How to format a cover letter: Do's and Don'ts
When applying for jobs, an impressive resume and cover letter is essential. However, simply having good content doesn’t suffice. The format for your resume is just as crucial as the content. A poorly-formatted cover letter will leave a negative impression on the hiring manager however a well-formatted cover letter will help your company stand out from the competitors. In this article, we’ll go over the best practices and pitfalls of the formatting of your cover letter, and explain why it could be beneficial to let an expert such as Griffith Resume handle the formatting for you.
Let’s start by discussing the basics of cover letter formatting.
- Do use a professional font. Times New Roman, Arial and Calibri are all options. Avoid using too extravagant or hard-to-read fonts.
- Do use a consistent layout. Make use of the same font, font size, and formatting across the entire cover letter.
- Do include proper spacing. Use single or 1.15 line spacing, and make sure you leave plenty of white space so that the letter is easier to understand.
- Include your contact details at the top of the letter. It should include your address, name as well as your phone number and email address.
- Make sure to personalize your letter. Include the name of the hiring manager as much as you can, and customize your letter to the job which you’re applying.
Let’s discuss the don’ts of cover letter formatting.
- Don’t make use of a template. Every cover letter must be unique and customized to the job you’re applying for and the company you’re applying for.
- Don’t exceed one page. Keep the letter concise and straight to the essential.
- Do not use fancy formatting. Keep it simple and professional layout.
- Do not forget to proofread. Double-check for spelling and grammar errors prior to sending your letter.
- Don’t forget to sign the letter.
While it’s important to pay attention to the structure in your resume cover letter it’s laborious and difficult to complete it yourself. This is why a professional resume writing service such as Griffith Resume comes in. Our team of specialists knows how to write your cover letter to make you stand out among the other applicants. We’ll handle the formatting so that you can focus on the content the letter.
Additionally, our team will assist you in adjusting your cover letter to match the job and the company which you’re applying. We’ll also check for spelling and grammar mistakes and make sure that your letter is concise as well as easy for readers to comprehend.
In the end, a well-formatted cover letter could make all an impact on your search for a job. By adhering to the do’s and guidelines for formatting your cover letters and possibly hiring a professional service like Griffith Resume to handle the formatting for you and you’ll be well on your way to writing a professional cover letter that helps you stand out from your crowd. Don’t hesitate to call us at 1300 202 475 or use the contact form to get in touch with any questions you may have.
