Absolutely free cover letter template
Creating a cover letter that stands out doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive. With our free template, you can craft a polished, professional letter in no time. Tailored for a variety of industries, this template offers a clear structure, ensuring you highlight your skills and experience without feeling overwhelmed.
Start by personalizing the sections with your details, focusing on what makes you the right fit for the job. The template’s simple layout guides you through every part of the letter, from the introduction to the closing, so you don’t have to worry about leaving anything out.
Using this template, you can quickly make a strong impression on employers. It gives you the flexibility to adjust the tone and content to match the job you’re applying for, while still maintaining a professional, concise style. Save time and stress–download it now and get started on your next career move!
Here’s the revised version:
Tailor your cover letter to the job description. Avoid using a generic template, as this can come across as impersonal and careless. Focus on highlighting your most relevant skills and experiences. Show the employer how your background fits their needs.
- Personalize the greeting: Always address the hiring manager by name if possible. If you can’t find their name, use a neutral but respectful greeting like “Dear Hiring Manager.”
- Introduce yourself briefly: Start with a sentence that tells the reader who you are and why you are writing. For example: “I am a marketing professional with five years of experience, and I’m excited to apply for the Marketing Manager position.”
- Highlight key qualifications: Pick two or three qualifications or achievements that are most relevant to the job. Give specific examples of how you’ve applied these skills in past roles. For instance: “In my previous role, I increased sales by 15% through targeted social media campaigns.”
- Express your enthusiasm: Demonstrate why you’re excited about the role and the company. Be sincere and avoid sounding overly formal or detached.
- End with a strong closing: Close your letter by expressing interest in discussing the position further. For example: “I would love the opportunity to discuss how my skills align with your team’s needs.”
Keep your letter concise–one page at most. Be clear, specific, and focus on what makes you the best candidate for the role. Proofread carefully to avoid any mistakes that could hurt your chances.
- Absolutely Free Cover Letter Template
Use this straightforward template to craft a cover letter that clearly communicates your skills and experience. Personalize it to reflect your unique qualifications for each job you apply to.
- Your Contact Information: Start with your name, address, phone number, and email. Make it easy for employers to reach you.
- Employer’s Contact Information: Include the hiring manager’s name, company name, address, and contact details. Research this information to make the letter more personal.
- Salutation: Use a professional greeting, such as “Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],”. Avoid generic salutations like “To Whom It May Concern.”
- Introduction: Briefly introduce yourself and mention the role you’re applying for. State how you heard about the position to add context.
- Main Body: Focus on why you’re a strong candidate. Highlight your skills, experience, and achievements that directly relate to the job description. Keep it concise–emphasize how your background matches the company’s needs.
- Closing: Express your enthusiasm for the opportunity and mention your availability for an interview. End with a polite sign-off like “Sincerely” or “Best regards.”
- Signature: Include your full name after your closing statement. If submitting via email, your contact information is optional here, as it’s already included above.
Take this structure and adapt it based on the job you’re applying for. Each section should focus on the job description and demonstrate why you’re the ideal fit. Personalization is key.
Personalize each section of the template to reflect your qualifications and match the job you’re applying for. First, adjust the introduction to highlight your specific skills, experiences, and how they align with the company’s needs. Avoid generic statements and be concise. Tailor your language to show a clear connection between your background and the role.
Customize the Salutation
Modify the greeting to address the hiring manager by name if possible. If you don’t know their name, use a professional and neutral greeting like “Dear Hiring Manager.” This small touch shows you took the time to research the company.
Highlight Relevant Skills and Achievements
Instead of copying the template’s generic sections, update them with achievements and responsibilities from your career. Focus on accomplishments that directly relate to the job you’re after. Include metrics or specific examples whenever you can. This will help your application stand out and show you’re results-driven.
Finally, end the letter with a call to action that reflects your enthusiasm and interest in moving forward. Keep it confident but humble, and include a line inviting them to contact you for further discussion.
Focus on these key sections to craft a clear, concise, and compelling cover letter:
1. Header
- Include your name, phone number, email, and LinkedIn (or portfolio, if relevant).
- List the hiring manager’s name and company details, if known.
2. Introduction
- Start with a strong opening statement about your interest in the job and how your skills match the role.
- Reference the job title and where you found the listing to show you’ve done your research.
3. Body: Why You’re a Fit
- Highlight your key skills and relevant experiences. Focus on specifics and achievements.
- Explain how your background aligns with the company’s needs and how you can contribute to their goals.
4. Closing
- End with a call to action, like scheduling an interview or discussing your qualifications further.
- Reiterate your enthusiasm for the position without being overly repetitive.
- Thank the reader for their time and consideration.
