Resumes & cover letters: Cover letter templates

Free cover letter templates

A cover letter is often your first communication with a potential employer, and therefore it is vital that when writing a cover letter you make it compelling and professional from the very first line, marking you out as a candidate they need to contact.

A good cover letter is an opportunity to showcase your written communication skills and your motivation for applying for the role. Writing a cover letter customised to the job demonstrates you have taken the time to put some effort into your application. You can also use a cover letter as an opportunity to highlight and provide more detail on any specific skills or experience which are relevant to the role you are applying for.

To help you structure your cover letter, we’ve developed 4 free cover letter templates and cover letter samples you can use to write a cover letter that will catch the eye of hiring managers and recruiters and increase your chances of getting an interview. For additional tips and advice on cover letter writing, check out our article How to write a cover letter.

Download our free cover letter templates

  1. Cover letter template 1: Response to a job ad
  2. Cover letter template 2: Response to a job ad
  3. Cover letter template 3: Letter to a recruiter on LinkedIn
  4. Cover letter template 4: ‘Cold contact’ prospecting letter to a hiring manager

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Cover letter template 1: Response to a job ad

Dear [name]:

I’m writing in response to your recently advertised position for a [role title]. I am very interested in this opportunity with [company] and believe that my qualifications, education and professional experience would make me
a strong candidate for the position.

I am a [insert personal characteristics] professional who [add more information on how you can add value to future company]. (You can insert short version of your career profile here).

Enclosed is my resume that more fully details my background and work experience, and how they relate to your position. As you can see, [pick out a few key details or experiences that align with the specific requirements of the advertised
role].

I firmly believe that I can be a valuable asset to your team. I welcome the opportunity to speak with you about this position and how my experience could help [insert name of company] achieve its goals.

Thank you in advance for your consideration.

Kind regards,

[Your name]


Cover letter template 2: Response to a job ad

Dear Mr/Ms [name]:

I’m writing to express my interest in the recently advertised [position title] role. I believe I could bring valuable skills and experience to [company name] that would make me an ideal fit for this position.

I have [number] years of experience as a [your professional role/title] and in this time I have [briefly outline your experience in current or previous roles and mention key responsibilities and achievements].

[In this paragraph, outline how you specifically fit the requirements of the advertised role and mirror the language used in the job ad].

[In this paragraph, reinforce your unique selling proposition, what you have to offer and why you are an ideal fit].

Thank you for taking the time to consider my application, and I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours sincerely,

[Your name]


How to write a cover letter

Cover letter template 3: Letter to a recruiter on LinkedIn

Dear [name]:

I came across your profile on LinkedIn and see that you are a recruitment specialist in [insert sector].

As a [insert your role title/function] interested in new positions in the [insert city] area, I would be keen to find out more about the positions you place and whether your agency might be able to assist me in my search.

I have [insert number] years of experience in the industry and most recently I have [insert a brief outline of your recent professional experience]. My key skills are [insert a few key points or strengths] and my career highlights
include:

  • [insert achievement – Example: “Saved XYZ organisation AUD$200,000 by implementing a best practice ABC system in a 6-month timeframe”]
  • [insert achievement]
  • [insert achievement]
  • [insert achievement]

[In this paragraph, summarise your unique selling proposition – Example: “I am a strong and effective communicator and proven leader, able to navigate the corporate environment and respond to its demands.”]

I look forward to discussing my potential to contribute to your clients’ [or organisation’s] needs. Please do not hesitate to contact me on [insert mobile number].

Kind regards,

[Your name]


Cover letter template 4: ‘Cold contact’ prospecting letter to a hiring manager

Dear [name]:

I have been researching your company with great interest and would be very keen to learn of any opportunities for employment with you. I believe my skills and experience could be a great match with your organisation’s initiatives
and culture. [In your opening, if you can draw any personal connection, such as a personal recommendation, recently attending one of their events or talks, or even reading about their company in the news, do so.]

As a [insert your role title/function] with [number] years of experience in the sector, I believe I could make a valuable contribution to furthering your company’s success and goals. [Briefly outline your experience and emphasise
any skills and strengths that would benefit the company. Mention any projects you’ve worked on that relate to what the company does.]

My career highlights include:

  • [insert achievement – Example: “Saved XYZ organisation AUD$200,000 by implementing a best practice ABC system in a 6-month timeframe”]
  • [insert achievement]
  • [insert achievement]
  • [insert achievement]

I have been very excited to learn about [cite some development, project or aspect of the company that appeals to you and demonstrates your knowledge of the company. Now explain how you would contribute to the company’s projects,
put forward an idea or demonstrate how you can help the company grow.]

I believe that my experience would make me an ideal fit for [company name]. I have attached my resume to provide more information about my background and would appreciate the opportunity to discuss how I may be able to contribute to
your organisation. I will call you next week to arrange a time to meet at your convenience, but please do not hesitate to contact me at [insert email address and mobile number].

Kind regards,

[Your name]


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