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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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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.

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Free Cover Letter Templates for Microsoft Word

• 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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Free Cover Letter Templates

Make a memorable first impression with a professionally designed cover letter template.  Pick unlimited options, customize your letter in MS Word, and print it out.

Modern Cover Letter Templates

A cover letter is your introduction to potential employers. Think of it as your business attire. If it looks badly mismatched and wrinkled at the back, you’ll struggle to make a solid first impression. Same with your cover letter. Wonky fonts, weird margins, sloppy spacing — those things won’t win you extra points. So why leave things to chance? Elevate your job application with a cover letter design that indicates your impeccable aesthetical taste.

Professional Cover Letter Templates

Our free cover letter templates make it easy to create a professional-looking document in less than five minutes. Download unlimited cover letter designs for your personal use. Then print them out to send out to employers.

Simple Cover Letter Templates

Go with a time-tested cover letter design, bound to land with every employer in every industry.

Creative Cover Letter Templates

Pique the employer’s interest with a standout cover letter template, hinting at your unique personality and skillset.

The Ideal Cover Letter Format, Pre-Designed For You 

Cover letter writing doesn’t come easy. You have to convey so many things with your tone and words: Professionalism, courtesy, enthusiasm, dedication, qualifications, and so on. And fit all of that in under one page (or 250 words to be precise). 

Sounds overwhelming? It shouldn’t be because our cover letter templates are here to guide you. Each version includes a sample cover letter format , to help you getting started faster. Use the predefined cover letter layout to effortlessly pierce together a compelling summary of your career, key accomplishments, and educational credentials. 

Simple Cover Letter Outline 

A cover letter is a professional business document. As such, it follows a standard four-section structure, which you can outline beforehand, then customize for each job application. 

Cover Letter Header

• Include your name, address, phone number, and email address at the top of your cover letter.

Cover Letter Opening 

• Choose a professional greeting . Address the hiring manager by name if possible. 
• Mention the position you’re applying for and where you saw the job posting.
• Briefly explain why you believe to be a great fit for the role in one sentence. 

Read more about the best cover letter opening lines . 

Cover Letter Body 

• Allocate the first paragraph to your most marketable skills and achievements 
• Use the second paragraph to provide specific examples that demonstrate your skills and expertise
• Add a third short paragraph if you need to address any resume gaps or elaborate on how you’ve developed transferable skills. 

Read more about writing a persuasive cover letter . 

Cover Letter Closing Paragraph

• Express your enthusiasm for the position and thank the hiring manager for considering your application.  
• Add a call-to-action — a sentence offering the next steps — e.g. to connect with you via phone or reach out for further information. 
• End your document with a professional closing, such as “Sincerely,” and include your full name and signature.

Read more about writing a closing paragraph for a cover letter . 

Remember to keep your cover letter concise and focused, typically no more than one page. Use clear, easy-to-read language, and proofread your letter for spelling and grammar errors before sending it. 

Learn More from 50+ Cover Letter Examples 

Need some more inspiration? Discover our ever-expanding collection of sample cover letters , written for different roles and industries. Entry-level candidate or seasoned manager, you’ll find real-world examples and helpful writing tips for producing your best cover letter ever. 

FAQs about Cover Letter Templates 

Got some more questions about cover letter formatting and writing? We have answers!

What Font Size Should a Cover Letter Be?

The recommended font size for a cover letter is 10-12 points, depending on the typeface. That’s a good size both for digital and printed cover letters. Using a font size smaller than 10 points can make your letter difficult to read while using a larger font size than 12 points can make your letter look unprofessional and take up too much space.

What is an Enclosure in a Cover Letter?

An enclosure is any additional document you include alongside your letter to provide additional context for the reader (e.g., your resume, a copy of your professional license, a character reference letter, etc). When mentioning enclosures in a cover letter, you have to clearly list them. To do this, you can add a line after the signature line that says “Enclosure” or “Enclosures” followed by a list of the documents or materials included with the letter. 

How to Name Drop in a Cover Letter?

The introduction paragraph is the best way to name-drop your connection to the company (e.g., a person who referred you). Doing so immediately will grab the reader’s attention and make them more attuned to hearing what else you have to say. In the body of your cover letter, you can explain how your connection has given you an insight into the company.

How to Include References in a Cover Letter?

References should be on your resume or provided as a separate list, not included in your cover letter. However, you can briefly state mention that you have references available upon request. This shows that you are prepared and transparent about your past career history. 

How to Sell Yourself In a Cover Letter?

Instead of using adjectives like “qualified”, “experienced”, or “motivated”, provide the reader with the context behind them. Use specific examples to demonstrate your hard and soft skills in real-world settings. Highlight both how you’ve applied these skills, plus what outcomes they’ve generated for the company. Quantify your accomplishments whenever applicable.

