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Free Cover Letter Templates for Microsoft Word

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  • Microsoft Word Cover Letter Templates
  • Access Letters From Your Computer

Access Templates Online

  • Create a Customized Cover Letter

Tips for Writing an Interview-Winning Cover Letter

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A good cover letter can mean the difference between catching the hiring manager’s attention and languishing in job search limbo. But many job seekers find it hard to stare down that blank page. How do you summarize your most important qualifications in a way that makes it clear that you’re the best candidate for the job? Cover letter templates can help.

A cover letter template provides a "fill-in the-blank" format. You can use it to create your own letter to send with your resume when you apply for a job.

Using a template saves you a few steps and helps you structure your letter in a professional way.

Free Microsoft cover letter templates are available online from Microsoft Office Online, as a download for Microsoft Word users, or are available within your Word program.

Note that not all templates may work with all versions of Word, so check before you download. There will be a message next to the download button advising if there are restrictions.

Not a Microsoft user? Google Docs also has  free template samples  available for letters and resumes. Using any of these templates can help you to feel confident that you are properly writing and  formatting your cover letter .

Free Microsoft Word Cover Letter Templates

There are a variety of templates available for Microsoft Word. Template options include  general cover letters  and both job- and career-specific cover letter samples. For example, there are cover letter templates for professionals, temporary workers, and candidates who are sending in their resumes unsolicited.

Microsoft Word also offers a variety of different cover letter template designs, with resume templates to match. Note that if you choose one of these fancier template designs, you’ll want to choose a resume template to match.

Be consistent in your application materials, whether it’s matching your cover letter to your resume or choosing a font or format. That way, hiring managers can focus on your work experience—not your stylistic choices.

Access Cover Letters From Your Computer

Open Microsoft Word, then click on:

Then, search for online templates by typing your keywords (e.g., “cover letter”) in the field provided. You can also click on the "Resumes and Cover Letters" category to get more options. Review the available options and choose the design you like best.

If you don’t own a copy of Microsoft Office or a subscription to Microsoft 365, you can still access  cover letter templates . These templates are free and editable online.

Visit the  Microsoft Cover Letter Templates  website, browse the cover letter templates, then click on the title to preview the sample. You'll need to sign up for a free account to edit the document.

Once you find a template you like, click Edit In Browser, then follow the instructions to customize and save your cover letter. There are also sets, which include matching resumes and cover letters, available to use.

Use the Template to Create a Customized Cover Letter

Once you have downloaded or opened  a cover letter template file , type over the text in the file to create your own  personalized cover letter .

The template will include all the relevant information that you need to include in your document. Simply change the generic version to include your personal and professional information.

It's a good idea to include additional details about your qualifications and experience. Take the time to  match your qualifications to the job description . Include  keywords related to your skills and achievements.

To  customize your cover letter  further, look for a contact person at the company, ideally the hiring manager or HR contact, and address the letter to this person. If you have an employee contact at the company who is willing to refer you, be sure to mention them in the first paragraph of your cover letter. Employee referrals carry a lot of weight with hiring managers.

Double-check to make sure there is none of the template information left in your final saved version. Finally, carefully proofread for grammar and typographical errors before saving and sending your cover letter.

To avoid sending a blank template or the wrong version of your cover letter,  choose a file name  that’s easy to remember. It should always include your name and may also contain the name of the position for which you’re applying. 

Avoid version numbers and cutesy nicknames when choosing a file name for your resume.

  • Send one.  Even when an employer does not directly ask for one, be sure  always to send a cover letter . The only time you don’t want to send one is when the job listing says not to.
  • Review examples . Review cover letter examples and tips for how to write a cover letter , so yours makes the best impression.
  • Customize each letter.  It might seem tedious, be it is important to  customize each cover letter  to fit the specific job you are applying for. It will make your letter stand out.
  • Highlight relevant qualifications.  In your cover letter, address one or two skills or qualifications that you have that match the job description. Provide a specific example of a time you demonstrated each of these qualifications. These examples will make your cover letter different from your resume, which is important.
  • Explain any potential issues.  You can use your cover letter to go into detail about something in your resume that needs explaining. For example, a cover letter is a good place to talk about a  career shift  or  explain an extended gap in employment .
  • Carefully edit your letter.  Be sure to edit each cover letter before sending it thoroughly. Consider asking a friend or family member, or a  career counselor , to read over your cover letter.

