free cover letter examples uk

11 Cover letter templates with examples

Not sure what type of cover letter is going to catch the eye of hiring managers, so they actually read your CV?

A well-written cover letter can be a game-changer in your job search, so long as you think carefully about what you include.

No need to panic, though.

For an easy win, use one of our 11 impressive cover letter templates, along with inspirational examples and a step-by-step writing guide.

CV templates 

Basic cover letter template

Dear [Recruiter’s name],

I am writing to apply for the [Job title] at [Company name], as advertised on [Website name]. With [Number of years of experience] in [Core responsibilities of role + quantified achievement if possible].

During my current job at [Company name], I [Core responsibilities of role + quantified achievement if possible].

I am eager to bring my [Mention suitable skill + aspirations] to the [Job title] at [Employer’s name] and I am available for an interview at your earliest convenience.

Kind regards,

[Name] [Phone number] [Email]

Basic cover letter example

Short cover letter template

Hi [Recruiter name],

I’d like to express my interest in the role of [Job title] as advertised on [Website name].

I am currently working in a [Current role] role for [Current employer], where I am responsible for [Core responsibilities of role + quantified achievement if possible].

I’m looking for a new challenge that will [Aspirations + mention of suitable skill].

It would be great to hear from you, and I am available to interview at any time.

Short cover letter example

Admin cover letter template

Good morning [Hiring Manager],

I am writing to submit my application for the position of [Role name] at [Company name]. As a passionate and committed individual with [Number of years] of experience and a track record of [Core responsibilities of role + quantified achievement if possible], I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to the continued success of your institution.

I have gained valuable insights into the [Core responsibilities of role + more quantified achievements.] In my current role as [Current role], I have continuously facilitated positive change and enhanced [Company name’s] reputation.

Some notable achievements I would like to mention include [List quantified achievements].

With all my experience and a [Qualification] in [Subject], I hope that you recognise my enthusiasm and will consider me for the position.

Kind regards, [Name] [Phone number] [Email address]

Admin cover letter example

Finance cover letter template

I am excited to apply for the [Job title] at [Company name]. As a results-orientated professional with a track record of [Core responsibilities of role + quantified achievement if possible], I am confident that my expertise aligns perfectly with the needs of your organisation.

With [Number of years] of experience, I have developed [Core responsibilities of role + quantified achievement if possible].

In my current role as a [Current role] at [Current employer], I implemented a [Core responsibilities of role + quantified achievement if possible].

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of further discussing my qualifications, skills, and contributions I will bring as your new [Job title].

Finance cover letter example

Sales cover letter template

I hope you’re well. I am writing to apply for the [Job title] at [Company name]. With [Core responsibilities of role + quantified achievement if possible].

I am eager to apply my proactive and goal-orientated approach to drive revenue growth at [Company name]. I am available for an interview at your earliest convenience to discuss how my dedication and skills can contribute to the success of your sales team.

Sales cover letter example

Customer service cover letter template

I’d like to apply for the position of [Job title] as advertised on [Website name].

With [Years] of experience in customer-facing positions for leading retail companies, I have gathered extensive customer service skills in [Type of setting].

In my current role with [Company name], I am responsible for [Role responsibilities + quantified achievement if possible].

My role has given me [Aspirations + mention suitable skill].

I believe my skill sets and product knowledge will allow me to fit perfectly with the requirements you are seeking in a candidate, and I am available for an interview at short notice.

Customer service cover letter example

Project management cover letter template

I am interested in applying for the role of [Job title] . My experience in [List core responsibilities of role + quantified achievement if possible].

I am enclosing my CV for your consideration, which further highlights my experience, which I am positive fully meets the demands of this role.

Project management cover letter example

Education cover letter template

I hope you’re well.

I am writing concerning the advert for a [Job title] at [Name of educational setting]. Over the past [Number of years], I have [Core responsibilities of role + quantified achievement if possible].

I am seeking a new opportunity that will allow me to [Aspirations + mention of suitable skill].

