header background

  • Resume Templates

Choose a free Resume Template and build your resume. Use our intuitive drag-and-drop resume builder and save it as a PDF in minutes. Start building your resume right now.

All templates

Double Column

Free, Two Column resume template. The most popular choice for most roles, including programming & marketing.

A single column, classic resume template with grey accent colors.

The classic Harvard template, updated for the 21st century with a refined design that recruiters love and an optimized structure for improved ATS performance.

A two column resume template with a wider column for experience and a narrower, blue colored column for your highlights.

Elegant template with a beautiful design and compact, easy-to-read layout that highlights your strengths and achievements.

A resume with two columns and a photo in the resume header and aqua accent color. A long summary and an experience section in focus.

The most popular template for upper management roles, project managers and product owners.

A polished template with a focus on key achievements and skills. Aqua colored left column for highlights.

A refined template, especially great for positions where presentation is paramount: business development managers, sales leaders & other customer-facing roles.

A double column resume template with a navy colored resume header.

A creative template that accents your header and makes recruiters want to read the rest. Built for any industry.

A single column timeline resume template with blue and orange accent colors.

A timeline resume template. Organized neatly with a Timeline to show your career progress. For experienced professionals.

A double column resume template perfect for people with a lot of experience and skills. Blue accent color.

Are you a software engineer or a data scientist with a lot of skills & projects to list on your resume? This template allows you to create a perfect one-page resume.

A single column resume template perfect for all industries. Blue accent color.

Single Column

Free, simple resume template. Easily readable by both humans and ATS bots.

A compact resume template perfect for fitting a lot of information yet keeping your resume on a single page. Blue accent color.

Designed as a one-page resume template for mid-level roles with 3-10 years of experience.

A three column resume template with an image in the header. Perfect if you have lots of experience to show on your resume. Blue colored accents.

Multicolumn

Multicolumn resume template. Made for executives to fit additional info in a third column.

Grey single column classic resume template with a focus on experience and side projects.

Traditional resume template. Fitting for conservative industries.

Template Image

High Performer

Data-focused resume template. Perfect for project and product managers.

Template Image

Minimalistic resume template. Blends whitespace and content, without clutter.

How It Works

Resume Builder Download Step 1

Select a template.

Resume Builder Download Step 2

Fill in your details.

Resume Builder Download Step 3

Customize your design.

Resume Builder Download Step 4

Tailor, Check for Errors, and Download.

Resume Templates by job

Unleash the full potential of your career with professionally vetted resume templates. Take a look at samples from real resumes that helped people get hired at top companies in your field, and build a job-winning resume yourself.

Search more resume examples by job

Resume Template

Software Engineer

Resume Template

Project Manager

Resume Template

Product Manager

Resume Template

Account Manager

Resume Template

Business Development

Resume Template

Marketing Manager

Resume Template

General Manager

Resume Template

Operations Manager

Resume Template

Business Analyst

Resume Template

Managing Director

Resume Template

Full-Stack Developer

Resume Template

Data Scientist

Resume templates by experience.

Junior resume template

(1-3 years of experience)

Senior resume template with a solid right column for your skills and achievements, and a wider left column for your experience bullet points

(3-7+ years of experience)

Executive resume template with a dark green accent color for headings, and a single column outline that outlines the content in a reverse chronological order

10+ years of experience)

Intern resume template with an accented header and two column outline. Features a creative section to help it stand out

Entry Level

(no prior experience)

Career pivot resume template with a solid dark orange coloredd left column. Right column contains skills summary typical of career change resume templates, and experience bullet points below.

Career Change

Resume templates by format.

Resume Template

Combination Resume Templates

Resume Template

Corporate Resume Templates

Resume Template

Infographic Resume Templates

Resume Template

One Page Resume Templates

Resume Template

Timeline Resume Templates

Resume Template

Chronological Resume Templates

Resume Template

Functional Resume Templates

Resume Template

Minimalist Resume Templates

Resume Template

Two Column Resume Templates

  • Modern Resume Templates

Full color header in brown modern resume template.

  • Simple Resume Templates

Resume Template

Every resume template you see on these pages is free to use, fill in your details, and download until your seven-day free trial ends. Most of the functionalities are free, including:

  • Two resumes and cover letters
  • All resume templates
  • Basic resume sections
  • Enhancv branding
  • Maximum 15 section items
  • Access to all design tools

With Enhancv’s Pro Plans (split into monthly, quarterly, and semi-annual tiers), you’ve got additional access to:

  • Unlimited resumes and cover letters
  • Real-time content suggestions, including AI features
  • ATS check (for the Applicant Tracking Systems)
  • All resume sections
  • Turn off the branding
  • Unlimited section items

Should you use our free resume templates?

