Covering letter example word

You’re about to see a selection of 12 free downloadable Word cover letter templates we’ve picked just for you!

This list will deliver.

We’ve spent hours looking for the best free yet professional MS Word templates for cover letters so you don’t have to.

Let’s cut to the chase.

This article will show you:

• Free Word cover letter templates better than 9 out of 10 others.
• Examples of downloadable Word cover letter templates from all over the Internet.
• Our selection of professional Word cover letter templates.
• Instructions on how to use a cover letter template in Word.

Or, you might want to jump right into our resume builder and have your resume and cover letter ready in a snap. Here’s a sample resume and cover letter made in our builder.

Want to write your cover letter fast? Use our cover letter builder. See 20+ cover letter templates and create your cover letter here. that match your resume. See actionable examples and get expert tips along the way.

Cover Letter for a Resume—See more cover letter examples here.

Note: we have designed all our resume templates to be ATS-scannable.

Looking for resume templates? Visit our gallery: Resume Templates Word: 15+ Free CV/Resume Formats to Download

If you are looking for a cover letter example for a specific field, see:

• Business Cover Letter
• Customer Service Cover Letter
• Executive Cover Letter
• Generic Cover Letter
• Graphic Designer Cover Letter
• High School Cover Letter
• IT Cover Letter
• Journalism Cover Letter
• Office Assistant Cover Letter
• Recent Graduate Cover Letter
• Teacher Cover Letter

You can find other template here:

• Modern Cover Letter Template
• Google Docs Cover Letter Template
• Entry Level Cover Letter Template
• Letter of Motivation Template

Cover Letter Template: Word—Free Downloadable Examples

1

Crisp and Clean

This modern Microsoft Word cover letter template was co-developed by Microsoft and MOO. Simple geometric design elements not only give it an original look but also divide it into easily scannable sections. Its yellowy-orange colors hint at creativity and attract the reader’s attention.

Here’s the link to this Word cover letter template.

2

Zoki Design’s Free Template

This minimal, free Word cover letter template has been created by Behance’s Zoki Design. The two-column layout keeps the clutter at bay, and lets you take full advantage of a single page’s real estate. It’s fully customizable and available for download in three file formats (Photoshop, Illustrator, and MS Word).

Here’s the link to this Word cover letter template.

3

Bold Monogram

A good monogram is not to be scoffed at. If Louis Vuitton knows that, there’s definitely something to it! The eponymous bold monogram, well-planned two-column layout, and eye-catching colors are what makes this free Word cover letter template hard to ignore. Attention-grabber ought to be its middle name.

Here’s the link to this Word cover letter template.

4

Simple Resume

Leonardo DaVinci reportedly said that simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. This simple Word cover letter template is easily editable and ready for print. The ingeniously minimal blue stripe along the left edge triggers an involuntary nod of approval. Comes in three formats: Word, Pages, and Google Docs.

Here’s the link to this Word cover letter template.

5

Blue Sky

If the sky’s the limit, the Blue Sky MS Word cover letter template will make you soar. It’s stylish and fully customizable. Its clean layout and good use of white space help the reader concentrate. Plus, the color blue stimulates clear thought and has a calming effect.

Here’s the link to this Word cover letter template.

6

Professional Fresher Cover Letter

This professional cover letter template for Word focuses on the content. Its traditional layout and formatting allow for no distractions. The subtle triangular graphic elements at the top and bottom make it look inconspicuously original.

Here’s the link to this Word cover letter template.

7

Contemporary Photo

Colorful and original. This free cover letter template for Word will work best for creative individuals who are willing to move mountains. Or even flip them upside down! With all these graphical additions, even a short cover letter will look great. Eye-catching, well-organized, stylish, and playfully professional.

Here’s the link to this Word cover letter template.

8

Blue

This resume cover page is modest and elegant. It’s been specifically designed in such a way as to give your name special prominence. Its traditional layout is entirely distraction-free.

Here’s the link to this Word cover letter template.

9

Free Minimal Resume Template

This slick professional Word cover letter template comes straight from Behance’s Paul Resume. Thanks to the two-column layout it’s free from clutter, and you can easily focus on the letter’s main body. You can download it for free as a Word, Photoshop, or Illustrator file format.