I am keen to talk to you more about the job role, and I look forward to hearing from you.

Education cover letter example

Internal promotion cover letter template

Hey [Recruiter name],

I hope you and the team are well! I am thrilled to apply for the promotion to [Job title] of the [Department] team at [Company name], as advertised on [Website name]. With my [Number of years] of service as a [Current role], within the company, supported by [Core responsibilities of role + quantified achievement if possible].

As a dedicated member of staff, I am eager to streamline and innovate the administrative operations at [Company name] in this new role. I would love to discuss my vision for this role further in an interview at your discretion.

All the best, [Name] [Phone number] [Email address]

Internal promotion cover letter example

Student cover letter template

Good morning [Recruiter name],

I would like to submit my application for the [Job title] at [Company name], where I believe my skills in [Industry] can make a valuable contribution.

As a highly driven [Core responsibilities of studies + quantified achievement if possible].

I am eager to continue learning and to have the opportunity to work alongside the team at [Employer’s name]. I am available for an interview at your convenience to further discuss my qualifications. Thank you for considering my application.

Student cover letter example

No experience cover letter template

I am an enthusiastic [Job title/student] at [Current employer/School or university name] with excellent [Core skills], seeking to apply for the [Job title] at [Company name].

In my current role as [Current role] at [Current employer], I [Core responsibilities of role + quantified achievement if possible].

I am excited to contribute my [Aspirations + mention of suitable skill]. I am available for an interview from [Insert date] and I am eager to discuss how my skills can benefit your company’s success.

Thank you for considering my application.

Sincerely, [Name] [Phone number] [Email address]

No experience cover letter example

How to write a cover letter

Here are five steps on how to write a cover letter to ensure you get hiring managers in the UK and beyond to look at your CV .

Include your cover letter within the email or message

When submitting your job application, always include your cover letter within the body of your email or message. Never attached it as a separate document.

“But why?”, you ask.

Well, you should instantly grab the recruiter’s attention the moment they look at your application. If they have to endure the hassle of opening a document, it slows everything down, and they may not even bother.

Here’s how to include your cover letter in the body of your application message:

Tailor your greeting by directly addressing the recruiter

To get your cover letter off to a great start, make a brilliant first impression by using the hiring manager or recruiter’s name.

Avoid sounding overly formal or informal, though.

For instance, you could address the recruiter using:

• Hi [insert recruiter’s name]
• Hi [insert department/team name]

Skip the conventional “Dear Sir or Madam” unless you’re targeting highly formal companies.

Here are a few tips on how to locate the recruiter’s name:

• Check the job ad – Sometimes, you can find their name and email address within the job advert itself.
• Visit the company website – Look at the “About Us” section to unearth the contact info for the recruitment team or head of department.
• Use LinkedIn – If you’re having a hard time pinning down the specific team and company related to the job opening, a quick search can reveal the person in charge of hiring for that specific job.

If you have no success in finding their name, don’t stress. Just say “Hi” – that’ll more than do the trick. Aim for a greeting that is both professional and welcoming.

Here are some examples of how to address your cover letter if you have trouble finding their name:

Be personable and professional

Your cover letter should be a blend of personality and professionalism .

Coming across as too casual can make you sound a little unprofessional while appearing excessively formal can make you look stiff.

Go for a professional, friendly tone.

Begin with something such as, “I hope you’re well” to bring a personal touch.

Pinpoint your applicable skills

Your cover letter’s purpose? To entice hiring managers to read your CV . To do this, quickly allude to your relevant skills tailored to the job you’re interested in.

Review the job description and note the essential qualifications and skills the recruiter wants.

Concentrate on these skills in your cover letter and tell them why you’re perfect for the role.

This gives recruiters the confidence they need to consider you for the job.

