When you apply for a job, you've got to pull out all the stops. You need every advantage to stand out — beginning with your cover letter. Try using a Microsoft Word cover letter template for a professional look.
Your cover letter has the crucial job of making sure your application doesn’t end up in the scrap pile before you've gotten the chance to show them how great you are. It needs to make a great first impression.
In this article, we’re going to focus on how your cover letter looks. A good cover letter design will help you stand out and put you in the best light for the role you’re applying for. Besides free cover letter templates for Word, we'll also look at premium Microsoft Word cover letter templates from Envato Elements and GraphicRiver. They'll help your cover letter and resume stand out.
Reduce Job Hunting Stress by Using Premium Templates for Cover Letters In Word
A cover letter template (Word) saves you time and energy by making the design decisions for you. Professionally designed templates help you make a good first impression as a professional who goes the extra mile and pays attention to detail.
Premium templates are better than free ones because you get great designs as well as ease of use and customization. Elements and GraphicRiver are great places to find premium cover letter templates for Word.
With Envato Elements, get unlimited downloads of cover letter templates for Word for one small monthly subscription. This gives you the freedom to tailor the design of each cover letter to the particular job you’re applying for.
If you only need the one-off cover letter template (Word doc) then GraphicRiver is an excellent source. You've got a wide choice of templates on a pay-per-use basis.
5 Premium Cover Letter Templates (With Unlimited Use)
Envato Elements offers thousands of templates for cover letters in Word. Each one is designed by a professional designer to stand out visually and at the same time be easy to edit.
Your Envato Elements subscription gives you unlimited downloads in this creative marketplace. I've picked some of the best ones below:
1. Corporate Lawyer CV Resume
This set of resume/CV and cover letter templates for Word was designed specifically for a corporate lawyer position. It also works for any other job that requires the highest levels of professionalism. Built to be easy to edit and personalize, this cover letter template (Word) comes in both A4 and US letter sizes. A Help Guide in PDF format is also included.
2. Simple Resume & Cover Letter Template
With its subtle colors and smart icons, this cover letter template for Word will help you stand out from other candidates. Choose from blue, black, or yellow color schemes, depending on which one is most suitable for the job. This A4-sized template is fully editable.
3. Corporate Resume & Cover Letter Template
With its textured background, unique layout, and use of fonts, this Microsoft Word cover letter template stands out. Use it for more casual positions. If you want to show off your creativity, this template may be the answer! It comes in both US letter and A4 sizes. It also gives you a choice of three color schemes.
4. Creative Resume Template & Cover Letter
This colorful cover letter template for Microsoft Word is sure to showcase your uniqueness and creativity. It comes with four color schemes to suit a variety of jobs. Plus, its use of shapes and icons makes the cover letter (and matching resume) eye-catching. Whether you need size A4 of US letter, you’ll find them both in this template.
5. Stylish Resume & Cover Letter Template
Go all-out and express your creativity with the Stylish Resume & Cover Letter Template for Microsoft Word. A colored border and bookmark shape on the upper-left corner catch the eye. Meanwhile, generous white spaces keep your cover letter legible. Choose from a black, off-white, or blue color scheme. This template also comes in both A4 and US letter sizes and is fully editable in Microsoft Word.
5 Premium Word Cover Letter Templates (Pay-per-Use)
Looking for a single-use cover letter template for Word? Then GraphicRiver is the source for you. Here you'll find thousands of cover letter templates that are professional looking and editable in Microsoft Word. Below are five of the best ones:
1. CV Template with Word Cover Letter
The clean and elegant design of this Word cover letter template will help you make a good first impression. The cover letter and resume templates were designed to make them easy to read and portray professionalism. This A4-sized template comes in Word, Mac Pages, Photoshop, and Illustrator file versions, and is fully editable.
2. Teacher Resume Template for MS Word | Cover Letter
This MS Word resume/CV and cover letter template was designed for a teaching position. Its contemporary design works for any job that requires refinement and class. The pay-per-use cover letter template comes with detailed instructions. The designer is also available answer any questions you may have about using and customizing the template.
3. The CV by CodePower
Blow away the competition with this eye-catching cover letter template for Word. It features a strong typographic structure while still being easy to use and customize. With more than 80 files, including both DOC and DOCX formats, it’s no wonder this resume and cover letter template is a bestseller.
4. Clean Resume/CV
Minimalist and clean without being boring, the Clean Resume/CV template is a good choice. Its design makes the most of bold typography and a shot of color to make it eye-catching without going overboard. Detailed instructions help you edit the template. It comes in both A4 and US letter sizes, with both DOC and DOCX file formats.
