Chances are, you’re at least somewhat familiar with Microsoft Word. It’s a widely used word-processing program, found on computers in schools and offices around the world. With its familiar interface and widespread accessibility, it’s also a popular tool among job seekers for CVs and cover letters.
Microsoft Word offers cover letter templates that you can use to create a polished, professional cover letter. Some features of the software’s cover letter templates include:
- Pre-built templates
- Customisation options, such as fonts and colours
- Spelling and grammar check
- Structured formats with tables and columns
- Offline access
- File conversion options
Pros and cons of Microsoft Word cover letter format
When you create a cover letter in Microsoft Word, you can choose from various pre-built templates with professional designs. Using the software, you can fully customise your letter, including the layout, fonts, and colours.
While convenient, Microsoft Word cover letter templates also have some drawbacks. Formatting issues can happen if a recruiter doesn’t view your letter in Word.
Additionally, some recruiting software may not accept Word files. Here’s a full breakdown of the pros and cons of Microsoft Word cover letter templates:
Pros
- Widely accepted format: Most recruiters are familiar with Word, and these documents are an acceptable file format on many hiring platforms.
- Customisable templates: Word offers various cover letter templates that you can customise to fit your professional style. The platform gives you the flexibility to change fonts, colours, and other elements.
- Offline access: You don’t need an internet connection to write and edit a cover letter in Microsoft Word. You can easily save your work and make changes whenever you want.
Cons
- Inconsistent formatting: The cover letter formatting may get distorted if a recruiter opens the document using another application or a different version of the software. Margins, fonts, and spacing may appear different, which can make your letter look less professional.
- Incompatibility with the ATS: Applicant tracking system (ATS) software may be unable to read Microsoft Word cover letters, especially if you use complex formatting. In a worst-case scenario, this incompatibility can get your CV tossed before it even reaches a hiring manager’s desk.
Why use a cover letter generator instead of using Microsoft's free cover letter templates
While there are benefits to using Microsoft Word for your cover letter, it’s worth exploring other options. An online cover letter builder can be a faster, more effective way to create a targeted cover letter.
The benefits of an online cover letter generator include:
- AI-powered writing assistance: The resume.io Cover Letter Builder uses artificial intelligence (AI) to analyse your CV and compare it to a job description. It generates a letter that’s customised to a specific job, giving you a better chance of getting ahead.
- Industry best practices: An online generator follows industry standards to make sure your letter has the right tone, structure, and content.
- Different templates and styles: With a cover letter builder, you can easily switch between different templates and styles without losing your work. It allows you to compare multiple formats and designs to find the one that works best for you.
- Export options: Once you have a cover letter, it’s easy to export it as a .docx file, which you can then upload or submit in your preferred file format.
Is it better to send a cover letter in PDF or Word?
When submitting a cover letter to employers, it’s usually best to send a PDF. While many employers accept Word documents, these files can look different or distorted depending on the recruiter’s device or application.
The benefits of sending your cover letter as a PDF include:
- Consistent formatting: PDFs appear the same across applications and devices, so you don’t have to worry about unwanted changes beyond your control.
- Universal compatibility: Most computers and devices can open PDFs without requiring specific software.
- Standard documents: Recruiters expect to receive PDFs from applicants, and most hiring platforms accept these files for submission.
