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

Posted by Kempsey Resume on 3 Sep 2024

When applying for a job, an impressive resume and cover letter are crucial. However, simply having good content doesn’t suffice. The structure of the cover letter you send out is just as important as the content itself. A poorly formatted cover letter can make a bad impression on the hiring manager however a well-formatted cover letter will make you stand out among the competition. In this article, we’ll discuss the rules and guidelines for cover letter formatting, and then discuss why it could be beneficial to have professionals such as Kempsey Resume handle the formatting for you.

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

  1. 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 layout across the entire cover letter.
  3. Do include proper spacing. Make use of single lines or 1.15 line spacing and leave ample white spaces between each paragraph to make the text easy to read.
  4. Include your contact details near the beginning of the letters. This includes your address, name telephone number, address, and email address.
  5. Do personalize the letter. Make use of the name of the hiring manager as much as you can, and customize your letter to match the job which you’re applying.

Now, let’s talk about the essentials of cover letter format.

  1. Do not use a template. Each cover letter should be unique and specific to the specific position and business you’re applying to.
  2. Don’t exceed one page. Keep your letter short and straight to the essential.
  3. Do not use fancy formatting. Use a simple, professional layout.
  4. Don’t forget to proofread. Double-check grammar and spelling errors before sending the letter.
  5. Don’t forget to sign the letter.

While it’s crucial to be aware of the structure the cover letter you write, it’s laborious and difficult to complete it yourself. This is where a professional resume writing service such as Kempsey Resume comes in. Our team of experts knows how to format a cover letter that will help you stand out from the other applicants. We’ll handle the formatting, so you can focus on the contents of your letter.

In addition, our team can help you tailor your cover letter to match the job or company you’re applying to. In addition, we’ll review for spelling and grammar mistakes as well as ensure your cover letter is succinct in its writing and simple to understand.

In the end, a well-formatted cover letter will make all it’s worth in your career search. By adhering to the do’s & guidelines for formatting your cover letters or perhaps hiring a professional like Kempsey Resume to handle the formatting on your behalf and you’ll be well on your way to writing a professional cover letter that helps you stand out among the other applicants. Do not hesitate to contact us at 1300 202 475 or use the contact form to contact us for any queries.

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