Handwritten cover letter template

A handwritten cover letter can set you apart from other applicants by showcasing your effort and attention to detail. It’s a personal touch that shows you care about the position you’re applying for. If you’re aiming for a job where individuality and creativity are valued, or if you want to stand out in a pile of digital resumes, this approach could make all the difference.

Start with a clear and professional heading. Include your name, address, phone number, and email at the top, just like you would in a formal business letter. Below that, add the date and the employer’s name and address. Keep the format neat and readable, using legible handwriting. The appearance of your letter should reflect the same care and effort as the content.

In the body of the letter, briefly introduce yourself and explain why you’re excited about the position. Focus on how your skills and experiences align with the job description, and personalize your letter by mentioning specific aspects of the company that caught your attention. Be sure to express genuine enthusiasm while keeping your tone professional and respectful.

Conclude with a polite closing statement, thanking the reader for their time and expressing your hope for a follow-up. Sign your name at the end, leaving space for your signature. A handwritten cover letter doesn’t have to be long, but it should convey your personality and show your dedication to the application process.

Here’s the revised version:

Begin your cover letter with a strong, clear introduction. Mention the position you’re applying for and how you heard about the job. Skip generic greetings like “To Whom It May Concern”–use the hiring manager’s name if possible. A personalized greeting sets a positive tone.

Highlight Relevant Skills

In the body, focus on your most relevant skills and achievements. Avoid simply listing qualifications–show how your experience directly aligns with the role. Use specific examples to demonstrate your impact in past roles. This creates a compelling case for your suitability.

Be Concise and Focused

Don’t over-explain or repeat details from your resume. Focus on key points that reinforce why you’re the best fit for the job. Aim for brevity while maintaining clarity and purpose. Close with a confident statement expressing interest in discussing how you can contribute to the team.

Finish with a polite sign-off. Keep the tone professional, but let your personality shine through to make the letter memorable.

Handwritten Cover Letter Template
Choosing the Right Paper and Pen for Your Letter
How to Format Your Letter for Maximum Readability
Personalizing the Template for Each Job Application
Key Elements to Include in Your Cover Letter
Avoiding Common Mistakes When Writing a Letter
How to Deliver Your Cover Letter Professionally

Choosing the Right Paper and Pen for Your Letter
Opt for a high-quality, smooth-textured paper in a neutral color like off-white or cream. A clean, crisp sheet ensures a professional appearance. Avoid paper that’s too thick or glossy. For the pen, choose a black or dark blue ink, preferably from a rollerball or fountain pen, for clarity and elegance. Test the pen before writing to ensure it doesn’t smudge.

How to Format Your Letter for Maximum Readability

Keep your letter to one page. Start with your name and contact information at the top, followed by the date and the recipient’s details. Use a standard 1-inch margin on all sides and a readable font size (typically 11 or 12 pt). Ensure there’s enough white space between paragraphs to avoid clutter, and align the text to the left to create a clean, consistent look.

Personalizing the Template for Each Job Application

Tailor your template to highlight the skills and experience most relevant to the job you’re applying for. Address the hiring manager by name, and reference the company’s values or specific job requirements in your introduction and body. A personalized approach shows you’ve done your research and are genuinely interested in the role.

Key Elements to Include in Your Cover Letter
Start with a strong introduction that explains why you’re writing. In the body, briefly outline your qualifications, experience, and skills, aligning them with the job description. End with a clear call to action, such as requesting an interview, and thank the employer for their time. Be concise and avoid repeating information from your resume.

Avoiding Common Mistakes When Writing a Letter
Don’t use generic phrases like “I am passionate about this field” without backing them up with specific examples. Avoid excessive flattery or overly formal language. Be sure to proofread carefully for spelling or grammatical errors, as these can undermine your professionalism. Also, steer clear of rambling or including irrelevant details that don’t support your candidacy.

How to Deliver Your Cover Letter Professionally
Hand-deliver the letter if possible, as this can create a personal connection with the employer. If mailing it, ensure it’s folded neatly and placed in an envelope that complements your letterhead. If submitting electronically, scan the handwritten letter and save it as a PDF for a polished, professional submission.

I removed unnecessary word repetitions while preserving meaning and sentence structure.

Focus on clarity by eliminating redundant words. Remove any terms that do not contribute to the message. For example, instead of saying “I am very passionate about working in the field of marketing,” simply say “I am passionate about marketing.” This keeps the sentence concise and impactful.

How to Identify Redundant Words

• Look for adverbs like “very,” “really,” or “extremely” that often add little value.
• Watch for repetitive phrases that restate the same idea, such as “end result” (use “result” instead).
• Avoid filler words like “just” or “actually” unless they add specific meaning.

Examples of Streamlined Phrases

• Before: “I am confident that I will be able to bring positive contributions.”
  After: “I am confident I can contribute positively.”
• Before: “I have the ability to be a very strong team player.”
  After: “I am a strong team player.”

This approach ensures your cover letter stays professional and direct, highlighting your strengths without unnecessary fluff.