Use This Cover Letter Template to Apply for a Job (2024)

Acover letteris an important part of almost any job application. While aresumeoffers a thorough look at your background, skills, and education, the cover letter is your opportunity to point out information that makes you well qualified for the position at hand.

Think of the letter as making the case for your candidacy. And, while resumes tend to be a bit dry, listing information in bullet points, a cover letter has room to be more engaging.

What Hiring Managers Look For

Just like a resume, though, cover letters have a distinct format and style.

If you do not adhere to the standardformat of a cover letter, you will appear unprofessional and it could torpedo your application.

Take a look at the following cover letter template, which lists the information you need toinclude in the cover letteryou submit with your resume. Use the template as a guideline to createcustomized cover lettersto send to employers. Plus, read on for tips on how to use a cover letter template effectively.

Tips for Using a Cover Letter Template

Acover letter templatehelps you with the layout of your letter. Templates also show you what elements you need to include in your letter, such as introductions and body paragraphs.

While you should follow the template, you can customize the body paragraphs to suit your needs:

• For instance, the template lists several paragraphs, but if you need to fewer paragraphs, adjust accordingly.
• If you feel bullet points are the most effective way to convey your qualifications, go ahead and use them.
• Keep in mind that there are slight—but significant—differences in the cover letter format if you're sending your letter as a hard copy or attached letter, or if you are sending it as an email.

What to Include in Each Section

Contact Information
Thefirst sectionor header of your cover letter should include information on how the employer can contact you. If you havecontact informationfor the employer, include that. Otherwise, just list your information.

YourContact Information
Your Name
Your Address
Your City, State Zip Code
Your Phone Number
Your Email Address

Date

Employer Contact Information
Name
Title
Company
Address
City, State Zip Code

Salutation
Dear Mr./Ms. Last Name:

Body of Cover Letter
Thebody of your cover letterlets the employer know what position you are applying for, why the employer should select you for an interview, and how you will follow up.

First Paragraph: Thefirst paragraphof your letter should include information on why you are writing. Mention the position you are applying for, and how you learned about it. Include the name of a mutual contact, if you have one. Be clear, concise, and enthusiastic regarding your interest in the job. Your goal is to build rapport and convince the reader that they should grant the interview or appointment you will request in your final paragraph.

Middle Paragraphs: The next section of your cover letter should describe what you have to offer the employer. Make strong connections between your abilities and the employer's needs. Mention specifically how your skills and experience match the job you are applying for. Remember, you are interpreting your resume, not repeating it. Try to support each statement you make with a specific piece of evidence, quantifying unique achievements with percentages, numbers, or dollar figures when you can.

Final Paragraph: Conclude your cover letter by thanking the employer for considering you for the position and requesting a personal interview. Include information onhow you will follow up. State that you will do so and indicate when (one week's time is typical).

Complimentary Close
Respectfully yours,

Signature:

Handwritten Signature(for a hard copy letter)

• Typed Signature

Cover Letter Template

Download the free cover letter template(compatible with Google Docs or Microsoft Word) or read the example below. You'll find an email cover letter template below as well.

Sample Cover Letter (Text Version)

Email Cover Letter Template

Email cover letters have a slightly different format than printed or uploaded cover letters. For example, in an email cover letter, you put your contact information at the bottom of the letter, not at the top. You also do not include the employer’s contact information or the date at the top.

Just like any other cover letter, it is useful to look at a template when writing an email cover letter. Read here for anemail cover letter template, andreview these tips for emailing a cover letter, too.

Sending an Email Message

When you are sending your cover letter via email include the reason you are writing in the subject line of your message:

List your contact information in your signature, rather than in the body of the letter:

Create a Personal Cover Letter Template

Microsoft Word cover letter templates are available for a variety of circ*mstances. Add your personal information to the template to create cover letters you can use for a variety of types of job applications.

Like Microsoft Word, Google Docs offers a variety of professional letter templates that you can use when writing your cover letter. Just fill in the template with your personal information, and save the document in your account.

Review Sample Cover Letters and More Tips

Along with using a cover letter template, you might also reviewcover letter samplesand read advice onhow to format a cover letterto get ideas on writing your own cover letter. Plus, discover our 10 biggest tips for writing a cover letter, so you can make sure yours is effective.