Land the job with cover letter templates
Show hiring managers why you're the perfect job candidate with professional, customizable cover letter templates. find the perfect cover letter template for any industry or career path..
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Download free cover letter templates
Stand out from other job applicants with free, professional cover letter templates. Cover letters are a perfect complement to your resume and provide an effective opportunity to show your personality and enthusiasm for a position. Focus on writing a compelling cover letter and let a professionally designed template do the rest.
These free cover letter templates are perfect for any stage of your career, whether you're looking to land an internship or your dream job. If you're applying for a corporate position, you may want to opt for a simple cover letter template. There are a variety of other cover letter designs available, from basic cover letter templates to creative cover letter templates.
Each of these cover letter templates is customizable in Word , so you can add your own text, change design elements, and more. Print out your cover letter or download it for free to use for online job applications. Once you've customized the perfect cover letter, explore resume templates that will match your cover letter design, or download free business cards for your next networking event.
How to Create a Compelling Cover Letter in Microsoft Word
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Every time you apply for a job, it's a good idea to include a cover letter. Deciding how to write each one is hard, but at least you don’t have to start from scratch with their design.
Microsoft Word offers templates and welcomes third-party designs to help you create compelling cover letters. Here’s how to use such options in Word and make the best first impression possible to potential employers.
Use Microsoft Word’s Cover Letter Templates
![how to format a cover letter on word Cover Letter Templates on Microsoft Word](https://static1.makeuseofimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/cover-letter-templates-on-microsoft-word.jpg)
Formal letters don’t have to be bland. Go to File > More templates on Word, and type “cover letter” in the search box. You’ll find several stylish designs that add structure and color to your document.
What reflects you better, a subtle or sharp color scheme? If you’re considering a bold header for your professional details, learn how to design letterheads on Word , too. You can even add your portrait to your cover letter.
Microsoft Word’s built-in templates also include fields for you to fill in with your information and that of your potential employer. They guide you in these small ways, some even providing a sample for your letter’s main body. It’s a good idea to rephrase that, though, to fit each job application.
If you don’t like any of the options on Word’s desktop app, explore more Microsoft cover letter templates online and download your favorites from there.
Use Third-Party Templates in Microsoft Word
You can create cover letters for your dream job on platforms besides Microsoft. If you’d rather stick with it, you’ll even come across third-party templates specifically designed for you to download and customize on Word. Here are some examples.
1. ResumeLab
![how to format a cover letter on word ResumeLab's Cover Letter Template for Word With Download Link](https://static1.makeuseofimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/resumelab-s-cover-letter-template-for-word-with-download-link.jpg)
Explore over 50 cover letter templates, ranging from minimalist to eye-catching designs. Keep in mind that a few of them are meant to be created on ResumeLab. The rest you can bring onto Word by clicking their Download it free here link.
You’ll be redirected to websites like Good Resume and Resume Genius , which help you quickly download your documents. Then, all you have to do is open them in Microsoft Word.
You’ll also notice that some cover letters on ResumeLab are edited versions of Word’s built-in templates, but this just adds to your selection and gives you more ideas.
2. Template.net
![how to format a cover letter on word Range of Cover Letters for MS Word on Template.net](https://static1.makeuseofimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/range-of-cover-letters-for-ms-word-on-template-net.jpg)
This is a popular site for templates of all kinds, including cover letters. For some designs, you pay a small fee, but Template.net has an impressive range of free options, too. What’s more, the download process is very easy.
Just browse its collection, click on a design you like, and select the Word button under Download Free Template . In the next window, hit Free Download . If you’re not signed in already, you’ll be asked to as the final step.
Follow Best Practices for Cover Letters
Familiarize yourself with the dos and don’ts of writing a cover letter . Remember these guidelines when selecting and customizing a template or crafting a cover letter from scratch. They boil down to the following rules.
1. Research Potential Employers
Do your research before writing or designing your cover letter. Get to know each company and even the recruiter you’re addressing. It’s the same strategy as tailoring your resume for different job types .
2. Tailor Your Cover Letter
When showcasing your skills and interest in a position, use your research to tailor your letter so that it grabs the recruiter’s attention and impresses them. Be smart, enthusiastic, and concise with your words.
3. Use Your Blank Space Wisely
Aim to limit your cover letter to one page. Any more than that, and you risk losing the recruiter’s interest. Think about what you need to say, including important and relevant details not covered in your resume. Express these things as succinctly as possible.
4. Your Visuals Should Complement and Not Overwhelm the Letter
Add a bit of color and texture, going for a subtle effect. You could even use some small icons, as long as they’re tasteful and discreet. Whatever you choose, keep these visuals on the letter’s edges, and don’t let them dominate the text.
