Cover Letter Structure: The Three-Paragraph Formula
A professional cover letter follows a clear three-part structure: an opening paragraph that hooks the reader, a middle section (one or two paragraphs) that makes your case with evidence, and a closing paragraph that invites action. Keep the entire letter to one page — 250 to 400 words is the sweet spot.
Address it to the hiring manager by name whenever possible. If the name is not listed in the job advert, check the company's website, LinkedIn, or phone reception to find out. 'Dear Hiring Manager' is acceptable as a last resort, but a named greeting immediately signals that you have made an effort.
- Keep it to one page (250 to 400 words is ideal)
- Address it to a named individual — check LinkedIn or phone the company to find the name
- Use the same header and design as your CV for visual consistency
- Match the tone to the company culture: formal for law and finance, conversational for startups
83%
of hiring managers read the majority of cover letters they receive — they are far from dead
Source: Resume.io
How to Open Your Cover Letter
Your opening paragraph needs to grab attention immediately. Mention the specific role you are applying for and where you found it. Include a brief hook — a notable achievement, a personal connection to the company's mission, or a compelling statistic from your career.
Avoid the tired opener 'I am writing to apply for the position of...' — instead, lead with something that makes the reader want to continue. For example: 'When I saw your Senior Marketing Manager role, I knew my experience growing a B2B pipeline from £500K to £2.1m in 18 months would be directly relevant to your expansion plans.'
- Name the specific role and company in the first sentence
- Lead with a hook: an achievement, a connection, or a bold statement
- Show genuine enthusiasm for this specific company — not generic flattery
- Reference something specific about the company: a recent product launch, a values statement, or a news article
Making Your Case in the Middle
The middle section is where you sell yourself. Pick two or three examples that demonstrate your suitability for the role — each backed by evidence and, where possible, numbers. Do not just repeat your CV. Instead, tell the story behind your achievements using a simplified STAR format: what was the situation, what did you do, and what was the result?
Connect your experience directly to the requirements listed in the job description. If they ask for stakeholder management, describe a specific situation where you managed stakeholders successfully. If they need someone who can hit the ground running, explain a time you did exactly that.
- Pick two or three specific examples — not a laundry list of duties
- Use numbers wherever possible: £ revenue, % improvement, time saved
- Reference specific requirements from the job description and match them to your experience
- Show what you understand about the company's challenges and how you would address them
45%
of hiring managers read the cover letter before the CV — your letter sets the tone for everything that follows
Source: Resume Genius
How to Close Your Cover Letter
Your closing paragraph should reiterate your enthusiasm for the role, summarise why you are a good fit in one sentence, and include a clear call to action. Something like: 'I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my experience in digital marketing can help [Company] achieve its growth targets. I am available for interview at your convenience.'
Do not beg or undermine yourself with phrases like 'I hope you will consider my application' — close with confidence. In the UK, use 'Yours sincerely' if you have addressed the letter to a named person, and 'Yours faithfully' if you have used 'Dear Sir or Madam'.
- Reiterate your enthusiasm and one key reason you are the right fit
- Include a clear call to action: 'I am available for interview at your convenience'
- Use 'Yours sincerely' for named recipients, 'Yours faithfully' for unnamed
- Proofread the entire letter — then proofread it again
When Not to Write a Cover Letter
There are situations where a cover letter is unnecessary or even unwelcome. If the job application explicitly says 'no cover letter required', do not include one — ignoring instructions signals poor attention to detail. Some online application forms do not have a cover letter field, in which case focus your energy on the application questions instead.
For speculative applications and networking-driven opportunities, a brief introductory email often works better than a formal cover letter. The key is to match the format to the context.
Key Takeaway
In the UK, use 'Yours sincerely' when addressing a named person and 'Yours faithfully' when using 'Dear Sir or Madam'. Getting this wrong signals a lack of attention to British business conventions.