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

Posted by Hastings Resume on 10 Jul 2026

If you’re applying for jobs, having a professional resume and cover letter is essential. However, simply having good content isn’t enough. The layout that you write your letter in is just as important as the content. A cover letter that is poorly formatted can make a bad impression on the manager who is hiring While a professionally formatted one can make your company stand out from the crowd. In this article, we’ll discuss the rules and guidelines for formatting your cover letter and explain why it could be beneficial to let a professional like Hastings Resume handle the formatting for you.

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

  1. Make sure you use a professional font. Times New Roman, Arial, and Calibri are all great choices. Avoid using too extravagant or hard-to-read fonts.
  2. Do use a consistent layout. Make use of the same font, the size of the font, and formatting for the covering letter.
  3. Do include proper spacing. Utilize single, or 1.15 line spacing, and make sure you leave ample white spaces between each paragraph to make the letter easily read.
  4. Include your contact information near the beginning of the letters. This includes your name, address, phone number, and email.
  5. Do personalize the letter. Include the name of the hiring manager If you can, and tailor your letter to match the position and company the job you’re interested in.

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

  1. Use a sample. Every cover letter should be unique and tailored to the specific job and organization you’re applying to.
  2. Limit the letter to one page. Keep the letter concise and to the essence.
  3. Avoid using fancy layouts. Stick to a simple, professional layout.
  4. Don’t forget to proofread. Double-check spelling and grammar errors prior to sending your letter.
  5. Don’t forget to sign the letter.

While it’s essential to pay attention to the structure of your cover letter, it’s difficult and time-consuming to write it yourself. That’s why professional resume writing services like Hastings Resume comes in. Our team of experts knows how to design your cover letter to allow you to stand out your competition. We’ll handle the formatting so that you can focus on the content the letter.

Additionally, our team can assist you in tailoring your letter of cover to the particular job{ and company|| and the company| or company} which you’re applying. In addition, we’ll review for grammar and spelling errors, and make sure your letter is clear and easy to read.

In conclusion, a well-formatted cover letter could make all an impact on your search for a job. If you follow the do’s and nots of the format of your cover letter or perhaps employing a professional such as Hastings Resume to handle the formatting for you and you’ll be well on your way to creating a cover letter that makes you stand out among the competitors. Do not hesitate to contact us on 0800 215 100 or use the contact form to contact us should you have any concerns.

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