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.
Cover letter examples for freelancer
Explore additional freelancer cover letter samples and guides and see what works for your level of experience or role.
By Role
Freelancer Graphic Designer
- Specialised Skills Highlight: Emphasising proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite right at the beginning capitalises on a critical skill relevant for a designer role.
- Impactful Achievements: Highlighting specific achievements, such as increasing web traffic by 30%, effectively demonstrates the real-world impact of the applicant’s design skills and strategic thinking.
- Relevant Experience: Detailing specific experiences and projects in previous roles, like leading a project to redesign a website, showcases the ability to handle responsibilities pertinent to the desired role.
- Acknowledgement in the Field: Mentioning an award like 'Designer of the Year' reinforces credibility and industry recognition, making the candidate's profile more compelling.
Freelancer Content Writer
- Emphasise relevant experience: The candidate highlights over 1 year of experience in content creation and social media marketing, which directly aligns with the Content & Social Executive role, showcasing their proficiency and dedication to the field.
- Quantify achievements: Using metrics such as increased audience engagement by 30% and boosting client visibility by 40% through content creation provides tangible evidence of success, making the candidate stand out.
- Showcase skills and specialisations: Demonstrating skills in SEO, Content Strategy, and social media tools like Google Analytics and Hootsuite underscores the candidate's technical capabilities crucial for the role.
- Cite educational background: Mentioning a Master's in Digital Marketing from a reputable institution like the University of Southampton strengthens the application by affirming specialised knowledge in the area essential for a content and social media role.
Freelancer Web Developer
- Emphasising Relevant Experience: Highlighting over 5 years of experience in PHP development and specialising in ecommerce websites immediately positions the candidate as a strong fit for roles requiring in-depth technical expertise in similar projects.
- Quantifiable Achievements: Including specific accomplishments, such as improving client sales conversion rates by up to 20% or achieving a 30% improvement in website responsiveness, provides concrete evidence of the candidate's value and impact.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Demonstrating the ability to work effectively with designers and other team members can be crucial for development roles that require integrating various aspects of web design and development.
- Education and Ongoing Learning: Mentioning degrees in Computer Science and Software Engineering, alongside completed courses in advanced PHP programming and Linux server management, underscores a commitment to continuous professional development and expertise maintenance.
Freelancer Digital Marketer
- Highlighting Certifications: The inclusion of the "Advanced Google Ads Certification" showcases specialised knowledge in creating ROI-driven advertising strategies, essential for a digital marketing specialist role.
- Quantifiable Achievements: Emphasising measurable outcomes, such as a 40% increase in organic traffic due to SEO strategies, effectively demonstrates the applicant’s impact and capability to enhance digital presence.
- Experience in Leading Teams: Mentioning leadership in redesigning e-commerce interfaces shows capability and experience in managing and guiding teams towards strategic business objectives.
- Comprehensive Skill Set: Listing a wide array of relevant skills including “SEO Optimization”, “Google Analytics”, and “E-commerce Development” aligns with the multifaceted roles of a website developer and digital marketing specialist.
Freelancer Video Editor
- Highlighting Relevant Experience: The cover letter effectively showcases Edward Mitchell's experience in video editing and social media content creation across well-known companies like Boots UK, LloydsPharmacy, and Superdrug, making him a strong candidate for roles in media and content creation.
- Showing Measurable Achievements: The cover letter quantifies achievements, such as a 45% increase in YouTube subscriber count and a 60% elevation in brand engagement on social media platforms, demonstrating tangible successes and impact.
- Emphasising Key Skills: It clearly lists key skills relevant to the video editing and social media role, including proficiency in Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, and storyboarding, underlining the technical abilities required for the position.
- Highlighting Relevant Education and Courses: The cover letter showcases educational background and specialised courses that pertain to film production and social media strategy, underscoring both formal education and continued learning efforts.
Freelancer Photographer
- Highlighting Relevant Experience and Achievements: The cover letter effectively emphasizes Lucas' experience with reputable companies like Foxtons, Savills, and Knight Frank, showcasing his ability to manage high-volume property photography and floor planning efficiently.
- Showcasing Certification and Education: Lucas underlines his photography specialisation with advanced courses like the "Advanced Real Estate Photography" and "Certified Floor Plan Specialist," which are crucial for enhancing his credibility and skillset in the property domain.