Cover Letter Template

While a resume provides details to show you CAN do the work, a cover letter shows you WANT to do the work. Cover letters are used to introduce you to the prospective employer, highlight the most important details about you, and if well written, entice the reader to seriously review your resume. Continue reading below to learn how to write a cover letter, see examples of cover letters and to download a free cover letter template .

Resume Cover Letter Template

Other Versions

Description.

Looking for a change in employment? Use this free resume cover letter template to help you get started. Looking for help on Resumes? Check out our tips and templates for resumes .

Author : Brent Weight and Jon Wittwer

License : Limited Use

Cover Letter Objectives

Before writing a cover letter, make sure you have a clear understanding of the goals or objectives for the letter. These objectives include:

• Introduce yourself and your resume
• Explain your experience in more detail by providing pertinent stories or experiences
• Provide a sample of your written communication
• Hook the reader so they will want to read your resume

Personalize Your Cover Letter

Cover letters should be personalized as much as possible. Never send out the same cover letter twice. It may require you to do some research and to reach out to your network to make connections and introductions. Here are some things to include.

• Make sure you tailor your letter to a specific individual and greet them by name.
• If you don't have a name, then consider skipping the generic salutation.
• Try to include details specific to the company or the position.
• Provide a reference about how you heard about the job. This may include the date of the newspaper post or the online job reference number.
• If you have had prior contact with the recipient, remind them of it in the introduction.
• Be sure to mention any third parties that are recommending you or referring you for the position.
• Consider listing the job you are applying for in a subject line.

The main body of the cover letter should have appropriate content. Don't use it to simply recreate your resume. Pick 3 or 4 key traits, skills or attributes you really want to highlight and focus on those. Consider picking traits that may be most appropriate based on the job listing. Use experiences, stories and results to demonstrate your use or possession of the traits or attributes.

Make sure you end with a strong closing that is short and to the point. The time for details and stories has passed. Consider inviting them to read your resume and include a request for a response or an interview. You may decide to keep the ball in your court and simply inform them you will follow up with a phone call. And be considerate and thank them for their time.

Additional Cover Letter Writing Tips

• Use a formal business letter structure - You are writing a letter, not a memo or email. Use a formal business letter template .
• Avoid bad grammar and spelling. - Poorly written and edited letters can kill your chances before they even look at your resume. Consider hiring a professional to edit your cover letter.
• Don't sound desperate - Avoid sounding desperate by avoiding phrases such as "I really need this job" or "I hope you pick me".
• Use formatting wisely - Use formatting such as bullets, italics, bold and font changes to draw attention to key items and to increase readability.
• Avoid anything negative - Honesty about issues or special circumstances you face is important, but you don't have to mention it in your cover letter. Use interviews to provide these details.
• Keep it short - Your letter should highlight and demonstrate, not bore and wander. Keep to the main points and be succinct.
• Don't mess up in the delivery - Make sure your letter looks correct when printed. Consider using nicer paper for actual letters. When sending electronically, send it as a PDF since almost everyone has software to read a PDF file.
• Avoid uncommon language - Avoid terms that are specific to past employers and not used my most people. This would include acronyms and company jargon.

Use AI To Help Write a Resume Cover Letter

There are multiple generative AI tools that can help you come up with a draft for a letter. For example, using the Bing AI Chat or ChatGPT, you could use some of these prompts:

• Create a cover letter for this job posting. [Paste job listing here]
• Create a cover letter for a job as a tie fighter pilot in the empire.

BONUS! If you have a ChatGPT Plus account, check out our Letter Writing AI .

Sample Cover Letters

Sample cover letter for recent graduate.

Bill Stevenson 123 Anywhere Street Somewhereville, Best State 88889

Mr. Ryan Francom IT Manager XYZ Aviation Company 456 Somewhere Road Best Town, Best State 88888

Dear Mr. Francom,

In May, I will graduate from Tech University with a Master's of Science in Aeronautical Engineering. I am seeking to pursue my life long goal of becoming an aeronautical engineer for a world-class aviation company. Let me briefly highlight the skills, values and passion I will bring to XYZ Aviation Company.

• Lifelong passion for all things aeronautical including receiving my pilot's license at the age of 15.
• Solid understanding of aeronautical design processes and procedures gained at ABC Corp as a Level 1 engineer.
• Ability to work with others on interdisciplinary design teams in order to meet goals and complete projects on time.
• An aptitude for defining problems and identifying creative solutions while building consensus between all affected parties.
• A hardworking and self-directed work ethic with a dedication to detail.

An interview to further review your needs and my skills would be mutually beneficial. Next week I will contact you to schedule an interview. I look forward to talking to you soon.

