resume letter format in word

Land the job with cover letter templates

Show hiring managers why you're the perfect job candidate with professional, customizable cover letter templates. find the perfect cover letter template for any industry or career path..

Download free cover letter templates

Stand out from other job applicants with free, professional cover letter templates. Cover letters are a perfect complement to your resume and provide an effective opportunity to show your personality and enthusiasm for a position. Focus on writing a compelling cover letter and let a professionally designed template do the rest.

These free cover letter templates are perfect for any stage of your career, whether you're looking to land an internship or your dream job. If you're applying for a corporate position, you may want to opt for a simple cover letter template. There are a variety of other cover letter designs available, from basic cover letter templates to creative cover letter templates.

Each of these cover letter templates is customizable in Word , so you can add your own text, change design elements, and more. Print out your cover letter or download it for free to use for online job applications. Once you've customized the perfect cover letter, explore resume templates that will match your cover letter design, or download free business cards for your next networking event.

Cover Letter Template

While a resume provides details to show you CAN do the work, a cover letter shows you WANT to do the work. Cover letters are used to introduce you to the prospective employer, highlight the most important details about you, and if well written, entice the reader to seriously review your resume. Continue reading below to learn how to write a cover letter, see examples of cover letters and to download a free cover letter template .

Resume Cover Letter Template

Other Versions

Description.

Looking for a change in employment? Use this free resume cover letter template to help you get started. Looking for help on Resumes? Check out our tips and templates for resumes .

Author : Brent Weight and Jon Wittwer

License : Limited Use

Cover Letter Objectives

Before writing a cover letter, make sure you have a clear understanding of the goals or objectives for the letter. These objectives include:

• Introduce yourself and your resume
• Explain your experience in more detail by providing pertinent stories or experiences
• Provide a sample of your written communication
• Hook the reader so they will want to read your resume

Personalize Your Cover Letter

Cover letters should be personalized as much as possible. Never send out the same cover letter twice. It may require you to do some research and to reach out to your network to make connections and introductions. Here are some things to include.

• Make sure you tailor your letter to a specific individual and greet them by name.
• If you don't have a name, then consider skipping the generic salutation.
• Try to include details specific to the company or the position.
• Provide a reference about how you heard about the job. This may include the date of the newspaper post or the online job reference number.
• If you have had prior contact with the recipient, remind them of it in the introduction.
• Be sure to mention any third parties that are recommending you or referring you for the position.
• Consider listing the job you are applying for in a subject line.

The main body of the cover letter should have appropriate content. Don't use it to simply recreate your resume. Pick 3 or 4 key traits, skills or attributes you really want to highlight and focus on those. Consider picking traits that may be most appropriate based on the job listing. Use experiences, stories and results to demonstrate your use or possession of the traits or attributes.

Make sure you end with a strong closing that is short and to the point. The time for details and stories has passed. Consider inviting them to read your resume and include a request for a response or an interview. You may decide to keep the ball in your court and simply inform them you will follow up with a phone call. And be considerate and thank them for their time.

Additional Cover Letter Writing Tips

• Use a formal business letter structure - You are writing a letter, not a memo or email. Use a formal business letter template .
• Avoid bad grammar and spelling. - Poorly written and edited letters can kill your chances before they even look at your resume. Consider hiring a professional to edit your cover letter.
• Don't sound desperate - Avoid sounding desperate by avoiding phrases such as "I really need this job" or "I hope you pick me".
• Use formatting wisely - Use formatting such as bullets, italics, bold and font changes to draw attention to key items and to increase readability.
• Avoid anything negative - Honesty about issues or special circumstances you face is important, but you don't have to mention it in your cover letter. Use interviews to provide these details.
• Keep it short - Your letter should highlight and demonstrate, not bore and wander. Keep to the main points and be succinct.
• Don't mess up in the delivery - Make sure your letter looks correct when printed. Consider using nicer paper for actual letters. When sending electronically, send it as a PDF since almost everyone has software to read a PDF file.
• Avoid uncommon language - Avoid terms that are specific to past employers and not used my most people. This would include acronyms and company jargon.

