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

Posted by Nelson Resume on 12 Dec 2025

If you’re applying for jobs, a well-written resume and cover letter is crucial. But, having good content isn’t enough. The design of your cover letter is as important 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 discuss the do’s and don’ts of cover letter formatting, and also discuss the reasons why it might be beneficial to have professionals such as Nelson Resume handle the formatting for you.

The first thing to discuss is the do’s of cover letter format.

  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 hard-to-read fonts.
  2. Do use a consistent layout. Make use of the same font, size, and layout across the entire cover letter.
  3. Do include proper spacing. Utilize single, or 1.15 lines, and leave sufficient white space in between the paragraphs to make your letter easier to understand.
  4. Do include your contact information near the beginning of the letters. It should include your name, address, phone number, and email address.
  5. Personalize the letter. Make use of the name of the hiring manager If possible, and then tailor your letter to match the position and company that you’re applying for.

Let’s get to the dos and don’ts of cover letters formatting.

  1. Don’t make use of a template. Every cover letter must be unique and tailored to the job you’re applying for and the company you’re applying for.
  2. Don’t go over one page. Keep the letter brief and straight to the essential.
  3. Don’t use overly fancy formatting. Choose a simple, professional layout.
  4. Do not forget to proofread. Double-check for spelling and grammar mistakes before you send the 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. This is where professional resume writing services like Nelson Resume comes in. Our team of professionals knows how to write an effective cover letter that will ensure that you stand out from the other applicants. We’ll handle the formatting, so you can concentrate on the contents of your letter.

In addition, our team will help you to tailor your cover letter to the specific job and the company the job you’re applying to. Additionally, we’ll look for spelling and grammar mistakes and ensure that your letter is short easily read.

In conclusion, a well-formatted cover letter could make all the difference in your job search. If you follow the do’s and don’ts of cover letter formatting and possibly hiring a professional company like Nelson Resume to handle the formatting for you then you’ll be on your path to creating a cover letter that helps you stand out from your crowd. Do not hesitate to contact 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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