Using Enhancv's templates offers a variety of benefits that make crafting a standout resume simpler and more effective. Here’s why you might consider choosing Enhancv for your next resume overhaul:

  • Easy to use : Enhancv's templates prioritize great design without the hassle. The drag-and-drop resume builder allows you to assemble your resume easily, letting you focus more on the content than on figuring out the layout.
  • Parsable by ATS : all our important sections, such as experience, skills, contact information, summary, and education are all parsable by ATS. This ensures your resume does not end up at the bottom of the pile.
  • AI-powered assistance : Enhancv's templates include an AI resume helper that not only suggests powerful language and phrases but also helps craft personalized summaries and cover letters. This tool enhances your creativity rather than replacing it, ensuring your resume reflects your unique professional profile.
  • Highly customizable : Every job seeker is unique, and so is every job. Our templates can be easily adjusted to meet individual needs. Modify colors, add photos, or change line spacing with just a few clicks to tailor your resume to the specific job you're targeting.
  • Adaptable across all industries : With a wide range of designs from minimalistic to modern and professional, there’s a template suitable for every industry and job level.
  • Flexible format options : While Enhancv focuses on providing PDF and TXT downloads, these formats ensure high compatibility and preservation of layout across different platforms and devices.
  • Free & premium options : Start with a free 7-day trial to explore the features without any commitment. If you find it suits your needs, you can choose from several pricing plans to continue accessing full features.

Creative resume templates by Enhancv

Product Manager | Strategy & Innovation resume example

Our creative resume templates can be particularly impactful in industries where innovation, design, and visual communication play a significant role. Here's a brief overview of why and where a creative approach might enhance your resume, along with tips on how to use these templates effectively:

Benefits of creative resume templates

  • Showcase your creativity: A well-designed resume can demonstrate your creativity and eye for design right from the start.
  • Stand out: In competitive fields, a unique, visually appealing resume can help you stand out from other candidates.
  • Highlight design skills: For roles in design and multimedia, your resume itself can serve as a portfolio piece.
  • Express personality: Creative resumes allow you to inject personality into your application, making it more engaging and memorable.

Tips for using creative resume templates

  • Balance creativity with clarity: Ensure your resume is still easy to read and navigate. Avoid overly complex designs that can distract from the content.
  • Consistent branding: Use colors, fonts, and design elements that reflect your personal brand and the industry you are applying to.
  • Focus on readability: Even with a creative design, the text should be clear and legible. Use contrasting colors and clean fonts.
  • Tailor to the role: Align the style of your resume with the job and company. A highly creative resume might be perfect for a design studio but less suitable for a corporate environment.
  • Keep it professional: While creative, your resume should still look polished and professional. Avoid using too many gimmicks or overly playful elements.

Suitable job titles for creative resume templates

  • Graphic designer
  • Marketing specialist
  • Web designer
  • Art director
  • Content creator
  • Fashion designer
  • Photographer

Considerations for creative resume templates

  • Industry expectations: Some fields appreciate creativity more than others. Always consider the norms of the industry you’re applying to.
  • Cultural sensitivity: Ensure your creative approach aligns with cultural expectations if applying internationally.
  • Tailored approach: Customize your resume template to the specific job and company, making sure it aligns with their brand and values.

Traditional resume templates by Enhancv

Product Marketing Manager | Data Driven Strategy resume example

Our traditional resume templates can be particularly effective in industries where clarity, professionalism, and straightforward presentation of skills and experience are valued. Here's a brief overview of why and where a traditional approach might enhance your resume, along with tips on how to use these templates effectively:

Benefits of traditional resume templates

  • Professional appearance: A traditional format presents your information in a clean, professional manner, making it suitable for most industries.
  • Easy to read: Simple layouts with clear sections make it easy for employers to quickly find key information.
  • Widely accepted: Traditional resumes are widely accepted across various fields, making them versatile and reliable.
  • ATS-friendly: Many applicant tracking systems (ATS) prefer traditional formats, increasing the chances of your resume being seen by hiring managers.

Tips for using traditional resume templates

  • Focus on structure: Use clearly defined sections like Contact Information, Summary, Work Experience, Education, and Skills.
  • Consistency: Ensure fonts, spacing, and formatting are consistent throughout the document.
  • Bullet points: Use bullet points to list achievements and responsibilities, making it easy to scan.
  • Simple design: Avoid overly complex designs and graphics; keep it simple and professional.
  • Keywords: Incorporate industry-specific keywords to help your resume get noticed by ATS.

Suitable job titles for traditional resume templates

  • Administrative assistant
  • Human resources manager
  • Financial analyst
  • Project manager

Considerations for traditional resume templates

  • Industry standards: Ensure the resume format aligns with industry standards and expectations.
  • Tailored content: Customize the content to the specific job you are applying for, even within a traditional format.
  • Professional tone: Maintain a professional tone throughout the resume, avoiding casual language or personal anecdotes.
  • Updated information: Keep your resume updated with your latest experience, skills, and achievements.

How to use a resume template

Using a resume template can streamline the process of creating a polished and professional curriculum vitae. Here’s a simple guide to help you effectively utilize a resume template:

  • Choose the right template : Select a resume template that suits your industry and professional level. Look for a layout that is clean, professional, and aligns with the job you are applying for.
  • Customize your information : Replace the placeholder information in the template with your own details. Be thorough in updating sections such as Contact Information, Work Experience, Education, and Skills.
  • Tailor your content : Adapt the content to highlight your most relevant experiences and skills that match the job description. This might involve rearranging sections or adding specific keywords found in the job posting.
  • Edit and proofread : Carefully review your resume for any typos or grammatical errors. Accuracy is crucial, as mistakes can detract from your professionalism.
  • Format properly : Ensure that the formatting is consistent throughout the document. This includes font sizes, styles, and spacing. Keep the layout clean and organized to make a good visual impression.
  • Save in multiple formats : Save your resume in various file formats as required by the application process. PDF is typically preferred to preserve the formatting, but some applications might require Word files.

