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

Posted by Kempsey Resume on 7 Jan 2026

If you’re applying for a job, well-written resumes and cover letter are crucial. But, having good content doesn’t suffice. The format of the cover letter you send out is as important as the content itself. A cover letter that is poorly formatted can leave a bad impression on the manager who is hiring however a well-formatted cover letter can help you stand out among the crowd. In this article, we’ll cover the do’s and don’ts of the formatting of your cover letter, and discuss why it may be beneficial to have a professional like Kempsey Resume handle the formatting for you.

In the beginning, let’s discuss the basics of formatting a cover letter.

  1. Do use a professional font. Times New Roman, Arial, and Calibri are all options. Beware of using too fancy or difficult to read fonts.
  2. Do use a consistent layout. Use the same font size and format in the letter of cover.
  3. Do include proper spacing. Make use of single lines or 1.15 line spacing, and make sure you leave plenty of white space to make your letter easier to understand.
  4. Include your contact information near the beginning of the letters. Include your name, address as well as your phone number and email.
  5. Do personalize the letter. Use the hiring manager’s name as much as you can, and customize your letter to match the job and company the job you’re interested in.

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

  1. Don’t make use of a template. Every cover letter should be original and tailored to the specific job and company you’re applying for.
  2. Don’t go over one page. Keep the letter brief and straight to the essential.
  3. Don’t go overboard with your formatting. Stick to a simple, professional layout.
  4. Do not forget to proofread. Double-check grammar and spelling errors prior to sending your letter.
  5. Don’t forget to acknowledge the letter.

While it’s crucial to be aware of the format for your letter of cover, it can be tedious and stressful to complete it yourself. That’s where a professional resume writing service like Kempsey Resume comes in. Our team of professionals knows how to write an effective cover letter that will make you stand out among your competition. We’ll take care of the formatting, so you can concentrate on the contents of your letter.

In addition, our staff can help you tailor your cover letter to match the job or company the job you’re applying to. Additionally, we’ll look for grammar and spelling 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 it’s worth in your career search. If you follow the do’s and do’s of formatting your cover letter and maybe hiring a professional company like Kempsey Resume to handle the formatting for you then you’ll be on your path to creating a cover letter that can help to stand out in the crowd. Don’t hesitate to contact us at 1300 202 475 or use the contact form to get in touch with any questions you may have.

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