Last Updated on January 25, 2024 by Elidge Staff
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How to start a cover letter UK: A Comprehensive Guide
Enhance how to start a cover letter UK with these expert tips. Stand out from the crowd and secure that interview! Cover letters play a crucial role in your job application, serving as a personal introduction and a key tool to showcase your skills and experience. In this guide, we’ll explore the essentials of writing compelling cover letters, providing tips and examples to help you stand out in the competitive job market.
What is a Cover Letter?
A cover letter is a document submitted alongside your CV when applying for jobs. Its primary purpose is to introduce yourself personally and persuade employers why you’re the ideal candidate for the position.
Why are Cover Letters Important?
Cover letters allow you to:
- Explain your suitability for the job.
- Highlight relevant skills and experience.
- Complement, not duplicate, your CV.
- Demonstrate your knowledge of the company.
How to Write a Good Cover Letter
Research Before You Write (How to start a cover letter UK)
Before crafting your cover letter, conduct thorough research on:
- The person reading your cover letter.
- The organization’s culture.
- The industry and any relevant news.
- Company competitors and market position.
- The organization’s goals over the next five years.
Structuring Your Cover Letter
- First Paragraph: Introduction
- State the position you’re applying for.
- Mention where you saw the job advertised.
- Specify your availability to start.
- Second Paragraph: Highlight Experience
- Showcase relevant experience.
- Demonstrate how your skills align with the job requirements.
- Summarize additional strengths.
- Third Paragraph: Why You’re Suitable
- Discuss your interest in the job and the company.
- Emphasize what you can offer.
- Showcase knowledge of the company.
- Last Paragraph: Conclusion
- Reiterate interest in the role.
- Express desire for an interview.
- Mention any unavailable dates.
Addressing and Signing Off
- Address your cover letter directly to the person reading it.
- If a named contact is unavailable, use general greetings like “Dear Sir/Madam.”
- Sign off with ‘Yours sincerely’ if you include a named contact, or ‘Yours faithfully’ for general greetings.
Example Cover Letters
Explore these sample cover letters for inspiration when you want to know how to start a cover letter UK:
Top Tips for Writing a Cover Letter (How to start a cover letter UK)
- Tailor to the Organization
- Rewrite your cover letter for each application.
- Target specific details about the company.
- Format Matters
- Properly format your cover letter.
- Use the same font and size as your CV.
- Ensure clarity and professional presentation.
- Use Keywords
- Include keywords from the job advert.
- Show you’ve read and understood the job description.
- Identify Your USPs
- Clearly outline your unique selling points.
- Demonstrate why you’re the perfect candidate.
- Include Examples
- Support claims with real evidence.
- Provide examples of when you’ve used your skills.
Frequently Asked Questions (How to start a cover letter UK)
How should I address a cover letter?
Always attempt to address your cover letter to the person reading it. Use general greetings only if a named contact is unavailable.
How do I sign off?
Sign off ‘Yours sincerely’ if you include a named contact; use ‘Yours faithfully’ for general greetings.
When should I follow up my application?
Follow up after two weeks of no response. Send a brief email to the hiring manager, reiterating your interest.
That’s how to start a cover letter UK
Crafting an effective cover letter is a vital step in your job application process. Tailor each letter, showcase your strengths, and make a lasting impression. For further assistance, consult your university’s careers service or follow this top tips.
If you have more questions, look through our blog for answers!