What's the best resume layout?

According to eye-tracking studies , recruiters spend on resumes like these around 6 seconds.

On average day recruiters scan and filter through dozens and hundreds of generic resumes.

Until they stumble upon a resume layout like this:

Certified FinTech Analyst: Leveraging Financial Expertise to Uncover Actionable Insights resume example

The combination of formatting, clever white space usage, and section order encourages recruiters to study critical parts of your resume in the order you need.

A job-winning resume layout has three main qualities:

  • The job-winning resume layout is easy to read. No one enjoys reading a wall of text, especially recruiters. On the other hand, if your resume is enjoyable to read, there’s a higher chance that recruiters will spend more of their time learning about you and your qualities. At the end of this section, we’ll share a checklist with 7 tips to boost the readability of your resume and increase the chance that recruiters will like you.
  • The job-winning layout is easy to scan. When recruiters scan your resume, it’s important to control where their eyes will go first. Every job is unique — depending on whether it’s an executive resume or a tech resume, recruiters will be looking for different things. Check the “Examples” section of this guide where we share the best performing resume layout examples for every job type.
  • The job-winning layout is easy to remember . When recruiters like you, that’s great. But when they remember you, that’s a whole different level of appreciation. Most resume layouts are too similar to be remembered, so even a slight adjustment in section orders may pique the recruiter’s interest. Don’t go for an overkill though. We’ll share the most common resume formats and how you can use them to your advantage in the next section.

Readability and scannability checklist for best resume layout

  • #1. Check your margins. Make sure there’s at least a 1-inch margin on all sides to ensure your resume looks good in PDF or when printed.
  • #2. Use white space . The proper use of white space on your resume can increase the reader’s comprehension by as much as 20%. Make sure there’s enough space between sections and text blocks.
  • #3. Utilize bullet points. Presenting your experience and skills in bullet points improves both the scannability and readability of your resume.
  • #4. Create headers . Headers help organize your resume sections into a clear hierarchy.
  • #5. Use colors . Colors add visual interest to your resume and let the recruiter’s eyes rest from the all-black text. The more creative your job the more colors you might use.
  • #6. Check your font size . For the best readability pick a serif or sans-serif font. The size should be between 10.5 and 12 points to ensure you pass ATS scanners.
  • #7. Add icons when you can. Icons both add visual interest to your resume and indicate a critical section of your resume. Check out the “Examples” section.

Last, but not least, is #8: Section Order. What sections should come first on your resume? Which ones recruiters are paying the most attention to?

It depends on your resume format and job specialty.

Resume template sections

In today's job market, your resume needs to be both impressive and ATS-friendly to help you stand out. Here are the essential sections you should include:

  • Contact information : Include your full name, phone number, and professional email address.
  • Professional summary : Offer a brief overview of your skills and career goals.
  • Work experience: List your previous jobs, including your role, the company name, and dates of employment.
  • Education : Detail your highest degree, the institution's name, and graduation year.
  • Skills : Highlight relevant skills that match the job description.

You can also add a few extra sections to provide more insight into your qualifications:

  • Certifications : If applicable, list any professional certifications that are relevant to the job.
  • Volunteer work : Show any unpaid work that might demonstrate your commitment and skills.

What's the difference between resume sections and a resume outline?

Almost all articles on the topic get the part of an outline and resume sections wrong.

Likewise, you, the reader, get confused.

The difference between resume sections and an outline is that you use, reorder, and match different sections to create an outline.

(Side Note: We’ve made an extensive guide on resume sections so you know how to optimize them and maximize your chances of getting hired. If you haven’t already, feel free to check it out!)

How to choose the right resume format?

Usually, resumes are structured by following one of three formats:

  • Reverse Chronological Resume Format
  • Functional Resume Format
  • Hybrid Resume Format

All three have their purpose when it comes to building a resume that stands out . Whichever format you decide to use should be based on your background, experience, and objective.

So, let’s go a bit more granular.

Reverse chronological order format

This is by far the most popular resume format out there.

One of the biggest advantages of the reverse chronological resume format is that it allows you to spotlight key achievements on a single page. It also provides a clear narrative for your work experience.

The biggest drawback, however, is the fact that gaps in your career are more noticeable.

Functional format

The functional resume format makes your skills the main highlight of your application.

You should still list any professional experience you have, but the format itself focuses on what you’re good at. This type of resume format is best for people who are looking to change careers. Focusing on your skills is specifically valuable for the new position you’re applying to.

Hybrid format

A hybrid resume format is exactly what it sounds like – a combination of both a functional and chronological resume.

It highlights both your skills and your most recent work experience. It’s for people who’d like to play it safe and avoid going all-in on a less popular format like the functional one.

Resume image 1

Frequently Asked Questions for Resume Templates

What is a professional resume template, what is the best resume template, should i use a resume template in the first place, should you send your resume template as a doc or pdf, are microsoft word or google free resume templates good, are these free resume templates, what's the difference between enhancv templates and other templates i find online, how do you create your resume templates, which are your most successful resume templates, what would you recommend as your most professional resume template, humans love our resume templates, too.

