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

Posted by Geraldton Resume on 23 Mar 2026

If you’re applying for jobs, well-written resumes and cover letter is essential. But, having good content isn’t enough. The design that you write your letter in is as important as the content itself. A badly formatted cover letter could leave a bad impression on your hiring manager however a well-formatted cover letter will help you stand out from your other applicants. In this article, we’ll go over the best practices and pitfalls of the format of your cover letters, and discuss why it may be beneficial to let a professional like Geraldton Resume handle the formatting for you.

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

  1. Make sure you use a professional font. Times New Roman, Arial and Calibri are all great choices. Beware of using too fancy or hard-to-read fonts.
  2. Do use a consistent layout. Use the same font, font size, and formatting for the covering letter.
  3. Do include proper spacing. Choose single line or 1.15 line spacing. Also, ensure that you leave ample white spaces between each paragraph to make your letter simple to comprehend.
  4. Include your contact details near the beginning of the letters. This should include your address, name telephone number, address, and email.
  5. Personalize the letter. Make use of the name of the hiring manager If possible, and then tailor your letter to the position and company you’re applying to.

Now, let’s discuss the essentials of cover letter design.

  1. Use a sample. Every cover letter needs to be unique and customized to the job you’re applying for and the business you’re applying to.
  2. Don’t exceed one page. Make sure the letter is concise and straight to the main point.
  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 prior to sending the letter.
  5. Don’t forget to acknowledge the letter.

While it’s essential to be aware of the format of your cover letter, it can be tedious and stressful to complete it yourself. That’s why a professional resume writing service such as Geraldton Resume comes in. Our team of professionals knows how to structure an effective cover letter that will make you stand out among the competition. We’ll take care of the formatting, so you can focus on the content of your letter.

Additionally, our team will assist you in adjusting your cover letter to match the job or company the job you’re applying to. Additionally, we’ll look for spelling and grammar mistakes and ensure that your letter is clear and easy to read.

In the end, a properly formatted cover letter can make all you stand out in the job hunt. If you follow the do’s and guidelines for formatting your cover letters and maybe hiring a professional company like Geraldton Resume to handle the formatting on your behalf, you’ll be on your way to creating a cover letter that can help you stand out from the other applicants. Don’t hesitate to contact us on 1300 871 072 or use the contact form to get in touch with any questions you may have.

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

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