How to format a cover letter: Do's and Don'ts

Posted by Auckland Resume on 7 Oct 2025

When you are applying for jobs, an impressive resume and cover letter is crucial. However, simply having good content doesn’t suffice. The structure of the cover letter you send out is just as important as the content itself. A badly formatted cover letter will leave a negative impression on the hiring manager and a properly formatted one will help you stand out from your crowd. In this article, we’ll discuss the do’s and don’ts of cover letter formatting, and also discuss the reasons why it might be beneficial to have professionals such as Auckland Resume handle the formatting for you.

First, let’s talk about the rules of cover letter format.

  1. Make sure you use a professional font. Times New Roman, Arial and Calibri are all excellent choices. Avoid using overly fancy or difficult to read fonts.
  2. Do use a consistent layout. Use the same font, size and format for the covering letter.
  3. Do include proper spacing. Utilize single, or 1.15 line spacing and allow sufficient white space in between the paragraphs to make the letter simple to comprehend.
  4. Include your contact details near the beginning of the letters. Include your address, name, phone number, and email.
  5. Do personalize the letter. Include the name of the hiring manager If you can, and tailor the letter to the specific job and the company the job you’re interested in.

Let’s get to the essentials of cover letter format.

  1. Don’t use a template. Every cover letter should be unique and tailored to the specific job and company you’re applying for.
  2. Don’t exceed one page. Keep your letter short and to the essential.
  3. Don’t use overly fancy formatting. Use a simple, professional layout.
  4. Do not forget to proofread. Double-check for spelling and grammar mistakes before you send the letter.
  5. Don’t forget to sign the note.

While it’s vital to be aware of the structure the cover letter you write, it’s difficult and time-consuming to write it yourself. That’s why a professional resume writing service such as Auckland Resume comes in. Our team of professionals knows how to format an effective cover letter that will ensure that you stand out from your competition. We’ll take care of the formatting so that you can concentrate on the contents in your cover letter.

In addition, our team can assist you in tailoring your cover letter to fit the job and the company you’re applying to. We’ll also check for grammar and spelling errors and ensure that your letter is short in its writing and simple to understand.

In the end, a properly formatted cover letter could make all an impact on your search for a job. If you follow the do’s and don’ts of cover letter formatting and perhaps hiring a professional like Auckland Resume to handle the formatting on your behalf You’ll be on the way to creating a cover letter that can help you stand out among the competitors. Don’t hesitate to call us at 0800 024 129 or use the contact form to reach us for any queries.

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