Happy Friday!

Last year I quit my £250k/year corporate path so I can give free career advice on the internet.

This might sound crazy but it's 100% true.

My new video explains the fun (and not so fun) UK corporate realities and why I made this choice despite doing just fine.

Need some advice or have some questions? You can reply to this email and I'll respond to you directly.

In this issue:

• Are cover letters still relevant in 2026?
• LinkedIn networking freebie just for you + CV templates upgrade
• UK MBA cost breakdown: £100k is the minimum
• Even more freebies

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Cover letters in 2026

Sounds a bit outdated and irrelevant, no? I disagree!

Many companies still give you the option to submit a cover letter with your application today. If it was irrelevant, then why would they bother?

Because it IS relevant! Cover letters usually cover the information your CV and application lack.

• Your motivation, ambition and circumstances
• The depth of your research about the industry, the company and the role
• Why you chose THEIR company (aka cultural fit)

In most cases, the cover letter is optional - meaning the majority of candidates will skip it.

This is your chance to stand out.

Worst-case scenario for a well-written cover letter is it being ignored.

Best-case scenario is that you convince them to invite you to an interview.

Honestly, you lose nothing by submitting a cover letter, but the upside could be massive

I have a video in the works on this topic, but a quick fire round of advice:

• 400 words max
• Use keywords from the job description
• AI use only to polish, not write
• Structure: intro - why you - why this job - close
• Tailor to each company (if you can replace the company name and it works, it's too generic)
• Do not talk about your weaknesses
• Do not lie or exaggerate

So yes, spend that extra 30 mins to massively boost your chances of success

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How to reach out to people on LinkedIn?

This edition's freebie is networking reach out templates

Use them to meet new people, ask for advice or connect with someone who inspires you!

(This freebie is from my Networking basics video)

Download the FREE networking templates here

I am actually working on the video to prove how powerful networking is... spoilers, but I am reaching out to CEOs I don't know to see if I can get a response.

And yes, I already have responses...

So stay tuned, this will drop on @ukeycoach YouTube channel in a few weeks ;)

And since we all love CVs...

I launched a couple of CV products this week, which are on discount for you, my subscribers!

UKey CV template + CV example (Word version of the pdf download) 40% off

Full UK CV guide with 20+ bullet examples, writing tips, action verbs and templates (Word) 50% off

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£100k for an MBA is the cheapest scenario

Last week I dropped my full UK MBA cost breakdown, covering:

• tuition fees
• visa fees
• FOMO tax
• cost of living in London (and elsewhere)
• ...and everything in between
• + cheap and luxury MBA scenarios

Slightly out of my usual type of content, but hey, I am a small creator, I get to experiment ;)

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More freebies and deals

👨‍💻 Get 6 months free - UK Amazon Prime for Students​

🛒 Not a student? Get 30 days UK Amazon Prime for free!

🌍 Get 1 free audiobook with Audible, like Atomic Habits. You can choose any book!

📖 Kindle Unlimited 30 day free trial - for all your ebook needs

🔒 73% off NordVPN to ensure your privacy through secure connections (they are giving away £20 Amazon UK gift card with purchases at the moment)

📩 I write my newsletters Wispr Flow, a completely free AI speech to text tool​

That's it for this issue of UKey newsletter! And remember, you can always reply directly to this email with your questions and suggestions!

Keep going, and I'll see you in the next one!

Byeeeee,

Mary

PS: Some of the links in this newsletter are affiliate links that help me keep the lights on and my coffee strong ☕️💸