How to Write a Cover Letter for Your First UK Job (2026)

Why this matters

UK graduate cover letters are over-read by recruiters because they distinguish candidates with otherwise similar CVs. The candidates who write specific, role-targeted letters get shortlisted; the ones who recycle the same letter across applications mostly get filtered.

Step-by-step

1. 1 Open with why this specific role and company — reference something specific you researched (recent product, founder's post, sector trend)
2. 2 Middle paragraph: 1-2 examples from your background that map to the role's specific requirements
3. 3 Close with a brief, confident statement of fit and availability
4. 4 Address to a named person if possible — find via LinkedIn
5. 5 Keep under 250 words total — UK graduate cover letters past 1 page get skipped
6. 6 Tailor for each application — generic cover letters are detected within seconds
7. 7 Include the role title and reference number in the subject line if applying by email

Common mistakes

• ✗Recycling the same cover letter across applications
• ✗Repeating CV content rather than adding new context
• ✗Generic 'I'm passionate about [field]' opening — flags template
• ✗Going over 1 page — most graduate covers should be 200-250 words
• ✗Not researching the company specifically — flags zero homework