Here’s the link to this Word cover letter template.

10

Creative

Creativity knows no limits. Sometimes it takes the shape of a creative cover letter template for Word. The Creative template, developed by MOO in cooperation with Microsoft, combines interesting graphic elements, colors, and fonts to achieve a truly synergistic effect. For those who value originality (and zigzags.)

Here’s the link to this Word cover letter template.

11

Graphicpup’s Resume Freebie

Black and white will always be in vogue. This Word cover letter template is perfect for artists, designers, and other creatives. All the more so, as it’s part of a resume, portfolio, and cover letter bundle. Available for download as MS Word, PS, AI, or PDF, among others. Fully customizable. Very effective heading.

Here’s the link to this Word cover letter template.

12

Polished

A monogram. A prominent heading. Two columns. A row of modern icons at the bottom to top it all off. Is it even possible to get more polished than that? This free Word cover letter template will surely get you noticed.

Here’s the link to this Word cover letter template.

How to Get a Cover Letter Template on Microsoft Word?

There are two options:

1. Use Microsoft Word on Your Hard Drive

If you have a copy of Microsoft Word on your hard drive, all you really have to do is download your Word cover letter template of choice, double-click on the file, and start editing. (Oh, you may have to unzip a file or two along the way.)

But—

This option is not entirely free because you need to either have an Office 365 subscription or own an older version of MS Word.

2. Use Microsoft Word Online for Free

So—

You don’t have an Office 365 subscription, but you’d still like to use Microsoft Word and one of the Word cover letter templates from our list.

Here’s the good news:

It’s doable, 100% free, and legal. But—

It’s not the most effective method. (More on that below.)

This is how to edit a cover letter template in Word Online

1. Create a free Microsoft account here.
2. If you already a Microsoft account, sign in here.
3. To start using Word Online, just click on the app launcher icon in the top left corner and select Word.

Now:

You can select one of the basic Word cover letter templates available straight from Word Online, and start editing right away.

Or—

You can download one of the best Word cover letter templates from our list.

And this is where the fun begins, because—

Word Online doesn’t support the .dotx file format, which is the standard for Word cover letter templates.

So, this is what you need to do:

1. Convert the .dotx into .docx. Use a free online file converter. Like this one, for example.
2. Upload the converted file to your One Drive. A simple drag and drop will do the job!
3. Open the file and start editing.

But beware!

The converted files tend to be truly… unruly.

Here are some issues I came across:

1. Some Word cover letter templates aren’t fully editable. (Sooo, frustrating!)
2. The formatting looks a bit off in some documents. But—comes back to normal when you export the file to PDF. (All this is quite confusing, really.)
3. The editing process tended to be veeeeeery time-consuming. (I spent more time trying to figure things out than doing anything meaningful.)

So, how about giving our resume builder a try? It will save you tons of time, and you’ll have your resume and matching cover letter ready in a flash!

Here’s a sample cover letter and resume template available in our builder:

Plus, a great cover letter that matches your resume will give you an advantage over other candidates. You can write it in our cover letter builder here. Here’s what it may look like:

See more cover letter templates and start writing.

Key Takeaways

• The Internet is mindbogglingly big, but:
• If you dig deep enough, it’s possible to find well designed, free Word cover letter templates. Plus, most of them have a matching Word resume template.
• Make sure the Word cover letter template you choose matches the industry and employer.
• Some of the Word cover letter templates can be fully customized for free with the use of Word Online.
• But remember: at the end of the day you get what you pay for, so set your expectations accordingly.

And remember:

Even though a Word cover template may look impressive, it still needs something more than lorem ipsum.

So, before you start writing, read How To Write A Cover Letter in 8 Simple Steps (+12 Examples).

And let’s not forget a cover letter would mean nothing without a winning resume!

Here’s a list of our guides you might be interested in:

Start with the basics: How to Make a Resume: A Step-by-Step Guide (+30 Examples)

Choose the best resume format for your needs: Resume Formats: Pick the Best One in 3 Steps (Examples & Templates)

Learn How to Start a Resume: A Complete Guide With Tips & 15+ Examples

Check out how to hack your resume using resume keywords, and avoid making some typical mistakes: Resume Dos and Don’ts: 50+ Tips & Advice on Building Great Resumes

Are there any other Word cover letter templates that you think we could add to our selection? Any you experiencing any issues with Word cover letter templates? You’re welcome to reach out to us in the comments below!

