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Free Cover Letter Templates: Download for Word
Select one of our best cover letter templates below to start crafting the perfect cover letter. Or, scroll down to view our selection of free cover letter templates for Word.
Basic Cover Letter Templates
Each basic cover letter template is formatted for job seekers who want to write a traditional, professional cover letter, without any fancy nonsense.
Traditional
Modern Cover Letter Templates
Each modern cover letter template was designed for the modern job seeker. We’re sure you’ll agree that they’re effective — especially once you’ve landed an interview.
Contemporary
Professional Cover Letter Templates
Each professional cover letter template was crafted for talented and conscientious job seekers. You can download your favorite for free, in a color that speaks to you.
Professional
Gold Standard
Can You Use a Cover Letter Template?
It’s not only acceptable to use a cover letter template, it’s smart.
You may have heard some “experts” claim that using a cover letter template can be detrimental to your job search. We’re here to debunk all these myths once and for all.
Myth 1: Hiring managers disapprove of candidates who use a cover letter template
Hiring managers love cover letters that look professional, are well-written, well-formatted, comprehensive, and follows a standard cover letter format. We know, because that’s exactly what the HR professionals who helped design every resume cover letter template requested.
So why would they ever look down on someone using a template that is perfectly formulated to fulfill those requirements? They wouldn’t.
Myth 2: You won’t stand out if you use a cover letter template for Word
Put yourself in the hiring manager’s position. Would you rather read:
a) A poorly formatted cover letter made from scratch or,
b) A well-structure and professional looking cover letter?
Hint: the answer is b. A cover letter written using a well formatted, professional cover letter template, will always stand out more than a messy cover letter made from scratch.
A cover letter template is simply a framework that allows you to easily write the best cover letter possible. Once you’ve added your own skills, professional experiences, and unique wording, it’ll already stand out from any other cover letter as uniquely yours – and the hiring manager will see that too.
Myth 3: For such an important document, it feels lazy not to make a cover letter from scratch
Using a cover letter template is not lazy. It’s efficient and resourceful (two traits often looked for in job seekers).
Not to mention, using a template is proven to increase your chances of landing a job. Of course, you could delve into the mysteries of formatting your own cover letter, and after hours of frustration and headaches, develop a somewhat decent looking cover letter.
Or, you could download and use one of our free Google Docs cover letter templates or templates for Microsoft Word. It’s up to you.
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Free Cover Letter Templates for Word to Start With
Unlock your dream job with free, editable Word cover letter templates! Discover a collection of expertly designed templates with pro tips. Download now for a winning application!
We've scoured the globe to bring you the ultimate collection of the greatest cover letter templates for Microsoft Word. And the best thing is—
These Word cover letter templates won't cost you a dime. No catch, no spam, no sign-up required. So what are you waiting for? Let's get started on landing your dream job.
In this article, you’ll find:
- A list of 15 free cover letter templates for Word you can download immediately.
- A short review of each Word cover letter template to help you understand their strengths.
- How to get cover letter templates in Word (DOCX format).
Save hours of work and get a cover letter like this. Pick a template, fill it in. Quick and easy. Choose from 18+ cover letter templates and download your cover letter now.
Create your cover letter now
What users say about ResumeLab:
I had an interview yesterday and the first thing they said on the phone was: “Wow! I love your cover letter.” Patrick I love the variety of templates. Good job guys, keep up the good work! Dylan My previous cover letter was really weak and I used to spend hours adjusting it in Word. Now, I can introduce any changes within minutes. Absolutely wonderful! George
If you want to see more cover letter templates check out:
- Free Cover Letter Templates Collection
- Google Docs Cover Letter Templates
Overview of the Best Free Word Cover Letter Templates
We’ve compiled a curated list of the best cover letter templates for Word you can download for free. Here they are:
1. Minimalist Word Cover Letter Template
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Download as a DOCX
Was this free cover letter template given the wrong name? Anything but minimalist, this one pops with shapes and colors. It’s great for writing any kind of short cover letter .
Expert Hint: More applicants send email cover letters today. With email, short and sweet is the key rule. You don’t need to attach a PDF cover letter with an email letter.