5. Master Word’s Features That Benefit Cover Letters
For example, you can create your cover letter more efficiently by setting the text’s boundaries from the get-go. To do this, go to Layout > Margins . From the same toolbar, you can adjust paragraph spacing and indentation.
Through Insert > Pictures , you can import an image of your signature and place it at the end of the letter. Your header and footer can be customized from here, too.
Even the Mailing toolbar might be of interest. It can help streamline the process of writing and sending letters, as well as keeping track of recipients.
Good Planning and Wording Make the Best Cover Letters
Between Microsoft and other providers, you have access to a wide selection of templates for simple but attractive cover letters that you can personalize on Word. The app itself is full of useful writing and editing tools.
With this leg up, designing a cover letter for every occasion is easier. Sound research and planning in terms of how to approach each application can help polish the letter even more.
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How to Format a Cover Letter That’ll Get You an Interview
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Do you ever feel like your resume couldn’t possibly tell the whole story of who you are and why a company should hire you? That’s because it doesn’t. But a strong, well-written, and correctly formatted cover letter helps fill in some of the gaps.
“Cover letters are worth the time ,” says Muse coach Jennifer Smith. “They provide an opportunity to expand on key points from your resume, show off your personality, and solidify your interest.” Perhaps most importantly, “They show an employer you put the time and energy into applying.” And—luckily—they don’t need to be difficult to write.
Most cover letters have a similar format that make them much easier to write than you might think. And we’ve laid it out exactly—so you can get that application in already.
Read More: Cover Letters Are Hard to Write—But These Templates Make It a Breeze
How to format and organize your cover letter content
Here’s the format most hiring professionals that read your cover letter will be looking for:
Your heading goes at the top of the page and contains your contact info as well as some other basics that a hiring manager or recruiter might use to learn more about you once they’ve read your cover letter.
So this means:
- Phone number
- LinkedIn profile link (if you have one)
- Pronouns (if you’re comfortable including them)
- Personal website or portfolio link (optional)
- Relevant and professional social media profiles (optional)
Nowadays it’s very uncommon, but if you’re asked to mail a paper cover letter, you would also include in your heading the company’s information:
- Hiring manager’s name (or whomever the letter is addressed to)
- Company name
- Company street address
- Company city, state, zip code
But you’d be more likely to send your cover letter in the body of an email than by snail mail if you’re not applying through an online system. In this case, your heading info would go after your name at the end.
Start your salutation with “Hello,” “Dear,” or “Hi” for more casual companies.
Then, you’ll usually address your cover letter to the hiring manager. Alternatively, Muse coach Leto Papadopoulos recommends job seekers “open the letter with ‘Dear Hiring Team’ because even if you can uncover the name of the hiring manager, they are usually not the first to read the cover letter,” she says, and “I like to acknowledge the recruiting team!”
You can also address your cover letter to the team you’d be joining or “[Position] Hiring Manager.” But you should never start your cover letter with “ To Whom It May Concern .”
Read More: The 3 Rules of Addressing Your Cover Letter
Your introduction should be one paragraph long, include the name of the position you’re applying to, and express why you’re applying and what excites you about the opportunity. But most importantly, you want to grab your reader. You can even “kick off with a brief but attention-grabbing anecdote,” Smith says. “Show off your personality.”
Read More: 30 Genius Cover Letter Openers Recruiters Will LOVE
Body paragraphs
Write two to three body paragraphs that sell you as a candidate. “Show, don’t tell,” Smith says. “Craft a narrative about how your experience led you to apply for the job you want.” Instead of regurgitating your resume, look at the job description and pull out a few skills you specialize in that the company is looking for. Then, elaborate on them by bringing up examples of how you’ve used these skills to help your past employers (and by extension will give the reader a preview of how you’ll help them).
Wrap everything up with your conclusion paragraph. Reiterate your interest in the company and your most important qualifications. Then, “Close with a statement about contributing your skills and experiences to the success of the company in the position you’re applying for,” Smith says.
Use a professional sign-off like “Sincerely,” “Respectfully,” or “Thank you for your consideration,” then add your first and last name.
If you’re sending your cover letter in the body of an email, add any info you would’ve included in your heading below your name.
