Job Search Advice

Simple Cover Letter Templates and How to Write One in 2024

Want a short and simple cover letter template you can customize for every job you apply to? Here are some recruiter-approved templates and tips to read about!

(Updated: ) - 3 min read
Leila Le
Written by
As an Operations Lead, Leila oversees Simplify's blog & newsletter, reaching 100K job-seekers monthly, where she brings experience curating resources for candidates to help them land their dream job.

By 2024, a cover letter will be crucial in making yourself stand out from other candidates applying for the same job. But with so many applicants, where do you begin? In this blog post, we will provide you with some simple cover letter templates, discuss what makes them great, and show you how to write a standout cover letter.

💡
In our blog, we'll explore the importance of Application Tracking Systems (ATS) in job applications, along with effective cover letter templates!

Understanding the Application Tracking System (ATS)

Before we dive in, let's first understand the Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) that most employers use to manage job applications. ATS scans resumes and cover letters for keywords and phrases related to the job description. Your job application has to pass through this first barrier before it can be viewed by hiring managers and recruiters. Unfortunately, many strong applicants are rejected at this stage because their application did not pass the ATS scan.

How do you avoid being filtered about by ATS?

So, how do you avoid this from happening? Your cover letter needs to be meticulously tailored to each job application to ensure it passes through the ATS scan. Familiarity with ATS software functionalities can also help you understand how these systems parse and prioritize information, ultimately optimizing your application strategy.

To help you succeed, here are some general tips to keep in mind when writing your cover letter:

  • Use a professional font such as Arial or Times New Roman, and keep the font size between 10 and 12 points.
  • Avoid using generic templates; instead, tailor your cover letter to the specific job posting and accompanying job descriptions.
  • Keep your cover letter concise and focused, aiming for no more than one page.
  • Proofread carefully to ensure there are no grammatical or spelling errors.
  • Include your contact information in the header or footer of your cover letter for easy reference.
  • Consider saving your cover letter as a PDF instead of a DOCX file, as PDFs maintain formatting consistency across different devices and operating systems, ensuring your cover letter appears as intended to the recipient.

We will go into more detail with these tips later in this blog post, so stay tuned!

💡
These templates serve as a starting point your job search! Feel free to customize them further to match your unique qualifications and the requirements of the positions you're pursuing. 

Template #1

Dear [Employer's Name],

I am writing to express my interest in the [Job Title] position at [Company Name], as advertised. With [number] years of experience in [relevant field], I am confident in my ability to contribute effectively to your team. My strong [mention specific skills or accomplishments] make me a suitable candidate for this role.

I am particularly drawn to [Company Name] because [mention reasons, such as company culture, mission, or recent accomplishments]. I am excited about the opportunity to [mention specific contribution or project you're interested in].

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of discussing how my skills and experiences align with the needs of your team.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

Template #2

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am writing to apply for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name], as advertised. With a strong background in [mention relevant experience or skills], I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to your team.

I am impressed by [Company Name]'s commitment to [mention company values, projects, or achievements]. I am particularly drawn to this role because [mention reasons, such as alignment with your career goals or interest in the company's mission].

Thank you for considering my application. I am eager to further discuss how my background and skills make me a great fit for this position.

Best regards,
[Your Name]

Template #3

Dear [Recruiter's Name],

I am writing to express my interest in the [Job Title] position at [Company Name], as advertised. With a passion for [mention relevant field or industry], I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to your team and make a meaningful impact.

I am impressed by [Company Name]'s innovative approach to [mention specific aspect of the company, such as projects, products, or services]. I am particularly drawn to this role because [mention reasons, such as alignment with your skills or career aspirations].

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of discussing how my background and enthusiasm can benefit your team.

Warm regards,
[Your Name]

Simplify Cover Letter Generator

Tired of writing cover letters? Check out our Cover Letter Generator! With just a few clicks, you can generate a professional cover letter tailored to your needs. Say goodbye to the hassle of crafting cover letters from scratch – our intuitive tool makes it easy to create personalized cover letters in minutes. Simply input your information, customize the content to fit the job you're applying for, and with a click of a few buttons, your cover letter is ready to go.

Conclusion

Crafting an ATS-friendly resume is essential for job seekers looking to navigate the hiring process successfully. Remember to prioritize clarity, keyword optimization, and compatibility with ATS systems to stand out in the competitive job market. With the right approach, you can position yourself as a strong candidate and land your dream job.

💡
Looking for jobs to apply to? Check out Simplify's database of over 1,000,000+ jobs and internships here!