Finding a cover letter template that’s both professional and Applicant Tracking System (ATS)–friendly can make or break your application. Below you’ll find our ranked picks, quick reviews, pricing notes, and direct links so you can choose fast and write faster.
- How we ranked: ATS-compatibility, design quality, ease of editing, price/value, and export options (DOCX/PDF/Google Docs).
- Quick tip: If in doubt, choose a clean, single-column layout in DOCX or Google Docs and keep graphics to a minimum.
Understanding Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)
ATS software parses and filters applications before a human ever sees them. Your cover letter won’t be “scored” as heavily as your resume, but it still must be readable and free of elements that can break parsing.
- Keep formatting simple: Use standard fonts, avoid text boxes, tables, background graphics, and headers/footers for critical content.
- Match keywords naturally: Mirror key skills and terms from the job description (don’t keyword-stuff; keep it human).
- Use compatible files: DOCX and PDF (text-based) are safest; avoid image-only PDFs.
- Name your file clearly: Firstname_Lastname_CoverLetter_Company.docx
Our Top 10 Cover Letter Template Sources (with Reviews)
#1 Jobscan Cover Letter Tools & ATS Guidance
Best for tailoring to ATS and job keywords
Jobscan focuses on ATS optimization and pairing your letter to a specific job description. Great companion to its resume scanner and builder. Useful guides and checklists for formatting and keyword alignment.
- Pros: ATS-focused optimization; actionable feedback; solid education content.
- Cons: Full feature set requires paid plan.
- Link: https://www.jobscan.co/
#2 Novoresume Cover Letter Templates
Best-designed minimal templates that still play nice with ATS
Clean, modern layouts with helpful content prompts. Templates pair seamlessly with matching resumes for a cohesive look.
- Pros: Polished designs; easy editor; matched resume sets.
- Cons: Premium templates gated behind subscription.
- Link: https://novoresume.com/cover-letter-templates
#3 Resume.io Cover Letter Templates
Best for speed and DOCX/PDF outputs
User-friendly builder with ATS-aware layouts and matched resume styles. Strong for quickly producing tailored letters you can export in multiple formats.
- Pros: Fast builder; ATS-friendly options; matched sets.
- Cons: Some customization limits on free tier.
- Link: https://resume.io/cover-letter-templates
#4 Canva Cover Letter Templates
Best visual variety—use with restraint for ATS
Huge variety and easy editing, especially for branding or creative roles. Keep layouts simple (single column, minimal graphics) and export to DOCX/PDF to maintain ATS readability.
- Pros: Massive template library; intuitive editor.
- Cons: Ornate designs can hurt parsing—choose minimalist options.
- Link: https://www.canva.com/templates/search/cover-letter/
#5 Google Docs Template Gallery
Best free option for collaboration and quick edits
Simple templates that open anywhere. Great for collaboration and easy keyword tweaks directly in the browser.
- Pros: Free; simple; collaborative; auto-save versioning.
- Cons: Fewer designs; needs manual polish.
- Link: https://support.google.com/docs/answer/148833
#6 Microsoft Word Templates
Best for ATS-safe DOCX and offline editing
Classic, ATS-friendly starting points. Works perfectly with most employer portals and HR systems.
- Pros: Universal format; offline; easy formatting control.
- Cons: Basic designs need personalization.
- Link: https://create.microsoft.com/
#7 Venngage Cover Letter Templates
Best for visual branding in business communications
Strong for branded collateral; choose simple, single-column layouts for ATS safety and export to text-based PDF.
- Pros: Brand kits; great for consistent visuals.
- Cons: Many designs are graphic-forward—select minimalist options for ATS.
- Link: https://venngage.com/templates/letters
#8 Resume-Now Cover Letter Templates
Best for step-by-step, fast builds
Guided builder with matched resumes. Choose straightforward layouts and export DOCX/PDF for parser-friendly results.
- Pros: Speedy builder; matched sets; ATS-aware.
- Cons: Full downloads require subscription.
- Link: https://www.resume-now.com/cover-letter/templates
#9 MyPerfectCoverLetter
Best for guided content suggestions
Prompts and prewritten phrases speed up drafting. Pick minimal templates to keep parsers happy.
- Pros: Helpful prompts; quick assembly.
- Cons: Some template styles are more aesthetic than ATS-safe—choose minimal.
- Link: https://www.myperfectcoverletter.com/
#10 Kickresume Cover Letter Templates
Best for polished typography and matched sets
Attractive, typographically strong designs with matching resumes/websites. Select simpler layouts if you’re applying through strict ATS portals.
- Pros: Beautiful typography; matched ecosystem.
- Cons: Some designs are heavier; pick minimal variants for ATS.
