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

Posted by Hervey Bay Resume on 1 Mar 2026

If you’re seeking a job, a well-written resume and cover letter is crucial. But, having good 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, while a well-formatted one can make your application stand out from the competition. In this post, we’ll look at the rules and guidelines for cover letter formatting, and then discuss why it could be beneficial to let an expert such as Hervey Bay Resume handle the formatting for you.

Let’s start by discussing the basics of formatting a cover letter.

  1. Use a professional font. Times New Roman, Arial, as well as Calibri are all good options. Beware of using too fancy or difficult-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. Use single or 1.15 line spacing, and make sure you leave enough white space between paragraphs to make your letter easily read.
  4. Include your contact information on the front of your letter. This should include your name, address telephone number, address, and email address.
  5. Make sure to personalize your letter. Make use of the name of the hiring manager if possible, and tailor your letter to match the position and company which you’re applying.

Now, let’s talk about the dos and don’ts of cover letters format.

  1. Use a sample. Every cover letter must be unique and customized to the specific job and organization you’re applying to.
  2. Do not exceed one page. Make sure the letter is concise and straight to the essential.
  3. Don’t go overboard with your formatting. Choose a simple, professional layout.
  4. Don’t neglect to proofread. Double-check spelling and grammar mistakes before you send the letter.
  5. Don’t forget to sign the letter.

While it’s vital to pay attention to the format the cover letter you write, it can be laborious and difficult to complete it yourself. This is why a professional resume writing service like Hervey Bay Resume comes in. Our team of professionals knows how to design a cover letter that will ensure that you stand out from the competition. We’ll take care of the formatting, so you can concentrate on the contents in your cover letter.

In addition, our staff can help you tailor your letter of cover to the particular job{ and company|| and the company| or company} you’re applying to. Additionally, we’ll look for spelling and grammar mistakes and make sure that your letter is concise as well as easy for readers to comprehend.

In the end, a well-formatted cover letter can make all an impact on your search for a job. By adhering to the do’s & nots of the format of your cover letter and maybe hiring a professional service like Hervey Bay Resume to handle the formatting for you, you’ll be on your way to writing a professional cover letter that can help to stand out in the competitors. Don’t hesitate to call us at 1300 993 659 or use the contact form to get in touch with any questions you may have.

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