2. Classic Food Service Cover Letter for Word
This stunning Word cover letter format instantly draws attention thanks to its unique background color. This template can be used by both inexperienced job-seekers and seasoned professionals. We recommend this free Word cover letter template for crafting a restaurant manager resume .
Expert Hint: Is your potential employer asking for a letter of motivation instead of a cover letter? That’s not a typo. Learn how to write a motivation letter and ace their recruitment process!
3. Classic Management Word Cover Letter
This classic cover letter design puts your contact information in a neat table. Its professional, organized look fits perfectly in a manager cover letter .
4. Impact MS Word Cover Letter Template
If you're in search of an impactful cover letter, consider this one. This free template comes with some basic cover letter tips . It’s a great choice when writing a cover letter with no experience .
Expert Hint: It can be tough to write a cover letter, even with free templates. Want to see how to write a cover letter in 10 minutes? See our cover letter writing guide .
5. Social Media Marketing Word Cover Letter Template
How about this strong cover letter template? It features a fantastic cover letter outline , and the gray color gives it a professionally printed look. As its name suggests, try it for your social media job cover letter .
6. Modern UI/UX Designer Word Cover Letter Template
Stand out with this modern UI/UX designer cover letter template . It features an eye-catching block of color, as well as ample space for your cover letter header .
Expert Hint: All these letter templates are one-page only. Is that the right length? Yes! Your cover letter length should never be more than a single page and usually half a page or less
7. Construction Work Cover Letter Template for Word
Despite its name, this free cover letter template works wonders in most industries. With its unique look, you can be certain your cover letter won’t be generic . Try it when writing an architecture cover letter .
8. Stylish Teaching MS Word Cover Letter Template
This stylish Word cover letter looks simple but is very effective. It showcases your name in a very bold fashion but also leaves you enough space to fit all the information you want to convey easily. Try this free template when writing a cover letter for teaching jobs .
Expert Hint: Writing an entry-level cover letter ? You still need to show professional work achievements, but from where? Even if you haven’t had a previous job, you can find great successes from personal pursuits or academic achievements.
9. Polished by MOO Word Cover Letter Template
This corporate cover letter template for Word blazes with polished professionalism. It boasts simple shapes and a two-tone color scheme. It’s the perfect choice for a consulting cover letter .
10. Simple Word Doc Cover Letter
This black-and-white cover letter template may be simple, but that doesn’t mean it’s ineffective. Use it to create an uncluttered letter. It’s a great match for any office job, so pick it for your next data entry cover letter .
Expert Hint: The address on a cover letter matters. Plus, don’t say “Mrs.” or “Miss” when “Ms.” will do. Plus, a simple “Dear” works fine, with the hiring manager’s name, if you can find it.
11. ATS Office Manager MS Word Cover Letter Template
To complement your ATS resume , why not opt for this ATS office manager cover letter design? Its simple style makes it easily readable, and the ample white space ensures this template will not end up looking stuffed like a Thanksgiving turkey.
12. Modern Chronological Word Cover Letter Template
This modern free cover letter template works great if you have an accompanying resume in a chronological format . Its design fits both tech-related and journalistic fields well. Try it when writing a journalist’s cover letter .
Expert Hint: Writer’s block? Most people get that. Don’t let it stop you. Knowing how to start a cover letter means finding your biggest selling point.
13. Project Management Word Cover Letter Template
Simple and straight to the point, this free Word template doesn’t drown you in unnecessary detail. Such a polished design fits a project manager cover letter perfectly.
14. Modern Initials Word Cover Letter Template
Make sure they remember you with this free cover letter template. It comes with space for copious contact info, plus your big and bold initials at the top. We recommend it for writing a cover letter for sales positions .
15. Geometric Word Doc Cover Letter Template
A modern, creative design, this Word cover letter template brilliantly showcases your artistic side. Use it when applying for a creative type job, such as for a graphic designer cover letter .
Expert Hint: The perfect cover letter isn’t perfect without a great last paragraph. Not sure how? Knowing how to end a cover letter means writing a good call to action.
