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Land the job with cover letter templates

Show hiring managers why you're the perfect job candidate with professional, customizable cover letter templates. find the perfect cover letter template for any industry or career path..

Download free cover letter templates

Stand out from other job applicants with free, professional cover letter templates. Cover letters are a perfect complement to your resume and provide an effective opportunity to show your personality and enthusiasm for a position. Focus on writing a compelling cover letter and let a professionally designed template do the rest.

These free cover letter templates are perfect for any stage of your career, whether you're looking to land an internship or your dream job. If you're applying for a corporate position, you may want to opt for a simple cover letter template. There are a variety of other cover letter designs available, from basic cover letter templates to creative cover letter templates.

Each of these cover letter templates is customizable in Word , so you can add your own text, change design elements, and more. Print out your cover letter or download it for free to use for online job applications. Once you've customized the perfect cover letter, explore resume templates that will match your cover letter design, or download free business cards for your next networking event.

Cover Letter Templates you Download with One Click

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Microsoft Word Cover Letter Templates

Thesee free Word cover letters formats by Microsoft . They are freely editable to your liking. These formats work best in the newer versions of Word. Most of these templates are fully editable to your liking. Color, format and all the content, edit to make your own stunning cover letters! For free, with direct downloads.

Classey Casey

Clean Green

Edgy Edward

Geometric 1

Geometric 2

Jack Wilson

Download them directly with one click. The formats might not be compatible or work optimal with older verions of MS Word.

Little Grey

Retro Ricky 1

Retro Ricky 2

Retro Ricky 3

Simply Good

We earn by promoting  resume.io’s cover letter generator, which is completely free, always. If you later become a paying subscriber to their resume builder tool, we earn a commission, at no cost to you.

Google Doc Cover Letter Templates

Swiss Template

Spearmint Template

Modern Template

Minimal Template

Free cover letter templates.

These cover letters have been made with the, absolutely free, cover letter tool (AI-assisted) from  Resume.io .

Here you can download the Pdf- & JPEG files, but with the tool, also in Word format, so you can keep editing them yourself.

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Use the cover letter builder tool and make matching resume’s. Fill in and download yours. Easy does it.

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How to end a cover letter.

A few good and quick tips on how to end your cover letter strong and convincing.

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Modern cover letter templates

Take a fresh approach with our stylish, modern cover letter templates perfectly designed to give you the edge in innovative industries.

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A modern cover letter template to make a strong impression.

From tech and IT to marketing and start-ups, there are dozens of jobs and industries where a standard cover letter just won’t cut it. That’s why we’ve created this collection of modern cover letter templates that exude confidence and style. 

To make the most out of your modern cover letter template, make sure to keep your writing concise and energetic. Strong action verbs and specific examples will work together with a bold template to ensure your cover letter stands out no matter how large the application pool. Check out this general guide for even more tips on writing a great cover letter.

In today’s job market, hiring managers are looking for candidates with fresh ideas who aren’t afraid to be themselves. By picking a modern cover letter template, you can rest assured that your visuals are just as bold as your personality and experience.

When to pick a modern job application letter template

There are a few key indicators that a modern job application letter template is the right choice. Does your potential employer value unique perspectives and originality? Are their offices filled with bold colors, sleek furniture and a general youthful vibe? These are good signs that a modern template will work well for this particular position or workplace. Even if you don’t have any inside knowledge of the company you’re applying to, you can use their website to get a feel for their branding and image to decide if a modern application letter template is right for you.

To get the most out of your modern job application letter template, make sure to match it with a modern resume template. You can browse our collection here .

A modern job application letter template can also work well for freelancers and entrepreneurs. These templates are all about achieving the balance between professionalism and personal style, which makes them some of the most versatile in our collection.

Top 5 why choose a modern cover letter for a resume

• Your industry or position requires a nontraditional approach
• You want your application to stand out in a big way
• You’re looking for a balance of professionalism and bold design
• You want to freshen up a previous cover letter
• You want to present yourself as a forward-thinking candidate

What makes a modern application letter

Although a modern template is a great starting point, you’ll need to embody the values of a modern application letter in both your visuals and your writing if you want to land a job in an innovative industry. Often, these positions are great for recent grads or early career professionals, but they can also lend themselves to candidates with years of expertise. The trick is to highlight how and why you’ve stayed at the forefront of your field, paying attention to new developments and trends.

