Applying for jobs is tough enough without having to stress about your cover letter layout…
Even if you’ve mastered the art of writing the perfect cover letter content, putting it all together in a professional format can feel overwhelming. You’re juggling structure, formatting, and making sure it stands out from the pile – all while trying to showcase why you’re the perfect fit for the role.
We’ve already covered what a cover letter is and how to write a cover letter, but if you’re still feeling frustrated when it comes to cover letter formatting – here’s our free cover letter template to help you get started:
Download your free cover letter template
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This covering letter template includes all the essential sections you need, with helpful prompts to guide you through each part. It’s designed to work for any industry and can be easily customised for different roles.
View all cover letter templates
What makes a great cover letter format?
A well-structured cover letter follows a clear format that hiring managers can scan quickly. Here’s what you need to include:
Opening paragraph – Make your intentions clear
Your opening should be short and direct. Explain which job you’re applying for and where you found the vacancy. This immediately tells the hiring manager what role you’re interested in.
If someone referred you to the position, mention their name here. If you found the job on a specific website, feel free to mention it by name (like ‘as advertised on Reed.co.uk’).
Example:
I wish to apply for the Marketing Assistant role currently being advertised on Reed.co.uk. Please find my CV attached for your consideration.
How to overcome common cover letter problems
Second paragraph – Why you’re right for the job
This is where you briefly highlight your relevant qualifications and experience. Look at the job description and mirror some of the key skills they’re asking for.
Don’t have specific qualifications? Focus on your relevant experience instead. New to the workforce? Highlight your personal skills and what makes you suitable for the role.
Example:
As detailed in my attached CV, I have recently completed my Marketing degree with a 2:1 classification and gained practical experience through my summer internship at a local agency. This combination of academic knowledge and hands-on experience makes me well-suited for this position.
Five things you need to stop doing on your cover letter
Third paragraph – What you can do for them
Use specific examples to show what value you can bring to the company. Wherever possible, include numbers to make your achievements more impressive.
Think about times you’ve solved problems, improved processes, or achieved results – even from part-time jobs, volunteering, or university projects.
Example:
During my internship, I helped increase the company’s social media engagement by 35% through creating targeted content campaigns. I also assisted with client presentations that resulted in three new accounts worth £15,000 in total revenue.
Fourth paragraph – Reinforce your interest
Here’s where you reiterate why you want this specific job and why you’d be a great fit for their company culture and goals.
Example:
I’m particularly drawn to your company’s innovative approach to digital marketing and your commitment to supporting local businesses. I’m confident that my creative skills and fresh perspective would contribute positively to your team’s continued success.
Closing paragraph – Professional sign-off
Thank them for their time and express your interest in discussing the role further.
Sign off with ‘Yours sincerely’ if you know the hiring manager’s name, or ‘Yours faithfully’ if you don’t.
Example:
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to discussing how I can contribute to your marketing team.
Yours sincerely,
[Your name]
Free cover letter builder
Looking for a step-by-step guide to building your cover letter? Follow these interactive steps and jot down your responses as you go. By the end, you’ll have a polished draft.
1. Header & Greeting
- Your name, address, contact info, and date.
- The company’s name and address.
- Greeting:
- Prompt: “Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],” (Bonus points if you actually find their name. If not, “Dear Hiring Manager,” works too.)
2. Opening Paragraph
- Introduce yourself and mention the job you’re applying for.
- Prompt: “I’m excited to apply for the [Job Title] position at [Company], as advertised on [where you found it].”
- Quick hook about why you’re interested.
- Prompt: “Your focus on [something you admire about the company] instantly caught my attention.”
3. Why You? (The Middle Bit)
- Summarise your skills and experience relevant to the job.
- Prompt: “With my background in [your field/expertise], I have developed strong skills in [key skill #1], [key skill #2], and [key skill #3].”
- Highlight one or two achievements that make you stand out. Make it snappy.
- Prompt: “For example, at [Previous Company], I [describe achievement or responsibility—add numbers/results if you have them].”
4. Why Them?
- Show you’ve done your homework and explain why you want to join their team.
- Prompt: “I’m drawn to [Company] because of [specific element about their mission, projects, or values].”
5. Closing the Deal
- Wrap it up by reiterating your interest and inviting them to contact you.
- Prompt: “Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to further discuss how I can contribute to your team.”
- Professional sign-off:
- “Yours sincerely,” (if you know their name)
- “Yours faithfully,” (if you don’t)
- Your name.
Free sample cover letter examples
Need a bit more inspiration? Here are some cover letter snippets from a variety of industries, each highlighting strong openings, standout achievements, or memorable sign-offs:
Marketing Example – Introduction:
“I am writing to express my interest in the Marketing Executive position at Apex Agency. My experience in developing targeted campaigns and increasing audience engagement aligns closely with the requirements outlined in your job description.”
IT Example – Highlighting Achievements:
“In my previous role as a Systems Analyst, I led a successful system migration project that reduced downtime by 50%. This achievement demonstrates my ability to manage complex initiatives and deliver measurable results.”
Healthcare Example – Professional Closing:
“Thank you for considering my application for the Staff Nurse position. I am eager to contribute to your team’s commitment to high-quality patient care and believe my clinical experience will be a strong asset.”
Retail Example – Relevant Experience:
“Having managed both routine operations and high-traffic periods in a retail environment, I have developed strong customer service and problem-solving skills. I am confident that my background will allow me to make a positive impact on your store’s team.”
View more cover letter examples and samples
Use the above examples to inspire your own cover letter, depending on the industry you work in. But remember, these are only samples. Tailoring your cover letter to your own specific skills and experience is vital.
Covering letter templates for different situations
Need something more specific? We have cover letter templates designed for various situations:
- Graduate cover letter template – For recent university leavers
- Career change cover letter template – For when you’re switching industries
- Career break cover letter template – For returning to work after time away
- Part-time cover letter template – For flexible working arrangements
Final thoughts
Remember, this free cover letter template is just the starting point.
This means that it’ll only be effective if you actually put the work in. So before you get started – take some time to research the company and role, and think about how your skills and experience make you a good fit.
Then, do this for every single job you apply for. Because although you won’t have to completely rewrite your cover letter each time, making small changes that make it tailored to the job are essential.
For more help with your job applications, check out our cover letter help and tips section, or browse our free CV templates to complete your application.
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thank you very much for this template.. it has really helped gather my skills and get the job of my dreams!!
Rubbish.
Sorry, I beg to disagree. This is where the problem is for a lot of people these days, being able to put together a decent cover letter is just as important as how good your CV looks, if you bother to read these comments and related articles, YOU will see that they will help you if YOU APPLY your time and effort into presenting yourself appropriately. I myself am looking for a new job, and finding out what employers want to see on your CV or covering letter is worth the time and effort. Yes, it’s frustrating having to do all this, but none of us will get anywhere unless we make the effort.
This was extremely helpful. Reading through the article gave me better insight into how to present my cover letter and this would be very helpful from the perspective of the hiring company.