The Formatting of Cover Letters: What to Do and Not To Do
When it comes to seeking a job, having a professional resume and cover letter are essential. However, just having great content isn’t enough. The design of your cover letter is as crucial as the content. A poorly formatted cover letter will leave a negative impression on the hiring manager and a properly formatted one will help your company stand out from the competition. In this article, we’ll cover the best practices and pitfalls of the formatting of your cover letter, and discuss why it may be beneficial to let professionals such as Hastings Resume handle the formatting for you.
First, let’s talk about the rules of formatting your cover letters.
- Use a professional font. Times New Roman, Arial and Calibri are all good options. Beware of using too fancy or difficult to read fonts.
- Do use a consistent layout. Make use of the same font, the size of the font, and formatting throughout the cover letter.
- Do include proper spacing. Use single or 1.15 line spacing, and leave enough white space between paragraphs to make the letter easily read.
- Include your contact information on the front of your letter. Include your address, name along with your telephone number and email.
- Make sure to personalize your letter. Use the hiring manager’s name if possible, and tailor the letter to the particular job that you’re applying for.
Let’s get to the dos and don’ts of cover letters formatting.
- Do not use a template. Every cover letter should be unique and tailored to the job you’re applying for and the company you’re applying to.
- Don’t exceed one page. Make sure the letter is concise and straight to the essential.
- Don’t go overboard with your formatting. Keep it simple and professional layout.
- Don’t neglect to proofread. Double-check grammar and spelling errors before sending the letter.
- Make sure to sign the letter.
While it’s vital to pay attention to the structure for your letter of cover, it can be difficult and time-consuming to write it yourself. That’s why a professional resume writing service like Hastings Resume comes in. Our team of experts knows how to format the perfect cover letter that will allow you to stand out the competition. We’ll handle the formatting so that you can concentrate on the content of your letter.
In addition, our staff can help you tailor your letter of cover to the particular job and company the job you’re applying to. Additionally, we’ll look for grammar and spelling mistakes as well as ensure your letter is concise easily read.
In the end, a properly formatted cover letter can make all it’s worth in your career search. By adhering to the do’s and nots of the format of your cover letter and perhaps hiring a professional like Hastings Resume to handle the formatting on your behalf then you’ll be on your way to writing a cover letter that helps you stand out among the competition. Don’t hesitate to contact us on 0800 215 100 or use the contact form to contact us for any queries.
