Cover letters are polarising in the UK job market. Some recruiters skip them entirely; others use them as the primary filter. The data suggests that a well-written, concise cover letter improves your chances — while a poor one actively hurts you. Here is what works in the UK in 2026.
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UK cover letters are formal business letters, not emails. They should be one page maximum, 3–4 paragraphs, using standard business letter formatting. Address the hiring manager by name where possible — "Dear Hiring Manager" is acceptable if unknown, but "To Whom It May Concern" is dated and should be avoided.
A 4-paragraph structure covers everything a recruiter needs to make a decision:
Most cover letters are discarded in the first line. Recruiters have seen "I am writing to apply for the position of X as advertised on Y" thousands of times. Avoid these openers:
A strong opening makes a specific, substantiated claim about why you are a strong match. It references either the role, the company, or a specific achievement:
Do UK employers actually read cover letters?
It depends on the employer and role. Research consistently shows that ~50% of UK recruiters read cover letters when they are submitted. However, a poor cover letter can eliminate you even if your CV is strong, while a great one can get you an interview over a stronger CV. The asymmetry means it is worth doing well.
Should I address my cover letter to a specific person?
Yes, whenever possible. Check LinkedIn for the hiring manager, recruiter, or HR contact for the team. If the job posting was placed by a specific recruiter, address them. A personalised opening ("Dear Sarah") is noticeably better than "Dear Hiring Manager".
How long should a UK cover letter be?
One page maximum. In practice, 250–400 words is the sweet spot — long enough to make your case, short enough that a busy recruiter reads it entirely. Anything over 500 words in a cover letter signals poor communication skills.
Should I repeat what's in my CV?
No — your cover letter should add context that the CV cannot. Use it to explain why you want this specific role at this specific company, highlight the 2–3 achievements most relevant to this role, and show personality that a CV list cannot convey.
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