Picture Cover Letter Templates to Download & Edit

How to download and edit our picture cover letter templates

Our picture cover letter templates are free to download and easy to customize. Follow these steps to create a cover letter that’s ready to send:

1. Choose a template: Browse our designs above and select the design that best fits your experience and the job you’re applying for.
2. Download the template: Hover over the template and click Free Download to download for Microsoft Word or open the template in Google Docs.
3. Add your information: Replace the placeholder text with your content.
4. Add your picture: Insert a professional photo in the designated space.
5. Save and send: Save your completed cover letter in PDF format unless the employer requests a different file type.

Frequently asked questions about picture cover letter templates

Should I include a photo on my cover letter?

If you’re applying for jobs in the US, UK, or Canada, it’s usually best to leave your photo off your cover letter because employers typically want to evaluate candidates based on their qualifications, and including a photo can introduce unnecessary concerns about discrimination or bias.

However, there are some exceptions. A photo may be appropriate for roles where your appearance is relevant to the job, such as acting, modeling, or certain entertainment jobs, or when an employer specifically requests one. Photos are also more common in some countries and industries outside the US, UK, and Canada, so consider the expectations of the country and field you’re applying in.

Our picture cover letter templates are designed to match our picture resume templates, so you can use them together when a photo is appropriate for your application.

Can I remove the picture from a picture cover letter template?

Yes. If you like the design of a picture cover letter template but don’t want to include a photo, you can easily remove the picture and use the rest of the layout. Just make sure the remaining design looks balanced and professional after removing the photo.

What file format should I use for a picture cover letter?

PDF is the best file format for a picture cover letter unless the employer specifies otherwise. It preserves your formatting, layout, and headshot so your cover letter looks the way you intended no matter which device is used to open it.