Bill Stevenson

Example Cover Letter

Nancy Thompson 123 Anywhere Street Somewhereville, Best State 88889

Ms. Emily Smith HR Manager XYZ Company 456 Somewhere Road Best Town, Best State 88888

Dear Ms. Smith,

Bob Jones, your IT director, suggested that I contact you regarding the recently listed Sales Director position. I would love to be an integral part of your leadership team and contribute my proven management skills, efficiency and productivity to your corporate goals.

Highlights of my 20 year career include

• Over 10 years of experience managing direct sales staff with 20 years of marketing and sales experience.
• Creation and implementation of a direct sales program with annual sales reaching $50 million in less than 4 years.
• Deadlines met on time and in budget with a willingness to work with others to accomplish corporate tasks.
• Led the successful acquisition and merger of ACME Companies catalog sales division with ABC Companies sales division.

I am confident my qualifications will allow me to add significant value to your company as the Sales Director. I will call you directly to schedule an appropriate time for us to speak about the challenges and opportunities your company faces and how I can contribute to your company's future growth and success. Thank you in advance for your time.

Nancy Thompson

More Resume Cover Letter Templates

There are some sample cover letters in the Microsoft Office template gallery, under the category Letters . You can also find templates by opening Microsoft Word, going to File > New, and searching for "resume cover letter." Below are examples of some of the letters you can find this way:

• Resume Cover Letter to Use When Referred by a Colleague
• Cover Letter for an Entry-Level Resume
• Cover Letter in Response to Advertisement
• ... for a Temporary Position
• ... Announcing Your Job Search
• ... for a Functional Resume
• ... with Salary Requirements
• ... for Unsolicited Resume

Additional Resources

Below are some additional resources to help you write a great cover letter for your resume. They contain additional writing guidelines and tips.

• What is a Cover Letter? at purdue.edu - A down-and-dirty guide to writing cover letters.
• 6 Secrets to Writing a Great Cover Letter at forbes.com - Some extra tips
• Cover Letter Tips (PDF) at michigan.gov - Basic cover letter structure and tips with additional examples.
• Cover Letter Writing at northwestern.edu

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13 Free Cover Letter Templates For Microsoft Word Docx And Google Docs

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A cover letter, job letter, or application letter goes along with a résumé explaining why it’s being sent or why they should hire you. Resume is like the ‘Technical’ information about you, whereas a cover letter is the ‘Introduction’. Like all presentations, keep the letter short and simple.

See More ▼ 45 Free Modern Resume / CV Templates – Minimalist, Simple & Clean Design

What to include in a cover letter? Keep the letter between one to three paragraphs in length. Let the employer know what position you are applying for, what interests you about it, why you would be an ideal candidate, and how you will follow-up. Mention a few of your key strengths as supporting details. Also thank the employer for considering you for the position. Here are 5 Steps to an Incredible Cover Letter.

As usual, have someone read your rough draft and give you feedback on its effectiveness, grammar and spelling. Write the final version and print it. Make sure and hand sign the letter in ink before sending it.

1. Download Microsoft Word Docx

Support your resume with a professional cover letter. This accessible template features clean modern design. Use as is or easily customize to suit your needs and tastes.

2. Download Microsoft Word Docx

Accompany your resume or CV with an impressive cover letter. This template showcases your experience and talent with style. Easily customize fonts and colors or use as is. Either way it makes a statement.

3. Download Microsoft Word Docx

4. Download Microsoft Word Docx

This is an accessible, easy to create, and great looking cover letter to accompany a resume or CV.

5. Download Microsoft Word Docx

Accompany your resume or CV with an impressive cover letter. Includes a space for your photo. This accessible template showcases your experience and talent with style. Easily customize fonts and colors or use as is. Either way it makes a statement.

6. Download Microsoft Word Docx

7. Download Microsoft Word Docx

Accompany your resume or CV with an impressive cover letter. Includes a space for your photo. This accessible template showcases your experience and talent with style. Easily customize fonts and colors, or use as is. Either way it makes a statement.

8. Download Microsoft Word Docx

Created in partnership with digital print and design company, MOO, this accessible template was made for jobseekers wanting to showcase their creativity and design eye. Remember, this template is customizable to your needs! Accompany your resume or CV in style.

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I think the most valuable tip here is “Keep the letter between one to three paragraphs in length”, I can’t agree more. Making your cover letter longer may just penalize you. I had a difficult time at first trying to squeeze my document to the correct length for the IT role I applied for but I found some great resources online that helped me figuring out how to write it correctly.

Hello my name is kenny Adams, have a warm gretting from me to you and letting you know that all of these templates are cool, they a flow, very well estructured and articulated. congratulations on these templates. thanks i´m enjoying them so much doing a lot of cover letter and resumes with all these samples. thank you

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