How long should a UK cover letter be?

In the UK, a cover letter should be one side of A4, around 250–400 words. It should be concise and to the point. UK recruiters skim-read, so use short paragraphs and bullet points if appropriate. Longer letters are often ignored. Keep your font size between 10 and 12 points to ensure readability.

Should I include a photo in my UK cover letter?

No. Unlike in Germany, it is not standard practice in the UK to include a photograph with your CV or cover letter. In fact, it can be seen as unusual and might lead to unconscious bias. UK employers focus on your skills and experience, not your appearance. Omit the photo to keep your application professional.

What is the correct date format for a UK cover letter?

The UK date format is day, month, year, for example, 14 January 2026. Do not use all numbers like 14.01.2026, as this can be confused with the American format. Write the month in full or abbreviate it to ‘Jan’ etc. This is a small detail, but it shows attention to local conventions.

Do I need to write 'Dear Sir/Madam' or is it better to find a name?

Always try to find the name of the hiring manager. Use ‘Dear Mr Smith’ or ‘Dear Ms Jones’. If you cannot find a name, use ‘Dear Sir/Madam’ and end with ‘Yours faithfully’. If you use a name, end with ‘Yours sincerely’. Addressing someone by name makes your letter more personal and shows you have done your research.

Anschreiben Vorlage Word: How to Write a UK Cover Letter in English

12 August 2026

Free Anschreiben Vorlage Word for UK jobs. Learn how to write a British-style cover letter with our editable Word template. Tips, examples and FAQ.

Read this page in: Deutsch

What Is an Anschreiben and How Does It Differ from a UK Cover Letter?

In Germany, an Anschreiben is a formal cover letter that accompanies your CV (Lebenslauf). It typically follows strict conventions: a formal salutation, a header with your details, and a structured, often lengthy explanation of your qualifications. In the UK, cover letters are more concise and focused on what you can do for the employer. British recruiters expect a one-page letter that highlights your relevant skills and experiences, not a detailed biography. The tone is professional but less formulaic, and you should avoid generic phrases. This article will help you adapt a German-style Anschreiben template into a UK-ready Word document that meets local expectations.

Key Elements of a UK Cover Letter Format

A standard UK cover letter includes your contact details at the top, followed by the date and the employer’s details. Use the format: Dear Mr/Ms [Surname] or Dear Sir/Madam if you don’t have a name. The body should be three short paragraphs: an opening that states the role you’re applying for, a middle that explains why you’re suitable, and a closing that thanks the reader and invites them to contact you. End with ‘Yours sincerely’ (if named) or ‘Yours faithfully’ (if unnamed). Keep it to one side of A4, in a clear font like Arial or Calibri, and save it as a Word document or PDF as requested.

How to Adapt Your German Anschreiben for UK Employers

German Anschreiben often include personal details like date of birth, marital status, and a professional photo. In the UK, these are not required and can even be seen as irrelevant or discriminatory. Remove them. Also, German cover letters tend to be more formal and rely on certificates and grades. UK employers prioritise evidence of skills and achievements. Use action verbs like ‘implemented’, ‘delivered’ and ‘managed’ to describe your experience. Avoid translating idioms literally; instead, use British business language. Your Word template should be stripped back, with clear headings and white space, which is the style UK recruiters favour.

Where to Find and Use Anschreiben Vorlage Word (Editable Templates)

You can find many free Anschreiben Vorlage Word files online, but not all are suitable for the UK market. Look for templates labelled ‘UK cover letter template’ or adapt a clean, simple German template. When using a Word template, pay attention to the formatting: set margins to 2.5 cm, use left alignment, and choose a professional font. Ensure your details are at the top, not in a side column as in some German layouts. Most importantly, replace the placeholders with your UK contact number (prefixed with +44) and your address in the standard UK format (house number, street, town, postcode). Download a template, customise it, and proofread it carefully.

UK-Specific Tips: Dates, References and Tone

In the UK, write the date as ‘14 January 2026’ – not ‘14.01.2026’. If you have been given a reference number, include it in your subject line, e.g., ‘Application for Marketing Manager – Ref: MM234’. The tone should be polite but not overbearing. Use ‘I was excited to see’ rather than ‘I am applying for’. Avoid starting every sentence with ‘I’; vary your sentence structure. If you’re sending your cover letter by email, use a short subject line and attach your CV as a separate Word or PDF file. Also, remember that UK employers value spelling and grammar, so double-check for British spellings like ‘organisation’ (not ‘organization’).

FAQ

Yes, but you must adapt it. Remove any personal details like date of birth, marital status, and photo. Simplify the layout, make it more concise, and focus on your achievements rather than certificates. Use UK spellings and the correct date format. A templated Anschreiben can work well if you replace the formal German structure with a UK style: short, relevant, and targeted.

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