A professional cover letter template to highlight your strengths

If you work in a formal field like education, business, law or administration, then you know that there are times when presentation makes all the difference. Our professional cover letter templates are designed to enhance the professional image you’ve worked so hard to cultivate and make sure your cover letter formatting is just as impressive as its content.

In the reality of today’s hiring processes, employers are not only evaluating what you have to say but the way you choose to say it. Making sure your cover letter template exudes class and competence is one of the best ways to ace this challenge. Our collection is designed with enough style and reserve to be suitable even for applicants in high level positions.

When to pick a professional job application letter template

One way to determine if a professional job application letter template is right for you is to think about what you might have to wear to work if you were to land the position. Suit and tie? Blouse and dress pants? These are good signs that your job application letter would benefit from a professional template. 

Formal fields like administration, business or finance traditionally necessitate professional job application letters as well. However, in any situation where you want to present a more polished image a professional job application letter template can work well. 

Top 5 why choose a professional cover letter for a resume

1. Your industry requires it
2. You are applying for an upper level position
3. You want to keep your resume classic and stylish
4. You want to present yourself as a serious candidate
5. You think the employer would appreciate a traditional touch

What makes a professional application letter

A professional application letter isn’t defined by the template alone. To truly put your best foot forward in a serious industry, you have to make sure the tone of your writing matches your visual presentation. A professional application letter shows respect and restraint, while confidently expressing the candidate’s achievements and milestones. Make sure to avoid cocky or boastful statements, however, to retain maximum effectiveness in your writing.

A professional application letter’s visuals should include clean lines and a neutral color palette. Simple designs can add a nice touch, so long as they don’t distract from the body of the letter. There should be an attractive balance of white space and text to create a proportionate page layout.

Free professional cover letter template – download as PDF or Word file

Landing your dream job is already difficult enough. Writing your cover letter shouldn’t be the hardest part (and if it is then check out this free guide
). That’s why our professional cover letter template is free to download as a Word or PDF file. That way you can edit it in whichever program you prefer, making it even easier to get your application submitted in a flash.

Resume.io’s collection of professional cover letter and resume templates
are expertly designed for a variety of needs and industries. With our free professional cover letter template you can be sure you’re getting a high quality layout that offers the best visual presentation to maximize your chances of landing the job you’re after.

Many job seekers overlook the importance of submitting cover letters with their resumes. A great written cover letter will compliment and strengthen your resume. Often, the cover letter is the first thing a recruiter sees and can either make or break your first impression.

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.

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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.

Content

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.

Closing

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.

Sample Cover Letters

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

Disclaimer: The content on this page is intended for educational use and not to be construed as personal professional advice.

Do you need to write a cover letter? A cover letter should be sent or posted with your resume or curriculum vitae when applying for a job, so it’s essential to write a good one. Your cover letter is an opportunity to show the employer how you’re an excellent match for a position.

Learn about writing a cover letter, including what to include, how to send it, review examples, and get free templates to download for many different types of occupations and applications. There are also guidelines and samples for writing email cover letters, inquiry letters, referral letters, prospecting letters, and networking letters.

What is a Cover Letter?

A cover letter is a (typically) one-page document that explains to the hiring manager why you are an ideal candidate for the job. It goes beyond your resume to explain in detail how you could add value to the company.

A cover letter may be required by an employer, optional, or not needed as part of a job application. The requirements should be listed in the job posting.

How to Write a Cover Letter

Keep in mind that your cover letter doesn’t have to be boring. Taking some time to showcase your personality and how it will be an asset to the employer can help your application get noticed. Follow these tips on how to write an effective cover letter.

Tailor each letter to the job. It takes a little extra time, but be sure to write a unique cover letter for each job. Your cover letter should be specific to the position you are applying for, relating your skills and experiences to those noted in the job posting.

Use keywords. One useful way to tailor your letter to the job is to use keywords from the job posting. Circle any words from the job posting that seem critical to the job, such as specific skills or qualifications. Try to use some of these words in your letter. This way, at a glance, the employer can see that you match the requirements of the job.