Modern professionals know the best practices of traditional workplaces, but they’re not scared to change with the times. When writing a modern application letter, don’t be afraid to highlight moments when you thought outside the box or times when you created new initiatives and took a risk that led to positive results.

Free modern cover letter template – download as PDF or Word file

With Resume.io, you can pick a cover letter that’s stylish, professional and just right for your needs – but the best part? It’s free. Choose whether you’d like to download it as a PDF, Word file or even in Google Docs to make the most of your template in whichever platform you prefer.

The job search can be stressful. Our free modern cover letter template is designed to simplify the process and allow you to focus on showing off your best attributes without worrying about the visuals. With our free modern cover letter template you can rest assured you’re getting the perfect balance of attractive and functional design.

Try our professional Resume builder now!

18 Free Cover Letter Templates That Will Actually Get You Interviews

Simple Cover Letter

Creative Cover Letter

Professional Cover Letter

Jobscan’s cover letter templates are clean and professional . We intentionally avoided using flashy colors and design elements when creating them. Why?

Because most companies nowadays use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to screen resumes and cover letters. These systems can struggle to read and interpret visually complex documents.

This means your beautifully designed, eye-catching cover letter might remain stuck in an ATS database, never to be seen by an actual human being.

By using one of our simple, easy-to-read templates, you’ll significantly improve the chances that your cover letter will successfully pass through an ATS and into the hands of a hiring manager.

It’s super easy to get started too! Simply click the download button to get your hands on a Word document that you can customize to fit your unique situation.

When you’re done writing your cover letter , run it through Jobscan’s ATS-friendly cover letter checker to get personalized feedback on how to improve your letter and make it even more compelling to employers.

Basic Cover Letter

Formal Cover Letter

Career Change Cover Letter

Operations Manager Cover Letter

Pharmacy Technician Cover Letter

Project Management Cover Letter

Prospecting Cover Letter

Engineer Cover Letter

Supervisor Cover Letter

Human Resources Cover Letter

Intern Cover Letter

Marketing Cover Letter

Networking Cover Letter

Communications Cover Letter

Changing Careers Cover Letter

What is a cover letter?

It’s a letter of introduction that you send along with your resume when you apply for a job.

The key thing to remember about your cover letter is that it shouldn’t simply regurgitate your resume. Instead, it should support it.

Your cover letter can do this by:

• Explaining why you’re excited about the job opportunity.
• Showing how your skills and experience match the job requirements.
• Addressing any gaps in your work history.
• Showing off your personality (but not too much!).

By highlighting your strengths and showing your passion for the role and the company, your cover letter can make a strong case for why you deserve an interview.

NOTE : Get inspired by our expertly crafted cover letter examples and learn what makes each one shine. Our examples cover a wide range of jobs, industries, and situations, providing the guidance you need to create a winning cover letter.

Are cover letters necessary in 2023?

While some companies may not require one, a cover letter can still set you apart from other applicants and increase your chances of landing an interview.

In one survey , 83 percent of hiring managers said cover letters played an important role in their hiring decision.

In fact, most of the respondents in that survey claimed that a great cover letter might get you an interview even if your resume isn’t strong enough.

So don’t skip the cover letter ! When done correctly, it can be a powerful tool in your job search toolkit.

Why should you use a cover letter template?

Here are the 5 main reasons why you should use a cover letter template .

• It saves you time by creating personalized letters quickly and easily.
• It provides a framework or structure for your cover letter.
• It ensures that all the necessary information is included.
• It makes it easy to customize your cover letters for multiple applications.
• It helps you create a professional and polished cover letter without starting from scratch.

A template helps you streamline the cover letter writing process. This means you can devote more time and energy to other important aspects of your job search, such as networking and researching potential employers.

Generate a personalized cover letter in as little as 5 seconds

Our AI-powered cover letter generator uses GPT-4 technology to create a personalized and ATS-friendly cover letter in one click.

What should you include in your cover letter?