Double your impact with a matching resume and cover letter combo. Use our cover letter generator and make your application documents pop out.
CREATE YOUR COVER LETTER NOW
Want to try a different look? There's 21 more. A single click will give your document a total makeover. Pick a cover letter template here .
Things to Keep in Mind Before Choosing a Microsoft Word Cover Letter Template
Now that you’ve seen so many great free cover letter templates for Word, you’re probably rearing to download one, fill it out, and send it. But before you do so, please answer these questions:
- Are you sure that you can accurately judge cover letter templates? In other words, can you identify if it really is a professionally designed cover letter template that matches both your personal brand AND the culture of your dream company?
- Do you know exactly what to include in a cover letter ?
- Do you have a matching resume template on hand?
If you’re a seasoned job-seeker, the first question won’t pose a major challenge: you’ve already developed a gut feeling that tells you if a random letter template you found online will work for you. But if you’re new to the job market and to the world of business letters in general, you might have a hard time estimating the visual impact of different letter templates, especially the more unusual ones.
Now let’s move on to the second question. If you’re not experienced in writing cover letters, it’s very easy to commit one or more cover letter mistakes —and get rejected as a result. Even the most professional-looking template won’t hide any potential weaknesses in the content of your cover letter. To remedy it, we recommend reading our foolproof cover letter writing guide .
Last but not least: don’t forget your resume! Ideally, your resume and your cover letter should have a matching design. But when browsing through cover letter templates for Word, you may notice that not all template designers offer matching resume templates.
This is why we recommend a safe option of going with a dedicated resume and cover letter builder—all the templates are designed with maximal versatility in mind so that you can use them to apply for any job. And it comes with helpful writing prompts you can use to speed up the process of writing your cover letter. You also won’t need to worry about formatting your cover letter . Our builder takes care of it for you.
And what cover letter templates can you expect to see? Here are just five out of all of our templates.
Expert Hint: Wait—do you even need a cover letter ? Well, almost half of all employers will skip job applications without them!
Best Alternatives to Word Cover Letter Templates
Cascade is one of our users’ favorite templates. Its distinctive sidebar highlights your name and contact info, leaving ample space for the content of your cover letter. You can customize the colors, spacing, and fonts to make this template truly yours.
One does not simply overlook a cover letter made using the Modern template. The bold color blocks and the generous whitespace balance each other, creating a unique look that’s particularly suitable for creative jobs.
Consider Primo if you’re looking for a cover letter template with a personal logo. It comes with a sophisticated graphical element based on your initials that appears on your cover letter and resume, creating a uniquely memorable cover letter look .
This minimalist cover letter template offers a functional two-column layout and a sleek design that’s like a Zen meditation for recruiters’ eyes. No matter what job you’re applying for, an understated cover letter (and a resume in a matching design) is always a winning option.
Because so many of our users loved Cascade, our designers have created a mirror image of it. This time, the statement sidebar is on the right. Pair this cover letter template with a matching resume for the best effect.
Don’t forget to use an equally stunning resume template. If you haven’t chosen one yet, see our guides:
- Best Professional Resume Templates
- Blank Resume Templates
- Free Google Docs Resume Templates
- Free Resume Templates Collection
- Free Word Resume Templates
- Infographic Resume Templates
- LaTeX Resume Templates
- Open Office Resume Templates
With ResumeLab’s resume builder you’ll write your resume in a flash. Get specific content to boost your chances of getting the job. Add job descriptions, bullet points, and skills. Improve your resume in our resume builder now .
CREATE YOUR RESUME NOW
Nail it all with a splash of color, choose a clean font, highlight your skills in just a few clicks. You’re the perfect candidate and we’ll prove it. Just pick one of 21 resume templates and get started now .
Do you have any questions about using free Word cover letter templates? Please don’t hesitate to reach out! We can’t wait to talk with you in the comments below.
Frequently Asked Questions about Free Cover Letter Templates for Word
Does microsoft word have free cover letter templates.
Yes, Word offers a selection of free cover letter templates you can access and use. They are available within the application. To find these templates, open MS Word, select "File," then "New," and search for cover letter templates in the gallery. Or you can download them from Microsoft's website .
