Cover Letter Writing Guide — PDF + 2 Word templates
The Complete Guide to Cover Letter Writing
10 sections covering everything from tone and company values to employment gaps and whether to go broad or deep. Two editable Word templates included.
Most cover letters do not get read. Here is why — and how to fix it.
A recruiter spends around 30 to 60 seconds on an initial read. In that time they are looking for three things: does this person understand the role, can they communicate clearly, and is there a reason to keep reading?
This guide covers every aspect of writing a cover letter that works — for UK job seekers at every stage, in every sector, including those with gaps in their employment history.
What the guide covers
Two Word templates included
Open either template in Microsoft Word, replace the placeholder text in square brackets, and delete the guidance notes before sending. Both templates are ATS-friendly — single column, clean formatting, standard font.
Template 1 — Standard
For experienced candidates
- Full structured layout with placeholder text
- Opening, middle, and close sections clearly marked
- Example phrases showing what to write in each section
- Quick reminders checklist at the end
- ATS-friendly formatting throughout
Template 2 — Career Change / Gaps
For career changers and returners
- Structured to lead with destination, not history
- Transferable skills framing built in
- Gap explanation frameworks for six situations
- Guidance on what to disclose and how
- Same ATS-friendly formatting as Template 1
The Complete Cover Letter Writing Guide
PDF guide • Two editable Word templates • Instant download
🔒 Secure checkout via Easy Digital Downloads • Instant download • Personal use licence
Questions about the guide
Written from the hiring side
Brian Berry is the founder of Leap Forward Careers. He has managed teams and recruited across multiple sectors and has reviewed thousands of cover letters from both sides of the process — as a hiring manager and as a career coach helping job seekers improve their applications.
Build your complete job application toolkit
The cover letter works alongside a strong CV and LinkedIn profile. These resources cover the other pieces.
Ready to write a cover letter that works?
PDF guide. Two editable Word templates. Instant download.
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