Every cover letter format should include the following information:

Contact information : Your name, address, phone number, and email address should be at the top of the letter.

Greetings : Address the letter to the hiring manager or the person who will be reviewing your application.

Opening paragraph : State the position you’re applying for and explain how you found out about the job. You can also briefly mention why you’re interested in the position and the company.

Body paragraphs : Use one or two paragraphs to highlight your relevant skills, experience, and qualifications that match the job requirements. Provide specific examples of your accomplishments and how they show off your abilities.

Closing paragraph : Repeat your interest in the position and thank the hiring manager for considering your application. You can also include a sentence or two about why you believe you’d be a good fit for the company culture.

Closing : Conclude your cover letter with a professional sign-off, such as “Best regards,” or “Sincerely”.

Do you need a unique cover letter for every job?

Absolutely! Do NOT use the exact same cover letter and simply change the name of the company and the position.

Instead, tailor each cover letter to the position you’re applying for.

You can do this by highlighting how your skills and experience match the specific requirements and responsibilities of the position.

It’s crucial to include the keywords that are in the job posting.

Why? Because your application will most likely go straight into an ATS database. Hiring managers search through this database for suitable job candidates by typing keywords into the search bar.

If your cover letter includes these keywords , it will be seen by the hiring manager. If it doesn’t include these keywords, your cover letter will remain in the database.

Not sure if your cover letter is ATS-friendly? Try running it through Jobscan’s cover letter checker .

This easy-to-use tool analyzes your cover letter and compares it to the job listing. It then identifies the key skills and qualifications that you should focus on in your letter.

How to write a cover letter if you have no work experience

If you don’t have much work experience, writing a strong cover letter can be challenging. But you can still do it!

Here are some tips to help you out:

Hook the reader right away . Introduce yourself and explain why you are interested in the position. If possible, mention a specific aspect of the company or role that especially appeals to you.

Highlight your relevant skills and experience . Focus on the skills you’ve gained through school projects, internships, volunteer work, or extracurricular activities. Be sure to provide specific examples .

Showcase your enthusiasm and willingness to learn . Employers look for candidates who are eager to learn and grow. Use your cover letter to convey your enthusiasm for the role and your willingness to take on new challenges.

Close with a strong call to action . End your cover letter by requesting an interview or expressing your interest in discussing the position further.

Proofread your cover letter carefully and customize it for each position you apply for.

Cover letter do’s and don’ts

• Address the letter to a specific person or hiring manager, if possible.
• Include your contact information at the top of the document.
• Tailor your letter to the company and position you’re applying for.
• Use keywords from the job description.
• Highlight your relevant skills and experiences.
• Use specific, measurable results to demonstrate your abilities.
• Try to inject some of your personality into the cover letter.
• Proofread your letter carefully for errors.
• Run your cover letter through Jobscan’s cover letter checker .
• Use a generic greeting, such as “ To Whom It May Concern .”
• Use a one-size-fits-all cover letter for all your job applications.
• Simply repeat your resume in your cover letter.
• Use overly casual or informal language.
• Write a long and rambling cover letter.
• Use jargon or technical terms that the hiring manager may not understand.
• Include irrelevant information or details.
• Send a cover letter with spelling or grammatical errors.

Q: How long should a cover letter be?

Most cover letters are too long. The ideal length is around 250-400 words. Hiring managers probably won’t read anything longer.

Q: Should I use a PDF or a Word cover letter template?

Either one should be fine. Some older ATS might not accept PDFs, but this is rare these days. Always check the job listing. If it says to submit a Word resume, then do that. Otherwise, a PDF resume works just as well.

Q: Can I email my cover letter instead of sending a cover letter?

Yes, you can email your cover letter instead of sending a physical copy through the mail. In fact, many employers now prefer to receive cover letters and resumes via email or through an online application system.

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Free Cover Letter Templates

Make a memorable first impression with a professionally designed cover letter template.  Pick unlimited options, customize your letter in MS Word, and print it out.

Modern Cover Letter Templates

A cover letter is your introduction to potential employers. Think of it as your business attire. If it looks badly mismatched and wrinkled at the back, you’ll struggle to make a solid first impression. Same with your cover letter. Wonky fonts, weird margins, sloppy spacing — those things won’t win you extra points. So why leave things to chance? Elevate your job application with a cover letter design that indicates your impeccable aesthetical taste.

