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How to use a Google Docs cover letter template for free
Cover letter templates in Google Docs are nicely designed — but you know what the best part is? You can download them for free.
Here’s how to choose and download a free cover letter template in Google Docs in five easy steps:
- Make a new Google account or log into an existing one.
- Go to the Google Docs homepage and click “Template gallery” in the upper right-hand corner.
- When the gallery expands, scroll down to the header “Letters.”
- Click on a template, which will open in the browser tab. Customize it to make it your own.
- When you’re done, go to the File menu and put your cursor over Download. Options include Word doc, PDF and text file. Click on your desired file format to save it to your computer.
5 best Google Docs cover letter templates for any industry
Other than writing a great cover letter, you want it to stand out visually. These five Google Docs templates offer engaging designs well suited for a variety of career paths.
1. Spearmint
Combine modern style with corporate professionalism with the “Spearmint” cover letter design. With its simple, clean line and subtle pop of color, your skills and experience take center stage.
Make a copy of the Spearmint cover letter template.
2. Swiss
With a surprising, asymmetrical layout and brilliant use of white space, the Swiss cover letter template for Google Docs is a fresh, hip variation on the traditional cover letter. Perfect for anyone in a creative industry.
Make a copy of the Swiss cover letter template.
3. Modern Writer
Yet another daring design, the Modern Writer cover letter template includes a large, bold header for your name, Roboto font for your address and a typewriter-style font for the body text. Using this design is a great way to stand out from the crowd.
Make a copy of the Modern Writer cover letter template.
4. Geometric
The only cover letter template in Google Docs for free download that includes a patterned background, the Geometric template is great for anyone pursuing a professional or creative role. The patterns are tastefully applied in the corners and don’t interfere with the content.
Make a copy of the Geometric cover letter template.
5. Plum
Between the mixed typefaces and varied sizes, the Plum Google Doc is an informal cover letter design that could match the style of some small brands or startups. Due to its informal design, it isn’t ideal for a professional application. Nonetheless, it’s a bold choice you can use if you truly believe it fits the culture of the company you’re applying to.
Make a copy of the Plum cover letter template.
More professional cover letter templates for 2023
Google Docs isn’t the only option for free, attractive cover letters. We offer 20+ cover letter templates in every style, from simple and basic to bold and creative.
If you’re looking for inspiration when you start writing your cover letter, you might find guidance in our cover letter examples.
Aspen
This cover letter uses an insignia and thin, clean lines to create a distinctly modern, highly polished look.
Hickory
Another bold choice, this letter uses a colored background for the header and a border for a more layered feel.
Zinnia
Simple yet effective — that’s the best way to describe a cover letter that’s basic in its organization but very fresh.
Aster
A splash of color in what are traditionally black-and-white designs makes this cover letter an attractive choice.
4 ways using a cover letter template can help your job search
There are many reasons to make a cover letter, and using a professional template will give you an advantage.
You can use a cover letter to:
- Expand on your skills and qualifications. Use your cover letter to underline your fitness for the role using data and anecdotes.
- Address any potential concerns. Substantial job gap on your resume? Here’s where you explain it.
- Personalize your application. Take the opportunity to show your personality. They’re hiring a person, not a piece of paper
- Show enthusiasm for the role. Cover letters offer a unique chance to explain why you want the role.
One final note: We always suggest building a resume that matches your cover letter. Whether you use Google Docs, Microsoft Word or a Resume Builder, you should make sure your resume template matches your cover letter.
You can use resume examples to help you choose a resume layout or write an excellent profile. Taken together, this knowledge will help you create the best resume for your goals.
Google cover letter templates FAQ
Absolutely! Google Docs offers five cover letter templates for free download. They’re a great way to showcase your professional experience and qualifications. Each one includes appropriate fonts, column options and preset formatting. They can be customized to your liking.
You’ll find them on the main Google Docs page.
- From your Google account, go to the Google Docs landing page.
- At the top right, click on the “Template gallery” button.
- The gallery will expand to show you dozens of template options.
- Choose a template, customize it to your liking and download it in your preferred file format.
In addition to offering well-designed templates, Google Docs has formatting features available to make your cover letter look good. You can change the typeface, font size or color, add a border and change the background color. While the options aren’t nearly as robust as Microsoft Word, they are easy to use and can definitely improve your document.
Copying a template in Google Docs is simple. All you have to do is:
- Open the file you’d like to copy.
- Click on “File” in the menu bar.
- Scroll down to the option “Make a Copy.” Click it.
- From there, you can change the name and location of the copied document.
Don is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) with more than 10 years’ experience creating digital content, including four years helping job seekers develop their careers. He holds an M.S. in Journalism from Northwestern University.