More Templates for Resumes and Letters

Microsoft letter templates are available as a free download for Microsoft Word users or are available within your Word program, to use to create a variety of letters. There are letter templates for cover letters,  resignation letters ,  reference letters , thank you letters, interview letters, and a variety of business letters.

Additionally,  Microsoft resume templates  are available as a free download for Microsoft Word users to use to create a resume. Microsoft Word resume options include basic resumes, job-specific resumes, and career-specific resumes.

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Home  »  Free Resources  » Cover Letter Templates » Word Cover Letters

Free Word Cover Letter Templates

Enhance your job application with our exclusive collection of Word cover letter templates. These professionally designed cover letter templates for Word are user-friendly and customizable to fit your unique career story. We craft each template in Microsoft Word .docx format to ensure ease of editing and compatibility.

The cover letter templates available on this page are free to download and designed to complement our wide range of Word resume templates . This means you can create a cohesive and professional application package with matching designs. With our cover letter templates for Word, you can stand out in the competitive job market. Download your preferred template today and start crafting a compelling cover letter that aligns with your professional aspirations.

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Cover letter template downloads for word.

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Cover Letter Templates by Profession

Here you can find cover letter templates designed for specific professions. If you are looking for more examples take a look at our inventory of cover letter examples by profession.

Registered nurse cover letter

Other Cover Letter Formats Available

We have got you covered if you require cover letter templates in a file format other than Word.

Google Docs

Google Docs

Apple Pages resumes

Apple Pages

PowerPoint resumes

Do I Need a Cover Letter?

Cover letters enable you to explain things you may not be able to in the resume, for example to explain a gap in work history, or your reason for a sudden career change, or if you have any connections to the company and need to name drop.

If you want to be the chosen one for the job you’re applying for, make sure to always keep in mind the following: crafting a personalized cover letter tailored to the company’s needs is crucial. Trust me, it will make you stand out from the crowd and increase your chances of landing that dream job!

Why Choose Our Word Cover Letter Templates?

Choosing our cover letters offers several advantages that can significantly enhance your job application process. Firstly, these templates are professionally designed, ensuring that your cover letter will have a polished and sophisticated appearance.

Another key benefit is the ease of customization. Our user-friendly cover letter templates allow you to modify various elements like color schemes, fonts, and layout to fit your personal style while maintaining a professional look. This flexibility ensures that your cover letter will be both unique and relevant to the position you are applying for.

In addition, these templates are designed to complement our range of Word resume templates, providing a cohesive and coordinated application package. This consistency in design between your cover letter and resume can demonstrate your attention to detail and organizational skills, traits highly valued by employers.

Finally, our cover letter templates for Word are easy to download and edit. They are compatible with Microsoft Word, a widely used and familiar software, which makes the process of editing and personalizing your cover letter straightforward, even for those with basic computer skills.

By choosing our Word cover letter templates, you’re equipping yourself with a tool that enhances your ability to present a professional, customized, and coherent job application, increasing your chances of making a strong impression on potential employers.

How to Create a Unique Cover Letter by Using Template?

Creating a unique cover letter using a Word cover letter template is a straightforward yet creative process that begins with selecting the right template. Opt for a template that aligns with your industry and professional level, and ensure it has a matching cover letter template to maintain consistency in design and formatting.

Once you’ve chosen the template, start personalizing it. The key to a standout cover letter is making it uniquely yours. Edit the color scheme, fonts, and layout to reflect your personal brand while keeping it professional.

Next, focus on the content. Tailor your cover letter to the specific job and company you’re applying for. Use the template as a guide, but ensure your personality and career achievements shine through. Highlight relevant experiences, skills, and why you are the ideal candidate for the role. The goal is to make a compelling case for why you’re a great fit, using clear, concise, and engaging language.

