General Cover Letter Templates
A general cover letter template can help you stand out from the crowd and get you noticed faster. All of our cover letter samples, including our general cover letter template provided below, can be adjusted to suit a wide range of jobs and industries. No matter what type of job you’re applying for, we’ve got something for everyone.
Be sure to enhance your cover letter template by incorporating specific examples from your professional and educational background. Remember, each cover letter represents an opportunity to showcase to the employer why you are the perfect fit for the role, so make the most of it!
What makes our cover letter templates stand out?
At cvapp.nz, we understand the transformative impact a good job can have on your life. That's why we've created compelling cover letter templates designed to captivate and leave a lasting impression on employers.
Here's just a few reasons why our cover letter templates can help elevate your professional potential:
- Expert Approved Designs: Our team of skilled graphic designers are constantly developing and updating our cover letter templates to ensure they align with industry expectations. With a variety of template styles ranging from simple and modern to professional and creative, we’re proud to offer ideal cover letter templates for every individual.
- HR-Endorsed Templates: We collaborate with experienced HR and recruitment professionals to ensure our cover letter templates align with the criteria set by today's employers. By staying informed on the latest recruitment practices, our templates can keep you one step ahead of the competition.
- Easy Customisation: In addition to our professionally designed free cover letter templates, we provide a user-friendly cover letter builder to help job-seekers tailor their application letters with ease. With convenient features and helpful advice, our cover letter builder simplifies the process of crafting an exceptional cover letter.
- AI-Powered Technology: Even the most skilled writers need some support now and then; that's why we've integrated AI-generated content into our cover letter builder. Our AI tools allow for easy customisation, and with an advanced spelling and grammar checker, our builder can help identify and improve any potentially costly mistakes in your cover letter.
Most jobs will specify whether they require your cover letter in PDF or Word Docx format. In our online cover letter builder, We make it easy to edit your cover letter and download your template in either format. Check it out for yourself!
How to choose the right cover letter template:
Since each applicant and job role is unique, a standardised cover letter can hinder your chances of being noticed by employers. That's why we've created an extensive range of cover letter templates to help you create a job-winning cover letter. Say bye-bye to boring templates!
Our cover letter builder allows for effortless transitions between templates. That's right: You can quickly customise your cover letter and tailor it to your own individual preferences with ease. Our collection of free cover letter templates is divided into four distinct categories:
- Creative: For industries or job titles that demand a dynamic presentation, check out our creative cover letter templates. With vivid colour palettes, fun fonts and dazzling designs, a creative cover letter can help you stand out from the crowd. We recommend using a creative cover letter if you're applying for roles in industries such as film, television, design, photography, art, architecture and content creation.
- Modern: For applicants applying to industries that thrive on fresh thinking and progressive ideas, our modern cover letter templates may be the best option for you. Our modern cover letter layouts show off sleek lines, crisp fonts, and a balanced blend of both white space and text blocks. These templates are best for professionals in the IT, marketing, administration, and sales industries.
- Professional: There are times when it's important to stick to more conventional template designs, and that's where our professional templates shine. These templates offer classic designs with traditional fonts and well-organised sections. Opting for a professional cover letter template is best for applicants applying to industries such as business, healthcare, education, engineering, accounting, and finance.
- Simple: Last but not least, our simple cover letters are a timeless and traditional option for a diverse range of job positions and candidates. Ideal for students, individuals new to the workforce, and those in industries like hospitality, transportation, logistics, and retail, these simple templates are incredibly versatile and provide an excellent starting point for crafting any cover letter.
How do I create a great cover letter?
A great cover letter requires highlighting why you’re the ideal candidate for the role by outlining your professional expertise and strengths. To do this, you’ll need the following sections:
A well-designed header: To stand out from the crowd, you'll need an attractive header to display your name and contact information. Your header is usually positioned at the top or along the side of the page. Here, you'll want to include essential contact information such as a phone number, email address, and any links to relevant professional websites.
