Cover Letter Templates for 2026

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.