- Demonstrating Customer Service Excellence: Throughout the cover letter, there is a consistent mention of strong client relations and customer service skills, bolstered by specific achievements like improving retention rates and obtaining top customer service ranks at Savills.
- Personal Branding and Passion: Lucas effectively communicates his passion for architectural photography and travel, painting a picture of a versatile and culturally aware photographer, which adds depth to his professional persona.
Freelancer Social Media Manager
- Showcasing Proven Success: The cover letter effectively highlights Scarlett's track record in increasing social media engagement by 85% at her current company, a crucial metric for a Social Media & Content Creator role.
- Demonstrating Relevant Experience: It outlines specific accomplishments, such as leading content creation for high-profile campaigns and handling social media strategies that significantly boosted user engagement, directly aligning with job responsibilities.
- Highlighting Certifications: The mention of advanced certifications in social media strategy and SEO and content marketing underscores Scarlett's commitment to professional growth and expertise in leading digital strategies.
- Emphasising Passion for Storytelling: Clearly articulated passion for storytelling through social media can resonate well with employers looking for candidates who bring creativity and genuine engagement to their roles.
Freelancer SEO Specialist
- Highlighting Industry Achievements: Mentioning accomplishments such as doubling organic traffic and winning the Best SEO Campaign 2019 award reflects significant expertise and recognition in the field, adding credibility.
- Technical SEO Skills and Tools: Emphasising skills in Google Analytics, SEMrush, and Technical SEO demonstrates technical knowledge required for specialised SEO roles, crucial for attracting potential employers.
- Experience in Strategy and Analysis: Detailing success in implementing enterprise-level SEO strategies and conducting data analysis showcases the candidate's ability to drive results through strategic planning and insights.
- Passion for Data-Driven Decision Making: Expressing a passion for data-driven decisions highlights the candidate's commitment to using data insights in optimisation, aligning with modern SEO practises.
Freelancer Data Analyst
- Relevant Experience: Highlighting experience in SaaS and remote working aligns perfectly with current industry trends and employer expectations for a Data Analyst role.
- Measurable Achievements: Including specific percentage improvements (e.g. 30% increase in client retention) provides quantifiable evidence of impact and effectiveness in prior roles.
- Technical Skills and Certifications: Detailing skills in Python, SQL, and ETL processes, along with specialised courses like "Predictive Analytics with Python," demonstrates a commitment to staying relevant in data analytics.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Emphasising collaboration with diverse teams and building dashboards to enhance decision-making indicates strong interpersonal skills and ability to contribute to organisational goals.
Freelancer Virtual Assistant
- The cover letter effectively highlights AI-driven automation and optimisation experience, which is crucial for a Content Manager focused on enhancing customer interactions and support efficiency.
- Emphasises collaboration with cross-functional teams and aligning content strategy, demonstrating the ability to enhance customer satisfaction and achieve a 25% increase in scores.
- Specific mention of key technical skills such as SQL and Python, which are valuable for leveraging analytics and improving content processes in a data-driven environment.
- Showcases leadership in strategic content alignment and innovation in AI solutions, signifying a high level of adaptability and problem-solving skills essential for this role.
Freelancer Project Manager
- Highlighting Unique Experiences: The cover letter effectively showcases Samuel's extensive project management experience in the theatre and dance sectors, highlighting achievements such as coordinating events with up to 15,000 attendees, which is relevant to the role of Project Manager in event coordination.
- Quantifiable Achievements: Provides specific, quantifiable results from previous roles, such as a 30% increase in ticket sales, 15% reduction in operational costs, and improvements in event satisfaction ratings, making a strong case for Samuel's capabilities and track record of success.
- Focus on Skills and Certifications: The cover letter emphasises key skills like digital ticketing systems, stakeholder engagement, and sustainable practices, along with certifications like the Advanced Project Management Certification, aligning with the requirements of project management roles.
- Passion and Interests: Samuel's passions for theatre, cultural festivals, and sustainability are included, providing personal depth and demonstrating a cultural fit for roles in creative and environmentally conscious organisations.
Freelancer Translator
- Highlight relevant experience: Showcase extensive experience in translating technical documents for engineering, IT, financial, legal, and medical sectors to demonstrate specialised expertise.