Finally, proofread your cover letter thoroughly. A well-designed cover letter can lose its effectiveness if it contains typos or grammatical errors. Consider getting a second pair of eyes to review it for errors and to provide feedback on the overall flow and impact of your letter.

By carefully selecting and customizing your Word cover letter template and focusing on writing your cover letter , you can create a unique cover letter in Word that not only complements your resume but also captures the attention of potential employers.

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Cover Letter Templates you Download with One Click

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Microsoft Word Cover Letter Templates

Thesee free Word cover letters formats by Microsoft . They are freely editable to your liking. These formats work best in the newer versions of Word. Most of these templates are fully editable to your liking. Color, format and all the content, edit to make your own stunning cover letters! For free, with direct downloads.

word cover letter template

Classey Casey

word cover letter template

Clean Green

Edgy Edward CL e1697717512490

Edgy Edward

word cover letter format

Geometric 1

word format cover letter

Geometric 2

word cover letter template

Jack Wilson

word cover letter

Download them directly with one click. The formats might not be compatible or work optimal with older verions of MS Word.

Template cover letter docx

Little Grey

word cover letter template

Retro Ricky 1

microsoft word cover letter format

Retro Ricky 2

microsoft word cover letter format

Retro Ricky 3

Microsoft Word cover letter

Simply Good

microsoft word cover letter template

We earn by promoting  resume.io’s cover letter generator, which is completely free, always. If you later become a paying subscriber to their resume builder tool, we earn a commission, at no cost to you.

Google Doc Cover Letter Templates

Google Docs Cover Letter Template 2

Swiss Template

Google Docs Cover Letter Template 1

Spearmint Template

Google Docs CV

Modern Template

Google Docs Cover Letter Template 3

Minimal Template

Free cover letter templates.

These cover letters have been made with the, absolutely free, cover letter tool (AI-assisted) from  Resume.io .

Here you can download the Pdf- & JPEG files, but with the tool, also in Word format, so you can keep editing them yourself.

cover letter template

Cover Letter Template

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Cover Letter Template 2

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Cover Letter Template

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Cover Letter Template

Cover Letter Template 8

Cover Letter Sample Nurse

Cover Letter Template 9

Cover Letter Template

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Clara Barton Cover Letter Template 11

Cover Letter Template 11

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Cover Letter Template 12

Use the cover letter builder tool and make matching resume’s. Fill in and download yours. Easy does it.

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Cover Letter Template 13

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Cover Letter Template 20

Cover letter example nurse

Cover Letter Template 21

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Cover Letter Template 27

How to end a cover letter.

A few good and quick tips on how to end your cover letter strong and convincing.

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Cover Letter Template

While a resume provides details to show you CAN do the work, a cover letter shows you WANT to do the work. Cover letters are used to introduce you to the prospective employer, highlight the most important details about you, and if well written, entice the reader to seriously review your resume. Continue reading below to learn how to write a cover letter, see examples of cover letters and to download a free cover letter template .

Resume Cover Letter Template

Resume Cover Letter Template

Other Versions

Description.

Looking for a change in employment? Use this free resume cover letter template to help you get started. Looking for help on Resumes? Check out our tips and templates for resumes .

Author : Brent Weight and Jon Wittwer

License : Limited Use

Cover Letter Objectives

Before writing a cover letter, make sure you have a clear understanding of the goals or objectives for the letter. These objectives include:

  • Introduce yourself and your resume
  • Explain your experience in more detail by providing pertinent stories or experiences
  • Provide a sample of your written communication
  • Hook the reader so they will want to read your resume

Personalize Your Cover Letter

Cover letters should be personalized as much as possible. Never send out the same cover letter twice. It may require you to do some research and to reach out to your network to make connections and introductions. Here are some things to include.

