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Cover Letter Templates you Download with One Click

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Microsoft Word Cover Letter Templates

Thesee free Word cover letters formats by Microsoft . They are freely editable to your liking. These formats work best in the newer versions of Word. Most of these templates are fully editable to your liking. Color, format and all the content, edit to make your own stunning cover letters! For free, with direct downloads.

Classey Casey

Clean Green

Edgy Edward

Geometric 1

Geometric 2

Jack Wilson

Download them directly with one click. The formats might not be compatible or work optimal with older verions of MS Word.

Little Grey

Retro Ricky 1

Retro Ricky 2

Retro Ricky 3

Simply Good

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Google Doc Cover Letter Templates

Swiss Template

Spearmint Template

Modern Template

Minimal Template

Free cover letter templates.

These cover letters have been made with the, absolutely free, cover letter tool (AI-assisted) from  Resume.io .

Here you can download the Pdf- & JPEG files, but with the tool, also in Word format, so you can keep editing them yourself.

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Use the cover letter builder tool and make matching resume’s. Fill in and download yours. Easy does it.

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How to end a cover letter.

A few good and quick tips on how to end your cover letter strong and convincing.

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Create a cover letter in 4 easy steps. Follow contextual instructions and tips for every section to make a compelling cover letter in moments.

Appealing Templates

Make a memorable first impression with a skillfully made cover letter. Don’t sweat over the formatting deets like fonts, margins, or spacing — focus on selling yourself instead!

Crisp Quality

Download your cover letter in PDF format to easily upload to online job posts, share via email, or hand it in personally.

Not Sure What to Write in a Cover Letter?

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Still Got Questions? We Have Answers!

What is the free app to create a cover letter.

Freesumes offers a popular free cover letter generator with premium-like features and without any account registration requirements. Use an intuitive online interface to write, design, and download a cover letter in PDF format.

Are there any 100% free cover letter templates?

Yes, Freesumes cover letter builder comes with a choice of 6 free professionally-designed cover letter templates. We also offer several more styles as direct downloads . Each template is optimized for optimal visibility and empowers you to make a strong first impression with a potential employer.

Do companies still like cover letters?

Absolutely. Every company expects to receive at least a short cover letter alongside other requested job application documents. In fact, a cover letter is your best marketing tool. Use it to give a preview of your skills and articulate your motivation for pursuing the advertised role. 

How can I create my own cover letter?

You can effortlessly create your own cover letter with Freesumes cover letter maker. The app guides you through each cover letter section, suggesting which information to put first. Once you’re happy with the result, you can instantly download a cover letter version, packed in a selected template in PDF format.

Should you sell yourself in a cover letter?

A hundred times YES. An effective cover letter will convince a potential employer that you’re the best fit for the job by selling your skills, qualifications, and personality. Using words, you should paint a picture of the future impact you could have in the company and articulate how your past experience could help the company hit its goals.

Which template is best for a cover letter?

The choice of a cover letter template depends on your industry. If you’re applying to a more traditional company, opt for a minimalistic cover letter template in black and white or gray scale. If you’re after a job in a more hyp, startup-like company, consider a more creative template, perhaps one featuring a photo or a professional tagline on top.

What does a modern cover letter look like?

A modern cover letter is a one-page, web-friendly document, most times in PDF format. Use an appropriate professional greeting (hello, hi) and the person’s or company name, instead of the old-fashioned “dear Sir/Madam” or the trite “To whom it may concern”. Modern cover letters are also more permissive in terms of design. You can use color (as long as it doesn’t affect readability) and include a headshot and professional tagline in the header area for  personal branding purposes.

Land the job with cover letter templates

Show hiring managers why you're the perfect job candidate with professional, customizable cover letter templates. find the perfect cover letter template for any industry or career path..

Download free cover letter templates

Stand out from other job applicants with free, professional cover letter templates. Cover letters are a perfect complement to your resume and provide an effective opportunity to show your personality and enthusiasm for a position. Focus on writing a compelling cover letter and let a professionally designed template do the rest.