Example cover letter
Check out this cover letter example, which follows the above cover letter format:
Curtis Chen [email protected] | 999-999-9999 linkedin.com/in/curtis-chen | he/him | Baltimore, MD
Hello Arianna,
When I saw the posting for the UX designer position at CloudCo, I was immediately drawn to it because of your unique approach to online storage. CloudCo is the only player in the space right now that has promised to keep their personal storage tiers under $10—and instead pass on the cost to the larger clients. I’d love to bring my dual experience as a front-end engineer and a UX researcher to make your interface more intuitive and keep individual customers renewing their contracts.
For the last two years, I’ve worked as a UX researcher for OnlineOffice Inc, where I was part of the team that launched the updated office suite. During the development process, I interviewed more than 50 users of both OOI’s and competitors’ products. I was able to translate their desires into actionable suggestions for the design and product teams, contributing to a product launch that has already grown OOI’s user base by 120% in the first year. Through these experiences, I learned to use both qualitative and quantitative data to advocate for users and make decisions about the most important product features. As your UX designer, I’d apply this knowledge to help boost the user experience for your personal-tier products.
I also spent three years as a front-end developer on a product team at TeckyCompany. In this role, I learned what it’s like for those actually building products, including what kinds of features take the most time and work. As your UX designer, I’d use this experience to weigh design decisions and collaborate with the product team. I’m used to working at startups where, as much as you’d like to, you can’t get everything done at once, so I’ll be able to prioritize features that will help users most while still making reasonable asks of the product team.
Cloud Co’s business model has shown me that not every tech startup prioritizes its larger clients over the individual user. I’d love to bring my development and UX experience to your team to help provide the very best experience for your subscribers.
Sincerely, Curtis Chen
Read More: 4 Cover Letter Examples That’ll Make Writing Yours Way Easier
Tips for formatting your document like a pro
When you’re formatting your cover letter, you want to prioritize readability and professionalism. But you should also keep in mind that many cover letters submitted online will be uploaded to an applicant tracking system or ATS , which is software that employers use to organize and search candidate application materials. ATSs are very advanced but there’s some formatting they have trouble with.
Follow these guidelines to format your cover letter correctly for both human and computer readers:
- Font : Stick to the default fonts that come with your word processor—classics like Arial, Helvetica, Times New Roman, Cambria, Calibri, and Georgia.
- Font size: The ideal size will vary based on which font you choose, but keep it between 10 and 12 pt. Any smaller and you’ll have recruiters squinting at their screens. Any larger and they’ll be wondering if you’re trying to compensate for not having a lot to write about.
- Margins : You can’t go wrong with the usual one-inch margins all around, but you can make some slight adjustments if needed. Papadopoulos suggests decreasing the header space first.
- Alignment: All your text should be left aligned and there’s no need to indent every paragraph.
- Line spacing: Single space your cover letter (1.15 spacing works if it looks too cramped). Include an extra line between each section and paragraph.
- Length : “A cover letter should comfortably fit on one page,” Papadopoulos says. Your cover letter should be at least three paragraphs long, but generally no more than five—unless the job description says otherwise. If it’s too long, check out this guide for cutting your cover letter down .
- File format : You can submit your cover letter within the body of an email or as a separate file. But if it’s a separate file you’re uploading to an online system, stick to docx or pdf only. ATs cannot reliably “read” other file types.
- File name : Always include your name and the phrase “cover letter,” and you can also include the name of the position. Just make sure it’s easy to read and follow any instructions in the job posting.
Formatted cover letter example
Here’s how the above example looks in a properly formatted cover letter document.
![how to format a cover letter on word how to format a cover letter on word](https://pilbox.themuse.com/image.jpg?filter=antialias&h=792&opt=1&pos=top-left&prog=1&q=keep&url=https%3A%2F%2Fcms-assets.themuse.com%2Fmedia%2FCover-Letter-Format-Example-TheMuse.com-1.jpg&w=612)
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Free Cover Letter Templates for Microsoft Word
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- Microsoft Word Cover Letter Templates
- Access Letters From Your Computer
Access Templates Online
- Create a Customized Cover Letter
Tips for Writing an Interview-Winning Cover Letter
- More Free Templates
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A good cover letter can mean the difference between catching the hiring manager’s attention and languishing in job search limbo. But many job seekers find it hard to stare down that blank page. How do you summarize your most important qualifications in a way that makes it clear that you’re the best candidate for the job? Cover letter templates can help.
A cover letter template provides a "fill-in the-blank" format. You can use it to create your own letter to send with your resume when you apply for a job.
Using a template saves you a few steps and helps you structure your letter in a professional way.
Free Microsoft cover letter templates are available online from Microsoft Office Online, as a download for Microsoft Word users, or are available within your Word program.
Note that not all templates may work with all versions of Word, so check before you download. There will be a message next to the download button advising if there are restrictions.