5. Word Resume & Cover Letter Template
Need a standout cover letter and resume to apply for a job in a creative field? This resume and cover letter template (Word) is a good choice. Its muted colors and geometric shapes make your cover letter stand out, while keeping the focus on the content. It also comes with a matching business card template editable in Photoshop.
20 Best Free MS Word Resume Cover Letter Templates
Premium templates for cover letters in Word generally have the best designs. But sometimes you just don't have any budget. If you’re looking for a free cover letter template (Word doc), you've got many choices.
Before looking for a free cover letter templates for Word docs on the web, check Envato's free offerings first. Try out various premium template files (not always resume templates) at no cost to you.
Here's the deal:
- Every month Envato Elements offers 12 different hand-selected files, (fonts, presentations, videos, and more). Create a free account to download this month's free premium files now.
- Or try Envato Market for free. They offer seven handpicked monthly freebies. Log in with your Envato Market account to get this month's handpicked premium freebies.
If Envato Elements and Envato Market aren't featuring free resume cover letter templates for Word this month, you can still find free cover letter templates. Here's a curated list of 20 best free cover letter template Word docs found online:
1. Polished Cover Letter, Designed By Moo
Here’s an eye-catching Microsoft Word cover letter template for free with plenty of white space for readability.
2. Sarah Free Cover Letter Template
This free cover letter template (Word doc) features a header for your name, headline, and essential contact information.
3. F/S Monogram
Make your initials stand out with the F/S Monogram cover letter template for Word. This two-column layout has a colored sidebar dedicated to your contact information.
4. Minimalist Cover Letter
This template features a clean, modern design with an eye-catching layout.
5. Blue Spheres Cover Letter
The Blue Spheres Microsoft Word cover letter template is suitable for creative jobs. Colors and fonts are customizable.
6. Two-Column Cover Letter Template
This is a simple, two-letter design for a cover letter that’s easy to customize for your needs.
7. Mike Free Cover Letter Template
Here’s a two-column cover letter template doc that features a clean and professional design. It’s easy to customize in MS Word.
8. Photo Cover Letter Template
This cover letter template doc features a space for your photo and a shaded left sidebar for your contact information.
9. Blue Sky Cover Letter
Blue Sky is a cover letter template for free that stands out with its image header and space for your photo.
10. John Free Cover Letter Template
Go for a minimalist look with this free cover letter template for Word docs. It’s simple and clean while providing space for the most important information.
11. Inverted Modern Cover Letter
Unlike most cover letter template docs, this places your name and contact details at the bottom of the letter. Hence, the name.
12. Contemporary Cover Letter
Contemporary Cover Letter has a bold, modern design. A vivid sidebar draws attention to your About Me section and contact details.
13. Stripes Cover Letter Template
This accessible free cover letter template for Word download features striped borders for an interesting design.
14. Alisson Free Cover Letter Template
Alisson is another modern, clean cover letter template for free. A band of color highlights your contact information and adds visual interest.
15. Modern Chronological Cover Letter
This is another minimalist Microsoft Word cover letter template that emphasizes readability. It's got a matching template for a chronological resume.
16. Headshot Cover Letter
As the name implies, the Headshot Cover Letter template includes a space for your photo. It also has a colorful header and sidebar.
17. Megan Free Cover Letter Template
This cover letter template doc offers a single-column design with a solid-colored header and border. It’s customizable in Word.
18. Green Cube Cover Letter (for Free)
If you want to include your photograph, Green Cube cover letter template includes space for that purpose.
19. Colorful Cover Letter Template (Word)
Here’s a colorful cover letter template for free that stands out with its casual, playful design.
20. Contemporary Photo Cover Letter
This contemporary cover letter template for Word free download features bold shapes and colors. Its fonts and colors are customizable.
How to Customize Your Cover Letter Resume Template
In this tutorial, we'll use the premium template, Slive Professional CV Resume Set.
Here's the Premium Template Slive Professional CV Resume Set without edits:
Let's get started:
1. How to Change an Object’s Color
2. How to Add an Image
To add a head shot to your Microsoft word cover letter template or your resume template, click on the Insert tab above the toolbar. Next, click on the Pictures button.
Clicking on the Pictures button causes a menu to drop down. From the drop-down menu select the location of where your picture located. Insert the picture.
3. How to Change the Font
To change the font, go to the Font Menu in the toolbar on the Home tab. Changing the font on your CV cover letter template in Word is an easy way to customize your cover letter or resume without going over the top.