Use AI To Help Write a Resume Cover Letter

There are multiple generative AI tools that can help you come up with a draft for a letter. For example, using the Bing AI Chat or ChatGPT, you could use some of these prompts:

• Create a cover letter for this job posting. [Paste job listing here]
• Create a cover letter for a job as a tie fighter pilot in the empire.

BONUS! If you have a ChatGPT Plus account, check out our Letter Writing AI .

Sample Cover Letters

Sample cover letter for recent graduate.

Bill Stevenson 123 Anywhere Street Somewhereville, Best State 88889

Mr. Ryan Francom IT Manager XYZ Aviation Company 456 Somewhere Road Best Town, Best State 88888

Dear Mr. Francom,

In May, I will graduate from Tech University with a Master's of Science in Aeronautical Engineering. I am seeking to pursue my life long goal of becoming an aeronautical engineer for a world-class aviation company. Let me briefly highlight the skills, values and passion I will bring to XYZ Aviation Company.

• Lifelong passion for all things aeronautical including receiving my pilot's license at the age of 15.
• Solid understanding of aeronautical design processes and procedures gained at ABC Corp as a Level 1 engineer.
• Ability to work with others on interdisciplinary design teams in order to meet goals and complete projects on time.
• An aptitude for defining problems and identifying creative solutions while building consensus between all affected parties.
• A hardworking and self-directed work ethic with a dedication to detail.

An interview to further review your needs and my skills would be mutually beneficial. Next week I will contact you to schedule an interview. I look forward to talking to you soon.

Bill Stevenson

Example Cover Letter

Nancy Thompson 123 Anywhere Street Somewhereville, Best State 88889

Ms. Emily Smith HR Manager XYZ Company 456 Somewhere Road Best Town, Best State 88888

Dear Ms. Smith,

Bob Jones, your IT director, suggested that I contact you regarding the recently listed Sales Director position. I would love to be an integral part of your leadership team and contribute my proven management skills, efficiency and productivity to your corporate goals.

Highlights of my 20 year career include

• Over 10 years of experience managing direct sales staff with 20 years of marketing and sales experience.
• Creation and implementation of a direct sales program with annual sales reaching $50 million in less than 4 years.
• Deadlines met on time and in budget with a willingness to work with others to accomplish corporate tasks.
• Led the successful acquisition and merger of ACME Companies catalog sales division with ABC Companies sales division.

I am confident my qualifications will allow me to add significant value to your company as the Sales Director. I will call you directly to schedule an appropriate time for us to speak about the challenges and opportunities your company faces and how I can contribute to your company's future growth and success. Thank you in advance for your time.

Nancy Thompson

More Resume Cover Letter Templates

There are some sample cover letters in the Microsoft Office template gallery, under the category Letters . You can also find templates by opening Microsoft Word, going to File > New, and searching for "resume cover letter." Below are examples of some of the letters you can find this way:

• Resume Cover Letter to Use When Referred by a Colleague
• Cover Letter for an Entry-Level Resume
• Cover Letter in Response to Advertisement
• ... for a Temporary Position
• ... Announcing Your Job Search
• ... for a Functional Resume
• ... with Salary Requirements
• ... for Unsolicited Resume

Additional Resources

Below are some additional resources to help you write a great cover letter for your resume. They contain additional writing guidelines and tips.

• What is a Cover Letter? at purdue.edu - A down-and-dirty guide to writing cover letters.
• 6 Secrets to Writing a Great Cover Letter at forbes.com - Some extra tips
• Cover Letter Tips (PDF) at michigan.gov - Basic cover letter structure and tips with additional examples.
• Cover Letter Writing at northwestern.edu

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Cover Letter Sample

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Download this free cover letter sample for free in Word format

This free cover letter sample is available for download in Word format. Tailored for various industries, our template provides the essentials to make a stellar first impression among recruiters. Don’t miss the chance. Grab this sample now!

