Basic cover letter template free
Download our free basic cover letter template to create a strong first impression. The structure is simple, yet effective, and can be customized to suit any job application. Use the sections provided to highlight your skills, experience, and why you’re the right fit for the job.
Header: Include your name, contact information, and the date. It’s important to keep this professional and clear, so the employer can easily reach you.
Introduction: Start with a brief introduction, mentioning the job you’re applying for and where you found the listing. Keep it concise and focused on showing your enthusiasm for the position.
Main Body: Describe your relevant experience and skills. Show how they align with the job description and the company’s needs. Be specific and focus on achievements that demonstrate your abilities. Aim for clarity and confidence without overwhelming the reader.
Closing: End with a short paragraph expressing your eagerness to discuss your qualifications further. Thank the employer for their time and consideration, and mention that you look forward to the opportunity for an interview.
By following this structure, you’ll create a cover letter that stands out and clearly communicates your qualifications. Customize each section based on the job you’re applying for to ensure the best fit.
Here’s the revised version without repetition:
Keep your introduction brief and to the point. Start by addressing the hiring manager by name whenever possible. A personalized greeting sets a positive tone right from the beginning. Make sure your opening sentence clearly states the position you’re applying for and express your enthusiasm for the role.
In the body of your cover letter, focus on the key skills and experiences that directly relate to the job. Highlight specific achievements that demonstrate your qualifications. Avoid restating your resume verbatim; instead, expand on the most relevant points that make you stand out as a candidate.
Conclude by reinforcing your interest in the position. Mention how you look forward to discussing how your skills align with the company’s needs. Always thank the reader for their time and consideration, and finish with a professional closing statement.
- Basic Cover Letter Template (Free)
A cover letter provides an opportunity to highlight why you’re the best fit for a position. Follow this simple, effective structure to create a polished cover letter.
1. Contact Information
- Your Name
- Your Address
- City, State, ZIP Code
- Email Address
- Phone Number
2. Salutation
Address the recipient directly, using their name if possible. If unsure, use a professional greeting such as “Dear Hiring Manager” or “To Whom It May Concern.”
3. Opening Paragraph
Briefly introduce yourself and mention the job you’re applying for. Share where you found the job listing and express genuine interest in the position.
4. Body Paragraph(s)
Discuss your qualifications and why you’re the right fit for the job. Highlight specific skills, experiences, or achievements that match the requirements listed in the job description.
- Highlight key skills relevant to the job
- Share measurable achievements that showcase your impact
- Match your experience with the company’s goals or mission
5. Closing Paragraph
Reaffirm your interest in the position. Express your enthusiasm about the opportunity and thank the reader for considering your application.
6. Signature
Close with a professional sign-off like “Sincerely” or “Best regards,” followed by your full name.
Begin by deciding whether a traditional or modern letter format suits your needs. For a formal approach, the block format is a reliable choice. It presents everything aligned to the left, with no indents, and is easy to read. If you’re looking for a more personal touch, consider a modified block format, where the date and closing are centered, creating a balanced appearance.
Spacing and Margins
Pay attention to the spacing. Use single spacing within paragraphs and double spacing between them. This helps keep the content readable and visually appealing. Keep the margins set at 1 inch on all sides for a clean, professional layout.
Font and Size
Stick to classic fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman. A font size of 10-12 points ensures that your letter is legible and neat. Avoid fancy fonts or unusual colors–simplicity works best in a cover letter.
Focus on the company’s goals and culture. Mention specific projects or values that align with your skills, showing you did your research. Reference a recent achievement or development from the company and explain how your expertise fits with their current needs. Tailoring your letter this way demonstrates genuine interest and effort.
Use the hiring manager’s name if possible. Addressing the letter directly to the person in charge creates a more personal connection. If you don’t know the name, a simple “Dear Hiring Team” will suffice, but knowing their name always leaves a stronger impression.
Incorporate keywords from the job description. This helps align your skills with the employer’s expectations and makes it easier for your application to stand out in automated systems. Identify the core skills and experiences they seek and reflect them in your letter.
Share a brief, memorable story or example. Instead of listing generic skills, showcase an instance where you successfully used these skills to solve a problem. This adds authenticity to your letter and helps hiring managers envision you in the role.
Focus on including the following key sections in your application for a well-rounded and professional presentation:
Contact Information: Begin with your name, phone number, email address, and LinkedIn profile (if relevant). Make sure your contact details are easily visible at the top.
