simple cover letter in ms 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.

How to Create a Compelling Cover Letter in Microsoft Word

Stand out from the competition with a cover letter that gets you noticed. Learn how to craft a compelling cover letter in Microsoft Word easily.

Every time you apply for a job, it's a good idea to include a cover letter. Deciding how to write each one is hard, but at least you don’t have to start from scratch with their design.

Microsoft Word offers templates and welcomes third-party designs to help you create compelling cover letters. Here’s how to use such options in Word and make the best first impression possible to potential employers.

Use Microsoft Word’s Cover Letter Templates

Formal letters don’t have to be bland. Go to File > More templates on Word, and type “cover letter” in the search box. You’ll find several stylish designs that add structure and color to your document.

What reflects you better, a subtle or sharp color scheme? If you’re considering a bold header for your professional details, learn how to design letterheads on Word , too. You can even add your portrait to your cover letter.

Microsoft Word’s built-in templates also include fields for you to fill in with your information and that of your potential employer. They guide you in these small ways, some even providing a sample for your letter’s main body. It’s a good idea to rephrase that, though, to fit each job application.

If you don’t like any of the options on Word’s desktop app, explore more Microsoft cover letter templates online and download your favorites from there.

Use Third-Party Templates in Microsoft Word

You can create cover letters for your dream job on platforms besides Microsoft. If you’d rather stick with it, you’ll even come across third-party templates specifically designed for you to download and customize on Word. Here are some examples.

1. ResumeLab

Explore over 50 cover letter templates, ranging from minimalist to eye-catching designs. Keep in mind that a few of them are meant to be created on ResumeLab. The rest you can bring onto Word by clicking their Download it free here link.

You’ll be redirected to websites like Good Resume and Resume Genius , which help you quickly download your documents. Then, all you have to do is open them in Microsoft Word.

You’ll also notice that some cover letters on ResumeLab are edited versions of Word’s built-in templates, but this just adds to your selection and gives you more ideas.

2. Template.net

This is a popular site for templates of all kinds, including cover letters. For some designs, you pay a small fee, but Template.net has an impressive range of free options, too. What’s more, the download process is very easy.

Just browse its collection, click on a design you like, and select the Word button under Download Free Template . In the next window, hit Free Download . If you’re not signed in already, you’ll be asked to as the final step.

Follow Best Practices for Cover Letters

Familiarize yourself with the dos and don’ts of writing a cover letter . Remember these guidelines when selecting and customizing a template or crafting a cover letter from scratch. They boil down to the following rules.

1. Research Potential Employers

Do your research before writing or designing your cover letter. Get to know each company and even the recruiter you’re addressing. It’s the same strategy as tailoring your resume for different job types .

2. Tailor Your Cover Letter

When showcasing your skills and interest in a position, use your research to tailor your letter so that it grabs the recruiter’s attention and impresses them. Be smart, enthusiastic, and concise with your words.

3. Use Your Blank Space Wisely

Aim to limit your cover letter to one page. Any more than that, and you risk losing the recruiter’s interest. Think about what you need to say, including important and relevant details not covered in your resume. Express these things as succinctly as possible.

4. Your Visuals Should Complement and Not Overwhelm the Letter

Add a bit of color and texture, going for a subtle effect. You could even use some small icons, as long as they’re tasteful and discreet. Whatever you choose, keep these visuals on the letter’s edges, and don’t let them dominate the text.

5. Master Word’s Features That Benefit Cover Letters

For example, you can create your cover letter more efficiently by setting the text’s boundaries from the get-go. To do this, go to Layout > Margins . From the same toolbar, you can adjust paragraph spacing and indentation.

Through Insert > Pictures , you can import an image of your signature and place it at the end of the letter. Your header and footer can be customized from here, too.

Even the Mailing toolbar might be of interest. It can help streamline the process of writing and sending letters, as well as keeping track of recipients.

Good Planning and Wording Make the Best Cover Letters

Between Microsoft and other providers, you have access to a wide selection of templates for simple but attractive cover letters that you can personalize on Word. The app itself is full of useful writing and editing tools.

With this leg up, designing a cover letter for every occasion is easier. Sound research and planning in terms of how to approach each application can help polish the letter even more.