For instance, you could say:

• Finance – “My strategic planning skills allowed me to identify key growth opportunities and revenue drivers, ultimately leading to the impressive revenue increase of over £100 million.”
• Marine engineer – “I excel in the development and implementation of predictive maintenance programs, ensuring equipment reliability and longevity. I implemented a predictive maintenance programme that reduced downtime of critical equipment by 25%, as well as saved £120K+ annually through purchasing supplies from suitable industry vendors.”
• Medical writer – “My capacity to translate complex medical information into clear and accessible content for various audiences is a core skill that has empowered me to produce 15 high-quality educational materials. Moreover, my strong research proficiency was instrumental in increasing audience comprehension and patient satisfaction scores by 30% and 15% respectively.”

Conclude and add a professional signature

Your sign-off must be warm. So, say something like “Best regards” or “Kind regards.” Just be yourself while staying polite.

To add a nice finishing touch to your cover letter , add a professional signature at the very bottom.

Doing so helps the person on the other end know how to reach you and gives your cover letter a professional touch.

Here’s what you need to include in your professional sign-off:

• Your full name – Add your first and last name, like “Jessica Smith”. It’s just there so recruiters know who you are.
• Your phone number – Preferably, put your mobile number in here so recruiters can quickly get hold of you.
• Your email address – This must be a professional email address, like [email protected]. Don’t include an overly casual email – remember, this is a job application.

If you like, you could also include a couple of extra details:

• Your job title – For example, “Administrator” or “Delivery Driver.”
• A link to your LinkedIn – If you use LinkedIn, insert a link to your profile – this is like your professional social media.

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Sample cover letter

Cover letters add context to your CV and when used correctly are a great way to convince employers that you're right for the job. This sample cover letter should help you get started

A cover letter demonstrates to recruiters how well you express yourself, so you need to make sure that you don't just repeat your CV or give rambling explanations. Instead, use this opportunity to focus on your skills and experience, saving your qualifications for your CV.

The basic cover letter structure covers:

• why you're writing the letter
• why you think you're suitable for the job (with examples)
• relevant skills and experience
• summary of your interest in the role.

Double check what you've written as spelling mistakes or lack of attention to detail will put your cover letter straight on the no pile.

Please be aware that this is an example. Use this cover letter template to help generate ideas and structure your own document but avoid copying and pasting. Your cover letter needs to be original and tailored to the job you're applying for.

Avril Lee 115 My Street Mytown WX55 1CQ [email protected] 07777999888

Harry Smith Graduate HR director Big Company Ltd Woodcotes Business Park The Midlands MX9 6PQ

5th May 2023

Dear Mr Smith

Re: Logistics graduate scheme

I would like to apply for the logistics track of your graduate training scheme, advertised on the Prospects.ac.uk website. As requested, I am enclosing my CV.

I am in the final year of my geography degree, expecting a 2:1. Always intending to have a career in business, I have taken modules on the geography of business and GIS modelling. My final-year dissertation is on changing patterns in retail. During my degree, I have developed my analytical skills and ability to read, manage and present data. I have also become familiar with a range of business intelligence sources.

As you can see from my CV I have experience in:

• Retail - moving from shelf stacker to checkout operator to team leader in my two years with Fresh Foods. I contributed to the store consistently being in the top five for the region by providing excellent customer service.
• Warehouse operations - picking and packing to meet targets over the busy Christmas period.

I have also:

• Worked in and led teams at Fresh Foods, on course projects and in sports.
• Communicated with colleagues at all levels in retail and warehousing.
• Solved problems as a team leader, ensuring staff cover and dealing with customer complaints.
• Worked flexibly doing both early and late shifts and covering for absence, sometimes at short notice.
• Managed my time when combining study with work and sport.

My semester in Germany exposed me to a different culture and improved my language skills. In addition, my voluntary work with young people has increased my resilience and ability to mix with people from all walks of life.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours sincerely

(Sign your name here)

Find out more

• Get more information on cover letters .
• If you're applying for a job that's not advertised take a look at an example speculative cover letter .
• Learn more about the 5 things to avoid when writing a cover letter .

