A cover letter is your chance to show an employer why you, in a way a CV alone cannot. Done well, it connects your experience directly to what the role needs and makes a hiring manager want to meet you. This UK guide walks through exactly how to write one that earns interviews.
What a cover letter is for
A CV lists what you have done; a cover letter explains why it matters for this role. It should be tailored, specific and concise — ideally under one page. A generic letter sent to every employer is worse than no letter at all.
The structure of a strong cover letter
- Opening: address it to a named person where possible, state the role, and open with a genuine, specific reason you're a strong fit — not "I am writing to apply for…".
- Why you (the evidence): two short paragraphs matching your most relevant achievements to the job's key requirements. Use concrete results, not adjectives.
- Why them: show you understand and are motivated by this organisation — reference something real about them.
- Close: a confident, forward-looking sign-off and a clear thank-you.
Tailoring: the single most important step
Read the job advert closely and mirror its language. Decode exactly what the employer is asking for — our Job Intelligence™ tool does this automatically — then evidence each priority. A tailored letter beats a polished generic one every time.
Tone and length
Professional but human. Confident, not arrogant. British English, no clichés, no waffle. Keep it to three or four short paragraphs on a single page.
Common mistakes
Repeating your CV, being generic, focusing on what you want rather than what you offer, and typos. See our dedicated guide to cover letter mistakes, and browse cover letter examples for structure you can adapt. For specific situations, see our graduate cover letter and cyber security cover letter guides.
Practise what you've learned
Don't start from a blank page. Missiora's Employer-Aligned Cover Letter reads the job advert with Job Intelligence™ and drafts a tailored letter that mirrors what the employer actually asked for — then refine it in your own voice. Build the evidence behind your claims in your Career Passport™.
The structure that works
- Opening — name the role and, in one line, why you're a strong fit (lead with your best evidence, not "I am writing to apply").
- Why you — two short paragraphs matching your achievements to the advert's top priorities, with specifics.
- Why them — show genuine knowledge of the organisation and why it appeals.
- Close — a confident call to action and thanks.
Keep it to one page, three or four tight paragraphs. The cover letter complements your CV; it shouldn't repeat it.
Make every letter specific
Address a named person where possible, reference the actual role and organisation, and give concrete evidence rather than adjectives. Generic, templated letters are obvious and easily ignored — see the cover letter mistakes to avoid.
Tailor, then check
Mirror the advert's language, cut every cliché, and read it aloud. For inspiration on tone and structure, study our cover letter examples.