Formal Cover Letter Do's and don'ts

Posted by Nelson Resume on 12 Dec 2025

When you are seeking a job, having a professional resume and cover letter are crucial. But, having good content isn’t enough. The format of your cover letter is as important as the content itself. A poorly-formatted cover letter can leave a bad impression on the manager who is hiring however a well-formatted cover letter can help you stand out from your other applicants. In this post, we’ll look at the rules and guidelines for the formatting of your cover letter, and also discuss the reasons why it might be beneficial to have an experienced professional such as Nelson Resume handle the formatting for you.

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

  1. Do make sure to use a professional typeface. Times New Roman, Arial, as well as Calibri are all good options. Avoid using too extravagant or difficult-to-read fonts.
  2. Do use a consistent layout. Use the same font, size and format for the covering letter.
  3. Do include proper spacing. Make use of single lines or 1.15 line spacing and leave sufficient white space in between the paragraphs so that the letter is easy to read.
  4. Include your contact details on the front of your letter. This includes your address, name along with your telephone number and email.
  5. Do personalize the letter. Make use of the name of the hiring manager If possible, and then tailor your letter to match the job and the company the job you’re interested in.

Let’s discuss the dos and don’ts of cover letters format.

  1. Don’t make use of a template. Every cover letter must be unique and customized to the job you’re applying for and the organization you’re applying to.
  2. Don’t exceed one page. Make sure the letter is concise and straight to the main point.
  3. Don’t use overly fancy formatting. Use a simple, professional layout.
  4. Make sure to proofread your letter. Double-check for spelling and grammar errors before sending the letter.
  5. Make sure to acknowledge the note.

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 Nelson Resume comes in. Our team of experts know how to write your cover letter to help you stand out from the competition. We’ll take care of the formatting, so you can focus on the content that you want to convey in the cover letter.

Our team can help you tailor your cover letter to the specific job and company which you’re applying. We’ll also check for spelling and grammar mistakes and ensure that your letter is concise in its writing and simple to understand.

A well-written cover letter can be it’s worth in your career search. If you follow the do’s and nots of the format of your cover letter and maybe hiring a professional like Nelson Resume to handle the formatting on your behalf You’ll be on the way to writing a cover letter that makes to stand out in the other applicants. Don’t hesitate to call us on 0800 215 100 or use the contact form to get in touch should you have any concerns.

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5 Do's and Don'ts for Formatting the Perfect Cover Letter

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5 Do's and Don'ts for Formatting the Perfect Cover Letter

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