Every time you apply for a job, it’s a good idea to include a cover letter.
Microsoft Word offers templates and welcomes third-party designs to help you create compelling cover letters.
Heres how to use such options in Word and make the best first impression possible to potential employers.
Use Microsoft Words Cover Letter Templates
Formal letters dont have to be bland.
Go toFile > More templateson Word, and key in cover letter in the search box.
Youll find several stylish designs that add structure and color to your document.
What reflects you better, a subtle or sharp color scheme?
If youre considering a bold header for your professional details, learnhow to design letterheads on Word, too.
it’s possible for you to even add your portrait to your cover letter.
They guide you in these small ways, some even providing a sample for your letters main body.
Its a good idea to rephrase that, though, to fit each job tool.
Use Third-Party Templates in Microsoft Word
You cancreate cover letters for your dream jobon platforms besides Microsoft.
Here are some examples.
1.ResumeLab
Explore over 50 cover letter templates, ranging from minimalist to eye-catching designs.
Keep in mind that a few of them are meant to be created on ResumeLab.
The rest you might bring onto Word by clicking theirDownload it free herelink.
Youll be redirected to websites likeGood ResumeandResume Genius, which help you quickly download your documents.
Then, all you have to do is open them in Microsoft Word.
2.Template.net
This is a popular site for templates of all kinds, including cover letters.
Whats more, the download process is very easy.
Just browse its collection, tap on a design you like, and select theWordbutton underDownload Free Template.
In the next window, hitFree Download.
If youre not signed in already, youll be asked to as the final step.
Familiarize yourself with thedos and donts of writing a cover letter.
Remember these guidelines when selecting and customizing a template or crafting a cover letter from scratch.
They boil down to the following rules.
Research Potential Employers
Do your research before writing or designing your cover letter.
Get to know each company and even the recruiter youre addressing.
Its the same strategy astailoring your resume for different job types.
Be smart, enthusiastic, and concise with your words.
Use Your Blank Space Wisely
Aim to limit your cover letter to one page.
Any more than that, and you risk losing the recruiters interest.
Express these things as succinctly as possible.
You could even use some small icons, as long as theyre tasteful and discreet.
Whatever you choose, keep these visuals on the letters edges, and dont let them dominate the text.
To do this, go toLayout > Margins.
From the same toolbar, you could adjust paragraph spacing and indentation.
Your header and footer can be customized from here, too.
Even theMailingtoolbar might be of interest.
It can help streamline the process of writing and sending letters, as well as keeping track of recipients.
The app itself is full of useful writing and editing tools.
With this leg up, designing a cover letter for every occasion is easier.
Sound research and planning in terms of how to approach each app can help polish the letter even more.