Professional Cover Letter Templates

Our free cover letter templates make it easy to create a professional-looking document in less than five minutes. Download unlimited cover letter designs for your personal use. Then print them out to send out to employers.

Simple Cover Letter Templates

Go with a time-tested cover letter design, bound to land with every employer in every industry.

Creative Cover Letter Templates

Pique the employer’s interest with a standout cover letter template, hinting at your unique personality and skillset.

The Ideal Cover Letter Format, Pre-Designed For You 

Cover letter writing doesn’t come easy. You have to convey so many things with your tone and words: Professionalism, courtesy, enthusiasm, dedication, qualifications, and so on. And fit all of that in under one page (or 250 words to be precise). 

Sounds overwhelming? It shouldn’t be because our cover letter templates are here to guide you. Each version includes a sample cover letter format , to help you getting started faster. Use the predefined cover letter layout to effortlessly pierce together a compelling summary of your career, key accomplishments, and educational credentials. 

Simple Cover Letter Outline 

A cover letter is a professional business document. As such, it follows a standard four-section structure, which you can outline beforehand, then customize for each job application. 

Cover Letter Header

• Include your name, address, phone number, and email address at the top of your cover letter.

Cover Letter Opening 

• Choose a professional greeting . Address the hiring manager by name if possible. 
• Mention the position you’re applying for and where you saw the job posting.
• Briefly explain why you believe to be a great fit for the role in one sentence. 

Read more about the best cover letter opening lines . 

Cover Letter Body 

• Allocate the first paragraph to your most marketable skills and achievements 
• Use the second paragraph to provide specific examples that demonstrate your skills and expertise
• Add a third short paragraph if you need to address any resume gaps or elaborate on how you’ve developed transferable skills. 

Read more about writing a persuasive cover letter . 

Cover Letter Closing Paragraph

• Express your enthusiasm for the position and thank the hiring manager for considering your application.  
• Add a call-to-action — a sentence offering the next steps — e.g. to connect with you via phone or reach out for further information. 
• End your document with a professional closing, such as “Sincerely,” and include your full name and signature.

Read more about writing a closing paragraph for a cover letter . 

Remember to keep your cover letter concise and focused, typically no more than one page. Use clear, easy-to-read language, and proofread your letter for spelling and grammar errors before sending it. 

Learn More from 50+ Cover Letter Examples 

Need some more inspiration? Discover our ever-expanding collection of sample cover letters , written for different roles and industries. Entry-level candidate or seasoned manager, you’ll find real-world examples and helpful writing tips for producing your best cover letter ever. 

FAQs about Cover Letter Templates 

Got some more questions about cover letter formatting and writing? We have answers!

What Font Size Should a Cover Letter Be?

The recommended font size for a cover letter is 10-12 points, depending on the typeface. That’s a good size both for digital and printed cover letters. Using a font size smaller than 10 points can make your letter difficult to read while using a larger font size than 12 points can make your letter look unprofessional and take up too much space.

What is an Enclosure in a Cover Letter?

An enclosure is any additional document you include alongside your letter to provide additional context for the reader (e.g., your resume, a copy of your professional license, a character reference letter, etc). When mentioning enclosures in a cover letter, you have to clearly list them. To do this, you can add a line after the signature line that says “Enclosure” or “Enclosures” followed by a list of the documents or materials included with the letter. 

How to Name Drop in a Cover Letter?

The introduction paragraph is the best way to name-drop your connection to the company (e.g., a person who referred you). Doing so immediately will grab the reader’s attention and make them more attuned to hearing what else you have to say. In the body of your cover letter, you can explain how your connection has given you an insight into the company.

How to Include References in a Cover Letter?

References should be on your resume or provided as a separate list, not included in your cover letter. However, you can briefly state mention that you have references available upon request. This shows that you are prepared and transparent about your past career history. 

How to Sell Yourself In a Cover Letter?