• File format:  Word (Microsoft)
• File size:  79 KB
• Ready-to-use:  fast, easy, and free

Employers receive numerous job applications on a daily basis. In such a scenario, a well-designed cover letter sample can be the key to grabbing their attention. It not only lists your qualifications and accomplishments strategically but also provides insight into who you are .

However, only some cover letters make it to the top tier. Many end up in the reject pile just because the content in them wasn’t structured professionally . But you don’t have to worry, as we’ve got your back!

In this guide, we’ll show you how to improve your cover letter for a job application and increase your chances of securing an interview.

Don’t have enough time to craft a letter from scratch? No need to worry; we have also included a free sample cover letter template in this guide!

Cover Letter Sample (Text Format)

Full Name Address Phone Number Email Address

Hiring Manager’s Full Name Job Title Company Name Company Address

To: Hiring Manager Full Name, Date

Dear Mr./Ms./Mx. Hiring Manager Last Name,

I’m writing to express my strong interest in the (Job Title) position at (Company Name), as advertised on the (Platform Name). With a strong background in (Your Industry) and a proven track record of (Relevant Achievements), I am confident I can contribute effectively to your team.

In my previous role at (Previous company name), I honed my skills in (Mention relevant skills). One of my notable accomplishments includes (Mention project), where I successfully (describe the impact of your work).

Throughout my (X) years of extensive experience in the (Industry Name), I consistently aimed for tangible results. A notable instance of my proficiency occurred when I streamlined an international project that later on resulted in a (Percentage)% increase in (Metric).

Moreover, my skill set includes a combination of both hard and soft skills. On the technical side, I excel in (List hard skills), providing a strong foundation for tasks related to (Role responsibilities).

Apart from hard skills, I also have a robust set of soft skills. As a highly effective communicator, I’ve successfully led cross-functional teams. Moreover, I look forward to showcasing these skills at (Company Name), contributing to a dynamic and collaborative work environment.

Thank you for considering my application. I am eager to discuss in detail how my skills and qualifications align with your company’s values. Please feel free to reach out to me at my contact number (Your phone number) or via email (Your email address) to arrange an interview at your convenience.

Sincerely, Leah Richards

6 Ways to Enhance Your Cover Letter for Job Application

A well-structured cover letter boosts your chances of securing the job you’re applying for and presents you as a responsible candidate. If you also want to enhance your cover letter for a job application, follow the tips mentioned below :

1. Provide job-relevant information in your cover letter

Always customize your cover letter for each application by highlighting specific skills and experiences relevant to the job description. Recruiters often skip the cover letters containing irrelevant information .

To maximize the effectiveness of your job application, tailor it to the demands of the role you’re applying for . If the job demands flexible working hours, express your willingness to adapt to diverse working hours.

Some quick ways to understand the job or company requirements include:

• Reviewing the job description thoroughly.
• Researching the company’s website.
• Checking the firm’s social media handles.
• Seeking insights from current or former employees.
• Analyzing industry trends related to the position.

2. Address the hiring manager by his name

To add a personalized touch to your cover letter sample, address the hiring manager by their full name . This shows that you’ve put your efforts into finding out who will be reading your cover letter. Additionally, this tiny, yet impactful gesture also helps establish a connection with the employer right from the beginning of your letter.

Avoid generic salutations like “ To Whom It May Concern. ” Instead, use a polite salutation along with the hiring manager’s full name . You can often find the name and other information about the hiring team on the company’s website, job listing, or LinkedIn.

However, if you can’t find the manager’s name , you can address them as “ Dear Hiring Manager ” or “ Dear Hiring Team. “

3. Consistently utilize relevant keywords throughout the cover letter

In today’s job market, many firms and organizations use automated tracking systems to identify credible candidates. So, how does this all work? Basically, cover letters are processed through an automated system to identify job-relevant keywords in the letter. This not only streamlines the candidate selection process but also identifies which cover letters include the skills required by employers.

Now, if you want to increase the chances of your cover letter getting noticed, you must incorporate job-relevant keywords in your cover letter . You can find these terms in the job description or use industry-specific terminologies relevant to the position.

