Professional Cover Letter Templates for 2026 (Word & PDF)

See What Users Say About LiveCareer

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Stand Out With a Professional Cover Letter Template

Learn how to ace your next job application with our professional cover letter templates and powerful builder.

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Expert Reviews of LiveCareer

Bridget Baggett

Senior Recruiter

As a Sr. Recruiter and Career Strategist, I know there are limited options that allow you to create a resume as seamlessly as the LiveCareer Builder. I was impressed with the well-thought-out, professional, and modern template designs. The software is easy to use and uniquely customizes your resume down to the color schemes and content options. I was fascinated with the job-targeted phrases and text suggestions that would potentially increase your chances of getting your resume in front of a hiring manager.

The LiveCareer Builder is a perfect tool for anyone looking to update their resume or create an entirely new one. It allows you to write your professional story with the keywords that will set you apart from the competition.

Tiffany Rabara

Director of Talent Acquisition

Navigating the job search can be quite challenging. As a professional deeply engaged in the talent industry, I’m continually seeking ways to support my community and job seekers in their journey. One of the questions I frequently encounter is, “What advice do you have for me to get noticed by recruiters?” My consistent recommendation has been to update your resume regularly. This allows you to capture your achievements while they are still vivid and fresh in your memory.

LiveCareer has been a game-changer in simplifying the resume-building process. I’m particularly impressed by its user-friendly and intuitive interface. Moreover, the designs are incredibly creative and eye-catching, making standing out in job applications much more achievable. This tool significantly streamlines the process and makes it accessible for everyone to always have a freshly updated resume.

Jennifer Parker

Senior Recruiter

As someone in the recruiting industry for 20+ years, I’ve seen many resumes (good and bad). The most successful candidates have very clean, clear, and visually appealing resumes. The current candidate market is very competitive, and while updating our resume is a daunting and tedious process, it is imperative to have an up-to-date resume.

I was impressed with how easy the LiveCareer Builder is to use. The process was straightforward and even enjoyable! Being able to visually see what the resume looks like in real time was fantastic. The content suggestions were professional, relevant, and conducive to today’s market. The entire process took less than 30 minutes, and the finished product is something that I’d be proud to share with recruiters and managers. I highly encourage job seekers to use LiveCareer’s Builder to create a fresh resume that stands out for the right reasons and broadens their opportunities to get noticed!

Frequently Asked Questions

Last updated on September 21, 2026

Where can I find free cover letter templates?

You can find free cover letter templates on this page and download them in TXT format. This provides a simple starting point for creating a professional cover letter that you can customize for your experience, skills, and target job. Easily upgrade to a premium plan at any time to download your cover letter in PDF or Word format.

What is the best template for a cover letter?

The best cover letter template is a simple, professional format that clearly presents your contact information, introduction, relevant qualifications, and closing. Choose a template that’s easy to customize for the specific job and keeps the focus on your skills, experience, and interest in the position. A straightforward layout is the most effective choice for most job applications.

What is a good format for a cover letter?

A good format for a cover letter includes a clear structure with a header containing your contact information, a greeting, an opening paragraph, one to three body paragraphs highlighting relevant skills and achievements, and a closing paragraph with a call to action. Use a readable font (10–12 points) and 1-inch margins to ensure your letter is professional and easy to scan.

What are the three golden rules in writing a cover letter?

The three golden rules in writing a cover letter are to tailor it to the job, keep it concise, and focus on value rather than repeating your resume. Always align your skills with the job description, keep your letter to one page, and clearly explain how your experience benefits the employer. This approach helps you make a strong, relevant impression.

Do cover letters go through ATS?

Cover letters can go through an applicant tracking system (ATS) when they're submitted online. Many systems scan cover letters for relevant skills, experience, and keywords. Using a simple format and including relevant keywords from the job description can help ensure your cover letter is properly parsed by ATS software.

Do I need a different cover letter for every job?

You should customize your cover letter for every job because each role has unique responsibilities, requirements, and keywords. Customizing your letter allows you to align your skills and experience with the specific job description, which improves your chances of standing out to hiring managers.

Does Word have a cover letter template?

Yes, Microsoft Word has cover letter templates that you can customize for a job application. You can also use the cover letter templates on this page and download them in Word format, making it easy to edit the template and personalize your cover letter. Choose a professional template with a clear, simple layout that keeps the focus on your qualifications and interest in the position.

What format should I download my cover letter template in?

Download your cover letter template as a PDF unless the job posting specifies otherwise. PDF files preserve formatting, display consistently across devices, and are widely accepted by employers and ATS. In some cases, employers may request a Word document, so always check the application instructions before submitting your cover letter.

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