About this template
The Classic Traditional template is a time-tested classic cover letter in Garamond — first-line indents, justified body, signature reserved for a handwritten line at the bottom. The default that no recruiter has ever filed under odd, since the 1950s. Compatible with every ATS on the market and traditional application portals (Workday, SuccessFactors, Taleo, iCIMS, NeoGov, Cornerstone, ADP, UKG).
Who is it for?
It suits candidates at every career stage who want a safe-harbour format that will not surprise anyone — applying to corporates, banks, insurance, public administration, traditional consulting and any role where standing out is not the point. Skip it for design, creative or attention-economy contexts where character signals fit. The default letter for nine in ten applications in traditional sectors.
How to use it
Keep first-line indents at 0.75 cm. The body justified, margins 2.5 cm, line spacing 1.15. Four paragraphs — why I am writing, who I am professionally, what I bring, request for an interview — separated by a line break. A scanned handwritten signature is expected for public service and traditional banking. For a portal application, a typed signature suffices. Avoid colours, icons and any style marker that breaks the traditional register. The complimentary close matches the salutation ("Yours sincerely" for named recipient, "Yours faithfully" for unknown).
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference with letter-classic?
letter-classic is full-block (no indents), letter-classic-traditional uses first-line indents. Traditional is more typographic, classic more business-strict. In 2026, traditional is slightly warmer and works better for unsolicited applications; classic for responses to job advertisements where the formal register is expected.
Is it suitable for international applications?
Yes for European subsidiaries of global groups (HSBC, Allianz, BNP Paribas, Unilever, Nestlé). For a direct application to a US or Canadian corporate, switch to modified-block (letter-classic-modified-block) which feels more natural in North American business correspondence.
Should I personalise the letter for each application?
Paragraph 1 (why this company) must be rewritten for each application — otherwise copy-paste is visible. Paragraphs 2 and 3 (who I am, what I bring) can reuse 80% of the content. Paragraph 4 (interview request) is usually constant. Track which version was sent where to avoid surface mismatches.
