How to Write a Marketing Cover Letter in the UK (Free Guide)

Securing a spot in the dynamic marketing field can be challenging, given the fierce UK job market. But fear not! Your key to success is crafting a top-notch cover letter paired with a matching CV template. If you're into weaving compelling stories, persuading others, or decoding data, a career in marketing might just be your calling. Whether you're eyeing the tech scene or the glitzy world of fashion, taking that first step and applying for your dream job can be a game-changer.

Think of a cover letter as your introduction to potential employers - an enticing sneak peek into what value you bring to the company. In other words, it invites them to dive deeper into your application. We walk you through crucial cover letter sections and best practices and add that extra flair to make your application shine amongst the competition.

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Marketing cover letter example

Download this marketing cover letter sample in PDF

In this example, Nina strategically presents her skills and achievements, positioning herself for a high-impact Marketing Manager role. This cover letter is modern, aligning seamlessly with her marketing CV example. It follows a clear layout with concise language and a professional Source Sans Pro font. By strategically incorporating hard skills and career accomplishments, she positions herself as a qualified candidate with an impressive track record of leading and inspiring teams. 

Explore our matching marketing CV example to help you complete your job application process.

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What to include in a marketing cover letter?

A well-crafted cover letter should be brief and tailored to your prospective marketing position, whether it’s for a role in retail or sales. Whether showcasing retail management, sales targets met, or marketing strategies executed, these CVs collectively underscore the candidate's ability to contribute to business success through impactful engagement and measurable outcomes. Remember to research the company culture before you start writing your cover letter, as this can give you a competitive edge over other candidates.

The structure is simpler than you think. Ensure you incorporate essential sections by consulting the must-have sections below:

• Personal details

• Introduction

• Body

• Conclusion

Learn more about different sections in our writing guide on how to structure your cover letter.

How to start a marketing cover letter

The opening or first paragraph of your cover letter should offer a brief yet impactful snapshot of your qualifications, echoing the career goals and soft skills of your personal profile on a CV. This section captures your hiring manager’s attention and establishes a robust initial impression. Remember to explicitly communicate the exact job title name in your introduction.

If you're wondering who to address the cover letter to, we suggest directly writing your hiring manager's name using the 'Dear Mr/Ms (Last name)' format. This makes your cover letter more personal and thus increases your chances of making a successful connection with the reader. If you don't know the name, a mere 'Dear Hiring Manager' should suffice. For more tips, refer to our article on how to start a cover letter.

For more insights on tailoring your cover letter, read our blog on the CV writing process: master vs job-specific CV. While this may not directly apply to your letter, you can still benefit from learning strategies to plan your time and arrange different cover letter parts.

How to write the body of a marketing cover letter

In the body of your cover letter, delve into why you are genuinely interested in your desired role and the company and why you are the ideal candidate for the job. Ensure you align your skills, experiences, and aspirations with the position and the organisation's values. Exercise caution to include only verifiable information, reserving any claims for the interview stage.

While cover letters offer flexibility concerning structure, one practical approach is structuring the body of the cover letter into two paragraphs.

Paragraph 2: 

Illustrate your skills and experience to align with the job description or opening. Highlight your qualifications and areas of expertise that make you a strong candidate for the position.

Use adjectives like "innovative," "strategic," and "analytical" to describe your soft skills. Mention your relevant soft or hard skills, emphasising their alignment with the company's goals. For instance, if the job requires creativity, provide a concise example of a successful creative content marketing campaign you spearheaded.

Refer to the soft skills in a CV article to learn more about how to incorporate them in your CV, as well as a cover letter.

Paragraph 3: 

Emphasise your hard skills and achievements, showcasing concrete examples of your success in previous roles. Align these accomplishments with the job application, demonstrating how your past performance makes you an ideal fit for the current opportunity. This section is a great opportunity to elaborate on your areas of expertise and showcase them through achievements, projects, or other work experience.

Here are five examples of top skills employers look for in your marketing cover letter:

1. Data Analytics: Showcase your proficiency in analysing marketing data to derive actionable insights, driving informed decision-making.

2. SEO Optimisation: Showcase your expertise in optimising digital content for search engines, enhancing the business' online visibility.

3. Social Media Management: Demonstrate you're able to develop and execute effective social media strategies, increasing brand engagement and reach.

4. Marketing Automation: Highlight your experience with marketing automation tools, such as HubSpot or Mailchimp, streamlining processes and improving overall campaign efficiency.