  • Make sure you tailor your letter to a specific individual and greet them by name.
  • If you don't have a name, then consider skipping the generic salutation.
  • Try to include details specific to the company or the position.
  • Provide a reference about how you heard about the job. This may include the date of the newspaper post or the online job reference number.
  • If you have had prior contact with the recipient, remind them of it in the introduction.
  • Be sure to mention any third parties that are recommending you or referring you for the position.
  • Consider listing the job you are applying for in a subject line.

The main body of the cover letter should have appropriate content. Don't use it to simply recreate your resume. Pick 3 or 4 key traits, skills or attributes you really want to highlight and focus on those. Consider picking traits that may be most appropriate based on the job listing. Use experiences, stories and results to demonstrate your use or possession of the traits or attributes.

Make sure you end with a strong closing that is short and to the point. The time for details and stories has passed. Consider inviting them to read your resume and include a request for a response or an interview. You may decide to keep the ball in your court and simply inform them you will follow up with a phone call. And be considerate and thank them for their time.

Additional Cover Letter Writing Tips

  • Use a formal business letter structure - You are writing a letter, not a memo or email. Use a formal business letter template .
  • Avoid bad grammar and spelling. - Poorly written and edited letters can kill your chances before they even look at your resume. Consider hiring a professional to edit your cover letter.
  • Don't sound desperate - Avoid sounding desperate by avoiding phrases such as "I really need this job" or "I hope you pick me".
  • Use formatting wisely - Use formatting such as bullets, italics, bold and font changes to draw attention to key items and to increase readability.
  • Avoid anything negative - Honesty about issues or special circumstances you face is important, but you don't have to mention it in your cover letter. Use interviews to provide these details.
  • Keep it short - Your letter should highlight and demonstrate, not bore and wander. Keep to the main points and be succinct.
  • Don't mess up in the delivery - Make sure your letter looks correct when printed. Consider using nicer paper for actual letters. When sending electronically, send it as a PDF since almost everyone has software to read a PDF file.
  • Avoid uncommon language - Avoid terms that are specific to past employers and not used my most people. This would include acronyms and company jargon.

Use AI To Help Write a Resume Cover Letter

AI Letter-writing Robot

There are multiple generative AI tools that can help you come up with a draft for a letter. For example, using the Bing AI Chat or ChatGPT, you could use some of these prompts:

  • Create a cover letter for this job posting. [Paste job listing here]
  • Create a cover letter for a job as a tie fighter pilot in the empire.

BONUS! If you have a ChatGPT Plus account, check out our Letter Writing AI .

Sample Cover Letters

Sample cover letter for recent graduate.

Bill Stevenson 123 Anywhere Street Somewhereville, Best State 88889

Mr. Ryan Francom IT Manager XYZ Aviation Company 456 Somewhere Road Best Town, Best State 88888

Dear Mr. Francom,

In May, I will graduate from Tech University with a Master's of Science in Aeronautical Engineering. I am seeking to pursue my life long goal of becoming an aeronautical engineer for a world-class aviation company. Let me briefly highlight the skills, values and passion I will bring to XYZ Aviation Company.

  • Lifelong passion for all things aeronautical including receiving my pilot's license at the age of 15.
  • Solid understanding of aeronautical design processes and procedures gained at ABC Corp as a Level 1 engineer.
  • Ability to work with others on interdisciplinary design teams in order to meet goals and complete projects on time.
  • An aptitude for defining problems and identifying creative solutions while building consensus between all affected parties.
  • A hardworking and self-directed work ethic with a dedication to detail.

An interview to further review your needs and my skills would be mutually beneficial. Next week I will contact you to schedule an interview. I look forward to talking to you soon.

Bill Stevenson

Example Cover Letter

Nancy Thompson 123 Anywhere Street Somewhereville, Best State 88889

Ms. Emily Smith HR Manager XYZ Company 456 Somewhere Road Best Town, Best State 88888

Dear Ms. Smith,

Bob Jones, your IT director, suggested that I contact you regarding the recently listed Sales Director position. I would love to be an integral part of your leadership team and contribute my proven management skills, efficiency and productivity to your corporate goals.