Not a Microsoft user? Google Docs also has free template samples available for letters and resumes. Using any of these templates can help you to feel confident that you are properly writing and formatting your cover letter .
Free Microsoft Word Cover Letter Templates
There are a variety of templates available for Microsoft Word. Template options include general cover letters and both job- and career-specific cover letter samples. For example, there are cover letter templates for professionals, temporary workers, and candidates who are sending in their resumes unsolicited.
Microsoft Word also offers a variety of different cover letter template designs, with resume templates to match. Note that if you choose one of these fancier template designs, you’ll want to choose a resume template to match.
Be consistent in your application materials, whether it’s matching your cover letter to your resume or choosing a font or format. That way, hiring managers can focus on your work experience—not your stylistic choices.
Access Cover Letters From Your Computer
Open Microsoft Word, then click on:
Then, search for online templates by typing your keywords (e.g., “cover letter”) in the field provided. You can also click on the "Resumes and Cover Letters" category to get more options. Review the available options and choose the design you like best.
If you don’t own a copy of Microsoft Office or a subscription to Microsoft 365, you can still access cover letter templates . These templates are free and editable online.
Visit the Microsoft Cover Letter Templates website, browse the cover letter templates, then click on the title to preview the sample. You'll need to sign up for a free account to edit the document.
Once you find a template you like, click Edit In Browser, then follow the instructions to customize and save your cover letter. There are also sets, which include matching resumes and cover letters, available to use.
Use the Template to Create a Customized Cover Letter
Once you have downloaded or opened a cover letter template file , type over the text in the file to create your own personalized cover letter .
The template will include all the relevant information that you need to include in your document. Simply change the generic version to include your personal and professional information.
It's a good idea to include additional details about your qualifications and experience. Take the time to match your qualifications to the job description . Include keywords related to your skills and achievements.
To customize your cover letter further, look for a contact person at the company, ideally the hiring manager or HR contact, and address the letter to this person. If you have an employee contact at the company who is willing to refer you, be sure to mention them in the first paragraph of your cover letter. Employee referrals carry a lot of weight with hiring managers.
Double-check to make sure there is none of the template information left in your final saved version. Finally, carefully proofread for grammar and typographical errors before saving and sending your cover letter.
To avoid sending a blank template or the wrong version of your cover letter, choose a file name that’s easy to remember. It should always include your name and may also contain the name of the position for which you’re applying.
Avoid version numbers and cutesy nicknames when choosing a file name for your resume.
- Send one. Even when an employer does not directly ask for one, be sure always to send a cover letter . The only time you don’t want to send one is when the job listing says not to.
- Review examples . Review cover letter examples and tips for how to write a cover letter , so yours makes the best impression.
- Customize each letter. It might seem tedious, be it is important to customize each cover letter to fit the specific job you are applying for. It will make your letter stand out.
- Highlight relevant qualifications. In your cover letter, address one or two skills or qualifications that you have that match the job description. Provide a specific example of a time you demonstrated each of these qualifications. These examples will make your cover letter different from your resume, which is important.
- Explain any potential issues. You can use your cover letter to go into detail about something in your resume that needs explaining. For example, a cover letter is a good place to talk about a career shift or explain an extended gap in employment .
- Carefully edit your letter. Be sure to edit each cover letter before sending it thoroughly. Consider asking a friend or family member, or a career counselor , to read over your cover letter.
More Templates for Resumes and Letters
Microsoft letter templates are available as a free download for Microsoft Word users or are available within your Word program, to use to create a variety of letters. There are letter templates for cover letters, resignation letters , reference letters , thank you letters, interview letters, and a variety of business letters.
Additionally, Microsoft resume templates are available as a free download for Microsoft Word users to use to create a resume. Microsoft Word resume options include basic resumes, job-specific resumes, and career-specific resumes.
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Here are the steps for creating a cover letter template using the internet: 1. Visit the Microsoft cover letter templates website. You can access the Word cover letter templates via the company's website. If you don't have a subscription, there are still free, editable templates available. 2.
Follow these guidelines: Make your cover letter single-spaced. Add a space between each section: contact information, salutation, opening paragraph, middle paragraph, closing paragraph and complimentary closing. (There's no need to indent any of your paragraphs.)
Each of these cover letter templates is customizable in Word, so you can add your own text, change design elements, and more. Print out your cover letter or download it for free to use for online job applications. Once you've customized the perfect cover letter, explore resume templates that will match your cover letter design, or download free ...
Learn how to create a cover letter in Word using simple tools and techniques. Once you have the skills you can fully customise your own designs and get crea...
