Cover Letter Templates for 2025
Choose from our selection of free cover letter templates. Download the best template for you, customize it to your liking and get your application interview-ready.
This versatile cover letter template’s clean and straightforward layout works for almost any industry and job title.
Choose this cover letter template if you work in a creative field, like photography, entertainment or social media.
Pick a sleek and sophisticated template layout like this to improve your chances of catching the hiring manager’s attention.
With a strong header and a straightforward layout, this cover letter template would serve any job seeker’s goals.
With a bold header contrasting with the rest of the page, this template thoughtfully emphasizes the content.
This cover letter template uses a pop of color and an elegant design to convey everything the hiring manager needs to know.
Wow employers with an elegant insignia, neat header design and thoughtful placement of contact info for maximum impact.
For a classic cover letter template, try a simple design with a centered header and light use of color to draw attention.
Try a pared-down template with this basic design, which puts the content at the center rather than flashy visuals.
Stand out from the pack with this unique and intriguing template that’s ideal for anyone in a creative field.
Starting with the line of color at the top, this cover letter template is highly organized and attention-grabbing.
One of our most refined resume templates, this design is elegantly simple without sacrificing style.
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Choose from free and premium templates, each expertly designed and validated by HR professionals for ATS compatibility.
Easily organize and tweak your cover letter formatting again and again, all while maintaining the perfect layout.
Personalize your cover letter for any job with our builder’s intuitive customization features and ready-to-use text suggestions.
Make a standout cover letter faster than ordering a coffee with our step-by-step, easy-to-use builder that generates a unique cover letter in just a few minutes.
Free Cover Letter Templates
In search of free downloadable cover letter templates? You’re in the perfect spot.
Our industry-leading templates are free and ready for you to download and personalize.
Other free templates
Searching for a different cover letter template? Here is another popular option to suit your needs.
Free cover letter template to copy, paste and customize
Looking for a free cover letter template that’s all set for you to submit? Simply copy the text provided below and customize it to tell your story.
YOUR NAME
example@example.com | 555-555-5555 | City, State Zip Code
March 20, 2024
[Hiring Manager’s Name]
[Job Title]
[Employer’s Name]
[Street Address]
[City and Zip Code]
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
The Opener: This is where you’ll briefly introduce yourself, say where you found the job and why it interests you.
Opener Example: I am writing to express my interest in the [job title] position. I am a self-motivated and progress-driven [previous job title] with an extensive background in [field of expertise]. I have developed and executed strategies that will bring value to [company name].
The Body: This is the main part of your letter. Here, you’ll highlight your skills and show the employer why you’re right for the job.
Body Example: In my work at [current or previous company], I was recognized repeatedly for excellent [job duty] and consistently exceeded expectations as a top [job title]. I stayed current on company policies and procedures to always offer [impressive qualification]. My work was top-notch across the board, and managers relied on me to handle tough jobs. In addition to that, I will bring many skills to this role, including:
- [skill one, and how it drove performance]
- [skill two, and how it drove performance]
- [skill three, and how it drove performance]
The Closer: This is the final paragraph where you’ll sign off and can include next steps.
Closer Example: Thank you for your time. It would be a pleasure to speak with you and discuss this opportunity with [company name]. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Sincerely,
Your Name
Cover Letter Help and Resources
Do I need a cover letter?
Yes! Nothing can replace the power of a great cover letter to make your case for why you’re the right choice for the job. An effective cover letter hones in on why you’re the best fit for the role by expanding on your resume and filling in any context gaps, all while drawing extra attention to your most relevant achievements.
Even if it isn’t required, you should write a cover letter to demonstrate how interested you are in the role and how willing you are to take the initiative and put in the work to land the interview.
In a competitive job market, ignoring a chance to communicate your enthusiasm is a big missed opportunity. However, your cover letter must be formatted and styled to make a strong impression for it to help your application. You need a cover letter that gives employers a sense of your professionalism, from its style to its content.
The same goes for writing a resume. Whether you’re choosing a format, creating an outline or even working on a specific section like your resume profile, every step of making a resume builds your chances of getting that fateful call for an interview.
How do I write a student cover letter?
Cover letters are even more important for students than seasoned professionals because they may not have the work experience to make a perfect resume. When you’re making a student resume, you should use your cover letter to:
- Explain your career goals and why you’re interested in the job.
