About the cover letter generator
The cover letter generator prepares a professional looking cover letter in PDF format. It is intended for everyday job applications where you need a document that is easy to read, easy to send and easy for a hiring manager to scan quickly.
All processing happens in your browser using JavaScript. When you click the generate button, the information you have entered is formatted into a PDF and downloaded from the same browser session. Your data is not uploaded to any server.
The generator produces a plain document with a standard font, right aligned sender details and left aligned letter body. This layout is familiar to most hiring managers and works well when printed or viewed on screen.
How to use the cover letter generator
Using the generator takes only a few steps.
- Fill in your name, target position and contact details.
- Fill in the recipient details, such as the hiring manager and company.
- Choose a tone from the four templates provided.
- Edit the letter text to match your application.
- Click the generate button to download the PDF.
A live preview of the letter body appears below the form as you type. You can use the preview to check the flow of the letter before generating the PDF.
Understanding the four tones
The generator provides four templates to suit different situations. Each one has a different tone, and each one is intended as a starting point rather than a finished letter.
- Standard professional, suitable for most applications in established industries.
- Creative and enthusiastic, suitable for roles in design, marketing, media and startups.
- Experienced professional, suitable when you have several years of relevant experience to highlight.
- Entry level, suitable for graduates and career changers applying for their first role in a field.
Regardless of which template you choose, editing the text is important. Hiring managers can tell when a letter is generic, and a small amount of personalisation usually makes a noticeable difference.
Tips for writing a stronger cover letter
A cover letter is an opportunity to explain why you are interested in a particular role and how your background fits the requirements. A short, specific letter is usually more effective than a long, general one.
- Address the letter to the person or team named in the job advert, if one is given.
- Open with the role you are applying for and where you saw it advertised.
- Give one or two concrete examples of relevant experience.
- Explain briefly why you are interested in this particular organisation.
- Close with a short, polite sign off and your contact details.
- Keep the letter to one page where possible.
Where possible, tailor the letter to the specific role rather than sending the same letter with every application. A short letter that clearly refers to the job and the organisation is usually more persuasive than a longer, more general one.
Practical uses
- Preparing a cover letter for a specific application quickly.
- Preparing a first draft you can refine in a word processor.
- Producing a cover letter on a shared computer without installing software.
- Preparing multiple letters for a set of applications in one sitting.
- Creating a template you can adapt for future applications.
For more elaborate letters with decorative layouts or a specific employer template, a word processor is usually a better fit. The generator here is best suited to clean, functional documents.
Limitations
- The PDF layout is plain and does not include decorative elements or images.
- The tool does not check spelling or grammar.
- The tool does not read the job description or tailor the letter automatically.
- Very long letters may be split awkwardly across pages.
- The tool does not save your data between sessions.
If a document needs to meet a specific format, such as a strict page limit or a particular layout requirement, prepare the final version in a word processor using the draft produced here as a starting point.
Frequently asked questions
Important information
This tool is provided for general informational and personal use. It produces a plain cover letter in PDF and does not provide career, legal, financial or professional advice.
Always keep a copy of any important document, and check the final PDF carefully before sending it. Spelling, grammar and formatting are the responsibility of the person submitting the document.
Some employers have specific requirements for the format of a cover letter. Always check the requirements of the organisation you are applying to before sending a document.