Cover Letter Templates

A good template does two things: it removes the blank-page problem and it gives your letter the structure hiring managers expect. Instead of guessing where each paragraph should go, you start with a proven layout and focus your energy on the content that actually matters -- your achievements, your fit, and your motivation. If you want a deeper walkthrough of the writing process itself, start with our guide on how to write a cover letter.

Why Use a Cover Letter Template

Writing from scratch for every application is slow and inconsistent. A template solves that.

• Saves time. A clear starting structure means you spend minutes customizing, not hours drafting. Most applicants can go from blank page to finished letter in under 15 minutes with the right template.

• Professional structure guaranteed. Templates follow the format recruiters expect: a direct opening, a proof paragraph with results, a fit paragraph, and a clear close. No guessing about what goes where.

• ATS-friendly formatting. Applicant tracking systems parse simple, clean layouts best. A well-built template avoids tables, columns, headers, and footers that can confuse automated screening. Your letter reaches a human reader intact.

• Consistency across applications. When you apply to 10 or 20 roles, a template keeps your quality even. Every letter hits the same standard, even when you are moving fast.

• Easy to customize per role. The best templates are designed with swap points -- places where you drop in the company name, the role title, and your strongest relevant achievement. The structure stays; the details change.

Cover Letter Template Styles

Not every role calls for the same tone. Below are three template styles, each with a full example you can copy and adapt. Pick the one that matches the industry and company culture, then make it yours.

Classic / Traditional Template

The classic format is straightforward, respectful, and structured. It works in environments where professionalism and formality carry weight.

Best for: corporate finance, legal, government, banking, consulting, and established enterprises.

Classic cover letter template

Best for corporate and traditional industries. Replace every bracketed detail with your own experience.

Subject: Application for the [Job Title] position

Dear [Hiring Manager's Name], I am writing to express my interest in the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. With [X] years of experience in [your field], I bring a strong foundation in [core skill] and a consistent record of [key result area] that aligns with your team's objectives. In my current role at [Current Company], I [describe a specific achievement with a number]. This involved [brief context of the project or initiative], and the outcome was [measurable result -- percentage, dollar amount, or volume]. I also [mention a second relevant skill or responsibility] to support [team or business goal]. What draws me to [Company Name] is [specific reason tied to the company's mission, recent project, or market position]. My background in [relevant area] positions me to contribute to [specific team need or goal mentioned in the job posting] from day one. Thank you for your time and consideration. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my experience can support your team's goals. Sincerely, [Full Name]

Modern / Clean Template

The modern template opens with a stronger hook and uses a more conversational, confident tone. It shows personality without sacrificing substance.

Best for: tech companies, startups, marketing agencies, product teams, and creative organizations.

Modern cover letter template

Best for tech, startups, and companies that value directness. Adjust the tone to match the job posting's language.

Subject: Application for the [Job Title] role at [Company Name]

Dear [Hiring Manager's Name], When I saw the [Job Title] opening at [Company Name], I recognized the exact kind of challenge I have been solving for the past [X] years -- [brief description of the problem space or domain]. I would like to bring that experience to your team. At [Current Company], I [describe your most impressive achievement with a specific metric]. For example, I [action you took] which led to [quantified outcome]. That work required [relevant skills], and it taught me how to [transferable lesson relevant to the new role]. I have been following [Company Name]'s work on [specific product, initiative, or public project], and I see a clear fit between what your team is building and the skills I bring in [area of expertise]. I am especially drawn to [specific aspect of the role or team]. I would love to talk about how I can contribute. I am available at your convenience and happy to share additional examples of my work. Best regards, [Full Name]

Minimal / Direct Template

The minimal template cuts every sentence that does not earn its place. It is shorter, faster to read, and ideal when the hiring manager has a stack of 200 applications.

Best for: engineering, data science, operations, logistics, and any role where brevity and clarity are valued over formality.

Minimal cover letter template

Best when brevity is a strength. Keep it under 200 words and lead with results.

Subject: Re: [Job Title] opening

Dear [Hiring Manager's Name], I am applying for the [Job Title] role at [Company Name]. I have [X] years in [field] and a track record of [one-line summary of your strongest result]. Key highlights relevant to this role: -- [Achievement 1 with metric]: [brief context in one sentence]. -- [Achievement 2 with metric]: [brief context in one sentence]. -- [Relevant certification, tool, or technical skill] used daily in production environments. I am interested in [Company Name] because [one specific, genuine reason]. I would welcome a conversation about the role. Best, [Full Name]

How to Customize Any Template

A template is a starting point, not a finished product. The difference between a generic letter and one that lands interviews is in the customization. Follow these four steps every time. For detailed formatting rules -- margins, font size, file type -- see our cover letter format guide.

