
Free CV Builder Reviews & Alternatives
Planning on using a free CV builder? We looked at the top-ranking free makers and found they’re not all they’re cracked up to be. Take a look and learn why.
Banish writer’s block with an easy-to-use cover letter structure that works for everyone. See every section you need to include for job-hunting success.
Writing your CV is bad enough without even having to write a cover letter. For most of us, it’s hard to know where to begin. And that’s completely understandable. You’re expected to write a formal document proving you’re the stand-out candidate for the job, and that’s a big ask.
Unless you have an easy-to-follow cover letter structure, that is.
This guide will show you how to structure a cover letter and all the essential sections you need to include.
Want to write your cover letter fast? Use our cover letter builder. Choose from 20+ professional cover letter templates that match your resume. See actionable examples and get expert tips along the way.
Sample Cover Letter for a CV—See more cover letter templates and create your cover letter here.
Here’s what a cover letter structure includes:
Now, let’s talk about how to create such a cover letter structure in more detail:
This part is easy. Just remember to stick to the rules for the UK cover letter structure, and you’ll be set:
Here’s a cover letter header template:
Alan Krieger
79 Baldock Street
Newtown
NE66 7US
077 6641 8725
alankrieger@email.com
7th July 2019
Jonathan Osborne
Head of Operations
Blue Raccoon
58 Park Road
London
N09 3ZL
Feeling a bit lost? Maybe you need a reminder of what a cover letter is. Check here: The Purpose of a Cover Letter
You’re probably tempted to skip over this section. But don’t be. The worst thing you can do is just write To Whom It May Concern or Dear Sir or Madam and hope for the best. You have to personalise.
Use LinkedIn, phone the company, do whatever it takes to find out the hiring manager’s name and use it. That’s because using a person’s name has a powerful effect on their brain, instantly boosting their attention.
Check these examples of a cover letter salutation:
And if you really can’t find a name? Stick to Dear Hiring Manager. It’s the greeting most preferred by employers when you don’t know to who you’re sending your letter.
Still not sure how to address your cover letter? Read more: Address the Cover Letter Correctly
Now we’ve got to the main part of your cover letter structure. This is where you knock the socks off the recruiter and win that interview. Let’s break it down.
It’s essential that you start off strong. Just like the title says, you’ve got to hook the reader and grab their attention. You can do that by showing off some compelling achievements or experience that prove you’re an ideal candidate. Here’s how:
Check the example below to see how it’s done:
I was pleased to learn about the opening for the position of Marketing Manager at Blue Raccoon. I’ve been following the growth of your company over the years, and I’m truly impressed with the buzz it made among creative industries with its latest campaign. I believe that my expertise in viral marketing could be a great asset to your business.
If you need more examples for inspiration, check here: How to Start a Cover Letter
The key here is not to just rehash your CV. Your cover letter should complement your CV with additional information, not just repeat what’s already been said. Show that you’re the best candidate for the job. And the critical word here is show, not just tell.
The best way to do that is by using numbered achievements and expressing your content as PAR statements. And remember to keep it short and punchy. Bullet points are a great way of emphasising your achievements, and you should bold any impressive figures to make them jump off the page. E.g., Increased sales pipeline by 250% quarter on quarter.
Check the sample second paragraph below:
In the past 10 years, I've led over 20 successful marketing campaigns involving traditional and digital media, influencers, and viral marketing. Among my proudest achievements is the advertising campaign for Your Home Away hotel chain, which was awarded the Ads Excellence Prize in 2020. Your job advertisement calls for creativity, relationship-building, and leadership skills, so let me show how I exemplify these traits:
I believe these factors make me a great fit for your company.
Nailing the contents in the middle part of the cover letter is crucial. Read more: What to Include in a Cover Letter
According to the old saying, first impressions last. But evidence shows that it’s actually the last impressions that are more powerful. So your closing paragraph is a vital part of your cover letter structure. Here’s how to nail it:
Check an example below:
I’m eager to discuss with you how I could boost Blue Raccoon’s recognition among teenage audiences using digital marketing strategies. How about a call next week?
Checking other examples can help you write an effective cover letter ending. See here: How to End a Cover Letter
The structure of a cover letter isn’t complete without a cover letter sign-off. It’s generally best to stick to the standard UK business letter format. Use Yours sincerely if you addressed the letter to a named person and Yours faithfully if you didn’t, e.g. Dear Hiring Manager.
Then last of all, include your full name and, for an extra professional flourish, a scanned copy of your handwritten signature.
Yours sincerely,
Alan Krieger
We’re almost done, but there’s one more thing you need in order to get the basic structure of a cover letter right.
Looking for more advice about cover letters? Check here: 14 of the Best Cover Letter Tips
A good layout is integral to creating an effective cover letter structure. Think of it as the frame that completes the picture.
You have two choices here. You can either use a template that will handle all layout matters for you or set up the cover letter layout by yourself. If you prefer the latter, this is what you need to do:
Not sure how to format your cover letter? Check here: Step-by-Step Guide to Formatting a Cover Letter
By now, you’ll be a master of how to structure a cover letter. But here’s a reminder to make sure.
Good cover letter structure includes:
Thanks for reading. What else would you like to know about the UK cover letter structure? Are there any specific cover letter structure examples you’d like to see? Ask away in the comments section, and I’ll be happy to help.
Planning on using a free CV builder? We looked at the top-ranking free makers and found they’re not all they’re cracked up to be. Take a look and learn why.
Drop that complaint response letter you’re writing and get started on a customer service cover letter that’ll put you on the path to job-hunting success.
The hidden job market is a treasure chest full of potential jobs that never get advertised. Unlock it with a speculative cover letter. Learn to write one here.