Let’s be honest — not every recruiter takes the time to read cover letters. Some skim through or skip them entirely. So, if your cover letter’s chances are already slim, don’t make it worse by sending a resume that won’t even pass the first round of screenings.
In today’s world of Pinterest boards and Instagram aesthetics, it’s easy to get carried away with design. But those flashy colors and graphics could hurt your chances with ATS scanners — and even if they do get through, they might distract from your content.
I’ve sifted through countless Google Docs cover letter templates that balance professionalism with personality. This guide will cover:
- Our Rezi cover letter templates and examples.
- A range of free Google Docs cover templates.
- How to make a cover letter on Google Docs.
Check out more cover letter guides for tips and examples:
- Are Cover Letters Necessary?
- What Should a Cover Letter Include?
- Basic Cover Letter Tips and Examples
- 52 Skillful Cover Letter Examples for 2024
Rezi Cover Letter Templates
Our Rezi cover letter templates don’t rely on flashy designs or bright colors — and that’s exactly the point. Recruiters focus on your content, not your style. Our no-nonsense approach ensures you get past ATS scanners and make a professional first impression.
Quick heads up: Our templates are designed to be edited directly in-app, with the help of our AI writer, and saved as PDFs (which is the best practice). But don’t worry — if you prefer editing in Google Docs, we’ve got plenty of other templates for you further down.
Here are some examples of our free Rezi cover letter templates:
Student Cover Letter Template
Your Student Cover Letter should focus on what you have done — volunteering, coursework, or projects that built relevant skills. Highlight how your education deepened your industry knowledge. End with a strong closing that ties your skills and goals to the job.
No experience? Find out more: Craft a Winning Cover Letter with Zero Experience
Sales Cover Letter Template
Make your Sales Cover Letter personal by mentioning your admiration for the company’s product or service. Connect your skills to their goals and use real examples to prove your impact. Instead of just listing skills, show how you’ve used them to deliver results.
Check out more cover letter templates for different industries and experience levels: 180+ Cover Letter Templates for All Jobs
5 Google Docs Cover Letter Templates
While Google Docs doesn’t offer specific cover letter templates, it does provide standard letter templates that can easily be customized for your cover letter needs. The catch? They don’t offer much guidance, which isn’t helpful for new job-seekers. But the upside? They’re already on Google Docs — no need to worry about transferring files from other websites.
Here are five letter templates straight from the Google Docs gallery:
Spearmint Cover Letter Template
The Spearmint Cover Letter is a simple template that keeps the focus on your words while adding a subtle touch of green. It has plenty of white space, so you can expand on your experiences without it feeling cluttered. If applying online, check if you need the recipient’s full address.
Swiss Cover Letter Template
The Swiss Cover Letter has everything aligned to the right, with your name, title, and contact details to the left. Since space is tighter, it’s a smart pick if you’re newer to the field and want a concise cover letter. A bold red accent also helps highlight key details to make them stand out.
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Geometric Business Cover Letter Template
The Geometric Business Cover Letter centers your main content while adding modern geometric touches in purple and pink. It’s ideal for creative roles or companies with a more relaxed culture. The design is stylish but subtle, so your words remain the star of the show.
Modern Writer Business Cover Letter Template
The Modern Writer Business Cover Letter uses a coding-style font that’s a solid choice for tech roles at more casual companies. The design stays professional, with just a few pops of color. I recommend swapping out “Your Company” for your name to keep it professional.
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Informal Cover Letter Template
The Informal Cover Letter could work for jobs that encourage personality but don’t overdo it. A casual tone can work for creative or small businesses, but it’s best to tweak it. Shrink the greeting, address the hiring manager directly, and always sign off professionally. No “lots of love”— stick with “Best regards.”
5 SmashingDocs Cover Letter Templates for Google Docs
SmashingDocs makes finding and editing Google Docs templates super simple with just three clicks. They offer a range of cover letter options with helpful guidance to help you with the writing process.
Here’s how to convert SmashingDocs cover letter templates into Google Docs:
- Visit smashingdocs.com and search Cover Letter Templates.
- Choose your desired template and click Edit template.
- Wait a few seconds, then click Make a copy.
Check out the best customizable cover letter templates from the site:
Simple Cover Letter Template
The Simple Cover Letter is both a guide and a cover letter, helping you structure each paragraph for maximum impact. A touch of blue highlights your current job title, giving recruiters instant insight into your expertise. Your name stands out in bold but doesn’t steal space from your content.
Clean and Crisp Cover Letter Template
The Clean and Crisp Cover Letter includes a blue strip at the top that puts your contact details front and center, so recruiters don’t have to search for it. Your name and job title are also big and bold for instant recognition. Plus, built-in writing tips help you write a compelling cover letter that adds real value.
