What to Know About Simple Cover Letter Templates

Updated August 15, 20222.7k

Simple cover letter templates are available for free online to help you craft the perfect cover letter. What should you know about choosing one?

What You Need to Know About Simple Cover Letter Templates

It’s vital you make a great first impression with the hiring manager with your job application, and often the best cover letters use a simple, traditional cover letter template. Just as there are a plethora of options available online for both free cover letter templates and free resume templates. You’ll find a range of options for cover letter examples, from the more complex and creative to more minimalist, classic cover letter layouts. Here’s what you need to know to make the most of the cover letter help online.

What Is a Simple Cover Letter Template?

Broadly speaking, a simple cover letter template is a template that doesn’t focus on being too eye-catching or flashy. It presents your information in a professional, clear manner without the need for too much stylization, and without playing around too much with the standard cover letter format. It indicates to the recruiter that you’re confident that your information speaks for itself without relying on creative touches.

Essential Elements of a Simple Cover Letter Template

A simple cover letter seeks to showcase your information as the main benefit of the letter, and so nothing should detract from the presentation of your details.

So, clearly lay out the main elements: your header, including contact information, and your paragraphs outlining your experience, education, and skillset, depending on what you choose to highlight.

To make all this as clear to the reader as possible, a simple cover letter template is usually in black and white, with maybe one extra neutral color added. This focuses the hiring manager on the letter’s content as opposed to any flashy elements.

The next thing to consider is the chosen font. When you use a cover letter builder, you should note which font it utilizes. A good cover letter should use a standard font, with options like Arial and Helvetica proving the most popular. Check the fonts for all sections: sometimes there is a different font used for different elements, such as the job title, salutation, and sign off. Of course, font size is also important. The font should be big enough to read while still fitting onto one page.

Finally, pay attention to how you present the contact information; this should be immediately accessible to the recruiter. Note how a professional cover letter template will clearly show details like your phone number and links to important professional websites or LinkedIn profiles.

When and Where to Use a Simple Cover Letter Template

While most potential employers are satisfied with a simple cover letter template, there are some occasions when a more creative cover letter template may be a good idea. For instance, if you are applying for a job in graphic design, a simple cover letter template might come off as too “plain”. Check the job requirements in the job posting and job description; if you feel that you need to need more flair or see that other job seekers are getting creative, there are plenty of cover letter samples with less traditional designs.

However, choosing a formal, simple cover letter is usually the best option for most roles, as most hiring managers still favor a traditional style.

Furthermore, it’s often a good idea to match your cover letter format and design to your resume. Using our resume builder to create a one-page resume and then matching this simplicity in your cover letter makes for an effective combination. When your job application looks coordinated, it portrays a more compelling image of who you are as a person.

FAQ: Simple Cover Letter Templates

What is the most appropriate font to use for a simple cover letter?

Any font that is easy to read is suitable for a cover letter. Arial, Helvetica, Georgia, and Lora are all excellent choices. Most cover letter tips will encourage you to avoid more complicated fonts no matter what the style of the cover letter you’re writing;, even if you’re opting for something more unique the hiring manager still has to easily read your writing.

Is a template really necessary for a simple cover letter?

Even a simple template is very helpful to make sure that everything is correct and looks great before you send it off - it’s important your job application is mistake-free, and a template will you help you with this. You don’t have to use a template for your cover letter, but using what’s available can save some time and allow you to incorporate tried and tested layouts. Having a ready-made template also makes it easier to personalize for different job applications.

Is there a free cover template?

Yes, there are plenty of free simple cover letter templates online. Have a look at ResumeNerd’s free cover letter templates to help get started with your job application.

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About The Author

Jessie Oleson Moore

Jessie Oleson Moore is a Philadelphia-based freelance writer / ghostwriter and artist. As a writer, she has written extensively on finance, day trading, personal growth, and career development and has extensive experience producing in-depth, research-based articles and guides. In addition, she is an accomplished illustrator and author who has appeared on The Today Show and been featured in Publisher's Weekly. In her free time, she’s an avid traveler, Ashtanga yoga practitioner, and unicorn enthusiast.