How to format a cover letter: Do's and Don'ts
When it comes to applying for jobs, a well-written resume and cover letter are essential. However, just having great content isn’t enough. The design of the cover letter you send out is just as important as your content. A poorly formatted cover letter could leave a bad impression on the hiring manager, while a well-formatted one can help you stand out among the competitors. In this post, we’ll look at the rules and guidelines for the formatting of your cover letter, and explain why it could be beneficial to have an experienced professional such as Hastings Resume handle the formatting for you.
First, let’s talk about the basics of cover letter formatting.
- Do use a professional font. Times New Roman, Arial and Calibri are all options. Avoid using fancy fonts or difficult to read fonts.
- Do use a consistent layout. Make use of the same font, size, and layout across the entire cover letter.
- Do include proper spacing. Use single or 1.15 line spacing. Also, leave sufficient white space in between the paragraphs so that the letter is easily read.
- Do include your contact information on the front of your letter. It should include your address, name as well as your phone number and email.
- Do personalize the letter. The name of the manager you’re hiring If you can, and tailor the letter to the particular job and company you’re applying to.
Let’s discuss the don’ts of cover letter design.
- Don’t use a template. Every cover letter should be original and tailored to the specific job and company you’re applying for.
- Limit the letter to one page. Keep the letter concise and to the main point.
- Avoid using fancy layouts. Use a simple, professional layout.
- Do not forget to proofread. Double-check for spelling and grammar mistakes prior to sending the letter.
- Don’t forget to acknowledge the note.
While it’s vital to pay attention to the structure in your resume cover letter it can be tedious and stressful to complete it yourself. This is where a professional resume writing service such as Hastings Resume comes in. Our team of experts knows how to format a cover letter that will allow you to stand out the crowd. We’ll take care of the formatting, so you can concentrate on the contents in your cover letter.
In addition, our staff will help you to tailor your letter of cover to the particular job and the company the job you’re applying to. In addition, we’ll review for grammar and spelling mistakes and ensure that your letter is clear in its writing and simple to understand.
In the end, a well-formatted cover letter can make all you stand out in the job hunt. By adhering to the do’s & 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 professional cover letter that makes to stand out in the other applicants. Do not hesitate to contact us on 0800 215 100 or use the contact form to get in touch for any queries.