Highlights of my 20 year career include

  • Over 10 years of experience managing direct sales staff with 20 years of marketing and sales experience.
  • Creation and implementation of a direct sales program with annual sales reaching $50 million in less than 4 years.
  • Deadlines met on time and in budget with a willingness to work with others to accomplish corporate tasks.
  • Led the successful acquisition and merger of ACME Companies catalog sales division with ABC Companies sales division.

I am confident my qualifications will allow me to add significant value to your company as the Sales Director. I will call you directly to schedule an appropriate time for us to speak about the challenges and opportunities your company faces and how I can contribute to your company's future growth and success. Thank you in advance for your time.

Nancy Thompson

More Resume Cover Letter Templates

There are some sample cover letters in the Microsoft Office template gallery, under the category Letters . You can also find templates by opening Microsoft Word, going to File > New, and searching for "resume cover letter." Below are examples of some of the letters you can find this way:

  • Resume Cover Letter to Use When Referred by a Colleague
  • Cover Letter for an Entry-Level Resume
  • Cover Letter in Response to Advertisement
  • ... for a Temporary Position
  • ... Announcing Your Job Search
  • ... for a Functional Resume
  • ... with Salary Requirements
  • ... for Unsolicited Resume

Additional Resources

Below are some additional resources to help you write a great cover letter for your resume. They contain additional writing guidelines and tips.

  • What is a Cover Letter? at purdue.edu - A down-and-dirty guide to writing cover letters.
  • 6 Secrets to Writing a Great Cover Letter at forbes.com - Some extra tips
  • Cover Letter Tips (PDF) at michigan.gov - Basic cover letter structure and tips with additional examples.
  • Cover Letter Writing at northwestern.edu

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Word Templates

Elevate your document creation with ease, whether it's resumes, cover letters, cards, flyers, and a lot more. Explore a vast collection of professionally crafted Microsoft Word templates on Template.net. With a diverse array of designs and styles, you'll find the perfect template to streamline your work and impress your audience.

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Template.net gives you an easier way to manage your business with printable Word Templates that complement MS Word’s Office 365 suite for your company, business, or project requirements. Easily create professional stationeries, newsletters, letterheads, cover letters, invoices, certificates, and letterheads with colorful designs and borders.

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Get ready-made modern resumes, calendars, flyers, planners, business plans, company profiles, or checklists with creative and aesthetic features and backgrounds that you can design and edit easily in Microsoft Word (Doc) Format and store on OneDrive for protection and easy sharing. Our templates are compatible with all Microsoft versions, from 2007, 2010, 2013, and 2016, to 2019 and 2021. Download yours now for free.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the tasks ms word is used for.

Microsoft Word has several features to perfectly craft the following documents using its features of spell check, grammar check, text and font formatting, HTML support, image support, and more. 

  • Brochures. 
  • Learning activities. 
  • Resume and cover letters.
  • Test documents.
  • Quizz questionnaires. 
  • Students' homework and assignments.

What are the Benefits of Using MS Word? 

  • It helps to integrate with other MS Office programs. 
  • Instant help in grammar rectification and language. 
  • Easy reading and writing experience. 
  • Easy to collaborate with other members using this file. 
  • It allows visuals attachment with text. 
  • Easy diagram and table insertion.  

What are the Features of MS Word?

  • A distraction-free and smooth writing space. 
  • Easy outline view. 
  • Easy and quick graphs or table making process. 
  • It can hold 24 essential items in the clipboard.
  • Less complex formatting of the documentation. 
  • You can write the equation in word. 
  • Beautiful kernings and fonts are available. 

What are the Types of Files Microsoft Word can Create? 

Following is a list of the types of files you can create using the most recent Word file:

  • .dot, .dotm, .dotx
  • .mht, .mhtml
  • .doc, .docm, .docx
  • .htm, .html

What is the difference between Microsoft Word and Microsoft Editor?

Microsoft Word is a word processing software that allows you to edit documents or any text-based file. On the other hand, Microsoft Editor is a free AI-powered writing assistant for editing documents in Microsoft Word, Outlook, other Office 365 software. With an additional monthly subscription and a Microsoft 365 Personal or Family subscription, you can get advanced Editor features aside from the basic spelling and grammar checks.

