Cover Letter Templates

What is a cover letter for a resume?

It’s not just a formality. A cover letter is your chance to speak directly to the hiring manager — before they even meet you. You’ve got maybe 200–300 words to sound like someone worth talking to.

It’s not a recap of your resume. It’s not a filler. It’s where you connect the dots. Why this company? Why this job? Why you?

Keep it short. Three parts: intro, meat, wrap-up. Start by saying who you are, what role you're applying for, and where you found it. Be specific.

Then show what you bring. Real skills. Real impact. Not buzzwords. “I helped grow revenue by 20% in six months” beats “I’m a results-oriented team player” every time.

Wrap it with intent. “Looking forward to connecting” beats “Thank you for your time and consideration.” Attach your resume. Say you’re available. Done.

What makes the best cover letter format?

The best format is the one they don’t notice. Because they’re too busy reading what matters.

1. Clear and readable. No Comic Sans. No 8pt text. Think Arial, Calibri, 11–12pt. Easy on the eyes.
2. Tailored. Don’t even think about sending the same letter to 5 companies. It’s obvious when you do.
3. Three simple parts. Introduction. Why you fit. How to reach you. That’s it.
4. One page. Max. Anything longer = they stop reading.
5. Professional but real. Write like a smart, confident human. No need to sound like a lawyer.
6. Let some of you show through. Not too much. Just enough that they remember you're a person, not a template.

What is the best cover letter template in 2025?

The one that doesn’t scream “template.”

1. Make it personal. Customize every time. Mention something real about the company or role.
2. Stick to the formula. A clear opening, a strong middle, and a finish that invites follow-up. Don’t reinvent the wheel.
3. Use your voice. Confident. Friendly. Clear. You’re not writing a novel. You’re starting a conversation.
4. Short is smart. If you can say it in fewer words, do it.
5. Don’t be afraid to sound like you. A bit of personality = memorable. Too much = unprofessional. Find the line.
6. Design matters — but don’t overdo it. Clean, structured, scannable. That’s what works.

How long should a cover letter be?

Short. Always short. Think of it like this: if they can’t finish it on one scroll, it’s too long.

One page max. But honestly? 250–350 words is your sweet spot. Just enough to say what matters without dragging.

1. Stick to the highlights. Don’t try to cover your whole career. That’s what your resume is for.
2. Skip the fluff. “I am writing to express…” — no, thanks. Get to the point.
3. Write clean. Short sentences. Simple words. Clear message.
4. Use bullets if it helps. One or two powerful examples? Let them stand on their own.
5. Edit hard. First draft is too long. Always. Trim, tighten, then trim again.

They’re busy. Respect that. Say what matters, say it fast, and leave them curious to learn more.

Do I need a unique cover letter for every job?

Yes. Every single time. No exceptions.

1. You need to sound like you wrote it for them. Because if it sounds generic, it gets skipped.
2. Each job is different — your letter should be too. Same person, different angle. Show you understand what they’re looking for.
3. It shows effort. And effort stands out. Especially in a stack of half-baked applications.
4. Match their tone. Corporate? Keep it crisp. Startup? You can be a bit looser — but still professional.

Copy-paste is easy. That’s why most people do it. Write something real — it’ll show.

Should I use a PDF or a Word cover letter template?

When in doubt? PDF.

1. Check the job posting first. If they ask for DOCX, give them DOCX. Simple.
2. PDF protects your formatting. What you send is what they see. No weird spacing. No font swaps.
3. Word is easier to edit. Which is helpful if you’re working with a recruiter or revising a lot.
4. PDFs are smaller and cleaner. Less chance of issues when uploading or emailing.

If there are no rules set by the employer — PDF wins. It’s safer, cleaner, and shows you care how your application looks when it lands.