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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Free Cover Letter Templates for Microsoft Word

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Access Templates Online

• Create a Customized Cover Letter

Tips for Writing an Interview-Winning Cover Letter

• More Free Templates

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A good cover letter can mean the difference between catching the hiring manager’s attention and languishing in job search limbo. But many job seekers find it hard to stare down that blank page. How do you summarize your most important qualifications in a way that makes it clear that you’re the best candidate for the job? Cover letter templates can help.

A cover letter template provides a "fill-in the-blank" format. You can use it to create your own letter to send with your resume when you apply for a job.

Using a template saves you a few steps and helps you structure your letter in a professional way.

Free Microsoft cover letter templates are available online from Microsoft Office Online, as a download for Microsoft Word users, or are available within your Word program.

Note that not all templates may work with all versions of Word, so check before you download. There will be a message next to the download button advising if there are restrictions.

Not a Microsoft user? Google Docs also has  free template samples  available for letters and resumes. Using any of these templates can help you to feel confident that you are properly writing and  formatting your cover letter .

Free Microsoft Word Cover Letter Templates

There are a variety of templates available for Microsoft Word. Template options include  general cover letters  and both job- and career-specific cover letter samples. For example, there are cover letter templates for professionals, temporary workers, and candidates who are sending in their resumes unsolicited.

Microsoft Word also offers a variety of different cover letter template designs, with resume templates to match. Note that if you choose one of these fancier template designs, you’ll want to choose a resume template to match.

Be consistent in your application materials, whether it’s matching your cover letter to your resume or choosing a font or format. That way, hiring managers can focus on your work experience—not your stylistic choices.

Access Cover Letters From Your Computer

Open Microsoft Word, then click on:

Then, search for online templates by typing your keywords (e.g., “cover letter”) in the field provided. You can also click on the "Resumes and Cover Letters" category to get more options. Review the available options and choose the design you like best.

If you don’t own a copy of Microsoft Office or a subscription to Microsoft 365, you can still access  cover letter templates . These templates are free and editable online.

Visit the  Microsoft Cover Letter Templates  website, browse the cover letter templates, then click on the title to preview the sample. You'll need to sign up for a free account to edit the document.

Once you find a template you like, click Edit In Browser, then follow the instructions to customize and save your cover letter. There are also sets, which include matching resumes and cover letters, available to use.

Use the Template to Create a Customized Cover Letter

Once you have downloaded or opened  a cover letter template file , type over the text in the file to create your own  personalized cover letter .

The template will include all the relevant information that you need to include in your document. Simply change the generic version to include your personal and professional information.

It's a good idea to include additional details about your qualifications and experience. Take the time to  match your qualifications to the job description . Include  keywords related to your skills and achievements.

To  customize your cover letter  further, look for a contact person at the company, ideally the hiring manager or HR contact, and address the letter to this person. If you have an employee contact at the company who is willing to refer you, be sure to mention them in the first paragraph of your cover letter. Employee referrals carry a lot of weight with hiring managers.

Double-check to make sure there is none of the template information left in your final saved version. Finally, carefully proofread for grammar and typographical errors before saving and sending your cover letter.

To avoid sending a blank template or the wrong version of your cover letter,  choose a file name  that’s easy to remember. It should always include your name and may also contain the name of the position for which you’re applying. 

Avoid version numbers and cutesy nicknames when choosing a file name for your resume.

• Send one.  Even when an employer does not directly ask for one, be sure  always to send a cover letter . The only time you don’t want to send one is when the job listing says not to.
• Review examples . Review cover letter examples and tips for how to write a cover letter , so yours makes the best impression.
• Customize each letter.  It might seem tedious, be it is important to  customize each cover letter  to fit the specific job you are applying for. It will make your letter stand out.
• Highlight relevant qualifications.  In your cover letter, address one or two skills or qualifications that you have that match the job description. Provide a specific example of a time you demonstrated each of these qualifications. These examples will make your cover letter different from your resume, which is important.
• Explain any potential issues.  You can use your cover letter to go into detail about something in your resume that needs explaining. For example, a cover letter is a good place to talk about a  career shift  or  explain an extended gap in employment .
• Carefully edit your letter.  Be sure to edit each cover letter before sending it thoroughly. Consider asking a friend or family member, or a  career counselor , to read over your cover letter.

More Templates for Resumes and Letters

Microsoft letter templates are available as a free download for Microsoft Word users or are available within your Word program, to use to create a variety of letters. There are letter templates for cover letters,  resignation letters ,  reference letters , thank you letters, interview letters, and a variety of business letters.

