Formal Cover Letter Do's and don'ts

If you’re applying for a job, a well-written resume and cover letter is crucial. But, having good content doesn’t suffice. The design for your resume is as crucial as the content. A poorly-formatted cover letter can make a bad impression on your hiring manager, while a well-formatted one can make your application stand out from the competition. In this article, we’ll go over 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 Invercargill Resume handle the formatting for you.

Let’s start by discussing the basics of cover letter format.

1. Use a professional font. Times New Roman, Arial and Calibri are all excellent choices. Beware of using too fancy or hard-to-read fonts.
2. Do use a consistent layout. Use the same font, font size, and formatting for the covering letter.
3. Do include proper spacing. Make use of single lines or 1.15 line spacing, and leave enough white space between paragraphs so that the letter is easy to read.
4. Do include your contact information near the beginning of the letters. It should include your name, address along with your telephone number and email.
5. Make sure to personalize your letter. Include the name of the hiring manager if possible, and tailor your letter to the position and company you’re applying to.

Let’s discuss 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 job you’re applying for and the organization you’re applying to.
2. Don’t go over one page. Keep the letter concise and straight to the essence.
3. Don’t use overly fancy formatting. Keep it simple and professional layout.
4. Don’t neglect to proofread. Double-check for spelling and grammar errors prior to sending your letter.
5. Don’t forget to acknowledge the note.

While it’s crucial to be aware of the format in your resume cover letter it’s time-consuming and overwhelming to do it yourself. This is where a professional resume writing service like Invercargill Resume comes in. Our team of specialists knows how to format the perfect cover letter that will make you stand out among the competition. We’ll take care of the formatting so that you can concentrate on the content in your cover letter.

In addition, our team will assist you in adjusting your cover letter to match the job or company you’re applying to. We’ll also check for grammar and spelling errors and make sure that your letter is clear as well as easy for readers to comprehend.

In conclusion, a well-formatted cover letter will make all you stand out in the job hunt. By following the do’s and do’s of formatting your cover letter and maybe hiring a professional service like Invercargill Resume to handle the formatting on your behalf then you’ll be on your way to creating a cover letter that will help you stand out from the competitors. Don’t hesitate to call us on 0800 215 100 or use the contact form to reach us with any questions you may have.