• Use the company’s headquarter address. This is sometimes easier to find, especially if the company has several branches. 
• Use the P.O. Box number for the company. This is not as specific as an actual address line, but if all else fails, it’s still something. 

Frequently, you’ll be asked to submit your job application (including your cover letter) electronically, or by email. In those cases, you can skip the address line altogether. 

Here’s how you’d go about addressing a cover letter in an email.

How to Address an Email Cover Letter

If you’re sending your job application through email, chances are you’ll need to format your cover letter in the body of the email, or as an attachment along with your resume.

First and foremost when you’re addressing a cover letter in an email is the subject line, which should be between 6-10 words long. 

Considering that hiring managers receive countless emails daily, you want to make sure that yours is a job application immediately. And the way to do that is straight through the subject line, which should indicate exactly the position you’re applying for and your name so that it’s easier to find through the recruiter’s swarmed mailbox. 

Here’ what we mean by that:

• Subject Line:   John Doe - Software Development Job Application 
• Subject Line: John Doe - Job Application for Marketing Manager Position   
• Subject Line: John Doe - Stock Manager Job Application 

Afterward, if you’re including your cover letter in the body of the email (as opposed to attaching it as a document), begin by using a salutation, add space, and start your letter. 

If someone referred you for the position, make sure to mention that in the subject line of your email as well as in your opening paragraph.  

So, let’s see how all the above plays out in practice: 

Subject Line: John Doe - Carl Jacob’s Referral for Software Developer

I was very glad that Mr. Jacobs, a long-time partner at your firm who also happens to be my mentor from college, referred me for the Software Developer position. 

Do you want your style, personality, and overall personal brand to shine through your application? With Novorésumé, you can match your cover letter with your resume to make a lasting impression! 

Key Takeaways 

And that’s all there is when it comes to addressing a cover letter! You should feel much more confident in doing so by now. 

Either way, let’s go over the main points we covered throughout the article: 

• Your cover letter address should be formal and well-researched. Don’t address the hiring manager with “hey,” “what’s up,” “hi there,” or even the old-fashioned “Dear Sir/Madam” and “To Whom It May Concern.”
• Always try to find the hiring manager’s full name and professional title through the company’s website, LinkedIn, by calling, or by asking someone who works there.
• If you know the hiring manager’s name, go with “Dear Mr./Miss Last Name,” but if you’re unsure about their gender, marital status, or preferred pronoun, just address them using their full name.
• If the recruiter has a professional or academic title, it’s more appropriate to address them using their title.
• If you can’t find the contact person’s name, then address the department, faculty, or company (i.e. Dear Microsoft Hiring Team , or Dear Software Development Recruitment Team ).

Related Readings: 

• Do I Need a Cover Letter in 2024
• Entry-Level Cover Letter
• Cover Letter for Internship
• How to Write a Cover Letter in 2024

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11 Cover letter templates with examples

Not sure what type of cover letter is going to catch the eye of hiring managers, so they actually read your CV?

A well-written cover letter can be a game-changer in your job search, so long as you think carefully about what you include.

No need to panic, though.

For an easy win, use one of our 11 impressive cover letter templates, along with inspirational examples and a step-by-step writing guide.

CV templates 

Basic cover letter template

Dear [Recruiter’s name],

I am writing to apply for the [Job title] at [Company name], as advertised on [Website name]. With [Number of years of experience] in [Core responsibilities of role + quantified achievement if possible].

During my current job at [Company name], I [Core responsibilities of role + quantified achievement if possible].

I am eager to bring my [Mention suitable skill + aspirations] to the [Job title] at [Employer’s name] and I am available for an interview at your earliest convenience.

Kind regards,

[Name] [Phone number] [Email]

Basic cover letter example

Short cover letter template

Hi [Recruiter name],

I’d like to express my interest in the role of [Job title] as advertised on [Website name].

I am currently working in a [Current role] role for [Current employer], where I am responsible for [Core responsibilities of role + quantified achievement if possible].

I’m looking for a new challenge that will [Aspirations + mention of suitable skill].