- Link: https://www.kickresume.com/en/templates/cover-letter/
Quick Recommendations by Use Case
- Strict ATS role (enterprise, gov, finance): Jobscan (#1) + Microsoft Word (#6) or Google Docs (#5).
- Balanced style + ATS: Novorésumé (#2) or Resume.io (#3).
- Brand-forward/creative: Canva (#4) or Venngage (#7) — pick minimalist layouts.
- Fast guided drafting: Resume-Now (#8) or MyPerfectCoverLetter (#9).
- Design polish + matched set: Kickresume (#10).
Pricing & Export Snapshot
- Typically free to try; paid to download premium formats: Resume.io, Novorésumé, Resume-Now, Kickresume, MyPerfectCoverLetter.
- Free templates/editing: Google Docs, Microsoft Word (many free), Canva (free + Pro assets).
- Exports to seek: DOCX (most ATS-safe) and text-based PDF; avoid image-only PDFs.
ATS-Safe Cover Letter Template (Copy/Paste)
Purpose: This is a custom, original template created by BestLetterTemplate.com to help you start from a clean, ATS-friendly structure. It is not from any of the websites reviewed above. You can copy it into Google Docs, Microsoft Word, or your preferred editor, then personalize it for each application.
[Today's Date] [Hiring Manager Name] [Company Name] [Company Address or City, State] Dear [Hiring Manager Name], I'm excited to apply for the [Job Title] role at [Company]. With [X years] of experience in [function/industry], I've delivered [impact metric + brief result], and I'm eager to bring the same focus to your team. Value Proposition In my recent role at [Previous Company], I [action], resulting in [quantified outcome]. I also [second action], improving [metric] by [percentage]. These experiences align well with [Company]'s focus on [priority or initiative from job description]. Skills + Keywords Core strengths I'd apply on day one include [Skill #1], [Skill #2], and [Skill #3]. I'm comfortable with [tools/platforms] and working cross-functionally to [business outcome]. Closing Thank you for your time and consideration. I'd welcome the chance to discuss how my background can support [Company]'s goals. I've attached my resume and can share work samples upon request. Sincerely, [Your Name] [Phone] • [Email] • [LinkedIn or Portfolio]
Cover Letter Template #2 (Downloadable .DOC)
Purpose: This is a ready-to-edit .DOC template created specifically for this article. The layout is ATS-compatible, clean, and easy to customize in Microsoft Word, Google Docs (via upload), or LibreOffice. You can download it, fill in your details, and export it in the format your employer requests.
[Your Name]
[Your Job Title] [Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Your Address]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
[Date]
[Recipient Name]
[Recipient Job Title], [Company Name]
[Recipient Phone Number]
[Recipient Email Address]
[Recipient Address]
JOB REFERENCE: [Job Title / Position]
Dear [Recipient First Name],
[Introductory paragraph: briefly introduce yourself and explain why you're writing. Mention the role you're applying for and how you heard about it.]
[Second paragraph: explain your qualifications, skills, and achievements that match the job requirements.]
[Final paragraph: express enthusiasm, thank the recipient for their time, and indicate your interest in discussing further.]
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Signature]
Download .doc file: Cover_Letter_Template #2
How to Use These Templates
- Mirror language from the job ad (responsibilities, tools, outcomes) naturally.
- Quantify your impact (%, time saved, revenue, cost reduction).
- Keep it to one page; use a standard font (Calibri, Arial, Times New Roman, 10.5–12 pt).
- Export as DOCX or text-based PDF and name your file clearly.
Finished Example Using the Template #2
AVERY MORGAN
Account Manager +1 (555) 987-6543
avery.morgan@example.com
742 Pinecrest Ave., Riverton, CO 80512
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
2nd September 2026
Casey Nguyen
Hiring Manager, Arcadi Analytics
+1 (555) 765-4321
careers@arcadianalytics.example
400 Harbor Way, Suite 200, Riverton, CO 80512
JOB REFERENCE: SENIOR ACCOUNT MANAGER
Dear Casey,
I'm writing to apply for the Senior Account Manager role at Arcadi Analytics. With eight years managing complex B2B accounts in data and SaaS, I've built a track record of growing revenue while earning long-term client trust. Your focus on outcomes and advisory partnerships aligns well with how I operate.
At North Peak Systems, I own a $6.3M portfolio across 25 enterprise clients. In the past year I increased ARR 31% through expansion plans grounded in usage analysis, led two multi-year renewals (totaling $1.4M), and piloted a QBR framework that cut time-to-value by 22%. I'm comfortable navigating C-suite stakeholders, coordinating with product and solutions engineering, and keeping forecasts clean in Salesforce and HubSpot.
I'd welcome the chance to discuss how I can help Arcadi deepen client value and accelerate sustainable growth. Thank you for your time and consideration—I look forward to speaking with you.
Sincerely,
Avery Morgan
Signature Here