Free Cover Letter Template

What is a cover letter?

Your cover letter is your pitch –  it is an important document to introduce yourself and the value you could bring to the role. It also reflects your keen interest in the role as you now have done good research of the company and the role you are applying for.

How is a cover letter different from a resume?

The cover letter introduces you, while your resume outlines your related career history, credentials, dates, and detailed information about your skills and experience. It outlines why you’re applying for the job and gives a quick rundown of your qualifications and experience.

Cover letters will help you fill in the gaps that might exist if an interviewer just looks at your resume. Your cover letter, for example, will clarify topics like interstate migration, job changes, times of unemployment, and other aspects that might be unclear by just reading your resume. Writing a resume? Read this

Here is a cover letter template to help you write a cover letter. But first, let’s discuss the key elements and how to structure a cover letter.

SO, WHAT SHOULD A COVER LETTER INCLUDE?

Salutation:

A professional greeting that addresses the hiring manager by name (if possible). Make the letter as personal as possible to ensure that it grabs the attention of the individual who will be reading the application. Consider the following suggestions:

• Double-check the spelling of names and titles.
• Double-check the spellings.
• If you don’t have the information you can as well call the organisation and request information on the right person this letter should be addressed to.
• If you are unable to find the name and details, you can address the letter to ‘The employer’ and use ‘Sir/Madam’ in the greeting.
• It’s best to begin cover letters with ‘Dear …’

Introduction:

The introduction is self-explanatory. It is an attention-grabbing opening paragraph with your introduction and expresses your interest in the role you are applying for. Give one good reason why you should be hired.

The introduction should include the following:

• the position you’re applying for.
• If the position is not advertised, you can mention the area of your interest.
• Describe how you learned about the job – Job sites, social media, website, referral
• If you were recommended by someone, please make sure you mention their name.

Body

Keep this section concise. To begin with, make some positive comments about the company and the reason you want to work here. This could be something the company takes pride in, their reputation, values, culture, product, CSR.

• Leverage bullet points to point out key messages.
• Not more than two paragraphs;
• Discuss your relevant professional experience and achievements
• How you bring value to your current role and company
• Skills and Qualification – listed in the job advertisement.

Closing:

Here we will discuss how to end a cover letter. Always finish the cover letter in a professional manner. Thank the hiring manager for considering the application. Close the last paragraph with a CTA. This could be requesting the hiring manager to contact you. Conclude with Yours Sincerely and Your Full Name.

EMAIL COVER LETTERS

You could be asked to include the cover letter as an email attachment rather than a separate text. If this is the case, you should:

• Remember to include the recipient’s name in the email body;
• Avoid formatting the email body like a conventional letter – leaving out the contact information and go straight to the “Dear XXX” section.
• Sign off with a professional signature that contains the phone number at the bottom of the email.

Download your cover letter template

Download and use this cover letter template as a guide to craft your cover letter. Edit the cover letter for each job you are applying for.

Follow these basic guidelines and use the cover letter template as your guide to creating an amazing cover letter to grab the hiring manager’s attention.

Like it? Feel free to share it with someone who is looking for a job.