About this template
The Classic template is the reference cover letter set in Garamond, with a traditional block layout: sender block, date, recipient block, salutation, four-paragraph body, signature line. No accent colour, no decoration — the format every recruiter has read since 1980. Compatible with every ATS on the market (Workday, SuccessFactors, Oracle Taleo, iCIMS, Greenhouse, Lever, Cornerstone, NeoGov).
Who is it for?
It is the default choice for any candidate who is unsure which letter style to use. Suits public service applications (US federal, UK Civil Service Fast Stream, Canadian PSC), regulated industries (commercial banking, insurance, energy, rail), traditional academia, long-established professional services and any organisation where convention is reassurance. The letter that nobody can criticise.
How to use it
Keep the strict structure: sender address top-left, recipient block above the date on the right, salutation on its own line. The body follows the Anglo-American four-paragraph convention — why you are writing, who you are professionally, what you bring, request for an interview. Keep "Dear Hiring Manager" (if no name) or "Dear Ms Smith" with full closing ("Sincerely" for US, "Yours sincerely" for UK when recipient is named, "Yours faithfully" when not). Avoid emojis, bullet points and any visual cue that breaks the epistolary register.
Frequently asked questions
Is this template suitable for every application?
Yes for traditional sectors and public service. For scale-ups, fintech and SaaS, it may feel dated — prefer letter-slate-professional. For luxury or premium events, see letter-elegant or letter-black-tie. When in doubt, the classic format remains a safe choice.
Should I sign by hand?
For public-sector applications (US federal positions, UK Civil Service, Canadian government) and law-firm applications, yes: scan a handwritten signature. For most private-sector applications, a typed "Sincerely" followed by your typed name suffices. Advanced electronic signatures (DocuSign, Adobe Sign) add no value on a cover letter.
How should I format the date in an English letter?
US convention: "May 12, 2026" right-aligned, two lines above the recipient block. UK convention: "12 May 2026" with no comma. Avoid "12/05/2026" which is ambiguous between US (December 5) and UK (12 May) and breaks the formal register. Spell the month in full to remove all doubt.
