How to format a cover letter: Do's and Don'ts
If you’re applying for a job, an impressive resume and cover letter is crucial. However, just having great content isn’t enough. The structure of the cover letter you send out is as important as the content. A cover letter that is poorly formatted could leave a bad impression on your hiring manager however a well-formatted cover letter will help you stand out among the competition. In this article, we’ll discuss the do’s and don’ts of cover letter formatting, and discuss why it may be beneficial to let an experienced professional such as Nelson Resume handle the formatting for you.
The first thing to discuss is the basics of formatting a cover letter.
- Make sure you use a professional font. Times New Roman, Arial and Calibri are all options. Avoid using overly fancy or difficult to read fonts.
- Do use a consistent layout. Use the same font, size, and layout for the covering letter.
- Do include proper spacing. Use single or 1.15 line spacing. Also, ensure that you leave enough white space between paragraphs to make your letter easier to understand.
- Include your contact information at the top of the letter. It should include your name, address, phone number, and email address.
- Do personalize the letter. The name of the manager you’re hiring if possible, and tailor your letter to match the job and company the job you’re interested in.
Let’s discuss the rules of cover letter layout.
- Don’t use a template. Every cover letter must be unique and tailored to the job you’re applying for and the company you’re applying for.
- Don’t exceed one page. Keep your letter short and to the point.
- Don’t go overboard with your formatting. Stick to a simple, professional layout.
- Don’t neglect to proofread. Double-check for spelling and grammar errors prior to sending your letter.
- Don’t forget to sign the letter.
While it’s vital to pay attention to the structure in your resume cover letter it’s tedious and stressful to complete it yourself. That’s why a professional resume writing service like Nelson Resume comes in. Our team of specialists knows how to structure an effective cover letter that will make you stand out among the other applicants. We’ll take care of the formatting, so you can focus on the contents that you want to convey in the cover letter.
In addition, our team can help you tailor your cover letter to match the job and the company the job you’re applying to. Furthermore, we’ll check for grammar and spelling mistakes and ensure that your letter is concise easily read.
In conclusion, a well-formatted cover letter could make all it’s worth in your career search. By adhering to the do’s and don’ts of cover letter formatting or perhaps employing a professional such as Nelson Resume to handle the formatting for you, you’ll be on your way to writing a cover letter that makes you stand out among the competitors. Do not hesitate to contact us on 0800 215 100 or use the contact form to reach us should you have any concerns.