This approach will have your cover letter approved by the ATS and convey to the recruiters that you’re well aware of the requirements of the job.

4. Demonstrate your candidacy using examples

To add impact to your cover letter, don’t just tell the hiring manager about your soft and hard skills— show them through compelling examples . For instance, instead of generic statements, share specific scenarios where you successfully applied relevant skills or contributed to significant achievements.

You can also demonstrate your candidacy by:

• Using the “CAR” method : The Challenge, Action, Result framework helps you highlight your problem-solving abilities and the long-term impact of your actions.

“ Faced with a tight project deadline (Challenge), I implemented streamlined communication channels (Action), resulting in the project being completed two weeks ahead of schedule (Result).”

• Illustrating your capabilities with real-world examples : You can discuss specific instances where you’ve successfully applied relevant skills or contributed to achievements.

“ While working for the XYZ Solutions I led a cross-functional team to implement a new customer relationship management (CRM) system, resulting in a significant increase in client satisfaction within three months.”

• Quantifying achievements : This is one of the most effective ways to highlight your candidacy in your cover letter. For instance, you can mention specific projects from your past or current role and use measurable metrics to demonstrate the impact. Doing so adds credibility to your accomplishments and provides concrete evidence of your contributions.

“ In my previous role as (your role) I implemented cost-saving measures in inventory management, reducing operational expenses by 15% annually.”

5. Discuss the alignment of your goals with the job’s objectives

Hiring managers seek candidates who are not just there for the job but are willing to contribute to the company’s long-term goals . Demonstrate that you’ve researched the company culture and emphasize how your values align seamlessly with their motto.

Additionally, showcase your knowledge of the company’s ongoing or previous projects. Mention specific initiatives and express how your skills and expertise can contribute to the success of these plans.

Here’s a good example of how you can align your goals with the job’s objectives in different sample cover letter examples:

“ I’ve been following (company name) groundbreaking project (mention project name), and I’m enthusiastic about the prospect of leveraging my skills to contribute effectively to its continued success .”

6. End the cover letter with an appropriate CTA

Ending your cover letter suddenly can make it seem lacking direction . A clear call to action serves the purpose of encouraging the recruiter to take further action.

To create a compelling ending for your sample cover letter, consider following the below step-by-step guide :

• Express gratitude: Begin by thanking the recruiter for their time and consideration. You can mention something like “ Thank you for your consideration. “
• Briefly restate your enthusiasm: Before concluding your cover letter, restate how enthusiastic you are to join the firm. However, be sure to keep this information brief yet valuable.
• Showcase eagerness for an interview: Express your willingness to further discuss your qualifications and skills by providing your accessible contact information.

You can add:

“ I am eager to discuss how my skills and qualifications align with your company’s values in detail. Please feel free to reach out to me at my contact number (phone number) or via email (email address) to arrange an interview at your convenience.”

• End with a formal closing: Finally, conclude your cover letter with a formal salutation followed by your full name. You can consider using salutations such as “ Sincerely ” or “ Best Regards. “

Sample Resume Format

Cover Letter Sample FAQs

How do i download this free cover letter sample.

To download this free cover letter sample, follow the steps below:

• Scroll to the top right corner of the page.
• Locate the dialogue box and choose the Word format compatible with your device.
• Click on the “Download” button.
• Once the file is downloaded, customize it by adding relevant skills and accomplishments.

Is it important to personalize my cover letter for each job position?

Yes, it’s important to personalize your cover letter for each job position to highlight relevant skills and experience. Tailoring your cover letter shows your genuine interest in the role and increases the likelihood of impressing potential employers.

What structure do I need to follow for a compelling cover letter sample?

A compelling cover letter typically has the following structure:

• A header including your and the employer’s contact information.
• A professional salutation and the hiring manager’s full name.
• An introductory paragraph.
• Body paragraphs discussing relevant skills and experience.
• An inviting closing paragraph.

Free Resume Templates to Download in Word