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

Posted by Invercargill Resume on 27 Aug 2025

When you are applying for jobs, well-written resumes and cover letter are essential. However, simply having good content isn’t enough. The design of your cover letter is as crucial as the content. A badly formatted cover letter will leave a negative impression on your hiring manager however a well-formatted cover letter can help your application stand out from the other applicants. In this article, we’ll go over the rules and guidelines for the format of your cover letters, and then discuss why it could be beneficial to let a professional like Invercargill 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 good options. Avoid using too extravagant or hard-to-read fonts.
  2. Do use a consistent layout. Use the same font, font size, and formatting across the entire cover letter.
  3. Do include proper spacing. Choose single line or 1.15 line spacing, and allow sufficient white space in between the paragraphs to make your letter easily read.
  4. Include your contact information at the top of the letter. Include your name, address along with your telephone number and email.
  5. Personalize the letter. Use the hiring manager’s name as much as you can, and customize your letter to match the job you’re applying to.

Let’s get to the dos and don’ts of cover letters design.

  1. Use a sample. Every cover letter must be original and tailored to the particular job and business you’re applying to.
  2. Don’t exceed one page. Make sure the letter is concise and straight to the main point.
  3. Do not use fancy formatting. Use a simple, professional layout.
  4. Do not forget to proofread. Double-check spelling and grammar errors before sending the letter.
  5. Make sure to sign the letter.

While it’s essential to be aware of the structure of your cover letter, it can be time-consuming and overwhelming to do it yourself. That’s where professional resume writing services like Invercargill Resume comes in. Our team of experts knows how to design a cover letter that will make you stand out among the crowd. We’ll take care of the formatting so that you can concentrate on the content of your letter.

Additionally, our team can assist you in tailoring your cover letter to fit the job and company you’re applying to. Furthermore, we’ll check for spelling and grammar errors and make sure that your letter is clear in its writing and simple to understand.

In the end, a properly formatted cover letter can make all an impact on your search for a job. By following the do’s and don’ts of cover letter formatting or perhaps employing a professional such as Invercargill Resume to handle the formatting on your behalf You’ll be on the way to writing a professional cover letter that makes you stand out from your competition. Contact us at 0800 215 100 or use the contact form to contact us if you have any questions.

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