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You finally perfected your resume — only to realize the application also wants a cover letter. The dreaded cover letter.
How long should it be? Do you really need to include your full address and the hiring manager’s? And what are you even supposed to say that isn’t already in your resume? You could just type “I need a job” 150 times and call it a day, but let’s aim a little higher.
If you’re stuck repeating your resume in paragraph form or just want a template that’s a step up from a plain Word doc, you’re in the right place.
In this guide, you’ll get:
- 30+ customizable Microsoft Word cover letter templates.
- Tips to tweak those templates so they’re polished and modern.
- A step-by-step breakdown of how to write your cover letter.
Want to skip the writing part altogether? Try our AI Cover Letter Builder. And if you’re looking for more cover letter wisdom, check out these guides:
- Cover Letter vs. Resume: What’s the Difference?
- Do You Even Need a Cover Letter?
- How to Format a Cover Letter
- Tips for Writing an Excellent Cover Letter
- How to Write a Cover Letter for an Internship
Sample Microsoft Word Cover Letter Templates
Here’s our curated list of the best free Microsoft Word cover letter templates — many come with matching resume templates to make you look even more organized and professional.
Quick note: some of these templates include the hiring manager’s full details along with yours. That’s great for a printed cover letter, but not so much for digital applications. If you’re applying online, just include the date, your city and state (or country), phone number, and email.
If you want some Rezi options, check out our 180+ Free Cover Letter Templates & Samples.
CV cover letter template
This template stands out with its clear layout and subtle color, though the placement of the contact details can be a bit confusing. After writing your cover letter, remove the “Curriculum Vitae” text and the hiring manager’s address.
Blue cover letter template
This template’s near one-column layout keeps things professional and simple, while the blue accent adds a touch of personality. To reduce empty space at the bottom, try moving the date just above “Dear Recipient’s Name.”
Simple bold cover letter template
With the bold name placement and neatly aligned addresses, this template makes a strong first impression. Its modern structure is especially great for creative fields.
Project management cover letter template
Minimalist and distraction-free, this template keeps the focus on key details. The initials in the corner add a personal touch, and the enlarged name with a clear header line makes contact details easy to find.
Basic management cover letter template
Structured and sleek, this template uses dividing lines to organize each section, while the purple adds a nice touch. If your text goes beyond the divider, consider lengthening the line to keep the layout balanced.
ATS cover letter template
This simple, professional template is designed for readability. The sectioned-off header ensures recruiters can quickly find your contact details, making it a solid choice for any industry.
Stylish cover letter template
This modern cover letter template pairs well with its matching resume. The green adds personality without being too flashy, though the date doesn’t need to be highlighted in green. Keep the font size between 10 and 12 pt so the recruiter doesn’t have to squint.
Modern cover letter template
This cover letter’s bold colors make it perfect for creative industries. Consider removing the summary under the name to keep the focus on the main paragraphs of your cover letter. To make it even more glamorous, pair it with the matching resume.
Classic cover letter template
This template blends professionalism with modernity with its green accents and border lines. Keep spacing consistent, and if you want to maximize space, move the recipient’s address next to your contact details (or delete it altogether).
Blue simple cover letter template
Sleek and stylish, this template features a bold blue sidebar that draws attention to key details. Remove the objective section — it’s unnecessary for a cover letter. Instead of listing skills separately, weave them naturally into your paragraphs.
Orange cover letter template
The orange and blue background adds vibrancy while keeping the focus on the content. The single-line contact details free up space for your key selling points. Don’t repeat your phone number or list your availability, and focus on describing your career highlights instead.
Blue classic cover letter template
A subtle pop of color gives this cover letter personality without distracting from the content. There’s no need for a summary at the top — focus on aligning your goals with the job in the main body.
Bold yellow cover letter template
Putting your name in bold yellow makes this cover letter instantly stand out. The layout is clean, with plenty of space between sections and paragraphs for easy reading.
Constructed cover letter template
This modern, well-structured template stands out with its off-white background and neatly divided sections. Swap the bullet points for paragraphs — bullet points work in some cases, but cover letters should primarily read like a letter, not a resume.
Standard cover letter template
Basic yet well-organized, this template clearly separates the applicant’s and employer’s details (consider leaving out the employer’s details though). Use the extra space wisely: start with a strong opening, follow up with one to three body paragraphs, and close with a solid sign-off.