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Cover letter examples

Browse a wide range of UK templates and good cover letter examples suitable for recent graduates, experienced professionals, and everyone in between. Our easy-to-use cover letter tool allows you to quickly generate a cover letter for your desired position or customise one of our examples to showcase your unique skills and expertise.

Harvard cover letter template

Administrator

Oxford cover letter template

Michigan cover letter example

Columbia cover letter template

Edinburgh cover letter template

Business Analyst

Yale cover letter template

Care Assistant

Otago cover letter template

Civil Engineer

Customer Service

Cornell cover letter template

Data Analyst

Michigan cover letter template

Wheaton cover letter template

Stanford cover letter template

Erasmus cover letter template

Graphic Designer

Hospitality

Cambridge cover letter template

Human Resources

Auckland cover letter template

Investment Banking

Letter of Interest

California cover letter template

Berkley cover letter template

Duke cover letter template

Project Manager

Recruitment

Short Cover Letter

Berkeley cover letter template

Receptionist

Support Worker

Teaching Assistant

Waiter or Waitress

Work Placement

Ready to write your cover letter but need help with where to start? We provide all the guidance and inspiration you need below, alongside our professional cover letter templates . We understand that crafting this vital document to accompany your CV can be daunting; therefore, we created this page to help you navigate through the fierce UK market.

Common letter types include the following:

Application letter

Motivation letter.

Short cover letter

Letter of interest.

In this article, we delve deeper into each type, elucidating the distinctions between an application letter and a motivation letter and offering optimal writing strategies. Furthermore, we've prepared samples for various specific jobs and included an example of a concise motivation letter to inspire your own writing.

What is a cold cover letter?

Do you aspire to work for a specific company but have noticed a lack of appealing vacancies on their career page? One effective approach is a letter of interest, also known as a cold cover letter, which expresses your desire to work for them. Below, we demonstrate how to do this effectively. In all of these situations, there are fundamental considerations when composing your letter, such as:

What types of information should a good motivation letter contain?

How should you structure an application letter?

Motivation letter vs. application letter

Whatever your situation, it's helpful to know that the motivation and application letters both serve the same purpose: to land an interview. Below are the main differences between an application letter and a motivation letter.

What is a motivation letter?

A motivation letter should explain why you think you are the right person for the job or want to work at the company. In a motivation letter, you're trying to convince the reader why they should hire you.

What is an application letter?

An application letter asks an employer to review your CV and consider you for a specific role. A motivation letter has the same function, but the application letter allows you to go into more detail about the contents of your CV. However, it doesn't explain your motivation or why you would like to apply for a particular role.

An example of where it would be more appropriate to write an application letter is when you're looking for an internship or work placement. You’d want to gain work experience, boost your CV, or earn academic credit. So it's essential that your cover note convincingly emphasises your skills and conveys that you wish to develop them further.

The difference between a motivation letter and an application letter

The main difference is the intention behind writing it. A motivation letter emphasises why you're applying for the job, whereas an application letter explains what you have to offer. A motivation letter is often an application letter, but an application letter isn't necessarily a motivation letter, so people often write something that combines elements of both. This strategy is a great choice, too, because it allows you to give your letter more substance.

How do you write a motivation letter? 

There is no one-size-fits-all formula for writing a motivation letter. However, a good motivation letter should be unique and personal to stand out. Experts at CVMaker advise writing an individual letter for each job application and tailoring it to the company and type of jobs you are targeting. When creating your letter, consider the following tips:

Always research the company you're applying to by gathering as much information as possible. Use relevant information from your search in your motivation letter. It shows that you went above and beyond to customise your letter.

If you mention your achievements or results, try to support them with evidence and facts. Saying you have achieved good results without providing the details and context fails to demonstrate your true value.

Avoid buzzwords if you need clarification on what they mean. Use everyday language, but ensure it's professional, well-written, and grammatically correct.

Refrain from mentioning your areas of weakness. It's good to be aware of these but refrain from drawing attention to them. 

Highlight your good qualities, but try not to appear smug. Draw attention to your skills in a modest way.