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ATS Resume Templates

Download an ATS-friendly resume template for free. These templates can be edited in Microsoft Word and can be accurately scanned by an applicant tracking system.

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If you’ve made it to this page, then you probably already know more about applicant tracking systems (ATS) than the average job seeker. That gives you an advantage! Why?

Many companies use ATS to manage resumes and applications. In fact, Jobscan research shows that over 97% of Fortune 500 companies use an ATS.

If an ATS can’t read or understand the information on your resume, then your application might not be seen when a recruiter searches for candidates with specific skills or experience – even if you have those skills or the experience!

Your resume needs to be ATS-friendly in order to give you the best chance of getting a job interview. That means that you need an ATS resume template.

We’ve designed 15 ATS resume templates that can be downloaded as Microsoft Word files and easily edited. Download one for free or use our free resume builder to get a customized ATS-friendly resume in minutes.

Free ATS Resume Templates

Executive and Management ATS-Friendly Resume Templates

As a leader, you want your experience and accomplishments to shine. These resume templates give you opportunities to show the measurable results you’ve achieved, as well as your hard and soft skills .

Using correct formatting is critical here. The ATS needs to be able to parse all of that vital information and categorize it correctly. You also need your resume to be searchable by an ATS so that when a recruiter filters candidates by skills, your application stays on the list.

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Entry-Level ATS-Friendly Resume Templates

You might not think you have a lot to show on your resume, but you do! These templates provide sections where you can highlight your education, internships, volunteer experience , personal accomplishments, and more.

An ATS-friendly resume will help you get found by recruiters and hiring managers. This is important because an entry-level position could have hundreds of applicants! Use these templates to make sure the ATS picks up your skills and experience.

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Make your resume faster with our free resume builder

Write your resume the free and easy way with the only resume builder designed specifically with ATS-compliant resume templates.

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ATS Resume Templates - What You Need to Know

How to make the perfect ats resume.

Remember, an ATS is just a computer filing system. It needs to be able to scan and understand the text on your resume in order to correctly parse the information and sort it properly.

An ATS will never auto-reject a resume, but an ATS optimized resume does make it easier for a recruiter to find you among the sea of applicants.

Even more importantly, an ATS-friendly resume naturally follows expert-recommended resume writing standards as well. That means that when the recruiter personally views your resume, it will include the relevant information they’re looking for and will be formatted in a way that makes it easier to read

Follow these tips for making the perfect ATS resume :

1. Tailor your resume to the job you are applying for

Focus on quality over quantity. Each job you apply for is unique, even if they all have the same title. Every company has different needs for that role. The job description will make it clear which hard skills, soft skills, experience, and education the company is looking for. So tailor your resume to show them that you are the perfect candidate.

Tailoring each and every resume can be time consuming, but it’s worth the effort!

You can speed up this process by using a tool like Jobscan’s resume scanner . Powered by AI-technology , this tool analyzes your resume against the job description and provides you with a resume score that tells you how closely your resume matches the job description. It also tells you exactly what you need to do to increase your score.

2. Match your resume keywords to skills found in the job description

Recruiters might use an ATS’ search function to find applicants with specific skills. How do you know what skills they will search for? By examining the job listing. Use a resume scanner to automatically pick out the hard and soft skills the recruiter might search for, and then include those on your resume.

Even if the recruiter doesn’t search applications for those skills, they’ll definitely be looking for mentions of them on each resume they review.

3. Use long-form and acronym versions of keywords

Some ATS will only return resumes with the exact keywords the recruiters would search for. For example, if you included “Search Engine Optimization” in your resume but the recruiter searched for “SEO,” your profile may not appear in the results. Try to include both the acronym and the unabbreviated form of the term.

Use a tool like Jobscan’s resume fixer to make sure your resume doesn’t contain mistakes that will eliminate you from consideration.