Instead of using adjectives like “qualified”, “experienced”, or “motivated”, provide the reader with the context behind them. Use specific examples to demonstrate your hard and soft skills in real-world settings. Highlight both how you’ve applied these skills, plus what outcomes they’ve generated for the company. Quantify your accomplishments whenever applicable.

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Our cover letter generator helps you make the cut with:

A quicker application process, ats-friendly templates, advanced ai technology, a wide range of templates, a uniform job application, endorsements from hr experts, job-winning cover letter templates.

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A standout cover letter in 3 steps, enter your information, fill out the cover letter or let ai do it for you, customize your template, use our cutting-edge ai builder to:, generate a full cover letter from your basic information, get writing assistance, skillfully handle potential concerns in your employment history, testimonials, essential knowledge on cover letters.

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Free Cover Letter Templates for Microsoft Word

• Microsoft Word Cover Letter Templates
• Access Letters From Your Computer

Access Templates Online

• Create a Customized Cover Letter

Tips for Writing an Interview-Winning Cover Letter

• More Free Templates

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A good cover letter can mean the difference between catching the hiring manager’s attention and languishing in job search limbo. But many job seekers find it hard to stare down that blank page. How do you summarize your most important qualifications in a way that makes it clear that you’re the best candidate for the job? Cover letter templates can help.

A cover letter template provides a "fill-in the-blank" format. You can use it to create your own letter to send with your resume when you apply for a job.

Using a template saves you a few steps and helps you structure your letter in a professional way.

Free Microsoft cover letter templates are available online from Microsoft Office Online, as a download for Microsoft Word users, or are available within your Word program.

Note that not all templates may work with all versions of Word, so check before you download. There will be a message next to the download button advising if there are restrictions.

Not a Microsoft user? Google Docs also has  free template samples  available for letters and resumes. Using any of these templates can help you to feel confident that you are properly writing and  formatting your cover letter .

Free Microsoft Word Cover Letter Templates

There are a variety of templates available for Microsoft Word. Template options include  general cover letters  and both job- and career-specific cover letter samples. For example, there are cover letter templates for professionals, temporary workers, and candidates who are sending in their resumes unsolicited.

Microsoft Word also offers a variety of different cover letter template designs, with resume templates to match. Note that if you choose one of these fancier template designs, you’ll want to choose a resume template to match.

Be consistent in your application materials, whether it’s matching your cover letter to your resume or choosing a font or format. That way, hiring managers can focus on your work experience—not your stylistic choices.

Access Cover Letters From Your Computer

Open Microsoft Word, then click on:

Then, search for online templates by typing your keywords (e.g., “cover letter”) in the field provided. You can also click on the "Resumes and Cover Letters" category to get more options. Review the available options and choose the design you like best.

If you don’t own a copy of Microsoft Office or a subscription to Microsoft 365, you can still access  cover letter templates . These templates are free and editable online.

Visit the  Microsoft Cover Letter Templates  website, browse the cover letter templates, then click on the title to preview the sample. You'll need to sign up for a free account to edit the document.

Once you find a template you like, click Edit In Browser, then follow the instructions to customize and save your cover letter. There are also sets, which include matching resumes and cover letters, available to use.

Use the Template to Create a Customized Cover Letter

Once you have downloaded or opened  a cover letter template file , type over the text in the file to create your own  personalized cover letter .

The template will include all the relevant information that you need to include in your document. Simply change the generic version to include your personal and professional information.

It's a good idea to include additional details about your qualifications and experience. Take the time to  match your qualifications to the job description . Include  keywords related to your skills and achievements.

To  customize your cover letter  further, look for a contact person at the company, ideally the hiring manager or HR contact, and address the letter to this person. If you have an employee contact at the company who is willing to refer you, be sure to mention them in the first paragraph of your cover letter. Employee referrals carry a lot of weight with hiring managers.

Double-check to make sure there is none of the template information left in your final saved version. Finally, carefully proofread for grammar and typographical errors before saving and sending your cover letter.

To avoid sending a blank template or the wrong version of your cover letter,  choose a file name  that’s easy to remember. It should always include your name and may also contain the name of the position for which you’re applying. 

Avoid version numbers and cutesy nicknames when choosing a file name for your resume.

