How to format a cover letter: Do's and Don'ts

When you are the process of applying for a job an impressive resume and cover letter is crucial. However, just having great content isn’t enough. The format that you write your letter in is just as important as the content. A badly formatted cover letter will leave a negative impression on your hiring manager however a well-formatted cover letter can help you stand out among the competitors. In this article, we’ll cover the rules and guidelines for the format of your cover letters, and discuss why it may be beneficial to have an expert such as Devonport Resume handle the formatting for you.

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

1. Make sure you use a professional font. Times New Roman, Arial and Calibri are all good options. Avoid using too extravagant or hard-to-read fonts.
2. Do use a consistent layout. Make use of the same font, size and format in the letter of cover.
3. Do include proper spacing. Use single or 1.15 lines, and allow ample white spaces between each paragraph to make your letter simple to comprehend.
4. Do include your contact information near the beginning of the letters. This should include your name, address along with your telephone number and email.
5. Personalize the letter. Make use of the name of the hiring manager if possible, and tailor your letter to the position and company that you’re applying for.

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

1. Don’t use a template. Every cover letter should be original and tailored to the job you’re applying for and the organization you’re applying to.
2. Don’t exceed one page. Keep the letter brief and straight to the main point.
3. Don’t use overly fancy formatting. Choose a simple, professional layout.
4. Don’t neglect to proofread. Double-check for spelling and grammar errors before sending the letter.
5. Make sure to sign the letter.

While it’s crucial to pay attention to the structure for your letter of cover, it can be difficult and time-consuming to write it yourself. This is why a professional resume writing service such as Devonport Resume comes in. Our team of experts knows how to format a cover letter that will make you stand out among your competition. We’ll take care of the formatting so that you can concentrate on the content in your cover letter.

Our team will help you to tailor your cover letter to match the job and the company which you’re applying. In addition, we’ll review for grammar and spelling errors and make sure that your letter is concise and easy to read.

In the end, a well-formatted cover letter will make all an impact on your search for a job. By adhering to the do’s and do’s of formatting your cover letter and possibly hiring a professional company like Devonport Resume to handle the formatting on your behalf then you’ll be on your way to writing a professional cover letter that will help you stand out from your competitors. Do not hesitate to contact us on 1300 297 507 or use the contact form to get in touch for any queries.