About this template
The Classic Block template is a cover letter in the strict full-block business format — every line ranged left, no indents, double-spaced between paragraphs and a Times New Roman body. The format taught in business-writing manuals for thirty years and still the safest register for mid-career applications. Compatible with every ATS on the market, including the oldest deployments (Lawson, PeopleSoft, ADP Workforce Now).
Who is it for?
It suits mid-career professionals applying to traditional corporates, banks (JPMorgan, Citi, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Barclays), insurance carriers (Liberty Mutual, MetLife, Aviva), government agencies and HR departments that still expect the textbook business letter. Maximum institutional credibility — minimum personality. Skip it for design, creative or fast-moving consumer roles where character signals fit.
How to use it
Everything is left-aligned without exception: sender block, date, recipient block, salutation, body, complimentary close, signature. No first-line indents. Paragraphs are separated by a blank line. The body follows the standard sequence: reference or subject line, hook, experience, motivation, request. For a senior corporate application, place the requisition reference at the top ("Re: Senior Director, Risk — Req ID 2026-04578") and the source of the listing ("LinkedIn job posting, 04 May 2026").
Frequently asked questions
Is the full-block format still used in 2026?
Yes, in banking, insurance and federal government across the US and UK. Modified-block (letter-classic-modified-block) has gained ground in professional services. For Workday and SuccessFactors applications at Fortune 500 employers, full-block remains the default expected by HR systems.
Should I include a job reference number?
Always, unless this is an unsolicited application. The reference appears top-right before the date as "Re: [Job Title] — Req ID [code]". For Workday and SuccessFactors portals, this is also the requisition number the recruiter will retrieve instantly in their pipeline view.
Is it suitable for international applications?
Yes for US, UK, Canadian and Australian corporates — full-block is the universal Anglo-Saxon business format. For continental European applications (Germany, France, Italy), full-block also works but the local convention may slightly differ on date placement and closing salutation. Adapt accordingly.