5. A/B Testing: Showcase your analytical skills by discussing your experience with A/B testing and optimising marketing strategies based on data-driven experimentation.

How to end a marketing cover letter

Conclude your cover letter by summarising your enthusiasm for the role and expressing confidence in your ability to contribute to the company's success. Also, extend gratitude for the reader's time and consideration. Finally, end with a professional sign-off, expressing your eagerness to discuss your qualifications further in an interview.

How do I write a marketing cover letter with no experience?

Emphasise the transferable skills you gained from coursework, volunteer work, or personal projects. Highlight your enthusiasm for the industry, ability to adapt, and knowledge of marketing trends. Showcase any relevant coursework or certifications, and express your eagerness to contribute and grow within the marketing role.

See our article on how to write a CV with no experience if you need further guidance with your matching CV statement.

Example:

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am reaching out to express my genuine interest in the Marketing Intern position at Element, which I came across on Indeed. Despite my prior experiences not being directly aligned with marketing, I am confident that my proficiency in communication, creative aptitude, and passion for crafting impactful campaigns position me as an excellent fit for this internship opportunity.

Throughout my academic journey, I have fostered a robust foundation in communication and creative thinking—attributes that I deem crucial for a thriving marketing professional. Through coursework and active participation in collaborative projects, I have developed the ability to articulate ideas effectively and collaborate seamlessly within a team, essential qualities in the dynamic realm of marketing.

My tenure at the University of Birmingham presented numerous opportunities to engage in extracurricular activities, contributing to the further refinement of my organizational skills and adaptability. These experiences have underscored the importance of delivering messages and solutions that resonate compellingly with the target audience.

I am confident that my positive demeanour, creative mindset, and eagerness to grasp new concepts swiftly will make a meaningful contribution to your marketing team's innovative initiatives. I am excited about the possibility of delving into a detailed discussion about how my skills align with the specific marketing objectives at Element.

Thank you for taking the time to consider my application. I am eager to explore how I can contribute to the success of Element and would welcome the opportunity to discuss my candidacy in more detail.

Sincerely,

Marta Nowak

Attached: CV & references

Key takeaways

By adhering to these guidelines, you can craft a good marketing cover letter that enhances your chances of securing your desired position. Be meticulous in executing each step, ensuring seamless alignment between your CV and cover letter. Lastly, ensure thorough proofreading to ensure your cover letter not only grabs attention but also eloquently conveys your qualifications and unwavering enthusiasm for a career in marketing.

Next steps?

To help you create an outstanding CV, explore our services below:

• CV Builder: explore one of our professional CV templates to help you create a tailored and well-formated CV.

• Cover Letter Builder: apply for a job with a matching cover letter template with a clear layout so you can easily personalise and adjust to your career goals.

• CV Writing service: get in touch with one of our experts to receive feedback and get quick, professional advice on tailoring your CV to a specific job. 

• Blog: see our guides and brief articles to educate yourself on the best strategies to improve your job prospects. 

Explore our diverse cover letter templates and CV examples designed to align with your marketing career objectives. Should you require assistance, our Writing Service is available to streamline the process.

FAQ

How long should a cover letter for marketing be?

A well-structured cover letter should fall within the range of 250 to 400 words, equivalent to half a page to one full page. It consists of three to four short paragraphs designed for better readability and quick scanning of essential keywords. The key to an impactful cover letter lies in its conciseness, efficiently conveying your interests and highlighting why you are the ideal candidate for the position.

For more tips, refer to our article about the ideal cover letter length.

Do you need a cover letter for marketing?

A cover letter is an essential part of the job application process for any marketing role. It provides a room to showcase your enthusiasm, elaborate on soft and hard skills, and connect your experiences directly to the needs of the marketing role. In a competitive field like marketing, a well-crafted cover letter can set you apart.

How do I write a cover letter for digital marketing?

Emphasise your customer service skills, marketing achievements, and ability to work collaboratively. Express enthusiasm for the company and the opportunity to contribute to its digital marketing goals. Here is an example of an opening paragraph to guide you further:

Refer to the closely related digital marketing CV example for more examples and tips you can apply in your cover letter.

How do I write a cover letter for a marketing internship?

Focus on your educational background, relevant coursework, and any extracurricular activities or projects that demonstrate your passion for marketing. Highlight your eagerness to learn, adapt, and contribute to the company's marketing initiatives. Highlight any transferable skills from your studies that align with the internship requirements, and express your enthusiasm for gaining on-the-job experience in the marketing field.

Refer to our internship CV example for more tips and guidance on which sections to include.