Cover letter template for free
Use this free cover letter template to create a compelling introduction to your application. Customize it to reflect your unique skills and experiences, and make a strong impression from the first line.
The template provides a clear structure, starting with your contact information, followed by a tailored greeting to the hiring manager. Personalize the body of the letter to highlight your qualifications, achievements, and how they align with the job requirements. Be concise but specific about your skills and why you are a great fit for the role.
End your cover letter with a strong closing statement that invites the employer to contact you for an interview. This format ensures your message is clear, professional, and to the point. With a well-organized layout and focused content, your cover letter will stand out and grab attention.
Here are the corrected lines:
Focus on making each sentence clear and concise. Avoid vague expressions and cut unnecessary filler words. Keep your sentences active, direct, and impactful. Each line should contribute meaningfully to the overall message, leaving no room for ambiguity.
Clarified Recommendations
| Before | After |
|---|---|
| Our team has worked hard to ensure that we deliver on time. | We consistently meet deadlines with precision. |
| I am writing to let you know about my interest in the job. | I am excited to apply for this role. |
| I look forward to hearing back from you soon. | I look forward to your response. |
Additional Tips
Keep your writing straightforward and confident. Avoid unnecessary details that don’t add value to the message. Stay focused on the key points and make sure each line communicates something important. Keep it clear, and make every word count.
- Free Cover Letter Template
To write a compelling cover letter, start with a clean, professional layout. Use a clear font like Arial or Times New Roman, size 11 or 12. Begin with your contact information, followed by the employer’s details, aligned to the left.
Next, open with a strong salutation, such as “Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name].” If the name isn’t available, use “Dear Hiring Manager.” Then, state the position you’re applying for and how you heard about the opening.
In the first paragraph, briefly introduce yourself and mention why you’re excited about the role. Highlight your key qualifications in a way that directly addresses the company’s needs, based on the job description. Tailor this to the company’s culture and mission.
For the body, focus on your achievements and how they align with the employer’s goals. Demonstrate your expertise with specific examples of past success. Show how your skills can contribute to the company’s objectives and growth.
End with a closing paragraph that reinforces your enthusiasm. Thank the employer for their time and express your desire to discuss the position in further detail. Include a call to action, like scheduling an interview, and sign off professionally, such as “Sincerely” or “Best regards.”
Finish with your full name and contact information under your signature.
Address the hiring manager by name. Skip the generic “To whom it may concern” and find the person’s details on the company website or LinkedIn. If unsure, use “Dear Hiring Manager” but avoid being too generic.
In the first paragraph, mention the role you’re applying for and how you found out about the position. Make this specific to the company, showing you’ve done your research. If you were referred by someone, include their name.
Throughout the body of the letter, highlight specific skills and experiences relevant to the job. Tie your qualifications directly to the requirements listed in the job posting. This shows you understand the job and the company’s needs, making you a better fit.
Use language that reflects the company’s culture. If they are formal, keep your tone professional; if they’re casual and creative, match that vibe with a more relaxed tone. Show your enthusiasm for the company and what excites you about the position.
End with a strong closing. Express interest in discussing how you can contribute and thank them for considering your application. Sign off with “Sincerely” or “Best regards” followed by your name.
Begin with a strong introduction that clearly states the position you’re applying for and where you found the job listing. This helps the hiring manager quickly understand your intent. Mention the company by name to show you’ve done your research and have a genuine interest in the role.
In the body of the letter, highlight your most relevant skills and experience. Tailor these to the job description, focusing on how your background aligns with the company’s needs. Use specific examples to demonstrate your achievements, but keep them concise.
Conclude by reinforcing your interest in the position and the company. Mention your enthusiasm for contributing to their success, and express your desire to discuss how your qualifications can benefit their team in a personal interview. Always include a polite closing and thank the reader for their time and consideration.
Tailoring your tone is a key element in crafting a cover letter that resonates with the specific job you’re applying for. Adjusting your language according to the role you are pursuing ensures you highlight the right qualities and demonstrate your understanding of the company’s culture.
1. Corporate Roles
For corporate positions, such as management or administrative roles, keep the tone professional yet approachable. Show that you understand the responsibilities and expectations of the job by using clear, direct language. Focus on your organizational skills, leadership qualities, and ability to contribute to company goals.
- Be confident but not overly casual.
- Highlight your efficiency and detail orientation.
- Use formal language but maintain a conversational flow.