Basic cover letter template
This cover letter is minimalist and polished, with a touch of green for sophistication. Your first and last name in different colors adds a bit of style too. In your opening, be specific about why you’re excited about the role and why you’re a great fit.
Letterhead cover letter template
The simplicity of this cover letter keeps the focus on the content. Consider swapping Garamond for a better font like Arial, Calibri, or Helvetica (10–12 pt). The red is a nice touch, and if you have a personal logo, this is a great place to add it.
Playful cover letter template
This cover letter has a fun and colorful design that adds personality without overshadowing the text. It’s suitable for creative roles rather than traditional corporate jobs. The paragraph structure is just right — three to five works best.
Pinstripes cover letter template
This cover letter is creative but still very professional. It’s versatile enough for creative and traditional fields. Move your website and email to the top near your address so recruiters don’t have to hunt for them.
Colorful cover letter template
This cover letter is modern and eye-catching but may be tricky for ATS systems due to the background color and layout. To improve ATS compatibility, move your contact details up beside your name and switch to a single-column format with clear paragraph spacing.
Sales cover letter template
This cover letter is simple, ATS-friendly, and polished. To make it even more ATS-friendly, shorten the opening paragraph and remove the hiring manager’s details on the right. The capitalized name at the top looks professional and confident, while the blue greeting adds a nice touch.
ATS classic cover letter template
This cover letter is neat and well-structured. Remove the hiring manager’s details and use the extra space to highlight an additional career achievement, making you even more hirable.
Industry manager cover letter template
The subtle color makes this cover letter stand out without being too much. The one-column layout is highly ATS-friendly. The date doesn’t need to be emphasized as much.
Extended cover letter template
This template looks modern and fresh with its move away from the standard white background. The large header reduces space for your content, making it a better fit for entry-level applicants who don’t need extra paragraphs. Also, increasing paragraph spacing would improve readability.
Bold cover letter template
This cover letter is modern and stylish, but only include a photo if it’s industry standard (e.g. entertainment, modeling). It’s unnecessary for most roles, like nursing. Instead of one big paragraph, structure it with an opening, one to three body paragraphs, and a closing statement before the sign-off.
Modern initials cover letter template
The contact information is put at the end of this cover letter, so move it to the top for better visibility and remove the hiring manager’s details. If the large header feels too bold, size it down to 20–24 pt, which is still eye-catching but balanced.
Classic monochrome cover letter template
The bold fonts make navigation easy, but you can maximize space by removing the hiring manager’s details and the summary. That way, you have more room to talk about key achievements.
Simple cover letter template
The dramatic black header grabs attention, while the single-line contact info keeps things tidy. Ditch the recipient’s details and keep the format to one clean column.
Elegant cover letter template
This cover letter is tasteful and polished, with an optional floral design that adds a creative touch if it suits your industry. The italicized profession is a nice detail, and with the hiring manager’s info removed, there’s plenty of room to expand on your experience.
Web developer cover letter template
This modern cover letter is versatile enough to work well for web developers and other professionals. Use the space wisely to show why you’re the perfect fit — keep it engaging and relevant.
White minimalist cover letter template
The blue headings and dividers make this cover letter easy to read. Skip the photo unless it’s specifically requested, like in modeling or acting jobs. Keep paragraphs balanced and avoid long blocks of text.
How to Make a Cover Letter on Microsoft Word
In short: your cover letter should begin with your contact details and a professional greeting. Kick things off with an opening that grabs attention, then dive into your achievements and skills with real examples. Close by reaffirming your enthusiasm and inviting the hiring manager to chat. And always remember to customize it for each job, focusing on qualifications that align with the role and company culture.
1. List your contact details
Start your cover letter with your name (bold and larger, around 20–24 pt) at the top, followed by your location (city and state or country), phone, and email. Don’t forget to add the date.
For a digital application, don’t write the company’s full address — just putting the hiring manager’s name in the greeting is fine.
If sending a physical copy, list the recipient’s full name, job title, company, and address.
2. Go for a professional greeting
Whenever possible, address your cover letter to a specific person, like “Dear Mr. Park” or “Dear Ms. Park.” It adds a personal touch and shows attention to detail.
If you can’t find the hiring manager’s name or aren’t sure about their gender, “Dear Hiring Manager” is the next best thing. Avoid “to whom it may concern” — it’s outdated and impersonal.