- Mention proficiency in tools: Emphasise proficiency in CAT tools such as SDL Trados, MemoQ, and Wordfast to highlight efficiency and modern translation techniques.
- Detail accomplishments with metrics: Present achievements with specific metrics, such as a 30% increase in client satisfaction and a 40% boost in user engagement, to quantify success and impact.
- Reference language proficiency: Indicate high proficiency in English and French to underline capabilities in managing multilingual projects and fostering international communication.
Freelancer Software Engineer
- Specialised Certifications: Highlighting the ISTQB Certified Tester Advanced Level and Managing Successful Programmes (MSP) certifications underscores the candidate's advanced expertise in software testing and programme management, respectively, enhancing credibility for a consultancy role.
- Leadership and Team Management: Emphasising leadership experience, such as leading a team of testers and achieving improved team efficiency by 20%, demonstrates the candidate's capability in managing and developing teams effectively in high-pressure environments.
- Achievements in Innovation: Mentioning specific awards and recognitions, such as the Innovation in Automated Testing award, provides tangible evidence of the candidate's contributions to enhancing testing processes and delivering impactful results.
- Project Contributions and Collaboration: Sharing details about collaborative projects, such as resolving critical software issues and contributing to open-source initiatives, illustrates the candidate's problem-solving skills and ability to work within and improve team dynamics.
Freelancer UX/UI Designer
- Highlighting the 3+ years of experience in creating impactful user interfaces, which showcases relevant expertise for a UI Designer role.
- Mentioning specific accomplishments such as the 30% increase in user engagement demonstrates the candidate's ability to deliver measurable results.
- Emphasising collaboration with cross-functional teams and leading projects portrays strong teamwork and leadership skills, important for roles involving design and innovation.
- Noteworthy certifications like the Certified UX Designer by Nielsen Norman Group and relevant coursework underscore a commitment to continuous learning and enhancing specialised skills.
Freelancer Personal Trainer
- Highlighting specific achievements, such as increasing the client base by 40% at PureGym and boosting gym membership revenue by 25% at The Gym Group, provides concrete evidence of success in the personal training role.
- Emphasising relevant certifications, like the Advanced Personal Trainer Certification from the National Academy of Sports Medicine, demonstrates specialised knowledge and commitment to the field.
- Mentioning a passion for fitness coaching and nutritional health underscores a strong personal dedication to the role, aligning personal interests with professional goals.
- Showcasing effective teamwork and leadership skills, particularly in mentoring fellow trainers to refine coaching techniques and contributing to team client base expansion, indicates the ability to not only excel individually but also enhance team performance.
Freelancer Nutritionist
- Highlight Certifications and Courses: For a Swine Nutritionist role, emphasizing certifications such as the Food Safety Management Certification and courses like the Comprehensive Swine Nutrition Course showcases advanced knowledge and commitment to industry standards and education.
- Focus on Quantifiable Achievements: Clearly state accomplishments, such as a 20% improvement in production efficiency or a 30% increase in product adoption. These metrics provide concrete evidence of expertise and impact in swine nutrition.
- Emphasise Relevant Skills and Techniques: Highlight advanced skills and knowledge in Feed Formulation, BestMix system, and compliance with industry regulations, such as ISO 22000:2018. This demonstrates a candidate's technical prowess in the field.
- Showcase Industry Engagement: Mentioning participation in seminars and conferences reflects a commitment to industry knowledge exchange and staying updated with the latest advancements in swine nutrition.
Freelancer Financial Advisor
- Emphasising certifications such as the Corporate Financial Management Certification through CIMA, which bolster credibility and demonstrate specialised knowledge for roles in financial management.
- Highlighting achievements like implementing a new financial system that enhanced processing efficiency by 18%, showcasing the candidate's ability to lead transformative projects.
- Detailing experience in managing large budgets and achieving fiscal objectives, which demonstrates financial acumen and effectiveness in resource allocation crucial for a Finance Advisor role.
- Drawing attention to leadership and team management skills, as evident in directing a team to a high client satisfaction rate and mentoring junior staff, essential for roles involving cross-functional collaboration and leadership.