It would be great to hear from you, and I am available to interview at any time.

Short cover letter example

Admin cover letter template

Good morning [Hiring Manager],

I am writing to submit my application for the position of [Role name] at [Company name]. As a passionate and committed individual with [Number of years] of experience and a track record of [Core responsibilities of role + quantified achievement if possible], I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to the continued success of your institution.

I have gained valuable insights into the [Core responsibilities of role + more quantified achievements.] In my current role as [Current role], I have continuously facilitated positive change and enhanced [Company name’s] reputation.

Some notable achievements I would like to mention include [List quantified achievements].

With all my experience and a [Qualification] in [Subject], I hope that you recognise my enthusiasm and will consider me for the position.

Kind regards, [Name] [Phone number] [Email address]

Admin cover letter example

Finance cover letter template

I am excited to apply for the [Job title] at [Company name]. As a results-orientated professional with a track record of [Core responsibilities of role + quantified achievement if possible], I am confident that my expertise aligns perfectly with the needs of your organisation.

With [Number of years] of experience, I have developed [Core responsibilities of role + quantified achievement if possible].

In my current role as a [Current role] at [Current employer], I implemented a [Core responsibilities of role + quantified achievement if possible].

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of further discussing my qualifications, skills, and contributions I will bring as your new [Job title].

Finance cover letter example

Sales cover letter template

I hope you’re well. I am writing to apply for the [Job title] at [Company name]. With [Core responsibilities of role + quantified achievement if possible].

I am eager to apply my proactive and goal-orientated approach to drive revenue growth at [Company name]. I am available for an interview at your earliest convenience to discuss how my dedication and skills can contribute to the success of your sales team.

Sales cover letter example

Customer service cover letter template

I’d like to apply for the position of [Job title] as advertised on [Website name].

With [Years] of experience in customer-facing positions for leading retail companies, I have gathered extensive customer service skills in [Type of setting].

In my current role with [Company name], I am responsible for [Role responsibilities + quantified achievement if possible].

My role has given me [Aspirations + mention suitable skill].

I believe my skill sets and product knowledge will allow me to fit perfectly with the requirements you are seeking in a candidate, and I am available for an interview at short notice.

Customer service cover letter example

Project management cover letter template

I am interested in applying for the role of [Job title] . My experience in [List core responsibilities of role + quantified achievement if possible].

I am enclosing my CV for your consideration, which further highlights my experience, which I am positive fully meets the demands of this role.

Project management cover letter example

Education cover letter template

I hope you’re well.

I am writing concerning the advert for a [Job title] at [Name of educational setting]. Over the past [Number of years], I have [Core responsibilities of role + quantified achievement if possible].

I am seeking a new opportunity that will allow me to [Aspirations + mention of suitable skill].

I am keen to talk to you more about the job role, and I look forward to hearing from you.

Education cover letter example

Internal promotion cover letter template

Hey [Recruiter name],

I hope you and the team are well! I am thrilled to apply for the promotion to [Job title] of the [Department] team at [Company name], as advertised on [Website name]. With my [Number of years] of service as a [Current role], within the company, supported by [Core responsibilities of role + quantified achievement if possible].

As a dedicated member of staff, I am eager to streamline and innovate the administrative operations at [Company name] in this new role. I would love to discuss my vision for this role further in an interview at your discretion.

All the best, [Name] [Phone number] [Email address]

Internal promotion cover letter example

Student cover letter template

Good morning [Recruiter name],

I would like to submit my application for the [Job title] at [Company name], where I believe my skills in [Industry] can make a valuable contribution.

As a highly driven [Core responsibilities of studies + quantified achievement if possible].

I am eager to continue learning and to have the opportunity to work alongside the team at [Employer’s name]. I am available for an interview at your convenience to further discuss my qualifications. Thank you for considering my application.

Student cover letter example

No experience cover letter template

I am an enthusiastic [Job title/student] at [Current employer/School or university name] with excellent [Core skills], seeking to apply for the [Job title] at [Company name].

