
How to Format a Cover Letter for UK Jobs in 2025
Discover how to format a cover letter in the UK. Uncover the essential steps and an expert cover letter format example to tailor yours easily in 2025.
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If you’re looking for a perfect cover letter length, you must first understand that a cover letter is not a full biography of your career. Instead, it should act as a compelling snapshot of your most relevant skills, experience and enthusiasm for the role. By being selective and purposeful in what you include, you can craft a letter that supports your CV and encourages the employer to take a closer look.
In this guide, you’ll:
Use the LiveCareer cover letter builder and your cover letter will write itself. Choose a professional template, answer a few easy questions and the creator will generate a professional cover letter for you with just one click.
A cover letter should be around 250–300 words. It should fit on one page and, in most cases, feature 3–4 paragraphs. Avoid repeating your resume. When you finish writing your cover letter, save it as a PDF.
Here’s a sample cover letter that’s 260 words, excluding the header:
Victoria Harris
Recruiter
85 Oak Hill Drive
Brighton, BN1 9DL
0 7123 456 789
victoria.harris@livecareer.uk
17th June 2025
Laura Davies
HR Manager
ADK Recruitment Solutions
58B Main Street
Brighton, BN1 7CK
Dear Laura,
I’m thrilled to submit my application for the recruiter role at your company. ADK Recruitment Solutions has long been the industry leader in providing IT recruitment services across the South East. As a recruitment professional with over 8 years of experience and 400+ successful hires, I’m confident I would make a valuable addition to your team.
You’re looking for proactive recruiters with existing knowledge of the IT industry. In previous roles, I developed a strong understanding of IT functions, becoming proficient in writing job descriptions for data encryption, systems security and network administration roles. I can quickly assess candidates’ relevance by drawing on this knowledge of how IT departments are structured.
My results to date include:
ADK ’s reputation as a trusted agency with access to top-tier IT professionals is unparalleled. I would be proud to join your team and contribute to a high-quality talent pipeline that meets the expectations of both candidates and clients.
I’d love to discuss this role with you in more detail. Would you be available for a chat sometime next week?
Yours sincerely,
Victoria Harris
P.S. Last quarter, I filled a senior cybersecurity role in under 12 days—well below the market average. I’d love to tell you more about how that kind of speed and precision might work in ADK.
As you can clearly see, that cover letter length is perfectly fine to convince a recruiter that you’re the perfect fit.
But why does a shorter cover letter mean a better cover letter?
Recruiters value brevity. Given that an average job opening attracts over 250 candidates, they spend mere seconds looking at one. That’s why a concise, tailored cover letter demonstrates professionalism and makes it easier for them to quickly identify your strengths.
That’s why you should write a focused, compelling cover letter that’s no longer than a page. Remember, this document should only complement your CV and increase your chances of landing an interview, not show your entire work history, all of your key skills, and every detail of your career
You can adjust every cover letter created in the builder to meet the job requirements. Choose the name of your profession and the company to which you’re applying, and the LiveCareer cover letter builder will automatically adapt the content for you. Create a cover letter faster than you ever thought possible and apply for the job in record time.
Striking the right balance in your cover letter involves organising your message clearly. There is a straightforward way to do it correctly.
Here are my top 10 tips on how to achieve the perfect cover letter length:
Always check the job advertisement for specific cover letter requirements. Some employers may request answers to specific questions or limit the word count. Tailoring your content to fit these instructions shows attention to detail and professionalism.
Place your name, email address, phone number, and LinkedIn profile at the top, neatly formatted. This section should be brief: one line per detail. Keeping your contact details short helps preserve space for the main content of your letter.
To properly address your cover letter, use the hiring manager’s name if you can find it. Research the company’s website, review the job postings, or call the office to ask for a contact name. If this isn’t possible, a general greeting like “Dear Hiring Manager” will suffice. Including the correct name adds a personal touch and shows effort.
Aim for three to four short, well-organised cover letter paragraphs.
Each should have a clear purpose:
Share concise and relevant examples of your achievements that demonstrate your suitability for the role. Use a method like STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to keep stories focused and effective. Save detailed accounts for the interview.
Bullet points highlight key accomplishments or skills without overloading your letter. For instance:
This cover letter layout is particularly effective for listing measurable results or technical proficiencies; however, I always recommend opting for bullet points instead of lengthy paragraphs.
End with a short paragraph that reiterates your interest and invites the employer to contact you. Mention that your CV is attached and provide your contact information again. Be polite but confident in requesting an interview or discussion.
A simple thank you goes a long way. It shows respect for the reader’s time and leaves a positive final impression.
If you feel like you’ve something awe-inspiring to say, save it for the end and add it to the postscript section. It’s an optional part, but it can leave an extremely positive impression, especially if you feel your cover letter could be slightly longer.
How many words are there in your cover letter? There are a few ways to check your word count, depending on what software or app you’re using. These solutions should cover all bases:
If your cover letter is running too long, don’t worry: it’s a very common issue, especially when you’re eager to impress your readers. However, remember that hiring managers are unlikely to read a lengthy essay. The goal is to refine your message and keep only what truly matters to the reader.
To reduce the length without losing impact, try the following:
Trimming your letter is not about saying less, but about saying the right things. A shorter, focused letter demonstrates clarity and professionalism, making it easier for recruiters to engage with your application.
If you’re struggling to reach the ideal length for your cover letter, you’re not alone. This also often happens, especially when you’ve just graduated, are early in your career, or are switching industries. The key is to expand meaningfully by highlighting transferable skills and motivation for the role.
To add relevant content, try these strategies:
Adding length should always be purposeful. Aim to strengthen your message, rather than meeting a word count. Even a shorter letter can leave a strong impression if it clearly shows your enthusiasm and that you are fit for the role.
Here are some additional cover letter tips to keep in mind when preparing your job application:
By keeping your message focused and your format professional, you can maximise the impact of your application and make it easier for hiring managers to see why you’re the right fit.
You don’t have to create any content yourself. The LiveCareer cover letter generator will automatically suggest the best content for your cover letter with ready-made examples and expert tips.
Want to learn more about writing a cover letter? Visit our other guides:
Now that you know all there is to know about the correct cover letter length, there’s only one more thing I can say: good luck with your application!
Our editorial team has reviewed this article for compliance with Livecareer’s editorial guidelines. It’s to ensure that our expert advice and recommendations are consistent across all our career guides and align with current CV and cover letter writing standards and trends. We’re trusted by over 10 million job seekers, supporting them on their way to finding their dream job. Each article is preceded by research and scrutiny to ensure our content responds to current market trends and demand.
About the author
Maciej is a certified career expert who brings over a decade of expertise in crafting tailored CVs and cover letters. He combines deep industry knowledge with a friendly, accessible writing style, aiming to empower job seekers with practical tips and insightful career advice.
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Discover how to format a cover letter in the UK. Uncover the essential steps and an expert cover letter format example to tailor yours easily in 2025.
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