Freelancer Legal Consultant
- Highlight Relevant Experience: The cover letter effectively details experience at Thomson Reuters and Practical Law, underlining specific achievements in AI implementation, revenue generation, and customer relationship management, which is crucial for a legal training consultant role.
- Emphasise Education and Certifications: Highlighting a Master of Laws from the University of Cambridge and certifications such as "Advanced Legal Research Techniques" underscores the candidate's strong educational background and specialised skills in legal research essential for this role.
- Showcase Achievements in Sales and Client Engagement: The letter successfully showcases notable accomplishments, like achieving a 45% increase in client engagement and driving over £2 million in new revenue, which are significant for a role focused on training and sales.
- Demonstrate Passion and Continuous Learning: By listing passions such as Legal Technology and Professional Development, the cover letter demonstrates the candidate's commitment to growth and adaptation in the ever-evolving legal landscape.
Freelancer HR Consultant
- Emphasising bilingual communication skills, showcasing your ability to facilitate cross-functional collaboration and reduce misunderstandings, which is crucial for HR roles in diverse teams.
- Highlighting the implementation of a new payroll system, underscoring your technical expertise and ability to enhance operational efficiency, a valuable skill for a Payroll Specialist.
- Noting achievements in compliance with HR legislation, demonstrating your capability to reduce legal inquiries and improve company compliance, key attributes for HR roles.
- Outlining proven improvements in staff retention and employee satisfaction through strategic initiatives, pivotal for Human Resources positions focused on organisational development and employee engagement.
Freelancer Business Coach
- The cover letter showcases specific achievements, such as leading a team to streamline operational processes and achieve a 15% increase in efficiency, illustrating the applicant's expertise and quantifiable impact in franchise operations.
- Including certifications like the "Advanced Franchise Management" from the International Franchise Association demonstrates specialised knowledge and a commitment to professional development, which is vital for a Franchise Business Coach role.
- Highlighting advanced skills, such as CRM Systems and Strategic Planning, relevant to the role ensures that the candidate's capabilities align with the operational and strategic demands of a franchise environment.
- The inclusion of a passion for "Digital Innovation" aligns with the increasing necessity for technological integration in business processes, showing the applicant's forward-thinking approach.
Freelancer cover letter example
George Johnson
123 Street Name, Newcastle, UK, NE1 1XX
+44 1234 567890
help@enhancv.com
Dear Hiring Manager,
Having closely followed your company's pioneering efforts within the retail innovation landscape, I am drawn to your mission of redefining consumer engagement. With over 8 years of strategic experience in leading innovative retail and segmentation initiatives, I believe I can contribute significantly to your team's goals.
During my tenure as Senior Innovation Strategist at Ideas Lab, I spearheaded a major retail expansion strategy for a leading fashion retailer. This involved extensive market research and trend analysis, which resulted in a significant 15% market share increase for the client. My ability to integrate data-driven insights into strategic frameworks has consistently driven impactful outcomes, as seen in a 20% uplift in conversion rates through a tailored customer segmentation model.
I look forward to the possibility of discussing how my experience and skills align with your company's objectives. Thank you for considering my application. I am eager to bring my strategic vision and passion for innovation to your team.
Sincerely,
George Johnson, Senior Strategist
What’s great about this cover letter:
- Emphasize relevant experience by illustrating specific strategic initiatives that align with the company's goals, such as leading segmentation initiatives that generate measurable results.
- Highlight data-driven decision-making skills and analytical abilities, which are crucial in crafting innovative strategies within the retail sector.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the company's mission and how your experience directly contributes to furthering their specific objectives.
Importance of cover letters in the United Kingdom
Cover letters are a crucial part of your application, offering additional details beyond your CV.
Here’s why they’re essential:
- Supporting your CV: Now's your opportunity to provide some context for your experience, with more information on your key achievements and how your profile could benefit the position and organisation to which you're applying.
- Showcases your character: Taking the time to write a cover letter demonstrates that you’re proactive, organised, ambitious, and genuinely interested in the role.
- Reflects your career goals: Use the cover letter to outline your long-term career career aspirations and how this role aligns with your broader plans.
What UK employers expect from a cover letter
You only have one chance to impress your potential UK employers, so be wise about writing your cover letter.
