If you’re looking to get a job in the UK, writing a strong cover letter is an essential part of your application. But how long should it be? How many words should it have? And what makes for good grammar? We’ve got all the answers here.
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Cover letters should generally be no longer than one page or about 250-400 words. |
| It’s important to include all the necessary information in your cover letter, but keeping it concise can help ensure that it is read in its entirety by potential employers. |
| Personalizing your cover letter to the specific employer and job you’re applying for can help it stand out. |
| Focusing on your unique skills and experiences can also make your cover letter stand out. |
| Including specific examples of your achievements and qualifications can help demonstrate why you’re a good fit for the job. |
How Long Should My Cover Letter Be UK?
One page is the standard length for a cover letter, but it can vary depending on the company and job.
For example, if you’re applying to an investment bank, they may want your cover letter to be around two pages long because of their strict formatting rules. Some employers require that you attach your CV as well; this is something to keep in mind if you’re having trouble keeping your document under one page.
If you need help writing an effective cover letter that follows all of these elements and provides useful information about yourself and why you’re suited for the job, check out our free resources on The Ladders!
When it comes to the ideal length of a cover letter, it’s important to know the expectations of the country you’re applying in. If you’re applying in the US, check out our guide on how long a cover letter should be in the US for tips on crafting the perfect length.
How Many Words Should A Cover Letter Be UK?
Simple answer: it shouldn’t be longer than one page. While some employers prefer to see more information, you have to keep in mind that the purpose of a cover letter is to show how well qualified you are for the job, so it shouldn’t be too long. If they like what they read and want more information, they will ask for it!
If you’re applying for multiple jobs and need some guidance on how much information to include in each application, here is a chart with popular job titles and their average word counts:
How Many Paragraphs In A Cover Letter UK?
The first paragraph of your cover letter should be the introduction, which is why it has to be short. Then you can outline the details of what you want in your second paragraph; this is where you should include any specific skills and qualifications that relate directly to the job.
If there are any projects or examples that support what you’ve written so far, then include them here too. Finally, end with a sentence or two about how enthusiastic and committed you are to working with this company before signing off.
Starting a cover letter can be one of the hardest parts of the writing process. If you’re struggling to get started, our guide on how to start writing a cover letter has some helpful tips and examples to get your creative juices flowing.
What Words Not To Use In A Cover Letter?
Avoid using the following words:
“As you know”-This is a cliche that shows you haven’t done your research to find out what the reader knows and doesn’t know. You don’t have to include every point in your cover letter, but take a look at the job description and see if there are any specific skills or qualifications mentioned. Then make sure you include them in your cover letter!
“I am writing to you”-Even when emailing, say ‘I’d like…’ instead of ‘I am writing. Like ‘as you know, this phrase makes it seem like there are things they don’t know, which can make them feel less confident in your abilities.
“I am writing”-Again with the second person! If they’re interested enough in your application they’ll read the whole thing regardless of how long it is (and most people will probably skim rather than read word-for-word anyway), so don’t worry about being too wordy or longwinded just be clear!
How Do You Start A Formal Letter UK?
You should start your letter with a formal salutation Dear Sir or Madam. This is a very important part of your letter as it will immediately identify which person you are writing to.
For example Dear Mr. Smith, Dear Dr. Jones, or even Dear Jim. The correct form of address will depend on who you are writing to and their job title. If the reader has been given a title by an institution such as Doctor then use this in addressing them rather than just ‘Mr’ or ‘Mrs’ which does not specify if they are male or female.
If you don’t know how to address someone formally then check out our guide here: How Do I Address Someone Who Is Not A Friend?
How Do You Write Good Letter UK?
Be specific in your letter.
Keep the length brief and to the point.
Write politely, professionally, and clearly.
Be concise don’t ramble on about yourself or your qualifications for too long! A cover letter should not be an essay; it’s just a few paragraphs long at most, so don’t feel like you need to go into great detail about everything you’ve ever done at work or school.
You’re trying to genuinely help someone make sense of who they are and what they want not to tell them every single thing about yourself! It would also be helpful if you could avoid making silly spelling errors or grammatical mistakes while doing this.”
While some may argue that a cover letter isn’t necessary, it can actually be a key component in catching the attention of a potential employer. Check out our guide on how important a cover letter is with your resume to learn more about why including a cover letter can make a big difference in your job search.
What Are The Qualities Of A Good Letter UK?
The cover letter is an important part of your application. It’s a chance to introduce yourself, tell the employer why you want the job, and find out more about the company. It should be:
- Formal but friendly
- Clear and well-written
- Well-structured, with a clear sign-off at the end
Understanding how cover letters work and what they should include can be a challenge, especially if you’re new to the job search process. Our guide on how do cover letters work breaks down the basics of what to include and how to format your cover letter to make a great first impression.
How Do You Write An Official Letter UK?
While there are no hard and fast rules for how long a cover letter should be, it’s important to get the tone and length right. An overly long or rambling cover letter could put off your potential employer; a concise and well-written one is more likely to catch their eye.
It’s also worth noting that the format of an official letter UK will differ slightly from other types of business correspondence. For example, there are two main styles of formal salutation: ‘Dear Sir/Madam or ‘To whom it may concern. The first term has been used since the 17th century, whereas ‘to whom it may concern is more recent – dating back only as far as 1819.
If you’re looking for comprehensive information on cover letters, look no further than our guide on all you need to know about cover letters. From the basics of formatting to advanced tips on customization, this guide has everything you need to craft the perfect cover letter for your job search.
Conclusion
That’s it! Now you know how to write the perfect cover letter for any job in the UK. We hope that this guide has helped you understand why it is important to stand out from other candidates and how your presentation can make all the difference when applying for jobs.
Further Reading
Here are some additional resources that may be helpful when writing a cover letter:
How Long Should a Cover Letter Be?: This article provides a comprehensive guide on cover letter length, including tips on how to keep your cover letter concise while still including all the necessary information.
How Long Should a Cover Letter Be?: This article offers guidance on cover letter length, including advice on how to structure your cover letter and what information to include.
How Long Should a Cover Letter Be?: This article provides tips on how to write a cover letter that is the appropriate length, as well as guidance on what to include and what to leave out.
FAQs
How long should a cover letter be?
The ideal length of a cover letter can vary depending on the employer and the job you’re applying for, but generally it should be no more than one page or about 250-400 words.
Is it better to have a shorter or longer cover letter?
It’s generally better to err on the side of brevity when it comes to cover letters. While you want to include all the necessary information, keeping your cover letter concise can help ensure that it is read in its entirety by potential employers.
What information should be included in a cover letter?
A cover letter should include information about why you are interested in the job and how your skills and experience make you a good fit for the role. It should also include specific examples of your achievements and qualifications, as well as any relevant personal or professional attributes.
Can a cover letter be too long?
Yes, a cover letter can definitely be too long. In general, it’s best to keep your cover letter to one page or about 250-400 words. Anything longer than that risks losing the attention of potential employers.
How can I make my cover letter stand out without making it too long?
One way to make your cover letter stand out is to focus on your unique skills and experiences that make you a good fit for the job. It can also be helpful to personalize your cover letter to the specific employer and job you’re applying for, and to include specific examples of your achievements and qualifications. Additionally, keeping your cover letter concise and easy to read can help it stand out without being too long.
Costantine Edward is a digital marketing expert, freelance writer, and entrepreneur who helps people attain financial freedom. I’ve been working in marketing since I was 18 years old and have managed to build a successful career doing what I love.