Sam Young's photo

  • Create Resume
  • Terms of Service
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookie Preferences
  • Resume Examples
  • AI Resume Builder
  • Resume Summary Generator
  • Resume Formats
  • Resume Checker
  • Resume Skills
  • How to Write a Resume
  • Cover Letter Builder
  • Cover Letter Examples
  • Cover Letter Templates
  • Cover Letter Formats
  • How to Write a Cover Letter
  • Resume Guides
  • Cover Letter Guides
  • Job Interview Guides
  • Job Interview Questions
  • Career Resources
  • Meet our customers
  • Career resources
  • English (UK)
  • French (FR)
  • German (DE)
  • Spanish (ES)
  • Swedish (SE)

© 2024 . All rights reserved.

Made with love by people who care.

Free printable resume builder

Build printable, professional resumes with our easy-to-use PDF resume builder.

With automatic layout and styling, creating the perfect PDF-formatted resume has never been easier!

Get started!

Create a fantastic resume, every time

Professional resumes.

Easily make professional, printable resumes in PDF format. These resumes are also great for sharing via email and posting on job-boards.

Automatic Formatting

Automatic formatting makes it easy to create a sharp-looking resume. No more fussing with position and alignment in standard word processors.

Multiple Copies

Manage multiple copies of your resume so you can customize for each position you are applying to, or keep old versions around to reference later.

Curriculum Vitae (CVs)

Build your Curriculum Vitae online with MyPdfResume. Our great multi-page support makes creating your CV a breeze.

Cover Letters

Create cover letters that you can send along with your resume. While not required for all job applications, sometimes a great cover letter can make all the difference.

Customize Style

Tweak the automatic formatting by changing font, margins, and more with the custom styling options.

See MyPDFResume in action

Don't procrastinate. start working on your resume today.

Easy Resume Logo

PDF Resume Templates

All of our resume templates are downloadable as a PDF. It's the most efficient way to send your resume to recruiters, as it retains the styling, fonts, and formatting to ensure consistency across any device.

PDF Resume Templates

Browse templates by resume style

Mix & match unlimited theme, font and color combination..

Product screenshot of how to edit the colors and fonts in Easy Resume editor app

Use our suggestions to complete your resume 5x faster.

Get a head start with one of our resume examples.

Easy Resume Logo White

Facebook • Twitter • Linkedin • Pinterest • Crunchbase

Cover Letter Templates you Download with One Click

We don’t want your email, have you pay, or fool you.

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.

word cover letter template

Classey Casey

word cover letter template

Clean Green

Edgy Edward CL e1697717512490

Edgy Edward

word cover letter format

Geometric 1

word format cover letter

Geometric 2

word cover letter template

Jack Wilson

word cover letter

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

Template cover letter docx

Little Grey

word cover letter template

Retro Ricky 1

microsoft word cover letter format

Retro Ricky 2

microsoft word cover letter format

Retro Ricky 3

Microsoft Word cover letter

Simply Good

microsoft word cover letter template

We earn by promoting  resume.io’s cover letter generator, which is completely free, always. If you later become a paying subscriber to their resume builder tool, we earn a commission, at no cost to you.

Google Doc Cover Letter Templates

Google Docs Cover Letter Template 2

Swiss Template

Google Docs Cover Letter Template 1

Spearmint Template

Google Docs CV

Modern Template

Google Docs Cover Letter Template 3

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.

cover letter template

Cover Letter Template

cover letter template

Cover Letter Template 2

cover letter template

Cover Letter Template 3

cover letter template

Cover Letter Template 4

cover letter template

Cover Letter Template 5

cover letter template

Cover Letter Template 6

Cover Letter Template

Cover Letter Template 7

Cover Letter Template

Cover Letter Template 8

Cover Letter Sample Nurse

Cover Letter Template 9

Cover Letter Template

Cover Letter Template 10

Clara Barton Cover Letter Template 11

Cover Letter Template 11

Cover Letter Template

Cover Letter Template 12

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

cover letter builder sample

Cover Letter Template 13

cover letter builder sample

Cover Letter Template 14

cover letter builder sample

Cover Letter Template 15

cover letter builder sample

Cover Letter Template 16

cover letter builder sample

Cover Letter Template 17

cover letter builder sample

Cover Letter Template 18

cover letter sample

Cover Letter Template 19

cover letter sample

Cover Letter Template 20

Cover letter example nurse

Cover Letter Template 21

cover letter sample

Cover Letter Template 22

cover letter template

Cover Letter Template 23

cover letter sample

Cover Letter Template 24

cover letter template

Cover Letter Template 25

cover letter template

Cover Letter Template 26

cover letter builder tool template

Cover Letter Template 27

How to end a cover letter.

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

creative resume example download pdf

Nothing Found

Cover Letter Format (w/ Examples & Free Templates)

Background Image

Give someone who knows nothing about cooking the ingredients to a perfect meal and you’ll end up with a disorganized, very possibly inedible, meal. 

The same disorganized, quite possibly tasteless, fate awaits your cover letter if you don’t know how to properly format it. 

Getting the cover letter format right is the same as having those coveted cooking skills that can turn the right ingredients into a meal that leaves you wanting more.

Now, if you’re wondering whether your formatting skills are enough to impress recruiters, there’s no need to worry. 

This article is going to show you exactly how to format a cover letter the right way. 

Here’s what we’re going to cover: 

  • What Should Go On a Cover Letter?
  • How to Format Your Cover Letter
  • (Free) Cover Letter Templates You Can Use
  • How to Format Your Cover Letter When Sending It Via Email

The Best Cover Letter Format - What Goes on a Cover Letter

Your cover letter’s format is both how your cover letter looks and how it’s structured. 