Don't go into too much detail. Hold back some pleasant surprises that you can reveal in your job interview. Think of this extra information as a trump card you can play when you meet in person or on a video call.

Stand out by explaining, as uniquely as possible, why the new position would be a challenge or why something is your passion. 

It's best to keep the length to one side of an A4 letter (8.5x11). Sometimes, a short cover letter will make a more significant impression than a long, wordy one.

What to do when sending your letter?

These days, most correspondence is sent digitally, for example, via e-mail. It is important to remember that the person who receives your job application might be one of many who review your cover letter and CV. For that reason, consider addressing it to whom it may concern. Always ensure both documents are neatly formatted and easy to read when they're printed out or sent digitally. Always send a short message with the attachments, explaining the role you are applying for or the reason for the mail with an overview of the attachments you included.

What to write if you've already spoken to someone at the company? 

It’s always helpful to add background information and context regarding your application to ensure everything is in order. See the examples below.

I spoke briefly with [ contact name] yesterday about the position of [ job title]. Further to our conversation, please find attached my CV and cover letter.

I look forward to your response.

What to write if you've not yet spoken to a contact? 

Please find attached my CV and cover letter expressing my interest in the position of [ job title]. 

Tips to prevent errors on a cover letter

Always check your spelling.

Make sure your letter has no spelling or grammar mistakes. Go over the text with automated spelling and grammar-checking software or a word processor like Microsoft Word or Google Docs. If possible, have someone else read it over for you as well. It would be a shame if your application were rejected because of avoidable errors.

Follow a clear structure

Now you know the types of cover letters and when to use each, what next? The goal remains the same whether you send a letter of interest, a motivation letter or an application letter. That goal is to be invited for an interview, eventually getting you the desired position. All types have more or less the same structure, but the difference lies in the content.

Have a strong introduction

When thinking of how to start your cover letter, remember that a good opening will always make a lasting impression regardless of the type of letter you write. Try to think of something more memorable than a standard “In response to the job posting in the newspaper” introduction. For example, you could name a specific detail about the company that caught your attention or introduce yourself professionally and distinctively. Take a look at our sample letters for some good cover letter examples.

Content is key 

The middle section of your letter depends on which type of cover note you've chosen to write.

A good application letter will detail your work experience, skills, and knowledge. It should also highlight your achievements and give brief details about them. You can think of this as a way of providing deeper insight into the content of your CV. Your letter should explain how your skills and knowledge will benefit your potential new employer.

If you've chosen to write a motivation letter, the middle section should convince the reader why you're the best person for the job. Still, more importantly, it should explain why you want to work at that specific company or organisation. An original motivation letter that answers the why question clearly will make a good impression. You'll find an example of a motivation letter later in this article.

Letter of interest

If you're making an unsolicited job application to an employer with no specific job vacancy, the key is to convince them that you want to work with them. It's much harder to persuade a company to consider you when they aren't actively looking for someone, so you must go into more depth about why you want to work for them.

How do you structure a cover letter?

The layout of a cover letter is made up of a relatively standard set of contents. Below is an elementary and straightforward cover letter template for you to fill in with your details, which is a significant first step to getting noticed. If you need further inspiration, you can see some CV Maker examples of how it's done.

Personal details

Introduction 

Closing statement

What is a letter of interest?

A letter of interest is an unsolicited application letter expressing your interest in working for a particular company. This is an option when you would really like to work for a company, but they don't have any job openings. The fact that they aren't actively looking for new staff right now makes things a bit more challenging. However, your letter of interest should clearly state why you want to work for the company and that you would like to be considered for future opportunities. Read on to find out how to write a letter of interest and the steps you can take to ensure it's effective.

Make sure to do your research

If you're interested in a particular company, but there are no positions available, it's up to you to find out what information would be in the job listing if it did exist. One way of doing this is by studying the company's website. 

Reach out to the company

Once you've gathered relevant information, reaching out to a recruiter or hiring manager on LinkedIn or via the general contact form on the company website is a good idea. 