Should my cover letter be in PDF or Word file type?
PDF is a safe choice because it preserves your document's appearance and is widely accepted. They look the same on various devices or software, ensuring your cover letter looks as you intended. PDFs are also not easy to edit, which can prevent unintended changes to your cover letter.
Is it OK to use a Word cover letter template?
Using a Word cover letter template can be a convenient and efficient way to create a professional cover letter. Word templates are often designed to look polished and visually appealing. But, since they are accessible, other applicants may use the same template, making your application less unique.
Should my resume and cover letter templates match?
Matching your resume and cover letter templates creates visual cohesion in your job application. This consistency in design is visually appealing and shows your attention to detail. The overall style, colors, font type and size, and margins are among the most crucial elements that must match.
Mariusz is a career expert with a background in quality control & economics. With work experience in FinTech and a passion for self-development, Mariusz brings a unique perspective to his role. He’s dedicated to providing the most effective advice on resume and cover letter writing techniques to help his readers secure the jobs of their dreams.
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Cover Letter Templates Word Cover Letter Templates
25+ Free Cover Letter Templates for Word
Looking for an updated cover letter template for Microsoft Word? We’ve got you covered with 25 of our favorite downloadable Word Doc templates that suit nearly any profession and experience level.
As featured in *
Custom templates for Word
How to select a template in Word
Default templates for Word
Figuring out how to write a cover letter that conveys your experience takes time and practice. Starting out with the perfect template saves you the trouble of formatting your cover letter yourself so you can start sending out applications sooner.
Our free-to-use cover letter builder can make you a cover letter in as little as 5 minutes. Just pick the template you want, and our software will format everything for you.
15 custom cover letter templates to download in Word
The first step to getting your application noticed is to use a modern cover letter template that’s professional, easy to read, and leaves hiring managers with a great first impression.
Below are some of our favorite free custom templates for Word that you can easily pair with a matching resume template for Word .
1. Standard
One of our favorite things about the “Standard” template is how the color choices feel fresh and interesting compared to most of the cover letter templates available online.
Hiring managers will also appreciate how this clean design neatly organizes all your information in the cover letter header .
You simply can’t go wrong with the “Classic” cover letter template. With six color choices to help your name stand out (including black for a truly minimal cover letter), this template design works no matter what type of job you’re applying for.
No matter what kind of job you’re applying for, the “2024” template is an excellent choice for modern job seekers.
The colored header draws just enough attention to your name while leaving plenty of open space below to highlight your achievements.
This template uses white text over striking full-color backgrounds to create a fresh look that’s sure to get you noticed.
With color options like charcoal and cobalt, the “Quick” cover letter template lets employers know you have something unique to offer.
5. Westminster
The “Westminster” template uses subtle color accents in the header and a stylized font for your signature to add some style to an otherwise formal cover letter design.
This cover letter template is simple enough to appeal to more formal hiring managers but has enough flair to catch the attention of hiring managers across a variety of industries.
6. Minimalist
If you’re looking for a clean cover letter design, the “Minimalist” template is for you.
Select your favorite color for the accent header bar and let your cover letter content do the heavy lifting.
Starting your cover letter off strong with a well-written introduction is the best way to get hiring managers engaged.
7. Notre Dame
The “Notre Dame” cover letter template uses muted colors to give an elegant feel to your application.
This template is ideal for a job that values both style and professionalism like advertising, fashion, and PR.
The “Fresh” cover letter template has a nice color gradient background and a space for a headshot to add some visual interest to your cover letter.
If you don’t need a headshot for your application but like the look of this template, try filling the space with your initials instead or simply deleting it in Word.
This minimal cover letter template uses a clean sidebar for your contact information that doesn’t take up too much space, so it’s perfect for a longer cover letter.
With muted colors and an elegant serif font, the “Writer” template is perfect for academics and professionals alike.
With vertical dividers that draw attention to your contact information, the “Visual” cover letter template for Word is a clean and stylish option for those who prefer a more minimal header.
