You want your cover letter to strike the perfect balance between being professional and showing some personality. But how do you achieve this?
If you write too formally, your tone may come across as stiff. If you're too casual, it may sound overly conversational.
While modesty is always valued, how can you confidently present your skills without sounding arrogant or boastful?
This guide will help you find the right balance, ensuring your cover letter is both professional and personable, while focusing on the key job requirements.
Legal cover letter example
Alexander Jackson
Leeds, UK
+44 1234 567890
help@enhancv.com
- Specialized Expertise: Emphasizing expertise in adult social care law, which is directly relevant to the Legal Officer role, demonstrates specialized knowledge and strengthens the candidate's fit for the position.
- Proven Track Record: Highlighting a concrete achievement, like leading a precedent-setting case, not only showcases the candidate's skills but also provides tangible evidence of their impact and effectiveness in prior roles.
- Quantifiable Outcomes: Mentioning a specific improvement, such as enhancing service delivery by 25%, quantifies the candidate’s contributions and appeals to organizations looking for results-driven professionals.
- Alignment with Company Goals: Expressing a desire to contribute to the organization's mission aligns personal achievements and motivations with the company's objectives, presenting the candidate as a well-suited addition to the team.
Importance of cover letters in the United Kingdom
Cover letters provide recruiters with the opportunity to learn more about your career aspirations, hinting at how you’d integrate within the organisation over the long term.
Here are three additional reasons why cover letters are important:
- Making an excellent first impression (and a formal introduction): Your cover letter is often the employer’s first introduction to you, showcasing your personality, communication skills, and motivation for the role.
- Complementing your career history: While your CV lists qualifications and experience, a cover letter provides the context, explaining how your background fits the role.
- Demonstrates your genuine interest: A well-crafted cover letter reflects the effort you’ve put into researching the company and role as well as your attention to detail.
What UK employers expect from a cover letter
A great cover letter can set you apart when applying for jobs in the UK.
Follow these tips to ensure you make a strong impression:
- Research thoroughly: Spend time delving into the company’s website, social media, and industry news to understand their projects, awards, and future plans. The more specific your knowledge, the better you’ll be able to demonstrate your suitability for the role.
- Reflect their values: Every UK company has its own set of values that guides their culture. Once you’ve identified them, make sure your cover letter reflects how your values and work ethic align with theirs. If they’re known for integrity, emphasise your commitment to ethical practices.
- Tailor your skills: Focus on aligning your most relevant skills with the job description. Look for key terms and priorities mentioned in the advert, and make sure to provide examples of how you excel in those areas.
How to format a legal cover letter
Your cover letter is your opportunity to make a strong impression, so its structure must be professional and clear.
Here's an overview of how a UK cover letter should be structured:
- Begin with your address and contact details at the top.
- Include the employer’s name and address directly below.
- Add the date to the left or right of the page.
- Use an appropriate greeting, such as 'Dear Mr Smith' or 'Dear Sir/Madam.'
- Open with a strong introductory paragraph.
- Develop your points in the middle paragraphs, focusing on relevant skills and experience.
- Close with a concise conclusion, reiterating your interest and suitability for the role.
- Sign off formally with your name and signature.
The software used to match your profile to the job, Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), won’t scan your cover letter. Instead, the cover letter reads as a more personalised note to the recruiter.
When it comes to choosing a font, consider modern options like Lato, Rubik, or Chivo, which should also be applied to your CV to maintain a consistent appearance.
Additionally, your cover letter should be single-spaced with 1-inch (2.5 cm) margins on all sides (our templates are pre-set with these specifications so you can focus on your cover letter content).
Finally, always send your cover letter as a PDF to preserve the formatting and prevent edits.
How to write your legal cover letter salutation
It's never advisable to begin your cover letter with 'Dear Sir/Madam', as it sounds comes across as impersonal.
Take the time to find out who is hiring for the role and address them directly in your cover letter greeting (e.g., 'Dear Mrs Chanceworth', 'Dear Harrod').
If you're uncertain where to find the hiring manager’s name, check the company website, look on LinkedIn, or send a courteous email requesting this information. Don't hesitate to ring reception either—they are unlikely to refuse to assist.
How to write your legal cover letter intro
One of the best ways to grab a hiring manager's attention? Show them the unique value you'd add to the team.
Review the skills or requirements listed in the posting and draw connections to your previous work experiences.
Focus on specific (and quantifiable) accomplishments and qualifications that align with the job description to make a strong first impression.
How to write your legal cover letter body
You’ve personalised your greeting and introduction—now it’s time to focus on writing the body of your cover letter.
Instead of listing off skills and responsibilities from your CV, focus on one career highlight that’s relevant to the role.
Use your hard and soft skills, success metrics (e.g., percentages or sales figures), and the long-term impact it had on the company.
A concise, well-told story centred on your value as a candidate will make a strong impression.
How to write a closing paragraph
When ending your cover letter, you have two options:
Option one is to promise how you’d contribute to the organisation—whether that’s improving a target or achieving a specific goal—or how the company could help you grow professionally. Always emphasise the tangible impact you can deliver.
The second option is to close by asking when you can expect to hear back from the hiring managers, whether for an update or to arrange an interview.
Conclusion
Your cover letter is an opportunity to showcase your personality and skills to potential employers. Start by addressing the hiring manager by name and tailoring your content to reflect the role’s requirements.
Include a specific example of your greatest achievement to illustrate your suitability for the position, while also expressing your enthusiasm for the company. Remember to format your letter professionally, ensuring it aligns seamlessly with your CV.
