A Contractor's Guide To Writing a Cover Letter

If you have ever applied for a contract or permanent position, you will be aware that employers often expect a cover letter along with your CV. Contractors often question the need for one, but the fact is that a well-crafted cover letter can be the difference. It introduces you, provides context to your experience and hints at your personality, which a CV on its own is not always able to convey.

Most recruiters and hiring managers will agree: if you want to give yourself the best chance of landing the role, you should always include a cover letter. This applies whether you're applying for a freelance project, a contract through an agency, or a permanent position. In a competitive market – especially with IR35 and other changes reshaping the contracting world – standing out matters more than ever.

At IR35 Rules, we've seen how much impact a strong cover letter can have. Done properly, it's not just a formality; it's a strategic tool that can help you secure your next opportunity.

Why Cover Letters Still Matter

Your CV shows your skills, contracts and experience, but it doesn’t say much about you as a person. A cover letter fills that gap. It’s your chance to show why you’re interested in a specific role, how you fit the project and culture, and that you’ve taken the time to understand the client or company.

Think of it as your first pitch. A solid CV might get a quick scan, but a well-targeted cover letter can catch someone’s attention and turn that scan into an interview. Many hiring managers still read cover letters and use them to judge attitude and fit — not just technical ability.

1. Personalise It Every Time

Using the same cover letter for every role is an easy habit, but it rarely works. Each contract has different priorities, stakeholders and expectations, so your letter should reflect that.

Address the hiring manager by name where possible. Mention the specific role or project and why it appeals to you. A letter that clearly references their work, clients or recent activity is far more convincing than a generic template.

2. Start With Impact

The opening line matters. Avoid standard phrases like “I am writing to apply for…”. Go straight into something that shows why you’re worth a closer look.

You could:

• Mention a recent project that mirrors the contract you’re applying for
• Refer to a relevant achievement or result
• Highlight one key strength that sets you apart as a contractor

The aim is to make them want to read the next paragraph.

3. Link Your Skills to the Role

Your CV lists what you’ve done; your cover letter should connect that experience to the role in front of you.

Pick out a few core requirements from the job description — for example, stakeholder management, systems migration or delivering under tight deadlines — and show where you’ve done this before. Wherever you can, use specifics:

• “Delivered a data migration that reduced monthly costs by 15%.”
• “Raised client satisfaction scores by 30% over a six-month engagement.”

Concrete outcomes are more convincing than vague claims.

4. Show Genuine Interest

Most clients don’t just want someone who can technically do the job; they want someone who cares about the work.

You don’t need over-the-top enthusiasm, but you should show a clear reason you’re interested — perhaps their industry, their approach to delivery, their product, or their values. Connect that to your own goals or experience so it feels natural.

5. Keep It Short and Structured

Long cover letters tend to be skimmed or ignored. Aim for a single page with clear, short paragraphs.

A simple structure works well:

• Opening: who you are and why you’re applying
• Middle: relevant skills and achievements, tied back to the role
• Closing: a confident, forward-looking sign-off

Think of it as a focused, professional conversation rather than an essay.

6. End With Confidence

Your closing lines should sound assured, not apologetic. Avoid weak phrases like “I hope to hear from you”. Instead, use wording that shows you’re ready to move things forward, without sounding pushy:

• “I’d welcome the chance to discuss how I can support this project.”
• “I’d be pleased to talk through how my experience aligns with your requirements.”

Thank them for their time, but keep the tone steady and confident.

7. Proofread — Then Proofread Again

Small mistakes stand out. Spelling errors, formatting issues or clumsy sentences can distract from an otherwise strong application.

Read your cover letter slowly, and if possible, out loud. This makes it easier to catch typos and awkward phrasing. If you have time, come back to it with fresh eyes or ask a trusted contact to glance over it before you send.

IR35 FAQ for Contractors

What is a cover letter?
A cover letter is a short document that sits alongside your CV or job application. It introduces you to the employer, explains why you're applying and highlights the skills and experience most relevant to the role.