Find out the name of the contact person

If the company welcomes unsolicited applications, ask for the name and e-mail address of the person you should address your letter. During the call or email, explain what kind of work you would like to do and find out which job title the company uses. You can then use this title in your letter and send it directly to the right person.

Advantages of sending a letter of interest

You're applying for an unadvertised job, so there's a good chance that, right now, yours will be one of just a handful of letters, or maybe even the only letter, the recruiter reads.

Expressing your interest with an unsolicited job application shows enthusiasm and initiative. These are qualities that most companies and organisations appreciate. It also allows you to stand out positively, making you more likely to be remembered.

Should the company have a vacancy shortly, they'll already be aware of your interest. They'll contact you before advertising the vacancy if they think you're a good fit. The recruitment process costs time and money, and your letter could help make the process easier.

How to write a letter of interest

The contents of a letter of interest are roughly the same as those of a motivation or application letter. Still, the difference is that a cover letter for an unsolicited job application should clearly state who you are and what you can do for the company.

Important things to include in your letter of interest:

Refer to your telephone conversation and mention the name of the person who took your call.

Make it clear to which position you're applying.

Introduce yourself by outlining your education, work experience, and soft and hard skills.

Explain why you want the job and why you want to work for this specific company.

Using the same letter to apply to several companies will give you the illusion that you've submitted many job applications, and generic letters are very easy to spot. You may have sent many applications, but you might get many rejections. When you're applying for jobs, quality beats quantity.

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Appealing Templates

Make a memorable first impression with a skillfully made cover letter. Don’t sweat over the formatting deets like fonts, margins, or spacing — focus on selling yourself instead!

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Download your cover letter in PDF format to easily upload to online job posts, share via email, or hand it in personally.

Not Sure What to Write in a Cover Letter?

Get ideas from our database of cover letter examples. browse by industry, profession, or experience level., need a resume to boot.

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Still Got Questions? We Have Answers!

What is the free app to create a cover letter.

Freesumes offers a popular free cover letter generator with premium-like features and without any account registration requirements. Use an intuitive online interface to write, design, and download a cover letter in PDF format.

Are there any 100% free cover letter templates?

Yes, Freesumes cover letter builder comes with a choice of 6 free professionally-designed cover letter templates. We also offer several more styles as direct downloads . Each template is optimized for optimal visibility and empowers you to make a strong first impression with a potential employer.

Do companies still like cover letters?

Absolutely. Every company expects to receive at least a short cover letter alongside other requested job application documents. In fact, a cover letter is your best marketing tool. Use it to give a preview of your skills and articulate your motivation for pursuing the advertised role. 

How can I create my own cover letter?

You can effortlessly create your own cover letter with Freesumes cover letter maker. The app guides you through each cover letter section, suggesting which information to put first. Once you’re happy with the result, you can instantly download a cover letter version, packed in a selected template in PDF format.

Should you sell yourself in a cover letter?

A hundred times YES. An effective cover letter will convince a potential employer that you’re the best fit for the job by selling your skills, qualifications, and personality. Using words, you should paint a picture of the future impact you could have in the company and articulate how your past experience could help the company hit its goals.

Which template is best for a cover letter?

The choice of a cover letter template depends on your industry. If you’re applying to a more traditional company, opt for a minimalistic cover letter template in black and white or gray scale. If you’re after a job in a more hyp, startup-like company, consider a more creative template, perhaps one featuring a photo or a professional tagline on top.

What does a modern cover letter look like?

A modern cover letter is a one-page, web-friendly document, most times in PDF format. Use an appropriate professional greeting (hello, hi) and the person’s or company name, instead of the old-fashioned “dear Sir/Madam” or the trite “To whom it may concern”. Modern cover letters are also more permissive in terms of design. You can use color (as long as it doesn’t affect readability) and include a headshot and professional tagline in the header area for  personal branding purposes.

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.

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.