Use Microsoft Word's Cover Letter Templates. Formal letters don't have to be bland. Go to File > More templates on Word, and type "cover letter" in the search box. You'll find several stylish designs that add structure and color to your document.
A short review of each Word cover letter template to help you understand their strengths. How to get cover letter templates in Word (DOCX format). Save hours of work and get a cover letter like this. Pick a template, fill it in. Quick and easy. Choose from 18+ cover letter templates and download your cover letter now. Create your cover letter now
Cover letter format. Your cover letter should be one page long and use a simple, professional font, such as Arial or Helvetica, 10 to 12 points in size. Your letter should be left-aligned with single spacing and one-inch margins. Jenn shares her advice on how and why to write a cover letter.
Step 1: Open Microsoft Word, then click " New " from the menu bar on the left side of the window. Or you can go to "File", then click on " New from Template… " from the dropdown menu. Step 2 : Use the search bar at the top right of the window to narrow down the results to just cover letter templates.
Step 2: Add your contact info. At the top of your cover letter, you should list out your basic info. You can even copy the same heading from your resume if you'd like. Some contact info you might include (and the order to include it in): Your name. Your pronouns (optional) Your location (optional) Your email address.
1. Open Microsoft Word. Open the Word application. Click 'File' then 'New'. A search box is visible that allows you to search the full library of online templates. You can type 'cover letter' in the search box or click 'Resumes and Cover Letters' in the suggested searches. 2.
Graphicpup's Resume Freebie. Black and white will always be in vogue. This Word cover letter template is perfect for artists, designers, and other creatives. All the more so, as it's part of a resume, portfolio, and cover letter bundle. Available for download as MS Word, PS, AI, or PDF, among others. Fully customizable.
Papadopoulos suggests decreasing the header space first. Alignment: All your text should be left aligned and there's no need to indent every paragraph. Line spacing: Single space your cover letter (1.15 spacing works if it looks too cramped). Include an extra line between each section and paragraph.
The cover letter standard format for a signoff is a simple formal phrase, followed by a comma, then a space, then the writer's name. Wrap up your cover letter with phrases like "Best regards," "Regards," "Respectfully," or "Sincerely," for your signoff. Don't use informal terms like "Thanks!".
Pantheon. The "Pantheon" cover letter template's bold header projects confidence, making it ideal for executives. 2024. Designed for the modern job seeker, our "2024" cover letter template is perfect for people in any industry. Classic. "The Classic" cover letter template is clean, traditional, and the perfect format to start off your application.
Here's how to write a successful cover letter: 1. Stick to the Proper Cover Letter Format. Your cover letter should follow the best practices for writing business letters. Keep your cover letter short and to the point—in fact, your entire cover letter shouldn't be longer than 350 words.
Here are six easy steps for finding and accessing the free cover letter templates available in Google Docs: Login to your free Google account. After turning your computer on, open a web-browser and login to your Google account. Locate Google Apps. Click the 'Google Apps' icon in the top right corner of the page.
The "Standard" cover letter is perfect for job applicants in semi-formal industries, where a modern twist on a traditional cover letter is a great way to stand out from the crowd. Format and Style. Major Features. Bold full-color header; Margins. Top - 2.54 cm; Bottom - 1 cm; Left - 1.9 cm; Right - 1.9 cm; Text Details. Name/Header ...
Myth 3: For such an important document, it feels lazy not to make a cover letter from scratch. Using a cover letter template is not lazy. It's efficient and resourceful (two traits often looked for in job seekers). Not to mention, using a template is proven to increase your chances of landing a job. Of course, you could delve into the ...
2. Create a new document. After you open Word, you can navigate to the top left of the window. There, you can find the 'file' tab. Click on this tab and a column of options appears. If you click on the 'New' option, it opens a window of available document templates.
Basic & Simple Cover Letter Templates. Need a no-frills cover letter? Present yourself as a serious candidate with these basic & simple cover letter templates, available for both Microsoft Word and Google Docs. For more options, browse the rest of our cover letter templates. Build My Cover Letter Now. Classic. Chicago.
Access Templates Online. Create a Customized Cover Letter. Tips for Writing an Interview-Winning Cover Letter. More Free Templates. Photo: PhotoAttractive/Getty Images. Free Microsoft Word cover letter templates are available for Office users. Here is how to download and use these templates to write your own letter.
In a nutshell, this is how to format a cover letter: Use one-inch margins, single line spacing, and 11 to 12-pt font. In the top-left corner, put your contact details, city and date, and the employer's contact details. Open with a personal salutation.