When doing so, follow these three simple but essential steps:
- Do your research: Begin by researching the company and the role you're applying for. Check their website, social media pages, and relevant news to understand what drives their business.
- Highlight company values: Identify the company's core beliefs and explain how your personal and professional experiences resonate with them. For instance, if the organisation prioritises innovation, provide examples where you've demonstrated creative thinking.
- Match your skills to the job: Analyse the job description carefully and pick out the most important skills or qualifications they’re seeking. Be sure to mention your relevant achievements that prove you're the perfect fit for the position.
How to format a freelancer cover letter
Before diving into the content, the structure of your cover letter should include the following elements:
- Your address and contact details
- The employer’s name and address
- Date
- Salutation or greeting
- Opening or introductory paragraph
- Middle or body paragraphs
- Closing paragraph
- Sign-off and signature
When it comes to the best font choice, consider modern options like Lato, Rubik, Raleway, Volkhov, Chivo, or Bitter as alternatives to Arial or Times New Roman.
Your cover letter should be single-spaced, with approximately 1-inch (2.5 cm) margins all around (our templates are set up automatically with this spacing in mind).
Ensure your CV and cover letter use the same font for consistency, and always send them as a PDF to prevent edits and maintian formatting.
Lastly, while Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS—the software used to match your application to set requirements) won't read your cover letter, recruiters certainly will, so make sure it stands out.
How to write your freelancer cover letter salutation
First impressions often start with the greeting and in the case of your job application, 'Dear Sir or Madam' simply won't suffice.
Find out who’s hiring for the role—by calling or emailing the company, searching online, or using LinkedIn—and address them correctly.
Generally, you should address them by their surname (e.g., 'Dear Mrs Weasley'), but if you've spoken to them before, you might use their first name (e.g., 'Dear Albus').
How to write your freelancer cover letter intro
While your cover letter should remain professional, adding a touch of personality or humour can make you stand out.
Hiring managers sift through countless applications, day in and day out. Anything unique or personable that grabs their attention could give you a competitive edge.
But do your homework first to ensure a dash of creativity would be appropriate and suitable to the company culture.
Cover Letter Intro
With a keen appreciation for your innovative approach in the [industry name] industry, I have admired [Company Name]'s commitment to sustainability and creativity, resonating with my own professional values as I seek to contribute to your upcoming projects with fresh perspectives.
RIGHT
How to write your freelancer cover letter body
Your cover letter body is the most spacious and vital part of this document—it highlights your true value and the impact you can bring as a candidate.
Remember, your cover letter serves a different purpose to your CV. Here, you need to show your skills in context by telling the story of one significant achievement, hinting at how you’ll help your future employer achieve their goals.
So, when writing your cover letter body:
- Use concrete achievements to demonstrate your personality and impact.
- Support your achievements with quantifiable data and metrics.
- Tell the story of a successful project you’ve worked on and explain how you contributed to the outcome.
- Highlight both hard and soft skills to make your story more engaging.
- Focus on skills that are most relevant to the role and align with the company’s needs.
Cover Letter Body
In my previous role as a digital marketing strategist, I spearheaded a campaign for a mid-sized e-commerce firm that increased sales by £250,000 within a six-month period. This was achieved through a combination of innovative SEO strategies and targeted social media advertising. My analytical skills enabled me to identify untapped market segments, while my expertise in content creation ensured that the messaging resonated with the target audience, leading to a 40% increase in organic web traffic. This project not only demonstrated my ability to deliver substantial financial gains through strategic planning and execution but also enhanced the company's brand presence across multiple online platforms.
RIGHT
How to write a closing paragraph
Looking to leave a lasting impression with your cover letter closing?
Then, you should certainly end with a promise—one that outlines what you aim to achieve in the role. Ensure your goals are realistic and align with the company’s needs.
You might also include a call to action, enquiring when you can expect to hear back and what the next steps in the hiring process will be.
Cover Letter Closing
In conclusion, I am eager to bring my expertise as a freelancer to your team, delivering projects that meet and exceed expectations. I am keen to discuss how my skills and experiences align with your needs. Please do not hesitate to schedule an interview at your earliest convenience to explore how I can contribute to your ongoing success. Thank you for considering my application; I look forward to the opportunity to speak with you soon.
RIGHT
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.
