Create a professional cover letter with this easy-to-use resume cover letter template. Learn what to include, how to format your letter, and make your application stand out to hiring managers.

Cover Letter Templates and How to Use Them

Cover letter templates are powerful tools for creating a polished, compelling application. Your resume outlines your experience, skills, and education — but the cover letter is where you make the case for why you are the right person for the role. It allows you to connect the dots for the hiring manager and present yourself in a more engaging, human way.

What Hiring Managers Expect

Hiring managers look for clarity, structure, and professionalism. A cover letter has its own established format, and failing to follow it can undermine your credibility and weaken your application. Use templates as a framework to ensure you include the right sections and maintain a clear, professional layout.

Tips for Using a Cover Letter Template

1. A template provides structure — your job is to customize the content.
2. Adapt the paragraphs to your message; shorten or combine them if needed.
3. If bullet points help highlight your qualifications more effectively, use them.
4. Remember that the format shifts slightly depending on whether the letter is printed, attached as a document, or sent as an email. Adjust accordingly to maintain professionalism.

What to Include in Each Section of a Cover Letter

Contact Information

Begin your cover letter with complete contact details so the employer can easily reach you. If you know the employer’s contact information, include it as well. If not, list only your own.

Your Information:

1. Name
2. Address
3. City, State, Zip
4. Phone Number
5. Email

Date

Employer Information (if available):

1. Name
2. Title
3. Company
4. Address
5. City, State, Zip

Salutation

Address the letter formally:

Dear Mr./Ms. [Last Name]:

Body of the Cover Letter

1. Opening Paragraph

State the purpose of your letter immediately: the role you’re applying for and how you learned about the opportunity. If you were referred by a mutual contact, mention that early. Keep the tone clear, concise, and confident. Your objective is to establish rapport quickly and position yourself as a strong candidate worthy of an interview.

2. Middle Paragraphs

Show the employer why you are the right fit.

Сonnect your expertise directly to the company’s needs and the job requirements. Highlight specific skills, experience, and achievements, using measurable results where possible.

Remember: you’re adding context to your resume — not repeating it. Provide brief, evidence-backed examples that illustrate your impact.

Formatting Tip

Use short paragraphs or bullet points instead of one long block of text. This makes the letter easier to read and ensures your key strengths stand out immediately. Highlighting 4–5 core qualifications in bullets is an effective way to draw the hiring manager’s attention.

Final Paragraph

Close your letter by thanking the employer for their time and consideration. Request a conversation or interview, and clearly outline your follow-up plan. Mention that you will check back within a week unless you hear from them sooner.

Closing

Respectfully yours,

[Handwritten Signature — for printed letters]

[Typed Name]

Cover Letter Template

Thalia Washington

9 Beacon Street

Appleton, WI 07987

555-555-5555

twashington@email.com

January 20, 2024

Helen Jackson

Director of Human Resources

Ultimate Beauty

289 Oxford Avenue

Wellington, WI 09419

Dear Ms. Jackson,

I’m reaching out to apply for the role of Social Media Marketing Manager. My colleague, Anna Boston, shared the opportunity with me and is happy to provide a reference.

I hold a bachelor’s degree in digital media from Northern State University and have three years of experience as a social media assistant at Glamour Box. During that time, I worked across major social platforms—Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter—and in the past year, I managed our Instagram account. Under my management, engagement increased by 35%.

I enjoy collaborating with creative teams and feel ready to step into a management role. I’m highly motivated by new challenges and would love the opportunity to help strengthen and grow your company’s social media presence.

Thank you for considering my application. I’ve included my resume and will follow up by email next week to see if you need any additional information.

Sincerely,

Thalia Washington

(Handwritten signature for printed copies)

Thalia Washington

Email Cover Letter Template

Email cover letters follow a streamlined format. Unlike printed or uploaded letters, your contact information appears at the end, and you do not include the employer’s details or the date at the top.

As with any cover letter, starting with a template helps you structure your message effectively. Below is the framework for an email cover letter, along with key tips for sending one.

Sending an Email Cover Letter

Subject Line

Clearly state why you’re writing:

Subject: Thalia Washington – Social Media Marketing Manager Application

Email Body

Write your cover letter directly in the body of the email. Keep it concise and professional.

Signature Block

Place your contact details in your email signature rather than in the main text.

Sincerely,

Thalia Washington

9 Beacon Street

Appleton, WI 07987

twashington@email.com

555-555-5555

Create a Personal Template

Tools like Microsoft Word and Google Docs offer ready-made, professional templates.

Add your personal details once, save your customized version, and reuse it for multiple applications—updating the content as needed for each specific role.

Read more:

Sample Messages Asking About Available Jobs

Internship Cover Letter Examples and Writing Tips

Part-Time Job Cover Letter Examples and Writing Tips

How to Include Contact Information in a Cover Letter