The Importance of Formatting in Cover Letter Writing

Posted by Nelson Resume on 12 Dec 2025

When it comes to the process of applying for a job a well-written resume and cover letter is essential. However, simply having good content doesn’t suffice. The design for your resume is as crucial as the content. A badly formatted cover letter can leave a bad impression on the hiring manager and a properly formatted one will make you stand out among the other applicants. In this article, we’ll discuss the do’s and don’ts of the format of your cover letters, and also discuss the reasons why it might be beneficial to have a professional like Nelson Resume handle the formatting for you.

First, let’s talk about the essentials of cover letter formatting.

  1. Make sure you use a professional font. Times New Roman, Arial as well as Calibri are all excellent choices. Avoid using overly fancy or difficult-to-read fonts.
  2. Do use a consistent layout. Use the same font, the size of the font, and formatting across the entire cover letter.
  3. Do include proper spacing. Utilize single, or 1.15 line spacing, and allow enough white space between paragraphs so that the letter is easier to understand.
  4. Do include your contact information near the beginning of the letters. Include your name, address along with your telephone number and email address.
  5. Personalize the letter. Use the hiring manager’s name If possible, and then tailor your letter to match the job and the company that you’re applying for.

Let’s discuss the essentials of cover letter format.

  1. Don’t use a template. Every cover letter should be unique and tailored to the specific position and company you’re applying for.
  2. Don’t exceed one page. Keep your letter short and to the essential.
  3. Don’t go overboard with your formatting. Stick to a simple, professional layout.
  4. Make sure to proofread your letter. Double-check spelling and grammar errors prior to sending your letter.
  5. Make sure to acknowledge the letter.

While it’s crucial to be aware of the format for your letter of cover, it’s laborious and difficult to complete it yourself. That’s why professional resume writing services such as Nelson Resume comes in. Our team of experts know how to structure your cover letter to make you stand out among the other applicants. We’ll take care of the formatting, so you can concentrate on the content the letter.

Our team can assist you in tailoring your cover letter to the specific job which you’re applying. In addition, we’ll review for grammar and spelling errors, and make sure your letter is clear in its writing and simple to understand.

In conclusion, a well-formatted cover letter could make all the difference in your job search. By adhering to the do’s and guidelines for formatting your cover letters or perhaps hiring a professional like Nelson Resume to handle the formatting for you, you’ll be on your path to creating a cover letter that helps you stand out from your crowd. Don’t hesitate to call us on 0800 215 100 or use the contact form to contact us with any questions you may have.

I had Tanja write my personalised cover letter and resume, I cannot fault their quality and I'm hugely impressed it was worth every dollar. I'm just trying to make a career change and I feel this resume and cover letter were the missing link between me getting an interview or missing out. So well done to the team at Nelson resumes and a personal shout out to Tanja.
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I ordered the Gold Package which was a Resume and Cover letter. I would honestly rate it an easy 10/10. Not only was the resume and cover letter perfect but the Customer Service is what really blew me away. Literally a few minutes after making the order I was contacted and a resume plan was formulated. Thank You Tanja :)
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Tanja provided outstanding service!! my resume and cover letter are now looking very professional! i am very pleased with this service and you are definitely getting your moneys worth. I also got a new job 1 day after sending out my resume. Big thank you to Tanja!!
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Absolutely fantastic professional speedy service, didn't need to request/make any modifications to resume or cover letters. Very friendly to deal with. Highly recommended.
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A quick turnaround - easy to share my information and I am really happy with my new CV.
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Looking for a new career, I highly recommend to reach Nelson Resume to do the perfect resume, CV & selection criteria. You will definitely land a job you want. I have used them 3-4 times so talking from experience.
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From the moment I called to get some information on the process involved, I was taken by how efficient and professional Tanja was with assisting me. Tanja was patient and prompt with her replying to me with my queries, she was more than happy to make many changes for me with no fuss at all.
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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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