The Formatting of Cover Letters: What to Do and Not To Do

If you’re applying for a job, an impressive resume and cover letter are essential. However, just having great content doesn’t suffice. The layout that you write your letter in is just as important as your content. A poorly formatted cover letter could leave a bad impression on the hiring manager and a properly formatted one will make you stand out among the competition. In this article, we’ll cover the best practices and pitfalls of formatting your cover letter and then discuss why it could be beneficial to have an experienced professional such as Gold Coast Resume handle the formatting for you.

First, let’s talk about the rules of cover letter formatting.

1. Do make sure to use a professional typeface. Times New Roman, Arial and Calibri are all good options. Avoid using overly fancy or difficult to read fonts.
2. Do use a consistent layout. Use the same font size, and layout across the entire cover letter.
3. Do include proper spacing. Make use of single lines or 1.15 line spacing, and ensure that you leave enough white space between paragraphs so that the letter is easy to read.
4. Include your contact information in the upper right-hand corner of the email. This should include your address, name, phone number, and email address.
5. Personalize the letter. Make use of the name of the hiring manager as much as you can, and customize your letter to match the position and company that you’re applying for.

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

1. Do not use a template. Every cover letter must be unique and specific to the specific job and company you’re applying to.
2. Limit the letter to one page. Make sure the letter is concise and straight to the point.
3. Don’t use overly fancy formatting. Choose a simple, professional layout.
4. Don’t forget to proofread. Double-check for spelling and grammar errors prior to sending your letter.
5. Make sure to sign the letter.

While it’s crucial to be aware of the format the cover letter you write, it can be laborious and difficult to complete it yourself. That’s where professional resume writing services like Gold Coast Resume comes in. Our team of experts know how to design your cover letter to make you stand out among your competition. We’ll take care of the formatting, so you can concentrate on the contents the letter.

Additionally, our team will assist you in adjusting your cover letter to the specific job and the company which you’re applying. In addition, we’ll review for spelling and grammar mistakes as well as ensure your cover letter is succinct easily read.

In the end, a well-formatted cover letter could make all it’s worth in your career search. If you follow the do’s and do’s of formatting your cover letter and perhaps employing a professional such as Gold Coast Resume to handle the formatting on your behalf, you’ll be on your way to writing a professional cover letter that will help to stand out in the other applicants. Don’t hesitate to contact us on 1300 185 218 or use the contact form to get in touch should you have any concerns.