Simple Pro Cover Letter Template
The Simple Pro Cover Letter makes your name the star of this template — displayed in bold red for an eye-catching first impression. Your contact details are neatly arranged in a single line, leaving plenty of space to write. Plus, the guidance ensures each section of your letter is well-structured.
Bold Red Cover Letter Template
The Bold Red Cover Letter includes a striking red banner at the top, making sure your name, title, and contact information immediately stand out. The italic font gives it a unique look, but I’d recommend switching to a standard font for a more readable and modern feel.
Monochrome Cover Letter Template
The Monochrome Cover Letter includes personal branding, with a design feature showing your initials — great for creative or design-focused roles. A black border and subtle corner details add a stylish edge. However, the border can take up precious space if you have a lot to say.
10 Canva Cover Letter Templates for Google Docs
Canva offers plenty of templates, graphics, and easy-to-use design tools. While there are plenty of “creative” designs available, don’t get tempted by all the pretty colors. Simplicity is key when designing a professional cover letter.
Here’s how to move your Canva template to Google Drive (you’ll need a Canva account):
- Visit canva.com, click Design spotlight, and then select Browse Canva templates.
- Type cover letters in the search bar.
- Filter to see free templates and click Customize this template.
- Hit Share in the top right, then click See all and scroll to Google Drive.
- Save the file, then go to your Google Drive.
- Right-click the document and select Open with → Google Docs.
Tip: Edit your resume in Canva before transferring it to maintain the original formatting.
Take a look at my top picks for professional Canva cover letter templates:
Classic Professional Cover Letter Template
The Classic Professional Cover Letter has a black-and-white design with a mix of standard, italic, and capitalized fonts to add structure. It’s set up with two paragraphs, but breaking it into three makes it more readable. There’s also space for a signature to add a professional touch.
Clean Cover Letter Template
The Clean Cover Letter guides you through what to include in each paragraph — though some tips are pretty basic, so I suggest doing extra research. A bold blue header highlights your name, with plenty of space to outline your experiences and goals.
White and Green Cover Letter Template
The White and Green Cover letter features a gray background, giving this template a formal edge for more traditional roles. However, I recommend moving your contact details higher and increasing the text size to make your main content easier to read.
Simple Style Cover Letter Template
The Simple Style Cover Letter has a beige banner at the top, giving this template a modern touch while keeping things professional. The built-in writing tips are genuinely helpful, offering guidance on content, tone, and structure.
Minimalistic Cover Letter Template
The Minimalistic Cover Letter has a sleek design that splits the background into white and gray, adding a creative look. The white section highlights your name and even allows for a personal logo. However, I’d suggest breaking the content into three paragraphs for better readability.
Clean Lines Cover Letter Template
The Clean Lines Cover Letter includes a subtle border and minimalist design to give this template a polished feel while adding a touch of creativity. It’s already structured into four paragraphs, making it easy to keep your points clear and concise.
Pastel Blue Cover Letter Template
The Pastel Blue Cover Letter has a soft blue banner that draws attention to your name and contact information while keeping the design simple. The template offers advice, but some tips (like using bullet points) aren’t ideal for a cover letter. Still, its clean layout makes it a good choice for ATS scanners.
White and Red Cover Letter Template
The White and Red Cover Letter is a straightforward template that keeps the focus on your content, with a touch of red to highlight your name. It includes an image section, but unless the job posting specifically asks for a photo, it’s best to remove it — some hiring systems may even reject resumes with pictures.
Classic Style Cover Letter Template
The Classic Style Cover Letter features an off-white banner and serif font, giving this template a traditional feel, while the sans-serif body keeps it easy to read. It’s formatted into four paragraphs, giving you space to detail your experience without overcrowding the page.
Black and White Cover Letter Template
The Black and White Cover Letter has a tech-friendly design, with a coding-style font for the name and date — great for casual tech roles. The rest of the layout stays simple, with plenty of white space to expand on your experiences while keeping things readable.
How to Create a Cover Letter in Google Docs?
Short answer:
To create a cover letter in Google Docs, log into your Google account, open Google Drive, and select New > Google Docs > From template. You can choose a template under “Letters,” though Google Docs doesn’t have specific cover letter options. Opt for a professional design with minimal colors and a modern font like Arial or Calibri. Structure your letter with a strong opening, compelling body, and confident closing. Personalize the content to match the job description, then proofread for clarity. Save it as a PDF to preserve formatting before submitting your application.
1. Create a Google account
Before you can use Google Docs, you’ll need a Google account. If you don’t have one, head to Google’s website, click “Create an account,” and follow the steps. Once you’re signed up, log in, and you’re good to go. If you already have an account, just sign in and start writing.
2. Choose a professional template
To find the template gallery in Google Drive, click “New” > “Google Docs” > “From template.” Under “Letters,” you’ll find some basic templates, though they’re not specifically for cover letters. That said, it’s worth exploring templates beyond Google Docs (which are honestly pretty generic).
