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

Posted by Auckland Resume on 21 Mar 2025

When it comes to seeking a job, an impressive resume and cover letter is essential. But, having good content isn’t enough. The design of the cover letter you send out is just as important as the content itself. A cover letter that is poorly formatted could leave a bad impression on your hiring manager, while a well-formatted one can make you stand out among the other applicants. In this article, we’ll go over the rules and guidelines for cover letter formatting, and also discuss the reasons why it might be beneficial to have a professional like Auckland Resume handle the formatting for you.

Let’s start by discussing the rules of formatting a cover letter.

  1. Make sure you use a professional font. Times New Roman, Arial as well as Calibri are all options. Avoid using too extravagant or hard-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. Choose single line or 1.15 line spacing and leave plenty of white space to make the letter easy to read.
  4. Include your contact information near the beginning of the letters. This should include your address, name along with your telephone number and email address.
  5. Do personalize the letter. Include the name of the hiring manager if possible, and tailor the letter to the specific job and the company you’re applying to.

Now, let’s discuss the essentials of cover letter layout.

  1. Don’t make use of a template. Every cover letter must be unique and customized to the specific position and organization you’re applying to.
  2. Limit the letter to one page. Keep the letter brief and to the point.
  3. Do not use fancy formatting. Stick to a simple, professional layout.
  4. Don’t neglect to proofread. Double-check for spelling and grammar mistakes before you send the letter.
  5. Don’t forget to sign the letter.

While it’s essential to pay attention to the structure the cover letter you write, it can be time-consuming and overwhelming to do it yourself. This is where professional resume writing services such as Auckland Resume comes in. Our team of specialists knows how to format the perfect cover letter that will ensure that you stand out from your competition. We’ll handle the formatting, so you can focus on the contents in your cover letter.

Our team will assist you in adjusting your cover letter to fit the job the job you’re applying to. Additionally, we’ll look for grammar and spelling mistakes as well as ensure your letter is concise and easy to read.

A well-written cover letter could make all it’s worth in your career search. By adhering to the do’s and don’ts of cover letter formatting and perhaps employing a professional such as Auckland Resume to handle the formatting on your behalf then you’ll be on your way to creating a cover letter that makes to stand out in the competition. Don’t hesitate to contact us on 0800 024 129 or use the contact form to reach us should you have any concerns.

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