These free cover letter templates are perfect for any stage of your career, whether you're looking to land an internship or your dream job. If you're applying for a corporate position, you may want to opt for a simple cover letter template. There are a variety of other cover letter designs available, from basic cover letter templates to creative cover letter templates.

Each of these cover letter templates is customizable in Word , so you can add your own text, change design elements, and more. Print out your cover letter or download it for free to use for online job applications. Once you've customized the perfect cover letter, explore resume templates that will match your cover letter design, or download free business cards for your next networking event.

Career and Professional Development

Career development planning.

When preparing your application materials, your tasks are to engage the reader, communicate your fit, articulate a vision of who you are, and demonstrate your potential as a future member of a team. The ultimate goal of your application packet is to be invited for an interview.

Review These Resume Samples For Each College!

School of architecture.

• Architecture Resume Example 1
• Architecture Resume Example 2

School of Engineering

• Engineering Resume Example 1
• Engineering Resume Example 2

School of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences

• GSAS Resume Example

Lally School of Management

• Business Management Resume Example
• Data Analytics Resume Example

School of Science/ITWS

• Biology Resume Example
• Chemistry Resume Example
• Computer Science/ITWS Resume Example
• Mathematics Resume Example
• Physics Resume Example

Developing Application Materials

Basic rules for a great resume.

• Limit to one page, unless you are a graduate student
• Use 10pt - 12pt font size 
• Use proper spelling and grammar 
• Avoid full sentences and paragraphs. For instance, instead of saying “ I developed a program targeted at reducing waste on campus, ” say “ Developed a program targeted at reducing waste on campus "
• List everything in reverse chronological order (most recent or current first) for the convenience of the reader 
• Remember to highlight your skills and courses you are taking. You can list current courses as well, but just denote in some way that they are current.  For example: Biomechanics (Spring 2021)
• Take off high school and high school activities by the end of your sophomore year (Exception: Eagle Scout is one accomplishment that stays on)
• Quantify your accomplishments if you can.  For example, a Membership Coordinator position in a student club could include something like “Increased membership by 10% through targeted outreach program to residence halls.”

Resume Review Materials

• Action Verbs  
• Resume Checklist
• Resume Template
• Sample Objectives
• Tailoring the Ideal "Scannable" Resume

Category Examples

• Skills 
• Relevant Courses
• Projects - This is important! This category can include class projects from courses like IED, Embedded Control, etc., and even personal projects. Depending on the number of projects, you may end up folding them into the Experience section.
• Honors/Accomplishments
• Publications

Describing Courses

Including courses on your resume can be a good way to highlight skills and keywords from those courses, particularly if you have not yet taken project-based courses that allow you to highlight projects on your resume.  

When describing courses, rather than just copying and pasting the course description, focus on what you did in the class.  For example, say something like:

Accounting for Decision Making (Spring 2024) Developed income statements, balance sheets, depreciation schedules, and profit projections in Excel.

Crafting Bullet Point Statements

Remember, the goal of your resume is to stand out.

• Did you make an impact? This is where quantifying can be important.
• Include significant responsibilities of the job (core duties)
• Include things that are directly relevant to the job for which you're applying

Consider What (was the task), Who (was impacted), How (did you do it) or Why (was it important)

• Take care not to go into too much detail. Be strategic with the details you include; that is, demonstrate what you are capable of doing without adding so much detail that the reviewer's eyes gloss over.
• Use Action Verb/Power Word, What/Who, Purpose, How/Why (to/by/resulting in/for)
• Recruit new students into international studies program by facilitating information sessions and implementing social media marketing campaign

Use Action Verbs (remember, action oriented statements)

• Avoid the terms “responsible for” or “duties include”

How many bullet points?

• Three to four per position/experience recommended
• No more than six

The Importance of Projects on a Resume

• Employers view projects as experience; through participating in projects, you are applying knowledge of skills such as coding, software, problem-solving and collaborating with others and leadership experience.
• If you have two or more projects to list, have a separate “Projects” header on your resume. If describing one or two projects, add them to your “Experience” header on the resume.
• When describing a project, include: the number of classmates on your team, if you took a lead role, your specific contribution to the project, and the software/coding used.