What is a covering letter?
A covering letter is simply another term for a cover letter — it means the same thing and is commonly used in the UK.

What is a cover letter for a job?
It’s a tailored letter written specifically for the role you want. It shows the hiring manager how your background aligns with their needs and why you’re a strong fit.

Is a cover letter necessary?
In most cases, yes. While some employers make them optional, a well-crafted cover letter helps you stand out and adds important context to your CV.

How do I write a cover letter?
Start with your contact details, address the hiring manager, introduce yourself and explain why you’re applying. Highlight two or three skills or achievements that directly match the role, then close with a professional sign-off.

How do I write a good cover letter?
Make it tailored, punchy and relevant to the employer’s needs. Avoid generic wording and use examples that demonstrate real results.

How do I write a cover letter in the UK?
Keep it to one page, use British spelling, and maintain a formal but approachable tone. Tailor the letter to the position and employer.

How do I write a cover letter with no experience in that field?
Focus on transferable skills — communication, organisation, teamwork, problem-solving — and highlight any coursework, volunteering or personal projects that show your potential.

How do I write a covering letter / how do I do a cover letter / how do I make a cover letter?
All of these refer to the same process: keep it structured, professional and targeted.

How do I write a CV cover letter?
This is just another name for a cover letter. Make sure it complements your CV rather than repeating it.

How do I write a cover letter for an internship?
Show enthusiasm, highlight relevant academic work and mention any experience gained through part-time jobs, projects or volunteering.

How do I write a cover letter for a game artist?
Showcase your portfolio, list the tools you use (e.g. Photoshop, Blender, Unity) and highlight any collaborative or creative projects you’ve worked on.

How should a cover letter be formatted?
Use a clean, professional font such as Arial or Calibri, size 11–12. Keep paragraphs short, spacing consistent and margins standard.

How should a cover letter be structured?
A simple structure works best:

1. Header with your contact details
2. Greeting
3. Intro — who you are and the role you’re applying for
4. Main content — relevant skills and achievements
5. Closing paragraph
6. Sign-off

How should a cover letter be laid out?
Keep it to one page, split into clear, focused paragraphs.

What does a cover letter look like?
A cover letter resembles a professional business letter — concise, clearly arranged and no longer than one page.

How long should a cover letter be?
One page, ideally around 250–400 words.

How many words should a cover letter be?
Between 300–400 words is the sweet spot.

How long should a cover letter be in the UK?
The UK follows the same guidance: one page, under 400 words.

How long is a cover letter?
No longer than a single A4 page.

How do I start a cover letter?
Begin with a professional greeting and mention the role you’re applying for. Introduce yourself briefly and set the tone for the rest of the letter.

How do I start a cover letter in the UK?
Use the hiring manager’s name where possible — avoid “To whom it may concern”.

How do I open a cover letter?
Lead with something meaningful: your interest in the role, a relevant strength or a quick note on why you’re a good match.

How do I end a cover letter?
Reaffirm your interest, thank the employer for their time and express your willingness to discuss the role further.

How do I end a cover letter in the UK?
Use “Yours sincerely” when you know their name; “Yours faithfully” when you don’t.

How do I sign off a cover letter?
Stick with traditional sign-offs and add your full name.

What should a cover letter include?

• Your contact details
• Hiring manager’s details (if available)
• The role you’re applying for
• Relevant skills and achievements
• Your interest in the organisation
• A professional closing

What should be in a cover letter?
The content should be specific to the role — avoid anything that feels copied and pasted.

What do I write in a cover letter?
Focus on what makes you relevant: experience, achievements and the value you add.

Who do I address a cover letter to?
Ideally the hiring manager or recruiter responsible for the role.

How do I address a cover letter?
“Dear [Full Name]” is best. If you can’t find a name, “Dear Hiring Manager” works.

How do I address a cover letter without a name?
Avoid “To whom it may concern”. Use “Dear Hiring Manager” or “Dear Recruitment Team”.