How to write a cover letter in English?

The job market in the United Kingdom is competitive, with sectors such as finance, technology, and services attracting a large number of applications for each position. According to recent statistics, a recruiter may receive on average up to 250 applications for a single job offer. In this context, the cover letter is often the first document the recruiter reads, and it can make all the difference in standing out from other candidates.

While in France, the cover letter may sometimes be seen as a formality, in the UK, it is essential to demonstrate your suitability for the position and your understanding of the company's needs. The goal is to convince the recruiter that you not only have the required skills but also the motivation and understanding of the company's values.

Discover the different steps to writing a cover letter in English, while avoiding common mistakes and meeting the expectations of the British market.

Typical structure of a cover letter in English

Thestructure of a cover letter in the United Kingdom follows a specific format, allowing the recruiter to quickly find important information. Each section has a clear purpose.

Introduction

Start by briefly introducing yourself and mention the position you are applying for. Be direct and precise:

I am writing to express my interest in the[job title]position at[company name], as advertised on[source].

or

I am writing to apply for the position of[job title]at[company name], as advertised on[source].

This sentence allows you to start your letter directly by mentioning the specific job offer.

You can also briefly mention a recommendation if it is relevant:

I was referred to this position by[name], who has worked with your team and strongly recommended your company as a great place to work.

And add a simple sentence to show that you have the necessary skills for the position:

With a strong background in [your field], I am confident that my skills and experience align well with the requirements for this position.

This introduction shows that you are well-informed about the offer and that your application is targeted.

Main paragraph

This paragraph should detail how your skills and experiences match the job requirements. Use concrete examples, quantified if possible:

As a[current job title], I have developed extensive skills in[key skill], which I believe align well with the requirements of the role at[company name]. For instance, in my previous role at[former company], I[concrete achievement example].

or

In my current role at [company name], I have successfully[key achievement], which I believe will benefit your team at[company name].

This sentence highlights a specific achievement that is relevant to the targeted position.

or

I have developed strong skills in [key skill], including[concrete example], which I believe are directly transferable to the position of[job title].

Use this structure to showcase specific skills that match the job expectations.

More detailed example for a Marketing Coordinator position:

In my current role at XYZ Marketing, I successfully led digital campaigns that resulted in a 30% increase in brand engagement within six months. My experience with tools like Google Analytics and SEMrush aligns closely with the digital marketing skills you're seeking at[company name]. I believe these competencies, combined with my strong communication skills, will contribute positively to your team's objectives.

Conclusion

Conclude by reaffirming your interest in the position and thanking the recruiter for their time and attention. Also mention your availability for an interview:

Thank you for considering my application. I would welcome the opportunity to further discuss how my skills and experiences align with your needs, and I am available for an interview at your earliest convenience.

or

I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to[company name]and would welcome the chance to discuss how my skills and experiences align with your needs.

This sentence expresses your enthusiasm for the position while leaving the door open for an interview.

or

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss my qualifications in more detail.

A classic sentence to conclude the letter while being polite and professional.

Signature

Use a simple and respectful closing phrase, such as « Yours sincerely » (if you know the recruiter's name) or « Yours faithfully » (if you do not know the recruiter's name).

This concise structure allows the recruiter to quickly see the most relevant information while providing an overview of your qualifications.

Basic rules to follow

Writing a cover letter in English for the UK market involves following certain basic rules. These elements are crucial for presenting a professional and convincing application.

Formalities

Use the appropriate titles (Mr., Mrs., Ms., or Dr.) based on the information available about the recruiter.

Always start the letter with "Dear[name or position]”. It is essential to remain courteous and show that you have taken the time to personalize your letter.

Length

Your letter should never exceed one page. The goal is to quickly convey why you are the right candidate without overloading with unnecessary information. The key is to be clear, direct, and relevant.

A good cover letter should be about 3 to 4 paragraphs, each well-structured.

• Example of a sentence that is too long: "During my time at X, I worked on various tasks, from creating marketing materials to managing social media accounts, all of which contributed to the overall success of the company.”
• How to shorten it: "At X, I managed social media and created marketing materials, which significantly contributed to company growth.”

The shortened version is more direct and keeps the focus on results.

Clarity

The language should be simple and professional. Avoid overly long sentences or complex terms. Prefer an accessible vocabulary that clearly reflects your skills.

Stay consistent in using the personal pronoun "I” without starting every sentence the same way. Vary sentence structure to maintain the reader's interest.

• Example of a sentence that is too complex: "Due to the fact that I have extensive experience in digital marketing, I believe that I would be an excellent fit for this role.”
• How to simplify it: "Because I have extensive digital marketing experience, I am confident I would be a good fit for this role.”

Tone

Adopt a professional and respectful tone. Avoid any colloquial language or overly informal expressions. The letter should show your motivation while maintaining a certain neutrality.

Feel free to show measured enthusiasm for the position and the company, but without exaggeration. British recruiters appreciate a professional and honest approach.

By adhering to these basic rules, you will demonstrate that you understand the expectations of the UK market and increase your chances of making a good impression on recruiters.

Mistakes to avoid

Writing a cover letter in English can be challenging, especially if you're not a native speaker. There are some common mistakes to avoid to ensure your application remains professional and relevant.

Literal translation from French

It's tempting to directly translate the sentences from your cover letter into English, but this approach often results in awkward phrasing. Sentence structures and vocabulary need to be adapted to the English communication style. For example, overly long or formal phrases in French should be simplified and lightened in English.

Avoid also using French idiomatic expressions that have no equivalent in English. For instance, "Je vous prie d'agréer, Monsieur/Madame" doesn't translate directly; instead, use "Yours sincerely" or "Yours faithfully" depending on the context.