2. Creative Roles
In creative fields like marketing, design, or writing, you have more flexibility in tone. While still professional, the language can be more dynamic and expressive, reflecting your creativity and passion for the role.
- Inject personality without losing professionalism.
- Use active, engaging language that demonstrates your creative thinking.
- Be concise, but let your enthusiasm shine through.
Keep your cover letter clean and easy to read. Use a standard, professional font like Arial or Times New Roman, sized between 10 and 12 points. Stick to one-inch margins on all sides for a neat appearance.
Structure Your Letter Clearly
- Header: Include your contact information at the top, followed by the date, and the employer’s contact details.
- Salutation: Use a specific greeting. If you know the hiring manager’s name, address them directly. Avoid generic greetings like “To whom it may concern.”
- Introduction: Start with a brief, clear statement about why you’re writing. Mention the role you’re applying for and where you found the listing.
- Body: Focus on 2-3 key skills or experiences that make you a good fit for the role. Keep your paragraphs short and impactful.
- Conclusion: End with a strong closing sentence, expressing your enthusiasm for the opportunity and your desire for an interview. Mention you’ve attached your resume.
Use Clear, Concise Language
- Avoid overly complex sentences and jargon. Be direct and to the point.
- Highlight your most relevant skills and experiences without repeating your resume.
- Show how you fit the role by providing specific examples of your work and achievements.
Finish with a polite closing like “Sincerely” or “Best regards,” followed by your name. Ensure there are no spelling or grammar mistakes before submitting. These small details make a strong impression.
One common mistake is not addressing the recipient properly. Always use the correct title and name. “Dear Hiring Manager” can be acceptable if you don’t know the person’s name, but it’s better to find out if possible. Avoid generic greetings like “To Whom It May Concern” when more specific information is available.
Incorrect Tone and Language
Striking the right tone is key. An overly formal or informal style can make your letter seem impersonal. Keep the tone professional but friendly. Refrain from using slang or overly casual phrases, and avoid overusing “I” statements to focus more on what you can offer to the employer.
Too Lengthy or Too Short
Your letter should not be too long, but it also shouldn’t be overly brief. Be concise, but ensure you provide enough context for your experience and skills. A letter that’s too short can seem rushed or underdeveloped, while one that’s too long can overwhelm the reader.
Another common error is failing to customize the letter for each specific job. Tailoring your cover letter shows that you’re genuinely interested in the role and that you took the time to align your skills with the employer’s needs.
Lastly, proofreading is a must. Spelling or grammatical mistakes can leave a negative impression. Always check your letter multiple times or have someone else review it before sending it. A clean, error-free letter is a reflection of your attention to detail.
Focus on the key requirements of the field you are applying for. Start by reviewing the job description closely and identifying skills or qualifications that are emphasized. Customize the template’s opening lines to reflect how your experience aligns directly with these needs. For instance, if applying for a marketing role, highlight any relevant campaigns or strategies you’ve worked on in the past.
Adjust the Tone and Language
The tone of your cover letter should match the company culture. For a corporate job, use formal language, but for a startup or creative role, a more relaxed tone can be appropriate. Tailor the adjectives and verbs you use to reflect the industry’s language. In tech, for example, you may want to emphasize “innovative solutions” or “cutting-edge software,” while in education, you might highlight “engaging students” or “curriculum development.”
Incorporate Relevant Achievements
Showcase accomplishments that matter most to the field. For a sales role, emphasize sales figures or client acquisition rates. For a design position, mention successful projects or any awards you’ve received. Replace generic accomplishments in the template with specifics that make your application stand out. This approach strengthens your case by making your cover letter field-specific and results-oriented.
Ensure that your cover letter stands out by focusing on clarity and relevance. Begin by addressing the hiring manager directly, using their name if possible. A personalized greeting shows you’ve done your research and adds a professional touch.
In the opening paragraph, briefly state the position you are applying for and how your background fits the job requirements. Avoid generic phrases. Instead, highlight one or two key experiences that directly connect to the role.
For the body of the letter, focus on specific examples of your achievements. Provide details about your skills that are relevant to the company’s needs. Use numbers or concrete outcomes to demonstrate your impact. Keep your sentences concise and impactful, steering clear of unnecessary fluff.
In the closing paragraph, express your enthusiasm for the opportunity. Reaffirm your interest in the position and invite them to contact you for further discussion. A simple thank-you for their time wraps up your cover letter professionally.