11. Aesthetic
The “Aesthetic” cover letter template features a modern-looking gradient header bar that’s available in six different colors.
The eye-catching design is balanced out by an otherwise simple template that lets the hiring manager focus on the content of your cover letter.
12. Premium
The “Premium” template’s layout is well-organized and professional without being too serious.
A great choice for both new grads and mid-career applicants, this cover letter template includes additional colors like sky blue and violet.
With a clean serif font, centered header, and classy color options, this is the perfect no-frills cover letter template.
The “Easy” template is great for more formal industries or for anyone who prefers the look of a classic cover letter.
14. Current
The thoughtful design of the “Current” template makes your application stand out without going overboard. With unique background graphics and diagonal lines, your cover letter is sure to grab attention.
The right template is just one element of creating a killer cover letter that hiring managers actually want to read.
15. Corporate
Though this cover letter template is sophisticated enough for any corporate job, the simple design makes it perfect for job seekers in a variety of positions.
Use the “Corporate” cover letter template to make sure hiring managers focus on your qualifications right away.
To get a better idea of what these cover letter templates look like in action, take a look at some cover letter samples for your specific field or experience level.
How to choose a cover letter template in Microsoft Word
Word offers a number of templates you can use to write your cover letter from scratch. Follow these steps to choose a cover letter template in Microsoft Word:
Step 1 : Open Microsoft Word, then click “ New ” from the menu bar on the left side of the window. Or you can go to “File”, then click on “ New from Template… ” from the dropdown menu.
Step 2 : Use the search bar at the top right of the window to narrow down the results to just cover letter templates .
Step 3 : Finally, double-click on your favorite cover letter template to begin customizing it. Or you can select the template first, then click on the “ Create ” button at the bottom right.
10 original cover letter templates available for free in Word
If you prefer to start with a cover letter template that comes preloaded in Microsoft Word, we’ve selected 10 more of our favorite Word cover letter templates to help you decide.
1. Creative
The “Creative” cover letter template for Word uses a modern color scheme and a fun patterned header and footer.
This Word template is perfect for writing a retail cover letter or applying to jobs in any field where hiring managers like to see a little personality in your application.
The “Swiss” Word cover letter template is a great option if you want to make an impression.
Featuring a yellow background, this template stands out from other cover letter designs. However, the font and layout of this template are confident and professional, helping balance out what’s otherwise a nontraditional-looking design.
3. Polished
This MS Word template uses clean lines and a bright red header to create a striking yet refined cover letter.
This cover letter template could work well for a number of industries, but we’d recommend it for digital and creative jobs (like a social media manager’s cover letter ) where unique font pairings and bold colors are welcome.
This clean and tasteful Microsoft Word template features a subtle font pairing and a light gray sidebar for your contact information.
Even if you don’t need to include a headshot with your application, the photo placeholder could easily be replaced with a logo or your initials.
This Word cover letter template is a good choice for nearly any industry, but would be perfect for an application where aesthetics matter, like a designer’s cover letter .
We especially like how the “Stylish” template combines vertical and horizontal lines to draw your eye across the page.
6.Crisp and clean
This MS Word template’s sunny color scheme and unique geometric layout is sure to make you stand out. The design is also great for writing a short cover letter that shows hiring managers you value their time.
Try out this vibrant template if a friendly demeanor is an important qualification, like on a cover letter for a receptionist .
7. Geometric
With three color variations to the unique tiled accents in the header and footer, this cover letter template from Microsoft Word is perfect for selling your personal brand or adding a touch of creativity to your application.
8. Organized
If you’re looking for an updated take on the classic cover letter, MS Word’s “Organized” template is for you.
This cover letter template has a large navy header for your name and contact information with subtle light blue accents.
With fun colors and organic shapes, the “Playful” template from Microsoft Word makes you stand out as a modern professional.
Try this template in a competitive, creative industry where you need to make a great first impression.
10. Clean Elegant
If you like the look of a colored background template, the “Clean Elegant” cover letter from Word is a great option.
Customize your cover letter with three color choices and a free-form design that lets your qualifications (the most important part of your cover letter) shine.
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