Cover letter (UK): how to write one that gets read
The structure, opening lines, and wording that get UK cover letters shortlisted. With a plain template and NHS / civil service tweaks.
Reviewed by Anthony, founder · Updated
TL;DR
Half a page, three short paragraphs, specific to this employer, no buzzword bingo. The recruiter reads it for 20 seconds. Make every line earn its place.
The structure
- 01
Paragraph 1 (opening). The role you're applying for, plus one specific fact that makes you a fit. No filler.
- 02
Paragraph 2 (proof). Two or three concrete examples of relevant work, with outcomes where possible. Mirror the wording in the job ad.
- 03
Paragraph 3 (employer fit). One specific reason you want to work for this employer. Show you've done five minutes of homework.
- 04
Sign-off. One short sentence plus "Yours sincerely" (if you used their name) or "Kind regards" (if you didn't).
UK template
Dear [Hiring Manager name],
I'm applying for the [job title] role at [employer]. [One specific sentence linking your most relevant experience to the role.]
[Two or three concrete examples of work that match the job ad's priorities. Use specific numbers, outcomes, or named systems where possible.]
[One paragraph on why this employer specifically. A recent project, a published value, a service area, anything that shows you researched them.]
I'd welcome the chance to discuss the role.
Yours sincerely,
[Your name]
Opening lines that work
The first sentence is the only one most recruiters fully read. Make it specific.
"Four years on a high-acuity surgical ward makes the Band 6 trauma role at [trust] a direct next step."
"I led the rollout of [product] across 40 sites in 2025; the Senior PM role at [employer] looks like the natural next problem to solve."
"After three years teaching KS3 maths through GCSE, I'm applying for the Head of Maths role to take subject leadership forward."
Avoid:
"I am writing to apply for..." Recruiters skip the first line. Don't waste it.
"Please find attached my CV..." They can see the attachment.
"I am a highly motivated team player..." Means nothing.
NHS / Civil Service tweaks
Public sector applications often replace the cover letter with a supporting statement field on NHS Jobs / Civil Service Jobs. The format is different:
Address every Essential criterion in the person specification, in order.
One paragraph per criterion, STAR format (Situation, Task, Action, Result).
Use the framework's exact wording (Civil Service Behaviours, Agenda for Change descriptors).
Lead with "I". The panel scores your actions, not your team's.
Typical length: 750-1,500 words for Civil Service, 1 to 2 pages for NHS.
What to skip
Restating your CV. The cover letter explains the why. The CV covers the what.
Photos, fancy fonts, logos. Cover letters parse the same way CVs do.
"References available on request". Implied.
Adjective stacking. Passionate / dedicated / motivated / driven.
Hobbies. Only if directly relevant to the role.
Generate a tailored cover letter.
On Premium, Sausage Dog writes a one-page UK cover letter from the same upload you used for the CV. It mirrors the job ad's wording, in your voice, with no fabricated experience.
Frequently asked
Do I need a cover letter for every UK job application?+
If the advert asks for one, yes. If it does not mention one, include a short one anyway when you upload your CV. Under one page, addressing why this employer and why this role. The exception is internal NHS / Civil Service jobs that use a supporting-statement field instead of a separate cover letter.
How long should a UK cover letter be?+
Half a page minimum, one page maximum. Three to four short paragraphs. Recruiters spend under 30 seconds on a cover letter. If yours runs over a page it does not get finished.
Should I address it to "Dear Sir/Madam"?+
Avoid it. If the advert names a hiring manager use their name. If it does not, "Dear Hiring Manager" or "Dear [Team name] Team" reads better than the formal but generic alternatives. Avoid "To whom it may concern". Too cold for UK norms.
How do I open a cover letter?+
Not with "I am writing to apply for the position of". Recruiters skip that line. Open with the role plus a specific fact about why you fit. Example: "I have spent four years as a Band 5 nurse on a high-acuity surgical ward, which makes the Band 6 trauma role at [trust] a direct next step."
Should I mention salary or notice period?+
Only if the application form asks. Cover letters are not the place for negotiation. That is the offer stage. Mentioning either too early makes you look transactional.
Are AI-written cover letters detectable?+
AI-detection tools are unreliable and most UK employers do not run them on cover letters. What recruiters do detect is generic AI prose. Long sentences, em dashes, "leverage" / "synergy" / "spearhead". Sausage Dog cover letters are written in plain UK English with the same constraints as the CV rewrite: no fabricated experience, no buzzword bingo.