4. How to Change the Font Color
To change the color of the font, begin by highlighting the text that you want to change the color of. Click on the Home tab. In the toolbar, select the Font Color button.
Selecting the Font Color button causes a color menu to drop down. Select the color that you want the text to be.
5. How to Add a New Text Box
Adding a new text box is an easy way to add more text to your Microsoft word cover letter template.
To add a new text box, click on the Insert tab above the toolbar and click the Text Box button in the toolbar. Next, select Draw a Text Box from the menu that drops down. Finally, drag the cursor in a diagonal line where you want your text box to be.
5 Quick Design Ideas to Make Great Resume Cover Letters
Even when you’re working with a cover letter template for Word, you've got a lot of flexibility. That’s because professionally designed templates are created to be easy to edit and personalize.
As you choose your template and customize it, keep these design ideas in mind. You'll end up with an impressive resume cover letter. Here are five design ideas to get you started:
1. Keep It Simple
Keep the cover letter design clean and simple, so it doesn’t distract from the content. You still want your information to take center stage. Avoid cover letter designs that are too busy. Those will take the attention away from the most important element: you!
Not sure how to write a cover letter? Read these articles:
2. Make It Resonate
Choose a cover letter template that's aligned with the position you’re applying for. If you’re applying for a formal corporate job, then the Microsoft Word cover letter template you use should have a corporate look too.
But in the creative field, where torn jeans are acceptable work wear, your cover letter design should be casual and creative.
3. Design for Clarity
Never sacrifice clarity for a clever design. Colored backgrounds, clever fonts, and other interesting design elements may be eye-catching. But, if they make your cover letter hard to read, then they’re doing you a disservice. Instead, different design elements should make your cover letter easier to read and understand.
4. Add an Optimized Header
Many cover letter templates for Word include an optimized header. This means it includes your name, contact information, and a headline. The headline is your personal tagline that describes you and why you’re suitable for the position. Keep it to a short phrase, not a sentence.
5. Aim for Visual Consistency
Ensure that the look of your cover letter is consistent with your resume. Premium cover letter templates come in a complete package that includes resume templates as well. These are designed to complement each other and have visual coherence. With most of the design decisions made for you, resume and cover letter templates allow you to focus your energies on the content.
Discover More Great MS Word Templates for 2021
You can find many more Word templates for all the documents you need to create at work. Check out these roundups of more great templates for MS Word:
Resumes39+ Professional MS Word Resume Templates (Simple CV Design Formats 2021)
Microsoft Word20 Best Free Microsoft Word Corporate Letterhead Templates (Download 2021)
Microsoft Word20 Best Free Microsoft Word Certificate Templates (Downloads for 2021)
5 Important Trends for the Best Resume Cover Letters
Maybe you aren’t sure what Microsoft Word cover letter template to choose? If you want something trendy but aren’t sure what the latest trends are, keep reading! Here are five trends to follow:
1. Unique Header
What if you want to make an impression with your Microsoft Word cover letter template but aren’t sure how?
A unique header can leave an impression and make your cover letter stand out. When choosing an image to put into your header, make sure that the image isn’t busy. Busy images are distracting.
2. Column Layout
A popular design trend is to have a column on one side of the cover letter. In most cover letter templates in Word, the columns have your contact information and skills. This format puts all the important information in one spot, making it easy for your future employer to see. A column layout can look more organized because it divides your cover letter into sections.
3. Border
Using a cover letter template for Word with a border is a way to add creativity. But you still have a traditional look to your cover letter. Borders catch the reader’s attention and make your resume stand out.
4. Include a Logo
Creating your own logo for your cover letter template doc shows your creativity. Your personal logo on your cover letter can also show your personality. If you don’t want to add a headshot to your cover letter, try adding a logo instead.
5. Use Icons
Icons are simple graphics that represent concepts. Adding icons cover letter template Word doc makes it more creative. But it also doesn't distract from important information. Plus, icons are a great alternative to bullet points.
5 Benefits of Using the Best Cover Letter Templates for Word With Pro Designs
Are you still on the fence about using a Microsoft Word cover letter template to jump ahead in the hiring process? You might wonder about the value of outsourcing the design work.
Here are five reasons that you should use a great cover letter template for your next job application in 2021:
- You save time. Instead of designing your cover letter from scratch, start with a professionally designed cover letter for Microsoft Word. There's no need to spend hours designing an eye-catching cover letter yourself.