In my current role as [Current role] at [Current employer], I [Core responsibilities of role + quantified achievement if possible].

I am excited to contribute my [Aspirations + mention of suitable skill]. I am available for an interview from [Insert date] and I am eager to discuss how my skills can benefit your company’s success.

Thank you for considering my application.

Sincerely, [Name] [Phone number] [Email address]

No experience cover letter example

How to write a cover letter

Here are five steps on how to write a cover letter to ensure you get hiring managers in the UK and beyond to look at your CV .

Include your cover letter within the email or message

When submitting your job application, always include your cover letter within the body of your email or message. Never attached it as a separate document.

“But why?”, you ask.

Well, you should instantly grab the recruiter’s attention the moment they look at your application. If they have to endure the hassle of opening a document, it slows everything down, and they may not even bother.

Here’s how to include your cover letter in the body of your application message:

Tailor your greeting by directly addressing the recruiter

To get your cover letter off to a great start, make a brilliant first impression by using the hiring manager or recruiter’s name.

Avoid sounding overly formal or informal, though.

For instance, you could address the recruiter using:

• Hi [insert recruiter’s name]
• Hi [insert department/team name]

Skip the conventional “Dear Sir or Madam” unless you’re targeting highly formal companies.

Here are a few tips on how to locate the recruiter’s name:

• Check the job ad – Sometimes, you can find their name and email address within the job advert itself.
• Visit the company website – Look at the “About Us” section to unearth the contact info for the recruitment team or head of department.
• Use LinkedIn – If you’re having a hard time pinning down the specific team and company related to the job opening, a quick search can reveal the person in charge of hiring for that specific job.

If you have no success in finding their name, don’t stress. Just say “Hi” – that’ll more than do the trick. Aim for a greeting that is both professional and welcoming.

Here are some examples of how to address your cover letter if you have trouble finding their name:

Be personable and professional

Your cover letter should be a blend of personality and professionalism .

Coming across as too casual can make you sound a little unprofessional while appearing excessively formal can make you look stiff.

Go for a professional, friendly tone.

Begin with something such as, “I hope you’re well” to bring a personal touch.

Pinpoint your applicable skills

Your cover letter’s purpose? To entice hiring managers to read your CV . To do this, quickly allude to your relevant skills tailored to the job you’re interested in.

Review the job description and note the essential qualifications and skills the recruiter wants.

Concentrate on these skills in your cover letter and tell them why you’re perfect for the role.

This gives recruiters the confidence they need to consider you for the job.

For instance, you could say:

• Finance – “My strategic planning skills allowed me to identify key growth opportunities and revenue drivers, ultimately leading to the impressive revenue increase of over £100 million.”
• Marine engineer – “I excel in the development and implementation of predictive maintenance programs, ensuring equipment reliability and longevity. I implemented a predictive maintenance programme that reduced downtime of critical equipment by 25%, as well as saved £120K+ annually through purchasing supplies from suitable industry vendors.”
• Medical writer – “My capacity to translate complex medical information into clear and accessible content for various audiences is a core skill that has empowered me to produce 15 high-quality educational materials. Moreover, my strong research proficiency was instrumental in increasing audience comprehension and patient satisfaction scores by 30% and 15% respectively.”

Conclude and add a professional signature

Your sign-off must be warm. So, say something like “Best regards” or “Kind regards.” Just be yourself while staying polite.

To add a nice finishing touch to your cover letter , add a professional signature at the very bottom.

Doing so helps the person on the other end know how to reach you and gives your cover letter a professional touch.

Here’s what you need to include in your professional sign-off:

• Your full name – Add your first and last name, like “Jessica Smith”. It’s just there so recruiters know who you are.
• Your phone number – Preferably, put your mobile number in here so recruiters can quickly get hold of you.
• Your email address – This must be a professional email address, like [email protected]. Don’t include an overly casual email – remember, this is a job application.

If you like, you could also include a couple of extra details:

• Your job title – For example, “Administrator” or “Delivery Driver.”
• A link to your LinkedIn – If you use LinkedIn, insert a link to your profile – this is like your professional social media.