Formal Cover Letter Do's and don'ts

Posted by Geraldton Resume on 20 Mar 2025

If you’re applying for jobs, having a professional resume and cover letter is crucial. However, simply having good content isn’t enough. The format of your cover letter is just as important as your content. A poorly formatted cover letter can leave a bad impression on your hiring manager While a professionally formatted one can help your application stand out from the other applicants. In this article, we’ll cover the rules and guidelines for the formatting of your cover letter, and explain why it could be beneficial to have an experienced professional such as Geraldton Resume handle the formatting for you.

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

  1. Do make sure to use a professional typeface. Times New Roman, Arial as well as Calibri are all great choices. Avoid using overly fancy or difficult to read fonts.
  2. Do use a consistent layout. Make use of the same font, size, and layout in the letter of cover.
  3. Do include proper spacing. Use single or 1.15 line spacing, and leave ample white spaces between each paragraph so that the letter is easier to understand.
  4. Include your contact details 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 as much as you can, and customize your letter to the job that you’re applying for.

Now, let’s discuss the rules of cover letter layout.

  1. Use a sample. Every cover letter must be unique and tailored to the job you’re applying for and the organization you’re applying to.
  2. Don’t go over one page. Keep the letter concise and to the essential.
  3. Do not use fancy formatting. Use a simple, professional layout.
  4. Don’t neglect to proofread. Double-check for spelling and grammar mistakes before you send the letter.
  5. Make sure to acknowledge the letter.

While it’s essential to pay attention to the format the cover letter you write, it’s tedious and stressful to complete it yourself. That’s where professional resume writing services like Geraldton Resume comes in. Our team of specialists knows how to structure a cover letter that will ensure that you stand out from the other applicants. We’ll take care of the formatting, so you can concentrate on the contents that you want to convey in the cover letter.

In addition, our staff will help you to tailor your cover letter to fit the job or company the job you’re applying to. Additionally, we’ll look for spelling and grammar errors as well as ensure your cover letter is succinct and easy to read.

A well-written cover letter will make all an impact on your search for a job. By adhering to the do’s & guidelines for formatting your cover letters or perhaps hiring a professional like Geraldton Resume to handle the formatting on your behalf and you’ll be well on your way to writing a cover letter that can help you stand out among the competitors. Don’t hesitate to call us on 1300 871 072 or use the contact form to reach us for any queries.

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

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