One of the biggest mistakes when using a free cover letter template is failing to customize it properly. Generic content can quickly make your application blend in with others. Take time to adjust the language to reflect your personal achievements and goals. Tailoring your letter shows you’ve put thought into the application and can help you stand out.
1. Using a Template as-is
Templates are great starting points, but they are not a one-size-fits-all solution. Don’t copy and paste the sample text without adjusting it to your specific qualifications. Employers can easily spot a generic cover letter, and this could harm your chances. Always adapt the template to highlight your unique skills and experiences.
2. Ignoring the Job Description
Many candidates make the mistake of not referring to the job description. Templates are often broad, but the job description has clues about the skills and experience the employer values. Align your cover letter with the job requirements and showcase how your background matches what they are looking for.
Another mistake is focusing too much on your own background and not on what you can offer to the company. Employers are interested in how you can contribute to their goals, so make sure to highlight the value you bring to the table.
Focus on the key skills and qualifications listed in the job description. Highlight your experience and achievements that directly reflect these needs. For example, if the job asks for project management skills, share a specific example where you successfully led a project, detailing the results and your role. Customize each cover letter to match the unique job listing, avoiding generic statements.
Match Keywords and Phrases
Use the same keywords found in the job posting. If the employer mentions certain software or technical skills, incorporate them into your letter, assuming you have experience with them. This demonstrates your alignment with the job’s demands and increases the chances of passing through applicant tracking systems (ATS). However, don’t exaggerate your abilities–only mention what you’re genuinely proficient in.
Showcase Relevant Achievements
Refer to measurable results that demonstrate how your past work aligns with the company’s needs. For example, if the position requires leadership, explain how you led a team to surpass targets or improve efficiency. Tailoring your accomplishments in this way shows you understand the company’s goals and how you can contribute to achieving them.
Tailor each cover letter to the specific job by addressing the company and position directly. Mention the company’s mission or a recent project they’ve completed, and explain how your skills match their needs.
1. Use the Hiring Manager’s Name
Skip generic salutations like “To Whom It May Concern.” Find the hiring manager’s name by checking the company’s website or LinkedIn, or by calling the HR department. This small touch shows effort and can make your application stand out.
2. Focus on Results
Show the impact of your previous work. Rather than listing duties, describe how your actions helped your previous employers, such as boosting sales, streamlining processes, or increasing customer satisfaction. Quantify these results with numbers where possible.
| Before | After |
|---|---|
| Responsible for customer service | Increased customer satisfaction by 20% through proactive support and feedback systems |
| Managed social media | Grew social media following by 30% in six months through targeted campaigns |
Include keywords from the job posting. Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to scan applications, so make sure to mention relevant skills and qualifications that match the job description.
Show enthusiasm about the role and company. Employers appreciate candidates who are excited about the opportunity and understand the company’s vision.
Start with websites offering tailored resources for job seekers. Sites like Zety and Canva provide intuitive platforms with free templates that cater to various industries and career levels. These templates are fully customizable, making them a great choice for creating a cover letter that aligns with your personal style.
For a more traditional approach, LiveCareer features a wide range of templates that are easy to use and visually appealing. Many templates on this site are designed with input from career experts, ensuring that they meet professional standards.
If you want something minimalist, visit Resume Genius. It offers clean and straightforward templates that can be customized quickly. It’s perfect for users who prefer simplicity without sacrificing quality.
| Website | Template Style | Customization Options |
|---|---|---|
| Zety | Professional, Modern | High |
| Canva | Creative, Visual | Very High |
| LiveCareer | Classic, Structured | Moderate |
| Resume Genius | Minimalist | High |
For more advanced customization, explore Microsoft Office templates, available for free download with an Office 365 subscription. These templates offer a polished, professional look and can be adjusted within Word or Google Docs.
Now the repetition of words is minimized, and the meaning is preserved.
Keep your cover letter concise and to the point. Avoid overusing the same words or phrases. Instead of repeating similar ideas, find different ways to express them without changing the meaning. For example, replace “skills” with “abilities” or “experience” with “background.” This keeps your writing fresh and avoids redundancy.
Focus on clarity. Your reader should easily understand your qualifications and motivations without being distracted by repetitive language. Use strong, clear sentences to highlight key points, but avoid over-explaining them.
One way to reduce repetition is to use synonyms strategically. While it’s important not to overdo it, a well-chosen synonym can add variety without confusing the reader. For example, instead of repeating “responsible for,” try “managed,” “oversaw,” or “handled” to convey similar meanings.
By trimming unnecessary words and refining your language, you ensure that your message is both clear and impactful. It’s not just about what you say, but how you say it. A streamlined, polished cover letter will always stand out.