So, cover letter formatting includes everything from page margins, spacing, and font size to how long your cover letter should be, how many paragraphs it should have, and what each paragraph should contain. 

Pretty substantial, if you ask us - which is exactly why we’ll go over these elements one by one. Before we do, however, let’s first get the essentials out of the way. 

What exactly goes into a cover letter? The short answer is as follows:  

  • A header , which contains your contact information and the employer’s or recruiter’s contact information.
  • A greeting to the recruiter and the opening paragraph , which you want to use to grab the reader’s attention.
  • The body of your cover letter , which is between 1-3 paragraphs.
  • A closing paragraph , which usually contains a call to action.
  • A formal salutation .

And here’s what that looks like in practice: 

best cover letter structure

A Look into Your Cover Letter Format, by Section

In theory, all these rules are pretty straightforward...

But if you’ve ever written a cover letter before, you’ll probably agree with us that actually writing one ain’t all that simple.

In this section, we’ll take you through the entire process of creating a cover letter, section by section!

Starting with:

#1. Header 

Your cover letter’s header should contain your contact info, the date, and the hiring manager’s or employer’s contact info. 

If you’re wondering which contact information you should include and which you should leave out, here are the essentials: 

  • Full name and professional title (where applicable) 
  • Phone number
  • Name and professional title of the hiring manager
  • Name of the company you’re applying to 
  • Company address 

Here’s a visual representation of this: 

cover letter header example

If you want to know more about header formatting, such as what you can optionally include and what you should definitely leave out, head over to our guide on how to start a cover letter . 

#2. Greeting 

After listing your contact information, it’s time to address the cover letter . 

First things first: the impersonal and overly popular “To Whom It May Concern” and “Dear Sir/Madam” are yesterday’s news. They’re impersonal and just about every other applicant uses them. 

And you want your cover letter to stand out, right?

So, greet the hiring manager directly, instead. For example: 

Dear Mr. Brown, Dear Mrs. Waldorf,

If, however, you are unsure about their title, gender, marital status, or pronouns, use their entire name to avoid any mistakes, such as: 

Dear Alex Brown, Dear Blair Waldorf,

Alternatively, the recruiter may hold a title, such as Doctor, Professor, or sergeant, or you might be addressing a letter without a contact person. 

In such cases, here are some do-s and don’t-s to keep in mind: 

Dear John Doe, Dear Mr./Mrs. Doe, Dear Dr. Leonard, Dear Rev. Owen, Dear Marketing Hiring Team, Dear Director of Marketing,

To Whom It May Concern, What’s Up Hiring Team, Dear Sir/Madam, Hey John, Hi there Hiring Team,

#3. Opening Paragraph 

The opening paragraph of your cover letter is where the recruiter first gets to really hear your voice. As such, you’ve got to make it count and grab their attention before they move on to the next applicant.  

And how exactly do you do that? Well, for starters, avoid being generic. You don’t want your opening paragraph to sound as if you’re applying to dozens of jobs with the same letter.

Instead, you want your opening paragraph to mention:

  • Your name, profession, and years of experience.
  • 1-2 of your top achievements (to help you stand out).
  • The name of the firm and position you’re applying for.

Here’s what this would look like in a cover letter:

My name is Ellen and I’d like to join Company X as a marketing expert. I believe that my 5+ years of experience as a marketing specialist, as well as my skills in PPC management and copywriting, will help me drive new users to your platform Additionally, I believe that my past experience in the financial industry will help me excel at the role.

Struggling with writing your own cover letter introduction? Check out our guide on how to start a cover letter effectively! 

#4. Cover Letter Body 

The body of your cover letter usually consists of 1-3 paragraphs and is where you convince the recruiter that you're the right person for the job.

We have a few pointers to help you do that:

  • Don’t just rehash your CV. The recruiter already read it. Instead, use your cover letter to elaborate on your achievements and back them up with even more evidence. 
  • Understand the job requirements. Check the requirements for the position in the job listing, see how you can match them with your strengths and qualifications, and use the body of your cover letter to show you’re a good fit for the job. 
  • Research the company. Also important is to show that you match the company’s culture. Read up about the company you’re applying for and learn what’s their product/service, what are they known for, what kind of culture they have, and so on. Then, in your cover letter, mention a bit about the company’s culture and talk about how you’re a good fit.

And here’s hows the body of your cover letter would look like in practice: 

In my previous role as a Marketing Expert, I also handled the company’s Digital Marketing. During the course of one year, I managed the company’s monthly Facebook ad budget, which amounted to $20,000+ and the process of ad creation and management end-to-end. The process involved creating ad copies, images, picking out the targeting, running optimization trials, and so on. 

In addition to Facebook advertising, I am also knowledgeable in other Pay Per Click channels, such as: 

I actually learned a lot about PPC management basics from your company YouTube channel, and really admire how you guys manage your ad accounts. Since I’m already familiar with how Company X handles ads, I believe that I’d be able to really excel at the role.

#5. Closing Paragraph (And a Call to Action) 

Now, how you end a cover letter is just as important as how you start it. 