- The finished cover letter stands out. Catch a recruiter's eye with how professional your cover letter looks. Many candidates won't bother to create a professional-looking cover letter, but will opt for a plain, unformatted letter instead.
- Coordinate your cover letter with your resume or CV. Many premium cover letter templates docs come bundled with a matching resume or CV template. Sometimes there's even a matching portfolio or business card template.
- You don't give up customization. Just because you start with a good CV cover letter template for Microsoft Word doesn't mean that you can't totally customize it. Even the best templates can still be modified and adjusted to include your personalized details.
- Easy to use. Best of all, professionally designed cover letter templates are easy to use. Many work with popular software such as Microsoft Word.
Benefits of Envato Elements (The Power of Unlimited Use)
Envato Elements is a unique service. It's a flat-rate subscription that includes thousands of great resume cover letter templates for a single flat-rate price.
Sign up for Envato Elements. You'll get access to thousands of unlimited use graphics and templates. Choose from web themes to cover letter templates, and more—all for one low price.
Common Microsoft Word Questions Answered (FAQ)
Have some customizing questions? Do you want to learn more about using templates in Microsoft Word? Here are five common Microsoft Word questions answered:
1. Can I Add Page Numbers?
Adding page numbers can let the reader know that the pages aren’t out of order. Page numbers are great to use if your document is going to be more than one page.
If you want more information on adding page numbers, header, and footers, read this tutorial:
2. Can I Format the Text?
When you format text, you’re controlling how text appears in your document. A document that's got a lot of unformatted text can be tedious. With formatted text, you can use it to emphasize important text in your document.
To learn more about formatting text, read this guide:
3. Does Microsoft Word Have a Spelling and Grammar Checker?
Having good spelling and grammar is important when you’re creating a cover letter template doc and resume.
If you've got a cover letter and resume full of spelling and grammar errors, it can look sloppy and unprofessional. For more information on how to use Microsoft Word's spelling and grammar tools, study this tutorial:
4. Can I Have a Simple Resume Template?
After making your cover letter, the next step is a resume. Using a cover letter and template set that will make them look more professional. Envato Elements has many Simple resume and cover letter templates.
To learn more about templates, review this guide:
5. How Do I Personalize My Template?
There are many ways you can customize your cover letter template doc. Customizing your template shows your future employer some of your personality.
To learn more about customizing your template, read this tutorial:
Find the Best Premium Microsoft Word Resume Templates on Envato Elements (2021)
If you’re looking for a Microsoft word cover letter template that's good quality and stylish, consider premium templates. There are two options for premium cover letter templates for Word: Envato Elements and Graphic River
For great professional Microsoft Word Resume templates, Envato Elements is a resource for templates. It's a subscription service where you pay a low monthly fee. A membership to Envato Elements will allow you access to unlimited downloads of premium digital content.
The downloads that you can use are stock music, images, videos, fonts, CV cover letter templates for Word and so much more.
Often free cover letter template for Word aren’t as high quality as the premium templates you’ll find on Envato Elements. If you want a resume template that'll stand out in a stack of other resumes, consider a premium template from Envato Elements.
Learn More about Your Word Cover Letter Template
Do you still have questions? Do you still want to know more? We've got a lot tutorials and articles to help you understand your Microsoft Word cover letter template:
ResumesHow to Make Your Resume Fit on One Single Page (15 Quick Tips)
ResumesHow to Write, Design, & Make a Simple Pro Resume Quickly with Templates
ResumesHow to Write a Functional or Skills-Based Resume (With Examples + Templates)
Use a Cover Letter Template (Word) to Get that Job Interview
A great cover letter will help your application stand out, so the recruiter reads your resume and calls you for an interview and eventually, the job.
Use a cover letter template (Word) to save time so you can focus on the content of the letter. Premium cover letter templates come bundled with resume templates. That gives your application a coherent look. They’re also designed to be easy to personalize with your own information.
Elements and GraphicRiver are excellent sources of premium templates for cover letters in Word. With a subscription to Envato Elements, you get unlimited downloads of all the Word templates you need — along with fonts, photos, icons, and other creative ingredients you want to use on your cover letter and resume.
But, for the one-off premium cover letter template, look at GraphicRiver, which offers many creative tools on a pay-per-use basis.
Either way, a well-designed cover letter template for Word will make your job hunt less stressful. It'll also give you the edge that just might land you your next job.
Editorial Note: This post has been updated with contributions from Sarah Joy. Sarah is a freelance instructor for Envato Tuts+
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