How to write a cover letter on Google Docs

When you apply for a job, a well-written cover letter to the right person can give you an edge, especially if it’s not required. You can explain why you're the perfect person for the position, add color on your experiences and background, and show hiring managers that you care enough to put in the extra work.

We’ll walk you through how to write a cover letter in Google Docs from scratch, using a template, and with the help of Plus AI.

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Write a cover letter in Google Docs with Plus AI

Sitting down to a blank page for a cover letter can be intimidating. While you can find templates to give you a jumpstart on formatting and design, most applicants actually struggle more with exactly what to say and how to best write it.

In fact, employers would much rather see great content in an easy-to-read format vs. a poorly-written letter in a "flashy" format.

By using Plus AI for Google Slides and Docs, you can get the help you need composing a well-worded cover letter. Just give Plus AI a prompt with information about the company and position along with a detailed description of your experience and major accomplishments.

1. Visit Google Docs, sign in, and select the Blank document.
2. Open Extensions in the menu, select Plus AI, and pick Write with Plus AI.

3. When the sidebar opens, confirm you’re on the Generate tab (and choose a language, if necessary).
4. Enter your instructions in the What do you want to write? box. You can include up to 100,000 characters, so you can write a prompt that’s as brief or detailed as you like (Generally, the more details, the better).
5. Click Generate at the bottom of the sidebar, and you’ll see your result along with helpful tips on further improving the letter.

You’ll notice that Plus AI not only includes the details you request but provides the correct structure for the cover letter. You can then simply replace necessary text with your own. For example, you can see the highlighted portions of text below that you can adjust to fit your previous employer, expertise, and name.

Tip: To use the template from above, follow this link and choose Make a Copy.

Use a template and edit the cover letter with Plus AI

As mentioned, using a Google Docs template can give you a good start to the overall design of your cover letter. And, if you create your resume in Google Docs as well, you can take advantage of the matching styles for a consistent appearance.

While a template doesn’t normally help you write the words for your cover letter, you can use Plus AI here as well to edit the placeholder text. This allows you to use the design you want and still get help composing the letter.

1. On the main Docs screen, select Template gallery at the top or the plus sign and then Choose template at the bottom to pick the one you want.
2. With your cover letter template open, select the text you want to rewrite.
3. Open Extensions, move to Plus AI, and pick Write with Plus AI.

4. When the sidebar appears, go to the Edit tab.
5. Enter your instructions in the Rewrite Notes box. You can include up to 500 characters when you rewrite text with Plus AI.
6. Click Generate when you finish, and you’ll receive your result.

You can then easily adjust the remaining text portions as needed such as your contact information, the date, the hiring manager’s name, and any other details you like.

Tip: Also check out how to create a letterhead template in Google Docs.

Write a cover letter from scratch in Google Docs

Another option is to create a cover letter from scratch. If you know what you’d like to say and prefer to design the letter yourself, it’s certainly an option.

You can structure a cover letter like a business letter and include the following elements in order:

• A header or text block with your contact details and the date
• A greeting such as “Dear Chris Smith” or “Dear Hiring Manager”
• An opening paragraph where you introduce yourself and include keywords from the job posting
• Body paragraphs with details about your experience, qualifications, accomplishments, and how these fit the role
• An ending paragraph thanking the reader for their time, reiterating your interest, and a call to action
• A closing such as “Sincerely” or “Regards”
• Your name and signature

For formatting, we would suggest optimizing for readability vs. spending too much time on selecting colors and graphics. We recommend a 1.5-spaced, one-page document, left-aligned with standard 1-inch margins, and an extra line break between paragraphs. Additionally, use a professional font style such as Arial or Times New Roman with a 10- to 12-point font size.

Tips for writing a cover letter

Along with the above components, here are some tips for crafting your cover letter.

Put the most important information at the start. Don't waste time with fluff. Put the most important and relevant information in the opening paragraph instead of burying it in the middle of the letter. Hiring managers will have many applicants to sort through, and you don't want them to miss what you are saying.

Personalize every cover letter. While it’s fine to use the same cover letter template if you’re applying to several positions, remember to adjust the necessary elements! Be sure to include the hiring manager’s name if you have it, the company name, the date, the job position title, and other applicable text. Do not use a single, generic letter for each application.

Be succinct. The hiring manager should be able to skim your cover letter quickly. Keep the letter to one page, use short paragraphs, get right to the point, and include a strong opening statement.

Do your homework. Making it clear that you have researched the company by writing a personalized letter puts you miles ahead of the average applicant.

Don’t be funny. Remember, a sense of humor doesn’t always translate well with the written word.

Don’t use flattery. Keep your letter professional and use the right level of maturity. Keep in mind that a hiring manager can easily see through too much praise or an overabundance of compliments.

Conclusion

Don’t avoid creating a cover letter because you’re in a hurry to apply for a job. Take a few moments to highlight your skills and expertise to the hiring manager. It’s super easy to do when you compose a cover letter in Google Docs and let the Plus AI Google add-on give you a helping hand.

FAQs

Is there a cover letter template in Google Docs?

In Google Docs, you’ll find basic and business letter templates you can use for a cover letter. On the main Google Docs page, choose Template gallery at the top or use the plus sign and Choose template at the bottom.

Do hiring managers like cover letters?

The short answer is, yes! Even if the job posting doesn’t ask for a cover letter, include one anyway. According to TopResume, “49 percent of HR managers said that including a cover letter is the second-best way to call attention to your resume…”

What are the most common cover letter mistakes?

Using inappropriate formatting, not optimizing for keywords, using the wrong tone, and failing to proofread all fall into the list of common mistakes. For more, look at the Indeed Career Guide’s 15 things to avoid when writing your cover letter.

Should I send a presentation as a cover letter? 

The most important thing about a cover letter is making sure it gets read. If you think the hiring manager is more likely to read a slide deck than a letter, use an AI PowerPoint maker to make a presentation or use Plus AI's free tool to convert your Word doc into a PPT.