Every time you apply for a job, it’s a good idea to include a cover letter. Deciding how to write each one is hard, but at least you don’t have to start from scratch with their design.
Microsoft Word offers templates and welcomes third-party designs to help you create compelling cover letters. Here’s how to use such options in Word and make the best first impression possible to potential employers.
Use Microsoft Word’s Cover Letter Templates
Formal letters don’t have to be bland. Go toFile > More templateson Word, and type “cover letter” in the search box. You’ll find several stylish designs that add structure and color to your document.
What reflects you better, a subtle or sharp color scheme? If you’re considering a bold header for your professional details, learnhow to design letterheads on Word, too. You can even add your portrait to your cover letter.
Microsoft Word’s built-in templates also include fields for you to fill in with your information and that of your potential employer. They guide you in these small ways, some even providing a sample for your letter’s main body. It’s a good idea to rephrase that, though, to fit each job application.
If you don’t like any of the options on Word’s desktop app, explore moreMicrosoft cover letter templatesonline and download your favorites from there.
Use Third-Party Templates in Microsoft Word
You cancreate cover letters for your dream jobon platforms besides Microsoft. If you’d rather stick with it, you’ll even come across third-party templates specifically designed for you to download and customize on Word. Here are some examples.
1.ResumeLab
Explore over 50 cover letter templates, ranging from minimalist to eye-catching designs. Keep in mind that a few of them are meant to be created on ResumeLab. The rest you can bring onto Word by clicking theirDownload it free herelink.
You’ll be redirected to websites likeGood ResumeandResume Genius, which help you quickly download your documents. Then, all you have to do is open them in Microsoft Word.
You’ll also notice that some cover letters on ResumeLab are edited versions of Word’s built-in templates, but this just adds to your selection and gives you more ideas.
2.Template.net
This is a popular site for templates of all kinds, including cover letters. For some designs, you pay a small fee, but Template.net has an impressive range of free options, too. What’s more, the download process is very easy.
Just browse its collection, click on a design you like, and select theWordbutton underDownload Free Template. In the next window, hitFree Download. If you’re not signed in already, you’ll be asked to as the final step.
Follow Best Practices for Cover Letters
Familiarize yourself with thedos and don’ts of writing a cover letter. Remember these guidelines when selecting and customizing a template or crafting a cover letter from scratch. They boil down to the following rules.
1. Research Potential Employers
Do your research before writing or designing your cover letter. Get to know each company and even the recruiter you’re addressing. It’s the same strategy astailoring your resume for different job types.
2. Tailor Your Cover Letter
When showcasing your skills and interest in a position, use your research to tailor your letter so that it grabs the recruiter’s attention and impresses them. Be smart, enthusiastic, and concise with your words.
3. Use Your Blank Space Wisely
Aim to limit your cover letter to one page. Any more than that, and you risk losing the recruiter’s interest. Think about what you need to say, including important and relevant details not covered in your resume. Express these things as succinctly as possible.
4. Your Visuals Should Complement and Not Overwhelm the Letter
Add a bit of color and texture, going for a subtle effect. You could even use some small icons, as long as they’re tasteful and discreet. Whatever you choose, keep these visuals on the letter’s edges, and don’t let them dominate the text.
5. Master Word’s Features That Benefit Cover Letters
For example, you can create your cover letter more efficiently by setting the text’s boundaries from the get-go. To do this, go toLayout > Margins. From the same toolbar, you can adjust paragraph spacing and indentation.
ThroughInsert > Pictures, you’re able to import an image of your signature and place it at the end of the letter. Your header and footer can be customized from here, too.
Even theMailingtoolbar might be of interest. It can help streamline the process of writing and sending letters, as well as keeping track of recipients.
Good Planning and Wording Make the Best Cover Letters
Between Microsoft and other providers, you have access to a wide selection of templates for simple but attractive cover letters that you can personalize on Word. The app itself is full of useful writing and editing tools.
With this leg up, designing a cover letter for every occasion is easier. Sound research and planning in terms of how to approach each application can help polish the letter even more.