- Highlight successful school projects that speak to your ability to do the job.
- Touch on skills you picked up in and outside of school with extra attention given to workplace experience.
If you put a lot of care into your cover letter, you’ll have an advantage over similarly qualified applicants. Nothing can completely replace experience, but if you’re upfront about your early career stage and put some thought into the strategy of your letter, you can still impress hiring managers with your transferable skills and land exciting opportunities.
A cover letter template for a student should be simple and neat. You don’t want to overwhelm or distract employers. Choose a template that lets your qualifications shine and focus on showing off your organizational skills and attention to detail.
What goes in a cover letter?
When writing a cover letter, you should make sure you include the key components, such as:
- Contact information: In your cover letter header, make sure to add your contact info and the addressee’s info.
- Introduction: Write a compelling cover letter opening that captures your enthusiasm for the role and gives a snapshot of your professional background.
- Middle paragraphs: The middle of your cover letter is where you share some details about your work history, focusing on one or two significant achievements or experiences that align with the job requirements. Use numbers if you can to give your achievements a sense of real-world impact.
- Closing: The cover letter closing should have a strong conclusion that reiterates your interest in the role and invites further discussion in an interview.
- Signoff: Use a professional salutation and sign your name at the end.
Remember, a cover letter should complement your resume, providing a more personal insight into your qualifications and enthusiasm for the opportunity.
How do I personalize a cover letter using a template?
You should create a new cover letter for every prospective employer. A customizable cover letter design helps you move quickly from one application to another by following a few simple steps.
Here’s how to personalize a cover letter on your own:
- Start by downloading a free cover letter template in a format compatible with Microsoft Word or Google Docs.
- Our templates come with guidelines on how to fill it out. Replace the placeholder text with specific details relevant to your skills and experiences.
- After customizing, save the document under a new file name. You can use this file (or the original template) as a base for future cover letters.
Customizing a template using a cover letter builder:
- Open our Cover Letter Builder and decide whether to upload an existing cover letter or start from scratch.
- Indicate your level of professional experience.
- The builder will suggest appropriate templates, including exclusive premium designs, based on your experience.
- The builder then guides you through each section of the cover letter, providing tips and generating text options to help you put together a compelling summary of your career that showcases your experience, skills and more.
- Once complete, download your tailored cover letter in your desired file format. Your completed letter will also be saved in your account on our platform, so you can create, edit and save multiple versions as needed.
You can find more insights in our career advice blog.
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Cover Letter Examples for Specific Jobs
Browse practical, real-world cover letter examples in your industry and occupation. Notice how different candidates choose different cover letter templates to match the role they’re applying to.
Cover Letter Templates FAQ
Last Updated: December 11, 2024
Applying for your first job can feel nerve-wracking. Fortunately, you don’t always need much experience to get hired; passion and determination can go a long way. You can also play up your skill set, class projects and testimonials to build a compelling case for yourself. Show your relevant experience, even if it isn’t from previous jobs. A simple cover letter that outlines your strengths and masters the basics of cover letter formatting and structure will help employers see what you bring to the table.
If you’re underqualified for the job you’re applying for, then focus on your transferable skills and enthusiasm for the job. After all, the strongest letters don’t simply list qualifications; They paint a picture of a passionate applicant who will bring value to the team.
Yes. Unless specified, you should email your cover letter as an attachment and use a neat template to organize your content. Then, you can summarize some of your key information in the body of the email as you introduce yourself.
If the employer specifies that the cover letter should be in plain text in the body of the email, it’s still a good idea to start with a cover letter template. This will help you plan your layout and organize your thoughts.
Create a cover letter in our Cover Letter Builder. Use the powerful editor, auto-generated content suggestions and beautiful, professional templates to make a cover letter in just minutes. When you’re done, download your cover letter in the file format of your choice, though we recommend PDF format for its versatility.
Yes! We offer 40+ resume templates, many of which match our cover letter designs. Choose a matching resume and cover letter template pair to submit a cohesive and polished job application.
Don is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) with more than 10 years’ experience creating digital content, including four years helping job seekers develop their careers. He holds an M.S. in Journalism from Northwestern University.
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