A simple cover letter template is a clean, single-column layout that keeps the focus on your words rather than the design, so you can finish an application quickly.
Resume.io offers free simple cover letter templates you can edit and download in minutes, and each one stays readable in any industry.
How to write a simple cover letter
Writing a simple cover letter means covering six short parts in a clear order: your header, a greeting, an opening line, one or two body paragraphs, a closing, and a sign-off.
Keep each part brief and let the layout of your template handle the formatting for you.
- Header: Add your name, phone number, email, and the date, followed by the employer details. Your cover letter header sets the tone, so keep it aligned and uncluttered.
- Greeting: Address the hiring manager by name where you can, or use "Dear Hiring Team" if no name is listed.
- Opening: State the role you are applying for and give one clear reason it interests you.
- Body: Highlight two or three skills or achievements that match the job description, rather than repeating your resume.
- Closing: Thank the reader and ask for an interview in a short closing paragraph.
- Sign-off: Sign off with a professional closing such as "Sincerely," followed by your name.
Because the template already sets the spacing and font, your time goes into tailoring the content to each role rather than formatting.
This is the same order behind writing any cover letter, so the approach carries across every application you send.
Example of a simple cover letter for a job application
A simple cover letter for a job application runs to three short paragraphs: an introduction, a paragraph of relevant experience, and a brief closing that asks for an interview.
Use the fill-in-the-blank example below as a starting point, then replace the bracketed details with your own.
[Your Name]
[Phone Number] | [Email] | [LinkedIn URL]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name or "Hiring Team"]
[Company Name]
Dear [Hiring Manager Name or "Hiring Team"],
I am writing to apply for the [Job Title] role at [Company Name].
With a background in [your field or one or two core skills], I am
ready to bring my experience to your team.
In my previous role at [Previous Company], I [describe one relevant
achievement, with a number where you can]. I am drawn to [Company
Name] because of [a specific value, product, or mission], and I am
confident my skills fit what the role needs.
Thank you for your time. I would welcome the chance to discuss how I
can help [Company Name], and I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Notice how short each paragraph stays, and how the body points to one measurable achievement rather than restating the resume.
A simple cover letter does not need more than a single page, and a concise version often reads better than a long one.
When should you use a simple cover letter template?
Choose a simple cover letter template when you want the content to lead and the design to stay out of the way.
It suits first-time applicants, roles in trades and skills-based industries, and anyone applying to several jobs who needs a layout they can reuse.
- You are writing your first cover letter and want a straightforward format
- You work in a skills-based or trade role where plain formatting is expected
- You are applying to several similar positions and want to reuse one layout
- You want a professional look without spending time on design
Even if you are unsure whether you still need a cover letter at all, a simple one is the low-effort way to add context to your application.
A plain layout pairs cleanly with your resume, while a design-led template suits more creative roles.
Are simple cover letter templates ATS friendly?
Yes. Simple cover letter templates are among the safer choices for applicant tracking systems, because a single-column layout, standard fonts, and no graphics give the software clean text to read.
The same formatting that helps a recruiter scan quickly also helps an ATS parse your details without errors.
- A single-column layout with clear headings
- A standard font at a readable size
- No text boxes, tables, or images in the body
- Keywords from the job description, written naturally
Heavily designed templates can hide text inside columns or images that the software cannot read.
A simple template avoids that risk, which matters when you cannot see how an employer processes your application.
Keeping the formatting plain is the reliable choice.
How do you download a simple cover letter template?
You can download a simple cover letter template from Resume.io as a Word document, a PDF, or a Google Doc, all for free.
Pick the format that matches how you like to edit, add your details, and export the finished letter ready to send.
- Word: Edit offline and keep control over spacing and layout
- PDF: Send a fixed, print-ready version that looks the same on any device
- Google Docs: Edit in your browser and share a link for quick feedback
Each format holds the same clean layout, so your letter stays consistent wherever you open it.
If you want to see finished letters written for specific roles, our cover letter examples show the same structure filled in.
Key takeaways
- A simple cover letter template is a plain, single-column layout that puts your content first.
- The core structure is a header, greeting, opening, body, closing, and sign-off, kept to one page.
- Simple templates suit first-time applicants, trade and skills-based roles, and high-volume applications.
- A plain layout with standard fonts and no graphics parses reliably through applicant tracking systems.
- Resume.io simple cover letter templates download free as Word, PDF, or Google Docs files.
Frequently asked questions
A few common questions about writing and using a simple cover letter.
What is a good opening sentence for a cover letter?
A good opening sentence names the role you want and gives one clear reason you are a strong fit.
For example: I am applying for the [role] at [company], where my [skill] can support your team.
Keep it direct, and save the detail for the body.
What are the three main things needed in a cover letter?
The three main parts are the introduction, the body, and the closing.
The introduction states the role and your interest, the body connects two or three of your skills to the job, and the closing thanks the reader and asks for an interview.