Explain how you will add value. Think of concrete ways to prove you will add value to the company. Include examples of specific accomplishments from previous jobs. For example, if you helped reduce turnover by 10% at your last company, or implemented a filing strategy that reduced file errors by 15%, include this information.

Carefully edit your letter. Your cover letter is your first, and best, chance to sell the hiring manager on your candidacy for employment, so make sure it’s perfect. Read through your letter, proofreading it for any spelling or grammar errors. Ask a friend, family member, or career counselor to read it as well. You want to make sure the letter is polished before submitting it.

It can be beneficial to look at cover letter examples when writing your own. A sample can help you decide what to include in your letter, and show you how to format it.

Below you’ll find both hard copy and email samples and templates, for a variety of different types of employment inquiries and job applications, including general cover letters, cold contact cover letters, referral letters, customized cover letters, job promotion letters, networking outreach letters, and letters to inquire about unadvertised openings.

Basic Cover Letters to Apply for a Job

Applying for a new job can be both exciting and nerve-wracking at the same time. However, writing a cover letter that really “sells” the qualities you have to offer an employer is a great confidence-builder—you’ll know your letter is perfect when you read it and think, “Hey—I’d interview me!” Here are some examples of effective cover letters, with downloadable templates.

• Basic Cover Letter Example for a Resume
• Sample Cover Letter for a Job Application
• Cover Letter Example Matched to a Job
• General Cover Letter
• Academic Cover Letter
• Applying for More Than One Job
• Cold Contact Letter
• Letter For Unadvertised Openings

Email Cover Letter Examples

While cover letters that are emailed do not have as conservative a format as traditional “snail mail” cover letters, there is still a specific structure one should observe when drafting and sending them. Here’s how to make sure your email cover letter gets read.

• Email Cover Letter
• Email Cover Letter With Resume
• Email Cover Letter — Part-Time Job
• Email Cover Letter — Summer Job
• Email Message — Volunteer Position

Cover Letters With a Referral

One of the best ways to “get your foot in the door” at a company you would love to work for is to mention a professional connection to one of their current personnel. Here’s how to ask someone to serve as a referral for you and how to drop their name in your cover letter.

• Employee Referral
• Referral Cover Letter
• Referred by a Contact
• Requesting a Meeting
• Temp to Perm
• Value Proposition
• With Salary History
• With Salary Requirements

Examples Listed by Type of Applicant

The ideal content and format of a cover letter depend both upon the type of position you are applying for and your relevant experience.

Similarly, a cover letter for a sales position will use more aggressive marketing language than one designed for a social work role. The following cover letter samples are for candidates who are applying for a specific type or level of position.

• Samples Listed by Occupation
• Career Change
• College Graduate
• Entry-Level
• Internship
• Management
• Part-Time Jobs
• Summer Jobs
• Transferable Skills
• Volunteer

Cover Letters Listed by Occupation

Here’s a list of cover letter samples and downloadable templates listed by industry and position. Choose one that’s a match for the jobs you’re applying for, then tweak it to include your most relevant skills and experience.

• Cover Letters Listed by Type of Job

Applying for a Transfer or Promotion

When you’ve worked for an employer for a while and know, through both your own impressions and strong performance reviews, that they value your work, it may be time to ask for a promotion or a transfer to a better position. Be proactive—companies don’t always have upward career tracks, and may not automatically award a promotion unless this is requested.

• Job Promotion
• Job Transfer Request Letter
• Job Transfer Request Letter — Relocation

Inquiry and Networking Letters

Applying to officially advertised positions isn’t the only way to land your dream job. Often opportunities can be discovered through strategic networking; more than one person has been offered a position because they made their availability and interest known to employers who were not actively hiring.

• Inquiring About Job Openings
• Letter of Interest 
• Networking Cover Letters

Cover Letter Formats and Templates

Review more examples of professional formats, layouts, and templates to use to apply for jobs, keeping in mind that you should tailor any cover letter template you decide to use as your model to reflect your own circumstances and personality.

• Cover Letter Format
• Cover Letter Layout
• Cover Letter Template
• Email Cover Letter Template
• Google Docs Cover Letter Templates
• Microsoft Word Cover Letter Templates

Cover Letter Template to Download

Download the cover letter template (compatible with Google Docs or Word) or see below for more examples.