Here's an example:

Introduction to Engineering Design , RPI

Project Team Leader Fall 2023

• Led and collaborated with a team of 6 classmates to identify, understand, and solve engineering problems.
• Assigned responsibilities to the team and communicated regularly with them on their progress.
• Created a battery-powered car to go up an incline to a plateau and maintain its position against an opposing car coming up the incline from the other end.

Key Word Tips

• Read job descriptions carefully and use the same language in your resume where applicable.
• Describe your experience with concrete, active words rather than vague descriptions.  For example, it’s better to use “managed a team of software engineers” rather than “responsible for managing, training...”
• Use jargon and acronyms specific to your industry, and spell out the names of software you use, such as Microsoft Word and Lotus 1-2-3. 
• Take your cues from the job postings. If an employer writes the initials FEA (for Finite Element Analysis), you should also include this acronym on your resume rather than spelling it out.

Formatting Tips

• Use white or light colored 8 ½ x 11 paper, printed on one side only.
• Provide a laser printed original copy.
• Do not fold or staple your document when submitting your resume to a recruiter at an event. They may need to scan your resume into an applicant tracking system.
• Use standard typefaces as Arial, Helvetica, Futura, Optim, Times New Roman or Palatino.
• Use between a 10- and 12-point font.
• Do not condense spacing between letters.
• Use boldface and/or all capital letters for section headings as long as the letters don’t touch each
• Avoid italics,underlines, shadows, and reverse (white letters on black background). 
• Avoid vertical and horizontal lines, graphics and boxes.
• Avoid two -column format or resumes that look like newspapers or newsletters.

Application Tracking Systems

The use of applicant tracking software by employers to receive, store, manage, and retrieve prospective candidates’ resumes online is common. Understanding this technology can increase your chances of being contacted by an employer for an interview.  The two most important elements of your "scannable" resume are key words and formatting .  A human being will never see a resume that has been uploaded into applicant tracking software unless it has been first retrieved through a key word search. You must tailor your resume.

Cover Letter Writing

• Writing a Winning Cover Letter

Job Searching Websites & Tips

• Conducting an Effective Job Search
• H andshake FAQ
• LinkedIn: Basics
• LinkedIn: Networking
• Networking Tips for Alumni
• Seniors: Don't Walk Away without a Job!
• Your Job Search
• Micro-Internships through Parker Dewey

Frequently Asked Questions

Should i include my gpa.

• We recommend including your GPA if it is over 2.7.
• You can include in-major GPA, previous semester’s GPA, etc. but if you do so, always include your cumulative GPA as well.

Do I need an Objective?

Objectives are great for career fairs, as they give employers a general idea of what you are looking for/your timeline.  However, if you are applying online and writing a cover letter with your application, you do not necessarily need one. 

Do I need to include references on my resume?

No. Employers will ask for references if they need them.  Save the space for something else!

Can my resume be two pages?

Unless you are a graduate student, your resume should really just be one page.  We can help you decide what to cut out and/or keep!

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How to list volunteer work on your CV

Where to list volunteer work

Should you list volunteer work as employment, listing unrelated volunteer work on your cv, what types of volunteering could you include.

Volunteering your time and efforts is a noble pursuit, no matter the cause. There is a lot to be said for being selfless – giving without thought of getting anything back in return gives us a warm feeling inside. Nothing in return, that is, until it comes to writing a CV for a potential new job. Then, your volunteering experience may well prove beneficial.

Your curriculum vitae is not just the story of your career. Future employers want to understand your personality, motivations, and wider skills. Including any volunteer work relevant to the role in question is a great way of showing the hiring manager that there is more to you than your work experience. What you get up to in your free time also helps to shape you as a person – and may bring incremental benefits for the workplace.

With CV space at a premium, how to incorporate volunteer work into your career sales pitch is no simple matter. Are there transferable skills for the role in question? Are you sending the right message in terms of your personality? Could you be using that space for something else? In this blog, we explore the underlying issues and offer some examples:

What is the value of volunteer work?

How to list volunteer work on a cv, volunteer work examples.

• Transferable skills from your volunteering work

While it is normal to be paid well for a good job done, these extra roles often give a candidate a unique advantage in the eyes of a hiring manager. Might your volunteer work help you to stand out?