As you wrap up your cover letter, it’s important to do the following:

  • Mention anything that you couldn’t in the previous paragraphs . If you have anything left to say, mention it here. 
  • Thank the hiring manager for their time . Good manners go a long way. 
  • Finish the cover letter with a call to action . Your cover letter’s last sentence should be a call to action, such as asking the hiring manager to take some sort of action. 

Here’s an example of that: 

In conclusion, thank you for considering my application. I hope I have the chance to help your company take its marketing initiatives to the next level. It would be great to discuss how my experience so far can make that a reality. 

As for your formal salutation, you can use any of the following “tried and tested” greetings: 

  • Best Regards,
  • Kind Regards,

Cover Letter Format Guide 

We went over what goes in your cover letter section by section. However, how your cover letter looks on the outside is just as important. 

Following some standard formatting tips will show the hiring manager that you took the time and put in the effort to hand in the best version of a cover letter, which is sure to help your case. 

Here are the rules that you need to follow: 

  • Keep your cover letter between half and one page in length to make sure the recruiter actually reads the whole thing (if you had to read 100+ cover letters, you’d want applicants to stick to one page too). That’s between 250-400 words long . 
  • Use 1 or 1.5 line spacing throughout your text , and double spacing between paragraphs. 
  • Go for a simple and readable font and set your font size to 11 or 12 pts . Using custom fonts may seem like a good idea, but there’s no guarantee the hiring manager’s computer will have that specific font installed.
  • Save your cover letter in PDF format to make sure the layout stays the same despite the type of software or Operating System (OS) that opens it. 

Or Choose One of Our Cover Letter Templates 

The cover letter is an inseparable part of any application package. As such, you want your cover letter format to be as impeccable as possible. 

And while the formatting rules we’ve listed above aren’t complicated to follow, you’d rather not take any risks with your cover letter format.  

Want to make sure that your cover letter format is impeccable?

Just use a cover letter template!

The format is done for you - all you have to do is fill in the contents. 

cover letter format

Our cover letter templates are well-designed and guaranteed to leave a good impression on the recruiter!

On top of that, all of our templates come with a matching resume template , ensuring that your job application stands out from the rest.

Sending Your Cover Letter Via Email? Here’s How To Do It! 

It’s safe to assume that nowadays, most cover letters are sent via email. That means that you’re probably submitting your email in one of two ways: 

  • Sending it as an email attachment.
  • Uploading it to the company’s webpage.

If that’s the case, you’re good with the formatting rules listed above. 

If, however, you’re sending your cover letter in the body of the email, here’s what you need to do differently: 

  • Write a professional subject line. The best and safest formula is “Name - Position you’re applying to” (e.g. “Helen Simms - Application for Marketing Expert Position”).
  • Remove the header. As the hiring manager’s contact details and the date are no longer necessary, remove the header altogether and place your contact information underneath the formal salutation. 
  • Look out for typos. Check your cover letter and then double-check it. Typing on a keyboard can be tricky; sometimes, a typo might just be a matter of fast typing. Avoid that by being extra careful. 

And you’re about ready to press “Send.”

Key Takeaways

Your cover letter format is a big part of the impression your job application can make. As such, it’s important to get the formatting right. 

Here are the main points this article covers to achieve that: 

  • Make sure to structure your cover letter the right way. 
  • Address your cover letter the right way and write an attention-grabbing opening paragraph.
  • Wrap up your cover letter with a call to action. 
  • Pay attention to the margins, space lining, font size, and cover letter length.
  • If you’re sending your cover letter as the body of your email, make sure to tweak the formatting accordingly.  

cookies image

To provide a safer experience, the best content and great communication, we use cookies. Learn how we use them for non-authenticated users.

Examples

Resume Cover Letter

Ai generator.

resume letter format pdf

Getting a decent job can be extremely difficult. Hiring managers often set high expectations when it comes to the means to which applicants present themselves as working professionals. So to set the bar high and make an impression worth remembering, a resume cover letter is sure to give you that extra boost needed to land you an interview.

Internship Resume Cover Letter Example

Internship Resume Cover Letter Example

Size: 151 KB

Math Teacher Resume Cover Letter Example

Math Teacher Resume Cover Letter Example

Size: 72 KB

Project Manager Resume Cover Letter Example

Project Manager Resume Cover Letter Example

Size: 30 KB

Loan Associate  Resume Cover Letter Example

Loan Associate Resume Cover Letter Example

Size: 110 KB

Resume Cover Letter Example

Resume Cover Letter Example

Size: 138 KB

Sports Resume Cover Letter Example

Sports Resume Cover Letter Example

Size: 83 KB

Account Executive Resume Cover Letter Example

Account Executive Resume Cover Letter Example

Size: 104 KB

Airline Resume Cover Letter Example 1

Airline Resume Cover Letter Example 1

Size: 57 KB

Airline Resume Cover Letter Example 2

Airline Resume Cover Letter Example 2

Size: 226 KB

Financial Analyst Resume Cover Letter Example

Financial Analyst Resume Cover Letter Example

Size: 126 KB

Admin Assistant Cover Letter Example

Admin Assistant Cover Letter Example

Size: 79 KB

What is a Cover Letter?

A cover letter  is a document that is sent along with your resume profile as a part of your official job application . This serves as an opportunity to convince potential employers why you’re an ideal candidate for a given position, how your skills and work ethics can add value to the company, and that you understand the role given as well as the company’s mission.

