Contemporary sans-serif type, a restrained accent color and headings in a slim left column.
One column, headings in a left column · IBM Plex SansCV letter template and examples
A CV letter, more often called a cover letter, is the short letter you send with your CV. It explains why you want this job and why you are a good fit, in a few paragraphs. Each template here has a matching letter design with the same header, type and color as your CV.
At a glance
- Also called
- Cover letter, motivation letter
- Length
- Under one page, about 250 to 400 words
- Paragraphs
- Three to five
- Greeting
- A name if you can find one
- Tone
- Specific and direct
- Format
- Same design as your CV
Common practice, not fixed rules. Employers differ, so follow the job ad when it asks for something specific.
What to include, in order
- Header. Your name and contact details, matching your CV.
- Date and recipient. The date, the hiring manager or team, and the company.
- Opening paragraph. The role you are applying for and one line on why you are interested.
- Middle paragraphs. Two or three examples from your experience that match what the job asks for.
- Closing paragraph. What you would bring and a simple invitation to talk further.
- Sign-off. Kind regards or Sincerely, then your name.
Tips
- Write a new opening for each job; it is the part readers notice most.
- Use one or two real results instead of repeating your whole CV.
- Keep it to one page.
- Match the letter design to your CV so both look like one application.
Example opening
Dear Ms Patel,
I am applying for the Operations Manager role at Coastline Logistics. Over the last eight years I have run warehouse teams of up to 14 people and cut late deliveries by a third, and I would like to bring that experience to your new northern site.
Templates with a matching cover letter
Pick a design for your CV and the cover letter uses the same header, type and color. You can write the letter first or start from your CV.
A conservative single column in serif type. One reading order with standard section headings.
One column · Source Serif 4A formal centered header and refined serif headings for senior leadership roles.
One column, centered header · Libre Baskerville + Source Serif 4Generous whitespace and a quiet hierarchy that lets your experience speak for itself.
One column · Nunito SansThe plainest possible structure: bold name, one contact line, ruled section headings.
One column · IBM Plex SansA large serif name and section labels in a quiet left margin, like a magazine page.
One column, labels in a left margin · Fraunces + InterQuestions
Is a CV letter the same as a cover letter?
Yes. Cover letter is the more common name. In some countries it is called a motivation letter.
How long should a CV letter be?
Less than one page. Three to five short paragraphs, about 250 to 400 words, is enough.
Do I always need a cover letter?
Not always, but many employers read one when it is there, and some ask for it. When the job ad asks for one, send it.
Already have a resume?
Upload it to the free ATS checker to see how it reads, then open it in the editor to change the format.