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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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

Google Docs Resume Templates

Professional Resume Templates

Resume Builder

Resume Writing Guide

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• Cover Letter Builder

Naming Your Cover Letter & CV File: Best Practices + UK Examples

Example CV and cover letter file names

You’ve spent hours crafting a CV and cover letter that reflect your unique value and expertise, and you’re ready to send them off to win you the job. 

But how should you name it? Does the CV name even matter? Are there best practices to be aware of?

Yes, how you structure your CV and cover letter name is important, and we’re here to walk you through why it matters and how to think about it. This article covers why you should be intentional about your CV file name and how to choose the best name.

Why the CV and cover letter file name matters

It may seem simple and unimportant, but how you name your application documents can make or break your chances of landing the job. 

Imagine you’re hiring for a high-priority role, and an amazing CV comes across your desk. You can’t wait to reach out to set up an interview. 

But then you’re distracted or called into a meeting — you’ll have to pick it back up later. It is much easier to do that when the CV is labelled in a way that makes the candidate’s name clear and easy to find. 

With a CV name or cover letter name that is vague or unclear — like simply calling it “My CV” — it won’t be easy to search for or tie back to you. Hiring managers are busy and can’t spend hours searching for a CV they glanced over, so they’ll just move on to another candidate. 

Also, while it’s a small thing, using a professional and clear file name is yet another chance to showcase your professionalism . 

Proofread, proofread, proofread!

Give your application materials a once-over before submitting them. Try reading them aloud to yourself; this can help you catch errors you may otherwise miss. If you want to be even more careful, ask a friend to proofread your CV and cover letter — and their file names. 

What is a good file name for your CV and cover letter?

Choosing the right file name matters, but don’t overthink it. There’s an easy formula to help you determine how to label your documents: Your Name + Type of Document

For example, when you label your CV or cover letter, you might choose “Diana Sutton CV” or “Andrew George Cover Letter.” If it’s helpful for you to label it with the year, you can (if you have many other versions of your CV saved on your computer, for instance). Make sure the naming convention matches on both your CV and cover letter.

It’s ideal to keep the name as concise as possible, so if you have a very long name, it’s fine to abbreviate it as long as it’s still clear who owns it. If your name was ‘Bernard Theopolopotis,” you could shorten it to “B Theopolopotis CV.” You would not, however, want to label it “BT CV” or anything similarly vague. 

• John Smith CV
• John Smith Cover Letter
• April Anderson CV 2024
• April Anderson Cover Letter 2024
• B. Subramanian CV
• B. Subramanian Cover Letter
• Max_Holzer_CV
• Max_Holzer_CoverLetter

Best type of file to use

Now that you know the best way to name your CV or cover letter, let’s talk about whether the type of file matters. 

First, double-check the job advert. If they require you to upload a specific type of file, it will be clear in the posting or the applicant tracking system . It’s imperative to show you can pay attention to detail and follow instructions, so check this off your list first.

If the application requests a Word document, you should upload it. However, if you have your choice, a PDF file is your best bet for conserving your formatting . 

It’s rare, but there are a few systems out there that only let you paste a text-only CV or cover letter. In those cases, you can copy and paste from your document — but be sure to double-check and make sure everything copies over accurately, without egregious spacing or formatting errors. 

Apple users should avoid submitting a file in Pages. Although many companies use Mac computers, not everyone can open a file in Pages, which can result in your application being ignored. 

Key takeaways

The content of your CV and cover letter is of utmost importance to your job search, but the file names matter as well. Don’t let your carefully crafted documents go to waste because a vague file name rendered them unfindable! 

Select a naming convention that includes your name and the type of document, making sure it’s uniform across all of your materials. If you have a long name, it’s fine to abbreviate. 

When submitting your application, make sure you know what type of file the company is requesting and follow the instructions. If they don’t request a specific file type, though, we recommend submitting a PDF to avoid any formatting errors or issues. 

Our CV templates come in both Word and PDF format, making it easy for you to create a compelling CV to upload in whichever form is best. With your knowledge of naming conventions and file types, you’re on your way to job search success.