The Formatting of Cover Letters: What to Do and Not To Do

Posted by Griffith Resume on 21 Jun 2025

When seeking a job, an impressive resume and cover letter are essential. However, just having great content doesn’t suffice. The layout that you write your letter in is just as important as the content itself. A poorly-formatted cover letter will leave a negative impression on the manager who is hiring however a well-formatted cover letter will help you stand out among the competition. In this post, we’ll look at the best practices and pitfalls of formatting your cover letter and explain why it could be beneficial to have an experienced professional such as Griffith Resume handle the formatting for you.

In the beginning, let’s discuss the rules of cover letter format.

  1. Make sure you use a professional font. Times New Roman, Arial as well as Calibri are all excellent choices. Avoid using overly fancy or hard-to-read fonts.
  2. Do use a consistent layout. Make use of the same font, size, and layout for the covering letter.
  3. Do include proper spacing. Choose single line or 1.15 line spacing. Also, leave ample white spaces between each paragraph so that the letter is easily read.
  4. Include your contact information in the upper right-hand corner of the email. This should include your address, name, phone number, and email address.
  5. Do personalize the letter. Use the hiring manager’s name If you can, and tailor the letter to the particular job and company the job you’re interested in.

Now, let’s talk about the dos and don’ts of cover letters layout.

  1. Don’t use a template. Every cover letter should be unique and customized to the particular job and company you’re applying to.
  2. Don’t go over one page. Keep the letter brief and straight to the point.
  3. Don’t go overboard with your formatting. Stick to a simple, professional layout.
  4. Don’t neglect to proofread. Double-check spelling and grammar errors prior to sending your letter.
  5. Don’t forget to acknowledge the note.

While it’s vital to be aware of the format the cover letter you write, it can be time-consuming and overwhelming to do it yourself. This is why a professional resume writing service like Griffith Resume comes in. Our team of experts know how to structure an effective cover letter that will allow you to stand out the other applicants. We’ll handle the formatting, so you can concentrate on the contents that you want to convey in the cover letter.

Our team will help you to tailor your letter of cover to the particular job you’re applying to. We’ll also check for spelling and grammar mistakes and ensure that your cover letter is succinct as well as easy for readers to comprehend.

In conclusion, a well-formatted cover letter will make all an impact on your search for a job. By following the do’s and don’ts of cover letter formatting or perhaps hiring a professional company like Griffith Resume to handle the formatting for you and you’ll be well on your way to creating a cover letter that helps you stand out from your competitors. Contact us at 1300 202 475 or use the contact form to contact us should you have any concerns.

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