An attractive and appropriate colour scheme: While it may not be appropriate for all industries, incorporating a pop of colour or fresh formatting can enhance the visual appeal of your cover letter. At cvapp.nz, we offer a range of alluring cover letter designs and attractive colour schemes that can help bring your cover letter to life.
A suitable font choice: Effective cover letters employ font styles and sizes that are well-structured and appropriate for the industry or job role you're applying for. We simplify the cover letter creation process in our online builder by automatically choosing the correct font and size for your cover letter template.
Balanced white space to text ratio: A great cover letter should have a balanced ratio of text to white space to prevent visual strain on the reader. Fortunately, all of our cover letter templates are formatted by industry experts. Check it out for yourself!
Diverse roles may call for different cover letter formats, which is why we've simplified the process of adjusting colours, line spacing, or entire templates in our cover letter builder.
Cover Letter Structure:
Before you get started, it’s important to know how a cover letter is structured. You’ll need to include the following sections:
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A tailored greeting: The way potential employers are addressed at the start of the cover letter. For example, “Dear Mr. Rapana,” or “Tēnā koe, Mrs. Roberts.”
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An interesting introduction: The initial opening sentences after your greeting introduce who you are and the position you’re applying for.
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Captivating body paragraphs: The main paragraphs of your cover letter where you elaborate upon your professional experience, skills, and why you’re the best candidate for the job. Don’t forget to use strong examples, facts and figures where possible.
- An appropriate conclusion and sign-off: The final sentences include a strong call-to-action statement motivating employers to reach out at a later stage, as well as an appropriate farewell statement. For example, “Ngā mihi, Melanie Harawera,” or “Yours sincerely, Jack Williams.”
Cover Letter FAQs:
How should I format my cover letter?
An effective cover letter format grabs the interest of employers with an appealing design layout and an appropriate font. Additionally, your cover letter should also provide clear and concise details about your professional background, skills and qualifications. There are a range of different formats you can use, but the best format for you largely depends on your professional background.
How long should my cover letter be?
A well-crafted cover letter should fall within the range of 250-350 words. This is usually around three paragraphs long. If your cover letter is too short, you run the risk of employers questioning whether you're experienced enough or suitable for the job role. If your cover letter is too long, you may lose the reader's interest. Keeping it within this range will safeguard you from these risks.
Is there anything I should always include in a cover letter?
It's essential to always include the name of the company you're applying to and the job position you're interested in for each cover letter you draft. As potential employers may be evaluating candidates for multiple positions concurrently, specifying this information can quickly help employers determine if your cover letter should be considered and taken seriously.
- Include an attractive and industry-appropriate header
- Use data and specific examples to help support your claims
- Keep your white space-to-text ratio balanced
- Adjust the margins to fit more text in or to make your cover letter appear longer
- Include unnecessary details
- Incorporate overly flashy colours or design elements
Do I have to include a cover letter?
While not every hiring manager reviews cover letters, those who do often use them to determine the shortlist for interviews.
Imagine losing out on your dream job just because you didn't have a cover letter! For this reason, we recommend submitting a cover letter for each new job opportunity. Fortunately, all of our cover letter templates come with
How do I end a cover letter?
We recommend incorporating a call-to-action statement at the conclusion of your cover letter. For example: "If possible, I'd love to meet with you at your earliest convenience." This concluding statement showcases your enthusiasm for the role and subtly suggests that the hiring manager reach out to you for an interview.
The final lines of your cover letter should end with an appropriate farewell, such as “Yours sincerely,” or “Ngā mihi,” followed by your full name.
How do I address a cover letter if I don’t know the name of the recipient?
While addressing the hiring manager by name in your cover letter is best to help forge a personal connection with the recipient, some companies may not disclose the identity of the individual reviewing your application.
In these situations, a more general greeting such as "Dear (Company Name) Hiring Team" or "Dear (Department Name) Team Lead" is best.