Additionally,  Microsoft resume templates  are available as a free download for Microsoft Word users to use to create a resume. Microsoft Word resume options include basic resumes, job-specific resumes, and career-specific resumes.

30+ Best Cover Letter Templates & Docs for MS Word

The cover letter is a key component of your resume. You use it to provide a brief background of your professional career. But it’s much more than just a written document.

The design of your cover letter, the formatting, the colors, and the themes used in your document are just as important for crafting an effective cover letter. And, more importantly, it has to match the design of your resume/CV as well.

Designing such a resume and cover letter from scratch can be a very time-consuming process. The easiest way to make a professional cover letter and a CV is to use a pre-made template.

We handpicked a collection of premium and free cover letter templates you can download and use in Microsoft Word. These templates are designed by professionals and they will help you to easily win over any HR manager.

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Creative Word Resume & Cover Letter Template

As a creative professional, it’s important to show your creative personality through your resume. This template will help you achieve that goal. It includes a beautiful resume template as well as a matching cover letter template. You can customize them using Word, Photoshop, or Illustrator.

Modern Resume & Cover Letter Template

If you’re looking for a template to create a CV that stands out from the rest, this template is for you. It features a modern design that will surely attract attention. The template includes a resume layout, cover letter design, and portfolio layout. It’s ideal for designers and developers.

Colorful Word Cover Letter & Resume Template

This Word resume template comes with a very colorful and attractive design. It includes 3 page layouts you can use to design a resume page, cover letter, and portfolio page. It’s most suitable for freelancers and designers, especially for those who work in the interior, fashion, and graphic design industries.

Word Resume & Cover Letter Template for Designers

Featuring a modern and unique design, this Word resume and cover letter template is made with graphic designers in mind. It features a very creative layout where you can showcase all your skills and experience like a true professional. The template comes in multiple formats, including Word, Photoshop, and Illustrator.

Simple CV & Cover Letter Template Docx

Looking for a CV template with a simple layout? Then this Word template is perfect for you. It features a two-page CV and a cover letter layout with matching designs. You can customize it using MS Word or Adobe Illustrator.

Free Word Resume & Cover Letter Template

This creative and modern resume template is completely free to download. It comes with a matching cover letter design as well. The template comes in multiple formats, including Word, Photoshop, Sketch, and Adobe XD.

Free Modern Cover Letter Template for Word

Another free cover letter Word doc with a matching resume design. This template comes in 3 different color themes. And it‘s available in multiple file formats as well. The template is perfect for designers.

Business Word Resume & Cover Letter Template

This template is for corporate and business professionals who want a resume with a decent design. It features a modern yet simple layout for showcasing your skills and experience. As well as a cover letter design that matches the resume. You can edit it using Word, Photoshop, or Illustrator.

Clean Word Cover Letter & CV Template

If you’re a fan of minimalist designs, you’ll surely appreciate this clean and simple Word resume template. It comes with both a CV and cover letter templates in Word and Photoshop file formats. Even though it doesn’t use many colors, this resume will make a bold statement about professionalism.

Elegant Resume & Cover Letter Word Template

The elegant and feminine design of this resume and cover letter template makes it a great choice for professionals working in the fashion, beauty, and lifestyle industries. You can easily customize the template using Word or Photoshop to change the colors, fonts, and layouts as well.

Professional Resume & Cover Letter Template

This professional CV template comes with a matching cover letter design. It’s perfect for designing resumes for freelancers and corporate professionals alike. The template comes in MS Word, PSD, and AI file formats to let you customize it using your favorite apps.

Creative Word Cover Letter Template

This beautiful Word resume template is made with medical professionals in mind. Of course, you can use it to create CVs and cover letters for other professionals as well. It includes a two-page resume with a portfolio section. And a matching cover letter design.

Free Student CV & Cover Letter Word Template

You can design a professional-looking resume and cover letter on a budget using this free Word template. It features an elegant design that you can easily customize to your preference.

Free Resume & Cover Letter Template for Word

This free Word template also comes with a stylish layout with plenty of space for you to showcase your skills and experience. There’s a matching cover letter design you can use as well.

