Should I always send a cover letter even if it's optional?

Yes, in most cases. Submitting a cover letter when it's optional shows initiative and gives you additional space to connect your experience to the specific role, which a resume cannot do.

What should I do if I don't know the hiring manager's name?

Try to find the name on the company website, LinkedIn, or by calling the company's main line. If you truly cannot find it, 'Dear Hiring Manager' or 'Dear [Department] Team' are acceptable alternatives.

How do I customize a cover letter for each job?

Reference the specific job title and company name, mention one or two things you genuinely know about the company, and mirror the language used in the job description to show alignment.

Should a cover letter be sent as a PDF or Word document?

PDF is generally preferred because it preserves formatting across all devices. However, follow the employer's instructions — some applicant tracking systems require Word format.

Free Cover Letter Template — Fill Out & Download Instantly

Free — No Sign-Up RequiredPDF & Word

⚠️

Informational use only. Not legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney for important legal matters.

Document Completeness8%

Your Full Name*

Your Address*

Your Email*

Your Phone Number*

Letter Date*

MM/DD/YYYY

Hiring Manager's Name

If unknown, leave blank and we'll use 'Hiring Manager'

Hiring Manager's Title

Company Name*

Company Address

Job Title You're Applying For*

How Did You Find This Job?*

Referral's Name

Relevant Experience*

Key Skills*

Why This Company?*

Closing*

Your Full Name*

Your Address*

Your Email*

Your Phone Number*

Letter Date*

MM/DD/YYYY

Hiring Manager's Name

If unknown, leave blank and we'll use 'Hiring Manager'

Hiring Manager's Title

Company Name*

Company Address

Job Title You're Applying For*

How Did You Find This Job?*

Referral's Name

Relevant Experience*

Key Skills*

Why This Company?*

Closing*

Your Full Name*

Your Address*

Your Email*

Your Phone Number*

Letter Date*

MM/DD/YYYY

Hiring Manager's Name

If unknown, leave blank and we'll use 'Hiring Manager'

Hiring Manager's Title

Company Name*

Company Address

Job Title You're Applying For*

How Did You Find This Job?*

Referral's Name

Relevant Experience*

Key Skills*

Why This Company?*

Closing*

Live Preview

100%

[Your Full Name]

[Your Address]

[Your Email] | [Your Phone Number]

[Letter Date]

[Company Name]

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am writing to express my strong interest in the [Job Title You're Applying For] position at [Company Name], which I discovered . After researching your organization and the role, I am confident that my background and skills make me an excellent candidate for this opportunity.

[Relevant Experience]

In addition to my experience, I bring the following key strengths to this role:

[Key Skills]

[Why This Company?]

I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my qualifications align with your needs. Thank you for your time and consideration — I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

[Your Full Name]

Document Completeness8%

Your Full Name*

Your Address*

Your Email*

Your Phone Number*

Letter Date*

MM/DD/YYYY

Hiring Manager's Name

If unknown, leave blank and we'll use 'Hiring Manager'

Hiring Manager's Title

Company Name*

Company Address

Job Title You're Applying For*

How Did You Find This Job?*

Referral's Name

Relevant Experience*

Key Skills*

Why This Company?*

Closing*

Your Full Name*

Your Address*

Your Email*

Your Phone Number*

Letter Date*

MM/DD/YYYY

Hiring Manager's Name

If unknown, leave blank and we'll use 'Hiring Manager'

Hiring Manager's Title

Company Name*

Company Address

Job Title You're Applying For*

How Did You Find This Job?*

Referral's Name

Relevant Experience*

Key Skills*

Why This Company?*

Closing*

Your Full Name*

Your Address*

Your Email*

Your Phone Number*

Letter Date*

MM/DD/YYYY

Hiring Manager's Name

If unknown, leave blank and we'll use 'Hiring Manager'

Hiring Manager's Title

Company Name*

Company Address

Job Title You're Applying For*

How Did You Find This Job?*

Referral's Name

Relevant Experience*

Key Skills*

Why This Company?*

Closing*

What Is a Cover Letter?

A cover letter is your first opportunity to make a memorable impression on a potential employer. This free cover letter template guides you through every essential section — from a professional opening that references the specific job, to a compelling body that highlights your most relevant experience and skills, to a confident closing that invites further conversation. Whether you're applying through a job board, company website, or a personal referral, a well-crafted cover letter sets you apart from applicants who submit a resume alone.

When Do You Need It?

You need a cover letter any time you apply for a job, internship, or professional program. Even when employers list it as optional, submitting a cover letter demonstrates initiative and professionalism. It is especially important when making a career change, when you were referred by someone, or when you want to explain employment gaps or unconventional qualifications that your resume alone cannot convey..

What's Included in This Template

Your full contact information header (name, address, email, phone)
Employer and hiring manager contact block
Professional date line
Opening paragraph referencing the specific position and how you found it
Body paragraph highlighting relevant experience tailored to the role
Skills paragraph connecting your strengths to the employer's needs
Company-specific paragraph showing your research and genuine interest
Professional closing with your chosen sign-off
Signature line

How to Fill It Out

Enter your contact information — Fill in your full name, mailing address, email address, and phone number at the top. This ensures the hiring manager can easily reach you.

Add employer and job details — Enter the hiring manager's name and title (if known), the company name and address, and the exact job title. Select where you found the job listing — if you were referred, provide the referral's name.

Describe your experience, skills, and motivation — In the three main text areas, summarize your most relevant work experience, list two to four key skills with brief examples, and explain specifically why you want to work for this company. Be concrete and avoid generic phrases.

Select a closing and download — Choose a professional closing (Sincerely, Best regards, or Respectfully), review the completed letter in the preview, and download it as PDF or Word to attach to your application.

Legal Requirements & Notes

A cover letter is a professional communication document and does not create any legal obligations. Ensure all statements made in your cover letter are truthful and accurate, as misrepresentation during the hiring process may be grounds for termination if discovered after employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

A cover letter should be no longer than one page — typically three to four paragraphs or 250–400 words. Hiring managers spend only seconds on initial screening, so brevity and clarity are essential.

Free Cover Letter Template — Fill Out & Download Instantly

What Is a Cover Letter?

When Do You Need It?

What's Included in This Template

How to Fill It Out

Legal Requirements & Notes

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Templates

Two Weeks Notice Letter

Letter of Recommendation Template

Personal Statement