How to Write a Cover Letter for Your Resume

Given how a cover letter depicts how you introduce yourself to a hiring manager when applying for a job, you’d want to leave an impression that’ll last. There are many ways to present yourself in a positive light, so you’d want to make sure this is reflected in your formal letter .

Step 1: Customize the Letter to the Job

First and foremost understand by reading the  job description . You can start by reviewing the description stated in the job listing. This often indicates the general qualities employers are looking for in a candidate. With this, you will find significant keywords that you can use in your cover letter in order to capture the attention of hiring managers.

Step 2: Use a Strong Opening

The opening is always the most intimidating part of a letter. Most people fear they might come off too awkward or overly demanding to their target readers. You need to sound confident and appealing to make an impact with your audience. Watch the tone you use for your cover letter.

Step 3: Avoid Mirroring Your Resume

Although a cover letter is meant to back up your resume, it shouldn’t repeat what’s listed in the document word for word. It would be better to consider using the letter to tell a brief story about yourself and your past experiences, as well as your drive to work for the given company.

Step 4: Keep it Concise

Try not to go beyond a single page when composing a cover letter, or you could end up putting readers to sleep with a lengthy pitch. An effective and simple cover letter  must be compelling yet to-the-point to avoid wasting a person’s time. You could break down key information into several paragraphs or use bullets to stress out each point. A smooth flow of words presented in a logically organized format will make it easier for people to read and comprehend.

What are the basic elements of a cover letter?

In order to write a good cover letter, you must first understand and get to know the basic elements of one. The basic elements of a cover letter are: greetings, introduction, summary, skills, and closing.

What is the purpose of a cover letter?

Apart from telling an employer who you are and why they need you, a cover letter showcases your writing ability as well. Your writing skills say a lot about your personality and your ability to communicate effectively. It shows how serious you are about the opportunity given, and that it’s something that you’re aiming for and willing to strive for from the get-go. If you feel as if your resume isn’t enough, a cover letter can certainly make up for it. This will also take control of the follow-up process to ensure you get a callback sometime soon.

How do you sell yourself through your cover letter?

A cover letter is comparable to a sales letter. You need to give employers a reasons to reach out to you by emphasizing your accomplishments, and how they answer to the needs of the company. Be specific with these details. You can even support each statement made by offering a piece of evidence to prove it. Anything mentioned in your resume that needs explaining may be expounded in the cover letter.

For many job seekers, a cover letter plays a significant part in the application process. This gives you the chance to elaborate on qualities and experiences listed on your resume to further convince hiring managers why you’d be the perfect candidate for a given position. And even if it isn’t a part of the requirements, it’s always best to have one prepared. Ultimately, a good resume cover letter can make a strong impact that will likely score you an interview with a potential employer, and for other information about writing a cover letter, you can also check  job application letter examples .

Twitter

Text prompt

  • Instructive
  • Professional

10 Examples of Public speaking

20 Examples of Gas lighting

Admission Types

Academic Resources

Other Campus Resources

Find Offices

Other News Sources

More Resources

Home Office of Career Services Student & Alumni Services Build a Resume Resume Rules for Students & Alumni

Downloadable Resume Templates

  • Office of Career Services
  • Students & Alumni
  • Division for Student Affairs
  • Handshake Pop-Up Events
  • Map Your Career
  • Build a Resume
  • Ace the Interview
  • Professionalism
  • Applying to Grad School
  • Resume Guide for Students & Alumni
  • Privacy Overview
  • Strictly Necessary Cookies

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.

Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.

If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again.

IMAGES

  1. FREE 6+ Sample Resume Cover Letter Formats in PDF

    resume letter format pdf

  2. FREE 8+ Sample Resume Cover Letters in PDF

    resume letter format pdf

  3. 32 Best Sample Cover Letter Examples for Job Applicants

    resume letter format pdf

  4. Simple Resume Cover Letter Template [Free PDF]

    resume letter format pdf

  5. FREE 8+ Sample Resume Cover Letter Formats in MS Word

    resume letter format pdf

  6. Resume Cover Letter

    resume letter format pdf

VIDEO

  1. CV/ resume and cover letter unit 9.2 class 11 new English book

  2. How to download CV/Resume PDF file?

  3. How to write a business letter format and sample

  4. Best Resume Format for job, internship, MBA, MS, PhD

  5. Resume and Cover letter for Online Teaching

  6. Easy Way To create Resume Online 5 Min #Resume #shortcutkeys #youtubevideo

COMMENTS

  1. PDF RESUMES/COVER LETTERS

    See Sample Electronic Resume on page 44 Don't forget to include a cover letter in the body of the email too If you have your resume in a PDF file, you can also attach that with your email . The PDF version will allow the employer the opportunity to see your resume in an attractive format, utilizing bold and underlines .

  2. 76+ Resume Template Downloads in PDF & Word

    Google's Free Resume Format Templates. Google Doc's is a great place to work on your resume. They have a small set of resume templates you can choose from and then easily edit to your needs. Google docs is great, becaus it saves all your files as whish: .docx, .pdf and many more extensions.

  3. How to Create a Resume PDF (+ 10 Free Templates)

    If you're using Microsoft Word, here are four easy steps to save your resume as a PDF: 1. Click 'File', then select 'Save As'. Go to the very top left-hand corner of your Word document, then click on 'File' to bring up the dropdown menu. Clicking on 'Save As' will bring up the option to change your resume file format. 2.