4. Use Chronological or Hybrid resume format to write your resume .

Recruiters do not like the functional resume format . Unless you’re making a career change, a functional resume is going to work against you. (And even then, we recommend you steer clear of the format for a career change resume .)

The best format for the ATS is traditional reverse chronological. You can also use chronological and hybrid resume formats as these are familiar to most recruiters.

5. Use an easy-to-read, traditional font

For readability, use a traditional serif or sans serif font. Untraditional or “fancy” fonts can cause parsing errors, which means the full text of your resume won’t be searchable.

6. Use standard resume section headings

Section headers like “Where I’ve Been” in place of “Work Experience” will confuse applicant tracking systems, causing them to organize information incorrectly.

7. Save your file as a .docx if possible

A docx file is most compatible with ATS.

What is the best resume format for ATS?

There are three standard resume formats to choose from in your job search. They shape your first impression and determine the way recruiters and hiring managers view your fit as an applicant.

Your resume formatting can also determine how well your resume is parsed within an applicant tracking system (ATS) and how likely you are to be noticed as a result.

Regardless of the format you use, the most important thing is to use standard section headings like Experience, Skills, and Education. That will make it easier for the ATS to categorize the text.

How to tailor your ATS-friendly resume to a job

Tailoring your resume proves to recruiters that you’re an experienced professional. Most importantly, it shows them that you’re the perfect fit for this role.

Follow these three steps for tailoring your resume to a job description:

1. Examine the specific job description of the position

Go line by line through the job description and ask yourself these questions:

  • “Does my resume experience section clearly state that I can do what’s required of this role?”
  • “Am I using the same language found in the job description or job posting?”

You might find several different or missing skills and keywords in your generic resume.

2. Match skills and keywords from the job description

Mirroring the language, keywords, and buzzwords found within the job description is the easiest way to demonstrate you’re a better match than the competition.

The best way to show you’re the best fit for the position is to take words from the job posting and strategically put them in your job descriptions and other resume sections. A resume scanner will automatically pull out these keywords in seconds and speed up this process.

3. Write your job title clearly

Recruiters might search for people who have done the job they’re hiring, so list your job titles clearly and match the titles to the one in the job posting when possible. If you haven’t held the job before, list it under your name at the top or as part of your summary section.

What is Applicant Tracking Software (ATS)?

An applicant tracking system (ATS) is software used to assist with human resources, recruitment, and hiring. While each system offers a different package of features, applicant tracking systems are primarily used to help hiring companies organize and navigate large numbers of applicants.

For example, an ATS stores job candidate information like resumes, cover letters, references, and other recruitment and hiring data that HR teams can easily access and organize. It will also track job candidates and their application status throughout the hiring pipeline.

Ultimately, an ATS automates time-consuming administrative tasks such as manually screening applicants, reading resumes, scheduling interviews, and sending notifications and emails to job candidates and employees.

Can you add graphics to your resume?

When it comes to creating an ATS-friendly resume , the rule is: The simpler, the better. ATS are improving at scanning different formatting features, but not all of them are good at this.

Adding graphics and images could cause ATS parsing errors , which means the text on your resume won’t be fully searchable or accurately categorized by an ATS. We recommend that job seekers err on the side of caution. Avoid graphics, images, and photos.

Are Google Docs or Microsoft resume templates ATS-friendly?

They can be. We talked about some formatting features to avoid on your resume – fancy graphics and non-traditional fonts. Those features can trip up an ATS, even if they’re on a Word document or Google Docs file.

However, as long as you follow the guidelines on this page, or use one of these ATS resume templates, you’ll be fine.

How to get your cover letter past the ATS?

To increase your cover letter’s chances of passing an ATS, focus on using a clean format without complex formatting, incorporate relevant keywords and phrases from the job description, and ensure that your content is easy for the ATS to parse.

Consider using a tool like Jobscan’s cover letter generator to help you create an ATS-friendly cover letter. If you already have a cover letter, run it through our cover letter checker tool to get personalized feedback on how to improve your cover letter and make it more compelling to employers.

More Resume Resources

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Google Docs Resume Templates

Professional Resume Templates

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Resume Builder

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