You may download, personalize and otherwise modify this free cover letter template or just keep it handy as a sample to write your own. It's an RTF file format, which is compatible with most word processors (such as Microsoft® Word) and safe to download.

But first, please read the Important notice below, which includes the download link.

Because of differences in the way that Web browsers and word processors display pages, the format of the cover letter template displayed below differs slightly from the download version created in a word processor.

If you copy and paste this cover letter template from your screen instead of downloading it, the format might not stay intact.

This cover letter template adheres to "standards" on the Web (e.g., "Writing a Cover Letter" by ResumeEdge, a professional writing service). Still, it's not set in concrete. It's just to give you ideas about what to write in yours, while providing the format to make it easier for you. See also our sample cover letter and matching cover letter example.

This cover letter template is in full-block style, business-letter format. But when emailing cover letters, they don't necessarily need to be quite as formally formatted.

For example, you could delete the letterhead, date and recipient's address if you want, because an email will automatically include informal equivalents. It's a good idea to keep at least the salutation (Dear...) and complimentary close (Sincerely...), but you can change them to your preference.

Never email your resume or cover letter as a file attachment without consent. Most computer-savvy employer reps won't open unsolicited file attachments, because they can harbor malicious computer viruses. Many companies have set up their email servers to automatically strip-off attachments for the same reason. In the absence of consent, send your resume and cover letter directly in the body of an email instead of attaching them.

John Q. Public
234 Street • City • CA • 95000
Home: (555) 555-5550 • Cell: (555) 555-5551 • John@___.com

[Date]

[Recipient's name]
[Company name]
[Address]
[Address]
[Address]

Dear [Recipient's name or Sir or Madam]:

[JOB TITLE or REFERENCE NUMBER]

[First and foremost, if you don't feel comfortable writing your own cover letter, then think twice about risking it. The same goes for your resume. Remember, your cover letter and resume are your calling card and an employer's very first impression of you. You don't get a second chance. If you don't feel comfortable writing your own, let a professional writer handle it. It'll cost some, but losing job opportunities will cost you more.]

[Write your cover letter in the active voice. But keep it to a few brief paragraphs and on one page. Start by expressing your interest in the job. Mention where you read or heard about it. Employers like to hear that, so they may determine from which job ads their best applicant responses are originating.]

[Focus the middle paragraphs on what you can do for the company and to stand out from other applicants. Highlight your skills, qualifications and major accomplishments that specifically apply to the job. But, don't just regurgitate your resume. Instead, say what it can't. Explain why your qualifications and the job requirements are a good fit. Use action verbs to sell yourself.]

[Start wrapping it up by stating when you'll be available for work. Include the best time and place the recipient can reach you. Mention that your resume is enclosed or attached. Offer to provide more information, work samples or both.]

[In closing, request an interview. Thank the recipient for his or her time and consideration. Say that you'll contact the recipient and when, as waiting for the recipient to take the first step risks losing the job to a more-assertive candidate. Be confidently assertive, but not rudely pushy. Give the recipient a few business days to a week to contact you first.]

[Check punctuation, grammar and spelling. Then check again!]

Sincerely,

[Signature]

[Name, current job title]

[Write Enclosure or Attachment here, to indicate how you've included your resume]

cc [Names for copies - delete this line if none]

Important! You may download (or copy) this cover letter template only for personal use. Reprinting it in whole or part in any media without expressed, written permission, is a violation of U.S. and international copyright laws, even for noncommercial use. TechnicalJobSearch.com does not tolerate copyright infringement and aggressively pursues violators through legal means. The penalty for copyright infringement is six figures in U.S. dollars.

TechnicalJobSearch.com has made no expressed or implied guarantees, warranties or other representations of any kind about the consequences of your using this free cover letter template to land a job. If you use this free cover letter template for any reason, you do so at your sole risk. TechnicalJobSearch.com shall have no liability from your using this cover letter template.

Download Cover Letter Template

Cover Letters > Example • Sample • Template

4,001 Business, Sales & Personal Letters