3. Write an impressive opening paragraph
Your first few lines should grab attention — maybe an impressive achievement, a mutual connection, or a genuine reason you’re excited about the role.
State which position you’re applying for and highlight a key strength or career accomplishment that makes you a great fit.
Mention something specific about the company to show you’ve done your homework.
For help crafting the perfect opening, read How to Start a Cover Letter.
4. Describe your best achievements and skills
Your cover letter isn’t just a repeat of your resume — it’s your chance to add depth to your experience and show why you’re right for the job. Instead of listing skills, connect them to real achievements that prove your value.
List relevant experience, accomplishments, and key strengths that align with the job. If you can, use numbers to highlight your impact. For example, “with my expertise in customer service, I reduced customer complaints by 30% in my first year.”
Keep it concise — stick to one to three clear, focused paragraphs and avoid rambling.
5. Wrap it up with a strong closing
Reaffirm your enthusiasm for the role and mention one last impressive skill or achievement.
Invite further discussion with a simple call to action like “I’d love the opportunity to chat more about how I can contribute to your team.”
Finally, sign off professionally with “Sincerely” or “Best regards,” followed by your full name.
For more examples, explore our guide on How to End a Cover Letter.
6. Tailor your cover letter to each job
Customize your cover letter for each job you apply to. It shows you’re genuinely interested.
- Research the company and mention something specific that excites you, like a recent project or their mission. For example, “I admire [Company Name]’s recent push for sustainability, which aligns with my background in eco-friendly product development.”
- Talk about the key qualifications from the job posting and connect them to your skills and accomplishments. An example: “I noticed the job requires proficiency in project management software, which I’ve used extensively to track project timelines, collaborate with teams, and meet deadlines, achieving a 95% on-time delivery rate for my past projects.”
- Include relevant keywords from the job description to help your cover letter beat the Applicant Tracking System (ATS).
Summary
Here’s a recap of the key points about using a Microsoft Word cover letter template:
- Microsoft Word templates range from minimalistic and professional to bold and creative. Choose one that suits your industry and personality.
- Avoid templates with heavy design elements (colors, columns) that might not be ATS-friendly. Keep it as clean as possible for better readability.
- Remove sections like hiring manager details (only needed for printed letters) and summaries or objectives.
- Use a professional font (Arial, Helvetica, Verdana, or Calibri) between 10–12 pt, stay consistent with spacing, and make sure your name and contact details are easy to find at the top.
- Don’t just repeat your resume — highlight achievements, show why you’re excited about the role, and how you’ll bring value to the company.
- Address the hiring manager by name if possible. If not, go with “Dear Hiring Manager” instead of “To whom it may concern.”
- Capture attention in your first paragraph with an impressive accomplishment or why you’re genuinely interested in the opportunity.
- Customize your cover letter for each job by mentioning specific job requirements and company values.
- End on a positive note, such as “I’d love the opportunity to discuss how I can contribute.”
FAQ
What are the three main things needed in a cover letter?
A cover letter needs an introduction, a body, and a closing paragraph. Start by introducing yourself and explain why you’re excited about the role. In the body, talk about your achievements and explain how they match the job’s requirements. Wrap up with a strong closing, expressing your eagerness to contribute and inviting the employer to discuss further.
Are cover letters necessary?
Cover letters are important because they let you explain exactly why you’re the perfect fit for the job. They give you a chance to show off your personality, enthusiasm, and motivation — things that might not come through as clearly on a resume.
Should my cover letter be a PDF or Word?
Unless the job listing specifically asks for a Word document, always submit your cover letter as a PDF. PDFs preserve your formatting, so you don’t risk your letter looking weird when opened on a different device.
Do cover letters need a template?
Cover letters don’t need a template, but using one can help you stay organized and hit all the right points. If you use a template, make sure it’s simple, clean, and matches the tone of your application. A template can give you a good starting structure, but always customize it to fit the job.
What should I not include in a cover letter?
Avoid including irrelevant work experience, a list of duties, or personal info like family status or reasons for leaving past jobs. Don’t repeat your resume or use generic phrases like “To whom it may concern” or “I don’t have experience in this area but…” Instead, focus on your strengths and show how you can add value to the company.
What is the best MS Word font for a cover letter?
The best options are fonts like Calibri, Arial, Helvetica, or Verdana. Stick with a font size between 10 and 12 pt for readability. Avoid decorative fonts — it’s not the place to be creative.