• Example of poor translation: "I am very motivated to join your company because it offers good career opportunities and a dynamic working environment."
• Better translation: "I am eager to contribute to your team, as your company's focus on innovation and growth aligns well with my career aspirations."

This more natural version shows that you have understood the company's priorities well.

Rewriting your CV in the letter

A common mistake is simply repeating the information already present in the CV. The cover letter should complement your CV by highlighting the most relevant experiences and explaining how they qualify you for the position. It's an opportunity to explain why you are the best candidate, not to recap every job you've held.

For example, if you mention having worked on a project in your CV, in the letter, explain why this project is relevant to the job you're applying for.

In my CV, I mentioned my experience with project management. In this role, I successfully led a cross-functional team to deliver a project two weeks ahead of schedule, showcasing my leadership and organizational skills.

Use of jargon or colloquial terms

Stay professional throughout the letter. Avoid using overly technical terms that might not be understood by the recruiter, unless they are directly related to the industry and mentioned in the job offer. Similarly, avoid expressions that are too colloquial or too personal.

For example, don't say "I'm really keen on this job", prefer "I am enthusiastic about this opportunity".

Grammar and spelling mistakes

Grammar and spelling mistakes can give a bad impression, especially if you're applying for a position requiring good communication skills. Use a grammar checker (like Grammarly) to avoid errors. If possible, ask a native English speaker to proofread your letter before sending it.

By avoiding these mistakes, you will present a more professional image suited to the UK job market.

Adapting to British culture

The cover letter is also an excellent way to show that you understand the professional culture of the country where you are applying. In the UK, certain expectations differ from French practices, and it is important to consider them to maximize your chances of success.

Show enthusiasm without exaggeration

British recruiters appreciate enthusiastic candidates but remain wary of overly excessive displays. Enthusiasm should be genuine, measured, and focused on skills and interest in the position.

For example, avoid superlatives like "I am the perfect candidate” and prefer more modest yet confident formulations such as "I am confident that my experience makes me a strong candidate for this role”.

Align your skills with the company's values

Many British companies emphasize values such as teamwork, flexibility, and adaptability. When mentioning your skills, try to link them to the company's values.

For instance, if a company values diversity, you can mention your ability to work in multicultural environments. If the company highlights innovation, mention projects where you demonstrated creativity.

Focus on the "soft skills” sought in the UK

In addition to technical skills, British recruiters place great importance on soft skills, such as communication, problem-solving, and adaptability. In your letter, try to demonstrate that you possess these skills through concrete examples from your experience:

In my previous role at[company name], I successfully collaborated with colleagues across multiple departments to streamline our communication process, improving team efficiency by 20%.

Be direct and positive

British recruiters appreciate a straightforward and positive approach. If you have gaps concerning the job requirements, avoid highlighting them. Instead, focus on what you can bring to the company and how you can quickly learn to fill those gaps. The goal is to present a proactive and optimistic image.

By considering these cultural aspects, you will show not only that you have the necessary skills but also that you can integrate into the British professional environment.

Tips for non-natives

Writing a cover letter in English can be intimidating when you're not a native speaker. However, with some precautions and tips, it's possible to write a clear and professional letter.

Use grammar correction tools

Online tools like Grammarly or Hemingway Editor can help you correct grammar mistakes, spelling errors, and simplify your sentences. These tools help identify common errors and ensure your letter remains smooth and readable.

Grammarly and Hemingway App are excellent tools for checking grammar, but they can also help you identify overly complex sentences and simplify them.

Avoid complex phrases

To avoid mistakes, favor short and simple sentences. Using complex sentence structures can make your letter difficult to understand and increase the risk of grammatical errors.

For example, instead of saying "Due to the fact that I have extensive experience in…", prefer "Because I have extensive experience in…".

Have a native speaker proofread

If possible, have your letter proofread by someone whose native language is English. This review will not only help correct any potential errors but also ensure that the tone and structure of your letter are appropriate.

A friend, a colleague, or even a professional proofreading service can help you avoid missteps.

Be wary of false friends

Some expressions or words in French may seem similar to English, but their meaning can be different.

For example, "eventually" does not mean "éventuellement" but "finally". Be cautious of these linguistic traps to maintain clarity.

Prepare for the interview

If your cover letter is convincing, you are likely to be invited to an interview in English. Be ready to explain the points you addressed in your letter, especially your experiences and skills, in English. It's a good idea to practice with a native speaker or through applications like Preply or Italki.

By following these tips, you can write a cover letter in English that is not only linguistically correct but also suited to the British professional context.

Additional resources

To assist you in writing your cover letter in English, several useful resources are available:

• Grammarly: an online grammar checker that helps you avoid grammatical errors and improve the clarity of your sentences.
• Hemingway Editor: an online tool to simplify your sentences and enhance the readability of your writing.
• Preply: a platform to find online tutors who can help you improve your English, especially for job interviews.
• Italki: another tutoring service to practice speaking English with native teachers.
• Cover letter templates in English available on sites like Indeed UK and CV Library.
• BBC Learning English: an excellent platform for learning English, with sections dedicated to professional English.
• Memrise: an app to enrich your English vocabulary, especially for professional contexts.

These tools will help you improve your writing skills and optimize your cover letter for the UK job market.

Writing a cover letter in English for a position in the UK requires preparation and attention to detail. It is essential to adhere to British professional codes and culture while tailoring your message to the specific expectations of the company. By following these tips, you will be able to write a compelling cover letter that is well-structured and tailored to each job offer.

Remember that the cover letter should always be personalized for each application, highlighting the skills and experiences relevant to the position. It should be clear, concise, and professional while reflecting your enthusiasm for the role.

Finally, mastery of the language is a crucial asset, but it is perfectly acceptable to seek help to ensure your English is impeccable.