Templates
Job Application – & workplace-ready free
Free job application template for Excel and Google Sheets. Cover sheet, cover letter, and CV in one workbook for job applications. Download now.
- 100% free
- Workplace-ready
- Excel & Google Sheets
What is a job application template and what is included?
A job application template bundles the documents many employers expect: optional cover sheet, cover letter, and CV. The free Ordio pack is one Excel or Google Sheets workbook with an instructions sheet and separate tabs—so you do not merge three Word files by hand.
For a single role you typically submit a cover letter and CV; some companies also want a cover page with your name and the job title. Use the template fields to keep layout consistent and export each part as PDF.
Pair this pack with our CV template if you only need the resume section.
Cover letter structure and tips
A strong cover letter includes: subject line with job title and reference number, polite salutation, short introduction with role reference, main section with motivation and relevant experience, and a brief closing with availability. The template provides labelled cells for each part.
Keep tone professional, avoid generic filler, and mirror keywords from the job posting where they are accurate. Proofread before export.
Applications for training, internship, or graduate roles
For apprenticeship, internship, or graduate roles, focus on motivation, relevant coursework or projects, practical experience, and reliability. US applications often pair a one-page resume with a short cover letter; UK employers may ask for a two-page CV—use the template sections that match the posting.
Submit PDFs with clear file names (e.g. Smith_CoverLetter_Company.pdf). Check the employer’s portal for file-size and format limits.
How to use the template step-by-step: cover page, cover letter, CV
In brief: Read the instructions, then complete the cover sheet, cover letter, and CV in order, proofread, and export as the job requires. Excel and Google Sheets use one sheet for instructions and separate sheets for each document.
- Read instructions: Check mandatory fields, cover letter length, and export notes.
- Fill the cover sheet: Role title, your contact details, and date—as specified in the posting.
- Write the cover letter: Use the labelled fields; keep a professional, motivated tone and an appropriate length.
- Complete CV sections: Education, internships, and skills—concise and in the order the template suggests.
- Proofread: Spelling, consistent dates, and no contradictions between letter and CV.
- Export: Save relevant sheets as PDF or follow the employer’s portal rules (see next block).
Quality check and versions
After the cover letter draft, read it aloud or use text-to-speech—awkward phrasing is easier to spot. For the CV, explain any employment gaps briefly if the role expects a full timeline.
If you maintain several variants (e.g. different industries), save dated file names so you do not send the wrong letter. Duplicate sheets in Excel or Sheets for each target company and track which version went where.
Application by email: file names, subject line, and common mistakes
| Topic | Do | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Subject line | Include the job title and reference number exactly as in the posting; add your name if requested. | Generic subjects like "Application" with no company, role, or reference—hard for recruiters to route. |
| File names | Patterns such as Smith_Jane_CoverLetter.pdf and Smith_Jane_CV.pdf , or one Smith_Jane_Application.pdf ; use ASCII and underscores. | Special characters, names like final_final2.pdf , or paths that break upload dialogs. |
| Format and size | Follow the posting—usually PDF . Open the PDF before upload to confirm pages and fonts. | Sending Word or Excel originals when only PDF is allowed; oversized scans. |
| Email body | Two to four sentences: role reference, list of attachments, phone in the signature. | Pasting the full cover letter into the email—the letter belongs in the PDF. |
| Attachments | Only required documents; consistent naming across files. ZIP only if allowed. | Large ZIP files or .exe attachments—often blocked. |
| Online portals | Complete the portal first; send email only if the posting asks for it. | Duplicating uploads by email after everything is already in the ATS. |
Typical mistakes: vague subjects, oversized files, wrong formats, or missing required documents. If you bundle everything in one PDF, say so in the subject or email.
Email body, links, and filters
Keep the message short: role reference, attachment list, contact details. Do not repeat the cover letter in the email. If you include links (portfolio, LinkedIn), confirm they work without login. Some employers block ZIP or executable files—stick to PDF. Ordio provides the structured workbook; you control how you submit it.
After hiring: why companies store application documents in the employee file
For applicants, the process often ends at the offer—for HR teams, structured filing begins: contracts, application documents, certificates, and communication. Digital employee files reduce handoffs when access rights and retention rules are defined. Data minimisation and local privacy rules remain the employer’s responsibility.
For employers: from hiring to operations
Ordio supports shift planning, time tracking, and HR workflows for hospitality, retail, care, and trades. This job application template is free for candidates; employers can scale processes with Ordio after hiring. More downloads are in the template overview.
Note: This template helps you build application documents. For employment-law letters (e.g. resignation under German rules), use dedicated resources such as our termination letter template only in the scenarios it covers—not as general legal advice.
HR teams should define who may view application data and how long copies are kept if no hire is made. The same contact details you used in the application can flow into onboarding without retyping across systems.
Track applications with Ordio
From job posting to onboarding — all digital
Structured applications
Manage and track all applications centrally
Onboarding checklists
Onboard new hires in a structured way
Digital employee files
From application to employee file — all in one place
Task management
Plan and track recruiting tasks clearly
With Ordio:
See how Ordio streamlines HR admin
See digital employee files speed up processes · No obligation · 15 minutes
More free templates
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Frequently asked questions about Job Application – free & workplace-ready
Which CV template is really free?
The CV template by Ordio is free to download - without hidden fees, for Excel and Google Sheets. For a complete application with cover sheet, cover letter and resume a file you will add to job application template on this page - also available for free.
Which word template is best suited for a resume?
Microsoft Word brings different CV templates under "New"; often, however, they are not tailored to German standards. Many users prefer to work in Excel for clear tables and versions - see the CV template Ordio. Our entire portfolio is suitable job application template.
What do you write in a letter of application for training?
You write Motivation for occupation and training, background(school, internships, skills) and formal information( Subject, cover letter, date). Structure: short introduction with reference to the place, main part with arguments, scarce conclusion with greeting. Use the fields in job application template and individualize the text.
How do I write a letter of application for a training?
Research business and profession, collect facts to you, then: Introduction with specific reference to the invitation to tender, Main part with motivation and qualifications, Final with polite conclusion. Several passages (first draft, shortening, correction). Ordio- job application template leads you through the structure.
What belongs to a letter template?
Typical are: sender and recipient, date, subject or identification of the place, cover letter, introduction, main part, conclusion with greeting formula and signature (for PDF). Content: Motivation, relevant qualifications, reference to the employer. Our job application template arranges these blocks in a folder with letter leaf.
How do I write a letter of application for a student internship?
Name school, class/year and Period the internship. Just explain why you chose this company and this department and what you want to learn. Keep the tone respectful and the extent clear - internships are often read quickly. The job application template helps with the formal framework.
Is there a letter template in word?
Yes, Word and similar programs offer generic letter and letter templates; Quality and German application standards vary greatly. Ordio relies on Excel and Google Sheets so that cover sheet, cover letter and resume a file stay. You can add finished content to Word or export it as PDF if needed.
Where can I edit a lifecycle template for free?
Loading CV template download or use the Google-Sheets-Copy URL if offered. For the entire application folder use the job application template on this page - Editing in Excel, LibreOffice or Google Sheets.
How to write a letter of application for a training?
Formulate objectively and motivated: Why this profession? Why this company? What are you doing? Avoid pure template sets without reference to the place. Use the Ordio structure job application template and adapt each paragraph to the specific training place.
How do I write a letter of application for a training?
Same procedure as with the correct spelling: collect facts, outline with introduction-main part-slide, reference to the training site and honest representation of your strengths. The job application template Ordio supports you with fields and hints - content and individualization are yours.