How to format a cover letter: Do's and Don'ts
When you are seeking a job, a well-written resume and cover letter are essential. However, just having great content isn’t enough. The format for your resume is just as important as your content. A cover letter that is poorly formatted can make a bad impression on your hiring manager however a well-formatted cover letter will make your application stand out from the competition. In this article, we’ll cover the best practices and pitfalls of the format of your cover letters, and also discuss the reasons why it might be beneficial to have an experienced professional such as Kempsey 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 overly fancy or difficult-to-read fonts.
- Do use a consistent layout. Use the same font, size, and layout in the letter of cover.
- Do include proper spacing. Choose single line or 1.15 line spacing and leave plenty of white space to make the letter easily read.
- Include your contact information on the front of your letter. This includes your address, name, phone number, and email address.
- Do personalize the letter. Use the hiring manager’s name If you can, and tailor the letter to the specific job which you’re applying.
Now, let’s talk about the essentials of cover letter format.
- Don’t use a template. Every cover letter needs to be unique and tailored to the job you’re applying for and the organization you’re applying to.
- Do not exceed one page. Keep the letter concise and to the essence.
- Avoid using fancy layouts. Use a simple, professional layout.
- Make sure to proofread your letter. Double-check spelling and grammar mistakes before you send the letter.
- Make sure to acknowledge the letter.
While it’s essential to be aware of the structure of your cover letter, it can be difficult and time-consuming to write it yourself. That’s why a professional resume writing service like Kempsey Resume comes in. Our team of specialists knows how to format a cover letter that will ensure that you stand out from the other applicants. We’ll handle the formatting so that you can concentrate on the content in your cover letter.
In addition, our staff can help you tailor your cover letter to the specific job which you’re applying. Furthermore, we’ll check for spelling and grammar errors as well as ensure your letter is concise in its writing and simple to understand.
In the end, a well-formatted cover letter can make all you stand out in the job hunt. By adhering to the do’s and guidelines for formatting your cover letters or perhaps hiring a professional service like Kempsey Resume to handle the formatting on your behalf then you’ll be on your way to writing a professional cover letter that can help you stand out from your competition. Contact us on 1300 202 475 or use the contact form to reach us if you have any questions.