Introduction: Briefly state the position you’re applying for and how you found out about it. Personalize the message to show interest in the specific company or role.
Skills and Experience: Highlight relevant experience and skills. Tailor this section to match the requirements mentioned in the job description. Use bullet points for easy reading.
Motivation: Explain why you’re interested in the role and what makes you a good fit. Focus on your enthusiasm for the company and how your background aligns with its needs.
Closing: End with a polite closing statement. Express your interest in discussing the opportunity further and thank the reader for their time.
Avoid using generic language. Tailor the letter specifically to the recipient, and ensure it aligns with the context of your message. Using too much filler or vague phrases dilutes your message.
Do not ignore the importance of proofreading. Spelling and grammatical errors create a negative impression. Always double-check before sending to ensure clarity and professionalism.
Don’t forget to personalize the greeting. A simple “Dear [Name]” is more impactful than a generic “To Whom It May Concern,” which can appear impersonal and lazy.
Avoid being overly wordy. Keep your letter concise and to the point. Being clear and direct will make your letter easier to read and understand.
Don’t forget to include relevant details. Whether you’re applying for a job or making a request, provide specifics that clarify your purpose and intentions, without overwhelming the reader.
Do not use an unprofessional tone. Even if the message is informal, ensure your language is respectful and courteous. This reflects well on your character.
Lastly, avoid using complicated jargon. Make your letter easily understandable by using simple and straightforward language. Avoid making the reader work too hard to grasp your points.
Grab the reader’s attention right away. Open with a sentence that clearly states your interest in the position and how you are a strong match. Mention the company by name, showing you’ve done your homework. Be direct and make your qualifications known up front. This sets the tone and encourages the reader to continue.
Be Specific About Your Skills
Highlight your relevant skills and how they align with the job requirements. If possible, quantify your achievements or reference a specific project that demonstrates your expertise. This shows you’re not just listing generic qualifications but have tangible experience to back up your claims.
Express Enthusiasm and Fit
Show excitement about the opportunity and why you’re interested in this particular role. Connecting your passion for the job with the company’s mission or goals can create a compelling introduction. Tailor your enthusiasm to match the company’s values or work culture, making it clear you’re genuinely interested in contributing to their success.
Several online platforms provide free access to customizable cover letter templates, making it easy to create a professional letter in just a few minutes. Below are some popular resources that can help you quickly download or personalize templates according to your needs:
1. Canva
- Canva offers a wide variety of free cover letter templates that can be easily customized with their drag-and-drop interface.
- You can adjust fonts, colors, and layout to match your style, and download the final version in multiple formats.
2. Microsoft Office Templates
- Microsoft Office provides free cover letter templates that can be accessed through Word or online on their website.
- The templates are fully editable, and you can tailor them to fit your job application.
3. Google Docs
- Google Docs includes several free cover letter templates available for quick editing and customization.
- These templates are easy to access and can be saved to your Google Drive for future use.
4. Novoresume
- Novoresume offers free customizable templates with a simple design. You can create a cover letter that matches your resume seamlessly.
- Though premium features are available, there is a robust selection of free options.
5. Zety
- Zety’s free cover letter builder provides easy-to-fill-in templates with helpful tips on what to write in each section.
- The platform allows you to download your letter as a PDF or Word file.
By using these free resources, you can craft a personalized cover letter quickly, without needing design skills or expensive software. Simply choose a template, customize it, and you’re ready to go!
Now each word repeats no more than 2-3 times and meaning is preserved.
Begin your cover letter with a clear introduction. Mention the role you’re applying for and how your experience matches the job description. A concise, direct approach shows your understanding of the position.
Keep paragraphs focused. For each section, highlight one key achievement or skill that aligns with the company’s needs. Avoid redundancy, especially when mentioning similar responsibilities or qualifications.
Use bullet points in your experience section to make important points stand out. This format allows recruiters to quickly scan through your qualifications without losing any details. Example:
| Experience | Details |
|---|---|
| Job Title | Key accomplishments in the role, measurable results. |
| Job Title | Another accomplishment, showing how you contributed to the company. |
Finish your letter by thanking the reader for considering your application. Express enthusiasm for the opportunity without repeating phrases already mentioned in the letter. This leaves a positive final impression.