Volunteer work demonstrates a candidate's commitment, initiative, and ability to work in diverse environments, which are valuable to future employers. You do not have to be paid to add value. 

Volunteer work shows dedication to contributing positively to the community and indicates strong ethical values. Skills developed through volunteer work, such as teamwork, leadership, communication, and problem-solving, are transferable to any professional setting and are often no less valuable than those learned in a paid position.

Volunteering also highlights a candidate’s ability to manage time effectively while balancing multiple responsibilities. Employers value these experiences as they suggest the candidate is well-rounded, proactive, and capable of handling various challenges, making them a desirable addition to any team.

If you have been job searching longer than anticipated, you should consider finding a volunteer position that can help to bridge the gap. This helps when an employer notices you have been looking for a while—volunteering is a fantastic stop-gap measure that demonstrates your drive and passion.

It is a myth that volunteer work has no place on a CV. Any activity contributing to your personal and professional development should interest a hiring manager. They want to understand the nuts and bolts of your career story. If a volunteering activity has contributed to a certain (relevant) skill or ability, it has every right to be on your CV.

Volunteer work should either be listed on your CV in a dedicated "volunteer experience" section or incorporated into the "work experience" section, especially if it is relevant to the job you are applying for. Here’s how to decide where to place it: 

Dedicated section 

If you have substantial volunteer experience or if the volunteer work is highly relevant to the job, create a separate "volunteer experience" section. This highlights your commitment and the skills gained through unpaid work, demonstrating your well-rounded character and dedication.

Work experience section

If your volunteer work involved responsibilities similar to paid positions, or if it aligns closely with the job you're seeking, include it in the " work experience " section. This approach emphasises the relevance of your volunteer activities to the potential employer.

Regardless of where you list it, detail your roles, responsibilities, and achievements just as you would for paid work. This ensures that potential employers recognise the value and skills you developed through your volunteer efforts.

Listing volunteer work as employment can be appropriate if the roles and responsibilities closely resemble those of paid positions, demonstrating relevant skills and experience to potential employers. 

However, it's crucial to clearly label it as "volunteer work" to maintain transparency and avoid misleading potential employers. This honesty ensures that the experience is valued for its contributions and the skills gained without misrepresentation. 

Volunteer work shows dedication, initiative, and a willingness to contribute, which are highly regarded traits in any professional setting, but clarity about the nature of the work is essential for maintaining credibility.

It is important to list volunteer work in such a way that although your responsibilities may be the same as those of paid work, your accountability to the employer is undeniably different as you are not in a salaried employee relationship.

Including unrelated volunteer work on your CV can be a bad idea because it may distract from your relevant qualifications and experience.

Employers often spend only a few seconds scanning each CV, so making every word count is crucial. Listing unrelated volunteer work can take up space that could be better used to highlight your directly applicable skills, experiences, and achievements . 

Moreover, irrelevant information might give the impression that you lack focus or understanding of the role's requirements. By omitting unrelated volunteer work, you ensure that your CV remains concise, targeted, and highly relevant to the job you are applying for.

There will be plenty of organisations that will be happy for you to offer your assistance for free. Your future employer will likely not be too judgmental about where you have worked. What you learned from the experience is more important – make it clear in your CV how your volunteering experience benefited you.

Here are some of the most common activities for volunteers:

Healthcare volunteer : Assisting in hospitals or clinics, helping with patient care, administrative tasks, and supporting healthcare professionals.

Environmental volunteer : Participating in activities like tree planting, beach cleanups, and conservation projects to protect and preserve the environment.

Educational volunteer : Tutoring students, assisting teachers in classrooms, or providing educational workshops and programs in various subjects.

Animal shelter volunteer : Caring for animals, cleaning shelters, assisting with adoptions, and promoting animal welfare and responsible pet ownership.

Community outreach volunteer : Working with local organisations to support community events, food banks, and services for vulnerable populations.

Fundraising volunteer : Organising and running fundraising events, campaigns, and activities to raise money for charitable causes and non-profit organisations.

Mentoring volunteer : Providing guidance, support, and advice to young people or individuals in need, helping them achieve personal and professional goals.