  4. Cover Letter Templates

    How to Use a Free Cover Letter Template. To use one of our professionally-designed cover letter templates, simply: Select the template you like and click on "View Template."; Download it as a Word Doc or Google Doc, and select the option of your choice under "How to download this template" (If you want to use a Google Doc, make sure to select the color option you want before making a ...

  5. 40+ Professional Resume Templates

    Every resume template you see on these pages is free to use, fill in your details, and download until your seven-day free trial ends. Most of the functionalities are free, including: Two resumes and cover letters. All resume templates. Basic resume sections. Enhancv branding.

  6. How To Create a Resume PDF and When To Use It

    If you have written your resume in Microsoft Word, follow these steps to create a PDF: Click on "File" in the upper left-hand corner. Click on "Save As" in the menu that appears. When the box appears, click on the drop-down menu beside "file format.". Choose PDF from the menu.

  7. PDF Resume Templates to Download in 2024 (+ Format Tips)

    Tip #1: Use the best font for your resume that's readable in print and digital. They are Arial, Garamond, and Helvetica, among others. Tip #2: Think of resume structure. The ATS doesn't read special formats, such as tables, images, charts, or graphs, so making an ATS-friendly resume template should be your priority.

  8. Free Printable Resume and Cover Letter Builder

    Free. printable resume builder. Build printable, professional resumes with our easy-to-use PDF resume builder. With automatic layout and styling, creating the perfect PDF-formatted resume has never been easier! Get started!

  9. PDF Resume Templates & Formats for 2022

    PDF Resume Templates. All of our resume templates are downloadable as a PDF. It's the most efficient way to send your resume to recruiters, as it retains the styling, fonts, and formatting to ensure consistency across any device. Get started with your resume:

  10. PDF Templates and Examples for Resumes, Cover Letters, Writing Samples

    ct Person Employer Name Address City, State ZipDear Mr. (Ms.) last name of contact person: First Paragraph: Tell why you are writing - name the position. for which you are applying. If you have a personal referral or connection, mention it here. dentify your career goals and indicate why you are in.

  11. 55+ Cover Letter Templates in Docx & Pdf

    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. Create Cover Letter.

  12. Basic or Simple Resume Templates [Word & PDF] Free Download

    The guided generation of content for the CV and Cover Letter and being able to download in PDF formart made everything so easy. Mercy Wanjiku • 5 days ago. ... Check out our free resume samples for inspiration. Use the expert guides and our resume builder to create a beautiful resume in minutes. Our new and advanced resume builder will guide ...

  13. Professional Letter Templates [Word & PDF] Download for free

    Professional cover letter Templates to get hired faster 20 expert tested cover letters download as Word or PDF Over 13 Million Users. ... Great resumes and cover letters using AI to tailor job posting & your application documents. ... Check out our free cover letter samples for inspiration. Use these examples and our cover letter builder to ...

  14. PDF CVs and Cover Letters

    There is no single best format. Refer to samples for ideas, but craft your CV to best reflect you and your unique accomplishments. Unlike a resume, there is no page limit, but most graduate students' CVs are two to five pages in length. Your CV may get no more than thirty seconds of the reader's attention, so ensure the

  15. Cover Letter Format (w/ Examples & Free Templates)

    Check out our guide on how to start a cover letter effectively! #4. Cover Letter Body. The body of your cover letter usually consists of 1-3 paragraphs and is where you convince the recruiter that you're the right person for the job. We have a few pointers to help you do that: Don't just rehash your CV.

  16. Resume Cover Letter

    Step 1: Customize the Letter to the Job. First and foremost understand by reading the job description . You can start by reviewing the description stated in the job listing. This often indicates the general qualities employers are looking for in a candidate. With this, you will find significant keywords that you can use in your cover letter in ...

  17. Free Cover Letter Templates [Download Now]

    Just like your resume should be sent in PDF format, it is best to download your cover letter in PDF, too. The PDF format allows your cover letter layout to remain unchanged, whatever the device used by recruiters. Our cover letter templates all match our resume templates, and can be exported in Docx (Word), for you to modify them later, or in ...

  18. Modern Cover Letter Templates [Word & PDF] Download for free

    based on 51,321 reviews. Check out our free cover letter samples for inspiration. Use these examples and our cover letter builder to create a beautiful cover letter in minutes. Our new and advanced Builder will guide you from start to finish. Save time with our easy 3-step resume builder. No more writer's block or formatting difficulties in Word.

  19. Resume Templates to Download and Print

    Style your resume to make it look better. Put your resume online and track visits to your profile. Search and apply for jobs with your resume sent directly from the builder. Download your resume as a PDF or Word document. Create a matching cover letter in minutes using ready-made content. Create your resume now.

  20. Downloadable Resume Templates

    Creating an effective resume can be a daunting task. In order to simplify the process, we've created downloadable Word and PDF samples that you can use to help with formatting. Use these for inspiration, but make it your own! Remember, there is not one "correct" resume for you to use - the best resume is the one that clearly and ...

  21. Simple Cover Letter Templates [Word & PDF] Download for free

    Save time with our easy 3-step resume builder. No more writer's block or formatting difficulties in Word. Rapidly make a perfect resume employers love. Resume Examples. Basic or Simple cover letter Templates to get hired faster 20 expert tested cover letters download as Word or PDF Over 13 Million Users.