• Send one.  Even when an employer does not directly ask for one, be sure  always to send a cover letter . The only time you don’t want to send one is when the job listing says not to.
• Review examples . Review cover letter examples and tips for how to write a cover letter , so yours makes the best impression.
• Customize each letter.  It might seem tedious, be it is important to  customize each cover letter  to fit the specific job you are applying for. It will make your letter stand out.
• Highlight relevant qualifications.  In your cover letter, address one or two skills or qualifications that you have that match the job description. Provide a specific example of a time you demonstrated each of these qualifications. These examples will make your cover letter different from your resume, which is important.
• Explain any potential issues.  You can use your cover letter to go into detail about something in your resume that needs explaining. For example, a cover letter is a good place to talk about a  career shift  or  explain an extended gap in employment .
• Carefully edit your letter.  Be sure to edit each cover letter before sending it thoroughly. Consider asking a friend or family member, or a  career counselor , to read over your cover letter.

More Templates for Resumes and Letters

Microsoft letter templates are available as a free download for Microsoft Word users or are available within your Word program, to use to create a variety of letters. There are letter templates for cover letters,  resignation letters ,  reference letters , thank you letters, interview letters, and a variety of business letters.

Additionally,  Microsoft resume templates  are available as a free download for Microsoft Word users to use to create a resume. Microsoft Word resume options include basic resumes, job-specific resumes, and career-specific resumes.

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Cover Letters Module and Templates (Toolkit)

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In this Cover Letters module, you will learn:

• How to identify different types of cover letters.
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How-To Geek

Mail merge is more useful than you think: 4 practical uses.

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Google wallet can now digitize your passes and ids, psa: don't get duped into downloading "new" switch games, quick links, creating address labels for your wedding invitations and christmas cards, writing individualized reports, writing job application cover letters, designing certificates.

Mail merging in Microsoft Word is well known for letting you create and send personalized versions of the same email to lots of people in one go. However, the tool also has some practical everyday uses that could make your home and work life a lot easier.

In short, mail merge lets you create a document in Microsoft Word that you can personalize with individualized details , such as people's names. There are two ways to do this—you can create the list of personalized variables within Microsoft Word's mail merge feature itself, or you can create the list in another program, such as Excel, and then import the details from that list into Word.

In this article, we will show you how to use mail merge in Microsoft Word alongside Microsoft Excel, since creating comprehensive lists and databases in Excel is easier to do and manage.

Mail merge is currently not available in Word for the web—you will need to subscribe to Microsoft 365 and use the Microsoft Word desktop app to use this tool.

While enjoyable, sending wedding invitations or Christmas cards can take time, and it's easy to make mistakes, especially if you're writing the addresses on the envelopes by hand. This is why you should use Microsoft Word instead. When you're done, you can either print the names and addresses onto label paper, or use normal paper and glue, before cutting out the individual labels to stick to your envelopes.

Start in Excel by creating your list of names and addresses. Make sure you put each line of each person's name and address into separate columns, and use headings across row 1. Also, ensure that you populate all cells, as leaving blanks will cause issues with your mail merge down the line.

Then, press F12 to name and save your document in a memorable place on your computer.

Now, open a blank Word document, and click Mailings > Start Mail Merge > Labels.

To save paper, scroll down to and select "30 Per Page," and click "OK."

Turning on the Show/Hide (¶) option in the Home tab will help you see the layout and positioning of the labels you have just created.

The next step is to import the address list that you created in Excel. To do this, with the Mailings tab still open, click Select Recipients > Use An Existing List.

Use the Select Data Source window that opens to locate the Excel file containing the names and addresses, and click "Open." In the Select Table dialog box, check the checkbox that tells Word that you've used headings in your Excel table, and then click "OK".

Word is now ready to pull the data across from Excel.

Click "Insert Merge Field," and see that the headings you created in Excel are listed in the drop-down. Start by clicking the item you want to appear on the first line of the address label ("Name"), and then press Enter. Repeat the process for each line of the address label, making sure you press Enter between each one.

If the text runs over the space provided for the labels, increase the label sizes by clicking and dragging the bottom of the label row downwards, then remove any labels that move to the next page .

