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

Posted by Geelong Resume on 4 Sep 2025

If you’re seeking a job, having a professional resume and cover letter is crucial. However, simply having good content doesn’t suffice. The format for your resume is just as important as the content. A cover letter that is poorly formatted will leave a negative impression on the hiring manager, while a well-formatted one will help you stand out among the crowd. In this article, we’ll cover the rules and guidelines for cover letter formatting, and then discuss why it could be beneficial to have an expert such as Geelong Resume handle the formatting for you.

The first thing to discuss is the essentials of formatting a cover letter.

  1. Use a professional font. Times New Roman, Arial, as well as Calibri are all great choices. Avoid using too extravagant or hard-to-read fonts.
  2. Do use a consistent layout. Use the same font the size of the font, and formatting in the letter of cover.
  3. Do include proper spacing. Utilize single, or 1.15 line spacing. Also, allow plenty of white space to make the letter easy to read.
  4. Do include your contact information at the top of the letter. This should 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 you can, and tailor your letter to the position and company which you’re applying.

Let’s get to the essentials of cover letter format.

  1. Don’t use a template. Every cover letter should be original and tailored to the specific position and organization you’re applying to.
  2. Limit the letter to one page. Keep the letter brief and to the essence.
  3. Don’t use overly fancy formatting. Stick to a simple, professional layout.
  4. Do not 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 the cover letter you write, it’s laborious and difficult to complete it yourself. That’s why a professional resume writing service like Geelong Resume comes in. Our team of experts knows how to design an effective cover letter that will help you stand out from the other applicants. We’ll take care of the formatting, so you can concentrate on the content in your cover letter.

Additionally, our team will assist you in adjusting your cover letter to fit the job you’re applying to. In addition, we’ll review for spelling and grammar mistakes and make sure that your letter is clear in its writing and simple to understand.

A well-written cover letter will make all an impact on your search for a job. By adhering to the do’s and nots of the format of your cover letter or perhaps hiring a professional like Geelong Resume to handle the formatting on your behalf and you’ll be well on your way to writing a cover letter that makes you stand out among the competitors. Contact us on 1300 820 847 or use the contact form to get in touch with any questions you may have.

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Cover Letter Formatting Do\'s and Don\'ts

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