About this template
The Classic Formal template is a strictly formal cover letter in Garamond, with right-aligned date, indented salutation, justified paragraphs and a signature block laid out in the European HR convention. The letter reads as a procedural document, not a personal note. Compatible with every ATS at large European and global corporates (Workday, SuccessFactors, SAP SuccessFactors, Oracle Taleo, Cornerstone).
Who is it for?
It suits mid-to-senior candidates applying through formal HR channels at large European corporates, banks (HSBC, Deutsche Bank, BNP Paribas, UniCredit, Santander), insurance groups (AXA, Allianz, Zurich, Generali) and listed companies. Particularly common in continental Europe where conventions stay rigid. Less suited to scale-ups, startups or US-style direct-tone applications where a more conversational opening fits the recipient's expectations.
How to use it
The date is right-aligned, the recipient block in block format just below. The salutation ("Dear Sir or Madam," or "Dear Mr Smith,") is indented 1 cm. The body is justified, paragraphs separated by a blank line. The complimentary close ("Yours sincerely," if recipient is named, "Yours faithfully," if not) is mandatory in the UK formal register. For European banking applications, include the requisition reference in the subject line and the source of the posting (LinkedIn, eFinancialCareers, direct internal referral).
Frequently asked questions
Which complimentary close should I use?
UK: "Yours sincerely" when recipient is named, "Yours faithfully" otherwise. US: "Sincerely" or "Respectfully yours" for very formal contexts. Avoid "Best regards" or "Cheers" which break the formal register. The close must match the salutation: "Dear Mr Smith" with "Yours sincerely", "Dear Sir or Madam" with "Yours faithfully".
Should I state salary expectations?
Only when the job ad explicitly requests it. On LinkedIn or eFinancialCareers postings that require a range, mention it at the end of paragraph 3 ("My salary expectations are aligned with the market, in the £85-110k range depending on scope"). For unsolicited applications, never — leave that conversation for the first interview.
Does Classic Formal parse cleanly through US ATS?
Yes for Workday, Greenhouse and Lever — the block layout and Garamond font are universally parsed. Adapt only the closing salutation ("Sincerely" instead of "Yours faithfully") and the date format ("May 12, 2026" instead of "12 May 2026") to match US business correspondence conventions.
