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

Posted by Nelson Resume on 12 Dec 2025

When you are seeking a job, having a professional resume and cover letter is crucial. However, just having great content doesn’t suffice. The format of the cover letter you send out is as important as the content. A badly formatted cover letter can leave a bad impression on your hiring manager While a professionally formatted one can help your company stand out from the crowd. In this article, we’ll discuss the best practices and pitfalls of the formatting of your cover letter, and also discuss the reasons why it might be beneficial to have professionals such as Nelson Resume handle the formatting for you.

In the beginning, let’s discuss the do’s of formatting your cover letters.

  1. Use a professional font. Times New Roman, Arial and Calibri are all excellent choices. Avoid using too extravagant or difficult to read fonts.
  2. Do use a consistent layout. Use the same font the size of the font, and formatting for the covering letter.
  3. Do include proper spacing. Utilize single, or 1.15 line spacing. Also, allow ample white spaces between each paragraph to make the text easy to read.
  4. Include your contact details near the beginning of the letters. Include your name, address telephone number, address, and email address.
  5. Make sure to personalize your letter. The name of the manager you’re hiring if possible, and tailor the letter to the particular position and company which you’re applying.

Let’s discuss the don’ts of cover letter design.

  1. Don’t make use of a template. Each cover letter should be unique and tailored to the specific position and business you’re applying to.
  2. Don’t go over one page. Keep the letter brief and straight to the essential.
  3. Do not use fancy formatting. Keep it simple and professional layout.
  4. Don’t forget to proofread. Double-check for spelling and grammar errors before sending the letter.
  5. Don’t forget to acknowledge the letter.

While it’s crucial to pay attention to the structure for your letter of cover, it’s laborious and difficult to complete it yourself. This is why a professional resume writing service like Nelson Resume comes in. Our team of specialists knows how to design the perfect cover letter that will allow you to stand out the other applicants. We’ll handle the formatting, so you can focus on the contents in your cover letter.

Additionally, our team will assist you in adjusting your cover letter to match the job and company the job you’re applying to. In addition, we’ll review for grammar and spelling errors as well as ensure your letter is clear as well as easy for readers to comprehend.

In the end, a well-formatted cover letter will make all the difference in your job search. By adhering to the do’s & nots of the format of your cover letter and maybe employing a professional such as Nelson Resume to handle the formatting on your behalf then you’ll be on your way to writing a cover letter that makes you stand out from the competitors. Do not hesitate to contact us on 0800 215 100 or use the contact form to contact us for any queries.

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

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