For more structured options, check out Rezi's ATS-friendly cover letter templates. Canva also has a bunch of designs, but they often include too many visuals, which can hurt your chances with ATS scanners.
Overall, stick to professional designs with minimal colors and images. Opt for modern resume fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Helvetica, and keep your font size between 10 and 12 points. You can also make sure your cover letter style and font choices match your resume for a cohesive job application.
Learn more about the right formatting: How to Format a Cover Letter
3. Follow a cover letter guideline
Want to make a memorable first impression? Tailor each cover letter to the job and company. I’m not saying you need to rewrite the whole thing every time, but having a solid outline and making some tweaks can make all the difference.
Here’s a quick overview of a cover letter structure:
- Professional greeting: Address the hiring manager by their title (Mr/Ms) and last name to open your cover letter.
- Strong opening paragraph: Mention the job you’re applying for and why you’re enthusiastic about the opportunity.
- Impactful main body: Highlight key skills and achievements that make you a great fit.
- Concise closing paragraph: Reaffirm your interest, include a call to action, and end your cover letter with a professional sign-off.
Tailor your letter to the job description by weaving in relevant skills and keywords. Show the hiring manager why you’re a great fit — not just for the role, but for the company’s culture. Research their mission and values, and mention what excites you about working there.
And don’t just rehash your resume — focus on one or two standout achievements and explain their impact. The STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) can help keep your storytelling focused and engaging.
Find out more about how to structure your paragraphs: What Should a Cover Letter Include? 5 Key Elements
4. Fill in and edit your details
Once you’ve chosen a professional design, click on the template and start customizing. Replace the placeholder text with your details and tweak the formatting as needed. Google Docs auto-saves your work, so don’t worry about losing progress.
Personalize your letter by aligning it with the job posting — use keywords naturally and back them up with real examples. Show enthusiasm for the company and let your personality shine through. Employers don’t just want skills; they want someone who fits their team and culture.
5. Download your cover letter
Once you’re happy with your letter, save it in the right format. Click “File” > “Download” and choose PDF to keep your formatting intact. Some job postings may ask for Word files, so check the requirements before submitting.
Summary
Here’s an overview of all you need to know when creating a cover letter for Google Docs:
- Opt for a professional design that’s easy to read, with clear section breaks and minimal distractions.
- Avoid text boxes, columns, and excessive graphics that may confuse Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). Simple designs with standard fonts work best.
- If the template includes color, it should be subtle rather than overwhelming the content. Some templates also allow space for a personal logo, which can be useful for creative professionals or freelancers.
- Choose a template that allows for easy personalization so you can tweak and tailor your cover letter to the job description and company culture.
- Matching your resume style by aligning with your resume’s font, spacing, and overall format to create a cohesive application.
- Some templates offer built-in tips or placeholders, making it easier to structure your letter and include the right information if you’re new to cover letter writing.
- Include your name, contact information, and the date at the top. Some templates also feature a subtle design element to make your name stand out.
- A well-organized template includes a greeting, an engaging introduction, a compelling main body, and a confident closing.
- Keep your cover letter to one page and ensure the template doesn’t have unnecessary white space that makes it feel incomplete.
- Proofread your cover letter and pay attention to your spacing, typos, and wording before submitting your final version as a PDF document.
FAQ
Does Google Docs have a cover letter template?
Not exactly. Google Docs offers letter templates in the “Template Gallery,” but they’re for standard letters, not specifically for cover letters. You’ll need to adjust the formatting, structure, and content to match a professional cover letter. Try Rezi or GooDocs for more options (just avoid overly designed templates that might not work with ATS).
How to do a letter format in Google Docs?
Open Google Docs > File > Page setup to adjust margins (1 inch is standard). Use a professional font like Arial, Calibri, or Helvetica (10–12 pt). Structure it with a header, greeting, introduction, body, and closing. Keep it single-spaced, with a blank line between paragraphs for readability. Also, save it as a PDF to maintain formatting when submitting.
What does a good cover letter look like?
A strong cover letter is concise, well-structured, and tailored to the job. Start with an engaging introduction, highlight key skills and achievements in the body, and close with a call to action. Keep it one-page max, avoid repetition, and ensure the tone is professional yet personable. You can also use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to help structure your expertise, achievements, and goals.
Where is the template gallery in Google Docs?
The Template Gallery is at the top of the Google Docs homepage. Click it to see available templates under “Letters.” If you don’t see it, go to Google Drive > New > Google Docs > From a template.
And just a heads up, when you type “Google Docs templates” into Google, you may see the site “gdoc.io.” These are not official Google Docs templates, and you can only edit them on Google Slides.
How to create a Harvard cover letter template in Google Docs?
Harvard’s cover letter format is simple and professional. In Google Docs, set 1-inch margins, left-align text, and use a standard font. Structure it with your contact details, date, recipient information, greeting, introduction, body, and closing. If needed, refer to Harvard’s career services for official formatting guidelines.
