Cover Letter Templates

Cover letter templates can provide you with some guidelines on the layout of the cover letter and what it should contain. A well-written cover letter could prompt the recipient to view your resume with interest and fetch you a call for the all-important interview. So please do pay attention to your cover letter.

Before you start looking for cover letter templates, here are a few general tips on writing effective cover letters.  Firstly, the visual appeal. Use good quality stationery and when printing, use fonts that are large enough to read well and have a professional look. The letter must be addressed to the right person with correct spelling and designation (which may require a bit of research such as calling the company and finding out the details.) The content of the letter must be simple and professional in tone and about half a page in length (stretching to a maximum of one page). The content should instantly highlight the qualities that make you the best candidate for the job. Think creatively and write persuasively and crisply. Put yourself in the manager’s shoes and present yourself in a manner that would attract his attention, which would simply read as how useful you could be to the organization’s bottom line. Once you are done with the draft, get it double-checked by another person or even a proofreader for spelling, grammar and overall readability. Add the most important bit i.e. closing the transaction by requesting time for an interview and mentioning the time when you would follow up. And having done that, please do follow up. 

Let us now get down to the cover letter template. Start the letter with your contact information such as your name, address, phone number and email address.

(1) Contact information
 Name
Address
City
State
Zip Code Phone Number (s)
Email Address

Follow it up with the date and employer’s contact information.

(2) Date

(3) Employer’s contact information
Name
Title
Organization
Address
City, State, Zip Code

The salutation is followed by the copy.

(4) Dear Mr./Ms. Last Name:

The body copy of your cover letter would be as follows:
(a) First paragraph
Briefly indicates the position you have applied for.
Mention clearly and in a professional manner the position applied for. Where necessary, include name of a mutual contact

(b) Second paragraph
Why you are the best candidate for the job (why the employer should select you)
This section should sell you to the employer. Your qualities, experience and characteristics should be presented here in the best fit for the job applied for. Using bullets to get your point across presents your argument with more clarity.

and (c) Third paragraph
Follow up.
This paragraph thanks the employer for considering your application and indicate your follow-up procedure. State the date when you would be following up thus closing the transaction.

The end of the letter.

(4) Respectfully yours,

Handwritten Signature (for a mailed letter)

Typed Signature 

Good luck!