Formal Cover Letter Do's and don'ts

Posted by Hastings Resume on 10 Jul 2026

When it comes to applying for jobs, having a professional resume and cover letter are essential. However, simply having good content doesn’t suffice. The structure that you write your letter in is just as important as your content. A cover letter that is poorly formatted could leave a bad impression on your hiring manager While a professionally formatted one can make your application stand out from the crowd. In this post, we’ll look at the best practices and pitfalls of cover letter formatting, and explain why it could be beneficial to let professionals such as Hastings Resume handle the formatting for you.

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

  1. Do make sure to use a professional typeface. Times New Roman, Arial and Calibri are all excellent choices. Avoid using too extravagant or difficult-to-read fonts.
  2. Do use a consistent layout. Use the same font, size and format throughout the cover letter.
  3. Do include proper spacing. Utilize single, or 1.15 line spacing. Also, ensure that you leave plenty of white space to make your letter easily read.
  4. Include your contact details at the top of the letter. It should include your name, address telephone number, address, and email.
  5. Personalize the letter. The name of the manager you’re hiring if possible, and tailor your letter to the job and company that you’re applying for.

Let’s discuss the dos and don’ts of cover letters design.

  1. Use a sample. Each cover letter should be unique and specific to the specific position and organization you’re applying to.
  2. Don’t go over one page. Keep the letter concise and straight to the point.
  3. Don’t go overboard with your formatting. Choose a simple, professional layout.
  4. Don’t neglect to proofread. Double-check for spelling and grammar errors prior to sending your letter.
  5. Make sure to sign the letter.

While it’s vital to be aware of the format in your resume cover letter it can be difficult and time-consuming to write it yourself. That’s where professional resume writing services such as Hastings Resume comes in. Our team of professionals knows how to write your cover letter to allow you to stand out the competition. We’ll take care of the formatting so that you can concentrate on the content the letter.

In addition, our team will assist you in adjusting your letter of cover to the particular job{ and company|| and the company| or company} that you’re applying for. We’ll also check for spelling and grammar errors as well as ensure your cover letter is succinct as well as easy for readers to comprehend.

In the end, a properly formatted cover letter will 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 and possibly hiring a professional like Hastings Resume to handle the formatting for you You’ll be on the way to writing a cover letter that can help to stand out in the other applicants. Don’t hesitate to contact us on 0800 215 100 or use the contact form to contact us with any questions you may have.

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