Step 1: Replace placeholder text with your real details

Swap every bracketed item with specifics: your name, the company name, the exact job title from the posting, and your actual experience. Read the letter out loud after replacing -- if any sentence still sounds like a template, rewrite it.

Step 2: Match the tone to the company culture

Read the job posting carefully. If it uses casual language ("we are a scrappy team"), mirror that energy. If it is formal ("the ideal candidate will demonstrate"), keep your tone polished. A mismatch in register is one of the fastest ways to lose a reader.

Step 3: Add your strongest achievement with numbers

Every cover letter needs at least one quantified result. Revenue generated, costs reduced, time saved, users acquired, satisfaction scores improved -- pick the metric that matters most for the role and put it in the body paragraph. Numbers stand out on a page of words.

Step 4: Tailor the closing to the specific role

Do not use the same closing paragraph for every application. Reference something specific about the team, the product, or the company mission. Show that you researched the role and that your interest is genuine.

Templates by Experience Level

Your experience level changes which template works best and what you emphasize.

Entry-level and new graduates. Focus on internships, academic projects, and transferable skills. The modern template works well here because it lets you lead with enthusiasm and a specific hook rather than years of experience you do not have yet. For targeted advice, see our career change cover letter guide if you are pivoting fields.

Career changers. Use the body paragraph to draw a clear line between your past role and the new one. Highlight transferable results -- managing budgets, leading teams, improving processes -- that apply regardless of industry. The classic template gives you room to explain the transition without rushing.

Experienced professionals. Lead with your most impressive, relevant metric. You have the results -- do not bury them. The minimal template is often the strongest choice at this level because it respects the reader's time and lets your track record speak.

Templates by Industry

Different industries have different expectations. These pages offer role-specific examples and advice:

• Healthcare -- Nurse cover letter with clinical metrics and certification guidance
• Tech -- Software engineer cover letter with project-focused structure
• Business and Finance -- Account manager cover letter with revenue and retention framing
• Education -- Teacher cover letter with classroom outcomes and credential placement

Browse the full list on our cover letter examples page.

Common Template Mistakes to Avoid

Templates speed up the process, but only if you use them correctly. Watch for these pitfalls:

1. Using the template without customizing. Sending a letter where the only change is the company name in the header is worse than no cover letter at all. Recruiters can spot a form letter in seconds.

2. Keeping placeholder text by accident. "[Company Name]" or "[X years]" left in a sent application is an immediate rejection. Print the letter or read it on a different screen before submitting.

3. Choosing the wrong tone for the industry. A minimal, casual letter sent to a law firm signals that you did not research the culture. Match the template style to the employer.

4. Ignoring ATS formatting rules. Fancy layouts, images, two-column designs, and custom fonts can break applicant tracking systems. Stick to a single-column layout, standard fonts, and save as PDF unless the posting specifies otherwise.

5. Making it too long. A cover letter should fit on one page. Three to four paragraphs, 250 to 400 words. If you are going over a page, cut the weakest paragraph.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are cover letter templates free?

Yes. The templates on this page are free to use and customize. You can copy any of the examples above directly into your word processor or use our cover letter builder to generate a formatted version you can download.

Will using a template make my cover letter look generic?

Only if you skip the customization step. A template provides structure -- the opening, body, and closing layout that recruiters expect. The content inside is entirely yours. When you replace every placeholder with real achievements and tailor the tone to the company, the result reads as personal and specific. See our cover letter examples for inspiration on making each letter unique.

What is the best cover letter template for 2025?

There is no single best template. The right choice depends on your industry and experience level. Corporate and government roles favor the classic format. Tech and startups respond well to the modern template. If you are applying to roles that value efficiency -- engineering, data, operations -- the minimal template often performs best. Start with the style that matches the company culture and adjust from there.

Should my cover letter match my resume template?

Ideally, yes. Consistent formatting -- the same font, similar header style, matching color accents -- creates a polished application package. It signals attention to detail. That said, content matters far more than visual matching. A strong, well-written cover letter in a plain format will always outperform a weak letter in a beautifully designed template.

How do I make a template ATS-friendly?

Use a single-column layout with no tables, text boxes, or images. Stick to standard fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman at 10 to 12 points. Save the file as a PDF unless the application specifically asks for a Word document. Avoid headers and footers for important content -- some ATS software skips those sections entirely. Our how to write a cover letter guide covers formatting in more detail.

Where can I see full cover letter examples?

Our cover letter examples page has realistic, role-specific examples across industries including healthcare, tech, education, finance, and more. Each example includes writing notes and tips for customizing the letter to your own background.