Corporate Resume & Cover Letter Template

If you’re a freelancer or creative professional, this template will help you design a resume and a cover letter that represents your personality. It features a colorful design with lots of editable elements. The template is available in 3 different color variants. You can customize it with Word, InDesign, and Photoshop.

Alison – Minimal Word Resume Template

This clean and minimal Word resume features a two-page CV and a matching cover letter template. It’s ideal for business and corporate professionals for crafting a no-nonsense resume that shows off professionalism. The template can be customized with MS Word and Apple Pages.

Business Cover Letter Template for Word

Another modern Word cover letter and resume template for business professionals. It features a two-page resume, a cover letter, and a referenced template for crafting a complete CV that will win you an interview. You can edit it with Word or InDesign.

Word Resume and Cover Letter for Freelancers

This simple resume and cover letter template is perfect for freelancers. You can craft a professional-looking resume while showcasing all your skills and experience. The template is available in A4 and US Letter sizes.

Mono – Word CV Template for Designers & Developers

This is a complete Word resume template you can use to craft a professional CV. It includes a one-page resume, cover letter, and portfolio page layouts. In addition, there are 3 different logo and header styles to choose from, more than 50 icons, and a business card template, all included in this bundle.

Minimal Free CV & Cover Letter Word Template

A free resume template featuring a clean and minimal design. This template also includes a matching cover letter design. And you can easily customize it using MS Word.

Freelancer Word Resume & Cover Letter Templates

At first glance, you can see how amazing this design would be to create an attractive resume for freelance creatives. It includes a CV, cover letter, and portfolio layouts with matching designs. And you can customize it with Word, Photoshop, and Illustrator.

CV Resume & Cover Letter Word Template

A clean and minimalist resume and cover letter combo for crafting a professional CV. This template features a fully customizable layout where you can add a profile photo, change fonts, colors, and much more.

A4 Resume & Cover Letter Template for Word

Another creative resume template featuring a matching cover letter design. This template includes sections for visualizing your skills as well as for showcasing your experience. You can edit it using Word, Photoshop, or Illustrator.

Clean Cover Letter Template for Word

This Microsoft Word cover letter template is simple, professional, and easy to customize. An excellent contender for your cash, this cover letter template Word DOC is just what you require to add a touch of elegance, and sophistication to your job applications.

Resume & Cover Letter Template for Word

This is the best resume & cover letter template Word DOC for anyone who’s applying for a job that demands the highest levels of professionalism. Designed to provide seamless customizability, this template comes in both A4 and US Letter sizes.

Professional Cover Letter Template Word DOC

Here we have a minimal yet eye-catching resume & cover letter template (Word) that’s sure to catch the prospective employer’s eye. This template provides you with space to add a professional photo of yourself, plus blocks for all the material details.

Stylish Microsoft Word Cover Letter Template

Want to impress the hiring managers at even the most esteemed corporations? Look no further than this Microsoft Word cover letter template that comes with a matching resume template. Use these template files to give your job application a stylish touch, and get the job of your dreams.

Modern Resume Cover Letter Template Word

If you’re looking for the best Microsoft Word cover letter templates for creative positions, the above-featured product is well worth checking out. It features an effortlessly stylish design that will surely make your job application stand out from the pack.

Cover Letter Writing Tips

Even when using a beautiful template, there are many ways you can make your cover letter look more professional. Here are a few basic tips to get you started.

Highlight Your Best Skills

The cover letter gives you a chance to go beyond the resume and tell more about yourself. But don’t make the mistake of repeating the same things you’ve covered in your resume in the cover letter.

Pick just your best skills that are relevant to the job you’re applying to and explain why you’re good at those skills. And use examples as well.

Formatting is Important

Keep in mind that you’re writing a letter, not an essay or a novel. So formatting is very important to make your letter easier to read and for skimming.

Write in short sentences and paragraphs. Your goal should be to use fewer words as possible while covering the best highlights of your career.

Personalize the Letter

Don’t copy-paste the same cover letter to every resume you send. Personalize for each job you apply to. Showcase only the relevant skills and write the letter in a way to show how you can truly help the business grow.

Edit Thoroughly

Edit your cover letter at least twice to get rid of unnecessarily complicated words, hard-to-read sentences, adverbs, and anything else that would make your cover letter look unprofessional.

Use tools like Hemingway App and Grammarly to scan for grammatical and writing mistakes.

Check out our best CV & Resume templates collection for more inspiration.