Writing a strong cover letter requires close attention to detail, from the tone of voice to avoiding those pesky spelling or grammar mistakes.
Overlooking similar small details can weaken your application.
Many candidates also struggle with how to address the letter, often opting for 'Dear Sir or Madam' when they can’t find the correct contact. This can make your cover letter feel impersonal.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to perfect these crucial elements, ensuring your cover letter is polished and professional without relying on clichés.
Police Officer cover letter example
Alexander Jackson
Wolverhampton, UK
+44 1234 567890
help@enhancv.com
- Highlighting relevant experience: The cover letter effectively emphasizes over eight years of experience in law enforcement and community policing, aligning with the organization's values.
- Demonstrating specific achievements: Mentioning a 40% improvement in local relations and a 25% reduction in petty crime showcases tangible success and impact in previous roles.
- Showcasing strategic skills: Emphasis on skills in community engagement and risk assessment demonstrates an understanding of the role's requirements and a readiness to contribute to the organization's objectives.
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
Your UK employers will appreciate your application if you've taken the effort to tailor your cover letter to their job requirements.
Here’s how to ensure yours ticks all the right boxes:
- Research the company thoroughly: It's not enough to have only read the job advert. Look into the company's history, products, services, and recent achievements to demonstrate your genuine interest and knowledge.
- Connect with the company’s values: Every company has core principles that shape its culture and operations. Identify these values and use your cover letter to show how they align with your professional conduct and ethics.
- Emphasise your relevant skills: Highlight specific skills that match the job description and are most in demand. Use examples from your previous experience to support your claims and set yourself apart from other candidates.
How to format a police officer cover letter
To get your cover letter's formatting right:
- Use a modern font like Lato, Raleway, or Chivo, rather than the overused Arial or Times New Roman.
- Set your cover letter to be single-spaced with 1-inch (2.5 cm) margins on all sides—our templates are automatically set up for you.
- Ensure both your CV and cover letter are consistent in font style and formatting.
- Always send your cover letter as a PDF to prevent alterations and preserve its layout.
When it comes to structuring your cover letter, follow this sequence: begin with your address and contact details, then the employer's details (i.e. name and address), and the date. Next, start with a personalised greeting, followed by your introductory, body, and closing paragraphs. Be sure to include a sign-off and your signature at the end.
Remember, although Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) software, which may scan your CV for keywords, won't read your cover letter, it will be reviewed by recruiters.
How to write your police officer cover letter salutation
Imagine you're a hiring manager reading through countless cover letters—which would catch your attention: being addressed directly by name, or reading 'Dear Sir or Madam'?
The first option shows you've made the effort to learn about the company and the role.
To find the hiring manager's name, try LinkedIn, check the company's website, or even reach out to the organisation on social media.
How to write your police officer 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 police officer cover letter body
Which makes for a stronger cover letter body: a long-winded account of everything you’ve ever done, or a focused achievement that’s directly relevant to the job?
Hint: recruiters prefer the second.
When writing your cover letter, select your most impressive achievement that:
- Directly aligns with the job description and role.
- Is quantifiable with tangible metrics like numbers or percentages.
- Maps out your hard and soft skills, showcasing what makes you unique.
- Tells the story of the impact you could have on the organisation.
How to write a closing paragraph
Now we’ve reached the closing paragraph of your cover letter. You might be tempted to end with a simple Yours sincerely, but don’t!
Instead, finish with a promise to enhance the company’s performance metrics (backed by your hard and soft skills), to develop as a professional, or something else that holds significance for the organisation. Whatever you choose, ensure to stand behind your words and be remain sincere.
Don’t forget to include a call to action, encouraging recruiters to suggest the best time to follow up for an interview or update.
Conclusion
Crafting an engaging cover letter can significantly enhance the effectiveness of your job application. Always personalise your letter by addressing the hiring manager directly and linking your qualifications to the role's requirements.
Highlight relevant achievements that set you apart and demonstrate your enthusiasm for the company. Maintain a professional format that complements your CV, creating a cohesive and polished application.