When you have inserted all merge fields, click "Update Labels." This will apply the merge fields you just added to each of the labels in your document.

Now, click "Preview Results" to check you're happy with how your labels look.

To complete the process, click Finish And Merge > Print Documents.

If you want to make changes to individual addresses, click Finish And Merge > Edit Individual Documents. This will open the labels in a new document, where you can make changes without affecting the other entries.

Then, ensure "All" is selected, and click "OK" to print.

Finally, cut up your labels and stick them onto your envelopes!

While the example we're going to use will be for teachers writing school reports, the same process can be used in many different roles and professions, such as surveying, assessing, managing, and reviewing.

In a Word document, type the foundation of the report, using "[NAME]" where a person's name will go, and "__" wherever an individualized part needs to be added.

Then, copy each sentence into a cell across row 1 of an Excel sheet, making sure you add a "Name" column at the start.

Then, fill in the gaps under each column for each report you want to generate, before pressing F12 to name and save the spreadsheet in a memorable location.

Now, return to your Word document. In the Mailings tab, click Select Recipients > Use An Existing List.

In the Select Data Source window that opens, locate the Excel sheet containing the report details, and click "Open." Then, in the Select Table dialog box, check the checkbox that tells Word that you've used headings in your Excel table, and click "OK".

Now, select the areas where you used [NAME] or inserted blanks in your Word document, click "Insert Merge Field," and choose the appropriate field via the "Insert Merge Field" drop-down to add it to the sentence.

After you have assigned all the fields from Excel, click "Preview Results" to see the first report. You can also use the arrows to flick through all the reports if you wish.

Finally, click "Finish and Merge," which gives you the option to review and amend the documents individually, or print the reports you generated.

It can be frustrating to regurgitate the same information in various cover letters for the many jobs you might apply for. After all, the skills you have can be applied to many different roles. This is where mail merge comes into play.

Across row 1 in a blank Excel worksheet, type the different skill categories you fall into.

In row 2, underneath each skill, write a few sentences demonstrating your possession of that skill. These sentences will ultimately be exported into your cover letter, so make sure you write them with this in mind.

Once you have finished detailing your skills, press F12 to name and save the workbook. You can go back in and add to or amend the details in this sheet at any time.

Next, when you've found a job you want to apply for , open a new Microsoft Word document, and type the opening and ending of your cover letter. Then, in the Mailings tab, click Select Recipients > Use An Existing List.

In the Select Data Source window that opens, locate the Excel sheet containing your skills, and click "Open." Then, in the Select Table dialog box, check the checkbox that tells Word that you've used headings in your Excel table, and click "OK".

Then, click "Insert Merge Field," and choose the job skill that you detailed in your Excel spreadsheet.

You will then see a placeholder indicating that the text will appear in that position when you complete the mail merge.

When you have added all your skills, click "Preview Results" to check that you are happy with the structure and order of your paragraphs. If not, you can select and reorder your text.

Inevitably, you will want to amend the wording here and there to ensure that the letter is coherent. Using the mail merge technique described in this article forms the basis of your cover letter, but you should always check it through to ensure it runs smoothly. To make changes, click "Finish And Merge," and select "Edit Individual Documents." After you click "OK," your completed cover letter will open in a new document, which you can then amend and save as necessary.

Whether you run a local football team or a kids' activity center, you might want to create certificates for your participants.

First, create your list in Excel, including things like the recipients' names, scores, standards, and whatever other individualized details you want to include. Then, press F12 to name and save these details.

Next, design your certificate in Microsoft Word. If you prefer, you can use a template by clicking File > Home > More Templates.

Now, in the Mailings tab, click Select Recipients > Use An Existing List.

Locate the recipients' details that you created in Excel, click "Open", check "First Row Of Data Contains Column Headers," and click "OK."

Then, click "Insert Merge Field" to add the fields from your Excel sheet to your Word document where appropriate.

Before you finalize your certificates, click "Preview Results" to check that everything looks as it should, and then click Finish And Merge > Print Documents.

Now that you have some ideas for using mail merge for everyday tasks, check out some of our other little-known Microsoft Word tips .

• Microsoft Word
• Microsoft Excel