Cover Letter Template Free Download – Use With Resume for Initials, Core Skills & Industries
Purpose
The resume cover letter serves to further tie your understanding of the available job to your unique experiences. Together with other career materials, such as resume, references, and portfolio samples, your cover letter submission summarizes (in paragraph form) your value proposition or brand to the hiring manager, who just might choose you for that next career opportunity.
Download this template to create a cover letter (also known as a job application letter). Its style (formatting and layout) matches a resume template we created, which can download and customize, too. If you’re looking to create a consistent brand, match the style of your resume to your letter. It’s kind of like having your own professional stationery.
Template Header Box for Initials
With this template, you establish a simple but unique format, with the colored box at the top of the screen; use it for your initials.
Set the Stage
In your first paragraph, mention how you heard about or found the available position. Include a requisition number if you found it online, or the name of the person who referred you to the job. You also need to list the job title and other key information that you know (department name, manager or team information, and company name).
Most importantly, include a brief synopsis of why you believe you’re qualified to fill the role, in terms of how it will benefit the organization to which you are applying. These details can reference on-the-job experience, education, promotions, and more.
Build the Story
In the next paragraph or two, connect your unique accomplishments, awards, promotions, insights to the role and the expectations as indicated in the job ad. Highlight specific measurable results, such the amount of revenue increase that happened because of your project or in your department over time, or how you saved money (maximizing efficiency, upskilling current employees rather than hiring more), or the number of people in an audience you reached or converted, to build your story. The details, rather than just generic statements about being a good fit or business jargon quotes, make you stand out among the numerous competitors applying for most jobs.
Close with Actions
Show your enthusiasm and interest in an interview, and make it easy for the employer to know how to reach you. But in addition to asking for their action, include your own action statement. For example, as a follow up to submitting your resume and cover letter, will you call or email the account manager or recruiter to continue to show your interest and ability to follow through? If so, let them know when you’ll reach out.
If you’re submitting the letter with other job material, such as the resume, make a note at the bottom indicating there are enclosures (or attachments if applying online).
Now you’re ready to download the template! While you’re at it, here’s the matching resume template.
| This template is free to download and customize for your own use. However, DO NOT REDISTRIBUTE OR REBRAND AS YOUR OWN ORIGINAL DESIGN for posting to online sources or for business profit. |