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Simple cover letter templates

Plain, one-column letters with dark body text, a short header and nothing to distract from what you write. They print cleanly, read well on a phone, and look right for almost any job.

Best for: Students and new graduates, first-time applicants, career changers, and anyone who wants the words to do the work.

Design with any template free. Classic downloads free; the rest with Pro.

3 simple cover letter templates

Shown with our internship cover letter example. Your words stay when you switch designs, so try a few.

Writing a simple cover letter

  1. 01

    A plain letter needs a specific first line

    With no design to lean on, the opening carries the letter. Name the role and the company, and give one reason you want this job rather than any job.

  2. 02

    Three paragraphs is enough

    Why this role, your best proof, and a polite close. A simple layout makes a long letter look longer, so aim for about 250 words.

  3. 03

    Leave the white space alone

    Margins and the gap between paragraphs are what make a letter easy to read. If it runs onto a second page, cut a sentence instead of squeezing the layout.

  4. 04

    Write your details the same way as on your resume

    Same name, email, phone and city, in the same form. Side by side, a different phone number or a nickname on one of them looks careless.

Questions

What is the simplest cover letter format?
Your name and contact details at the top, the date, the hiring manager and company, a subject line with the role, a greeting, three short paragraphs and a sign-off. Classic lays it out exactly like that.
Is a simple cover letter too plain?
No. Hiring managers read a cover letter for what it says. A clean letter with one specific example beats a decorated one full of general claims.
Which simple template is free?
Classic. It downloads as a PDF on the free plan; Modern and Executive download with Pro. You can write and design with all three for free.
Who do I address the letter to if I don't know a name?
Use the hiring manager's name if the job post or LinkedIn gives it. If not, leave the name empty and the letter opens with "Dear Hiring Manager,", which is perfectly acceptable.

More cover letter templates

All 5 cover letter templates →