Disaster relief volunteer : Assisting in emergency response efforts, providing aid and support to affected communities during natural disasters and crises.

There are a myriad of volunteer work examples. Depending on space constraints, you may include fewer bullet points (and even compress the title and date onto one line). While your volunteer assignments may take up less space than your paid work (and rightly so), it doesn’t mean they could make less of an impact.

Healthcare Assistant Volunteer St. Mary's Hospital, London, UK January 2022 - December 2022

• Assisted nurses and doctors in providing patient care, including monitoring vital signs and administering basic treatments.
• Supported patients with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and mobility, ensuring their comfort and safety.
• Organised and maintained medical supplies, ensuring the availability of necessary equipment.

Volunteer Conservation Coordinator Green Earth Initiative, Edinburgh, Scotland March 2018 - August 2020

• Participated in environmental conservation projects, increasing community participation by 40% and funding by 35%.
• Led successful initiatives such as tree planting drives, beach clean-up events, and educational workshops, raising over £15,000 for conservation efforts.
• Collaborated with local schools and businesses to promote sustainable practices and environmental awareness.

Volunteer Event Organiser Helping Hands Charity, Manchester, UK February 2019 - April 2021

• Organised fundraising events to support local homeless shelters, increasing donor participation by 25% and donations by 30%.
• Ran successful events, including charity runs, bake sales, and gala dinners, raising over £20,000 for various charity programs.
• Worked with local businesses and media to secure sponsorships and promote events, enhancing community engagement and visibility.

Animal Shelter Volunteer Paws and Whiskers Rescue, Manchester, UK June 2022 - Present

• Assisted in the daily care of animals, including feeding, grooming, and administering medications, ensuring a healthy and clean environment.
• Supported the adoption process by conducting interviews, home checks, and matching potential adopters with suitable pets, resulting in a 20% increase in successful adoptions.
• Maintained accurate records of animal health, behaviour, and adoption status, improving the shelter’s operational efficiency.

Useful skills from volunteer work

When contemplating the skills section on your CV, do not underestimate the skills you may have acquired from your volunteer work. These will likely more commonly be soft skills, but you may also acquire various more technical hard skills in certain industry sectors. Here are a few examples of volunteering skills to consider:

Teamwork : Volunteering often involves collaborating with others, which enhances the ability to work effectively in team-oriented environments.

Leadership : Leading projects or teams during volunteer work demonstrates the ability to guide and motivate others, a valuable trait for managerial positions.

Communication : Engaging with diverse groups improves communication skills, which is essential for clear and effective interaction with colleagues, clients, and stakeholders.

Time Management : Balancing volunteer duties with other commitments showcases strong organisational skills and the ability to prioritise tasks efficiently.

Problem-Solving : Addressing challenges during volunteer activities enhances critical thinking and the ability to develop innovative solutions.

Adaptability : Exposure to various situations in volunteer roles fosters flexibility and the capacity to adapt to changing circumstances.

Empathy : Working closely with different communities builds empathy and understanding, which is beneficial for creating a positive and inclusive workplace.

Project Management : Planning and executing volunteer projects hones project management skills, including setting goals, organising resources, and meeting deadlines.

Volunteer work can provide candidates with a range of hard skills valuable to future employers. Through organising events and coordinating activities, individuals can develop strong project management skills. Many volunteer roles involve data analysis, requiring the collection and interpretation of data to measure the effectiveness of programs. 

Additionally, proficiency in software such as Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and CRM systems can be gained through managing volunteer databases and communications. Creating newsletters, social media content, and detailed reports enhances communication skills. These experiences collectively offer a robust skill set that can be effectively applied in various professional environments.

Key takeaways

While much of the interview process will still be dedicated to your permanent (paid) work experience, volunteer work adds that extra dimension. After all, not everyone is passionate about doing something for others. Ensure you include it in the right way.

Highlight transferable skills gained through volunteer work to impress potential employers. Ensure volunteer roles are clearly labelled to maintain transparency and credibility. Include only relevant volunteer work to keep your CV concise and focused.

Create a winning application using our dedicated CV builder now.