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

When applying for jobs, well-written resumes and cover letter is crucial. However, just having great content doesn’t suffice. The layout for your resume is just as important as the content itself. A poorly formatted cover letter can leave a bad impression on the manager who is hiring While a professionally formatted one can make you stand out from your competitors. In this article, we’ll go over the best practices and pitfalls of the formatting of your cover letter, and also discuss the reasons why it might be beneficial to have an experienced professional such as Orange Resume handle the formatting for you.

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

1. Do make sure to use a professional typeface. Times New Roman, Arial and Calibri are all great choices. Avoid using overly fancy or difficult to read fonts.
2. Do use a consistent layout. Use the same font, size, and layout throughout the cover letter.
3. Do include proper spacing. Utilize single, or 1.15 lines, and leave enough white space between paragraphs to make your letter simple to comprehend.
4. Do include your contact information at the top of the letter. This includes your address, name as well as your phone number and email.
5. Do personalize the letter. Use the hiring manager’s name If possible, and then tailor the letter to the specific position and company that you’re applying for.

Let’s get to the essentials of cover letter layout.

1. Don’t use a template. Every cover letter needs to be unique and tailored to the job you’re applying for and the company you’re applying for.
2. Don’t exceed one page. Keep the letter concise and to the essence.
3. Don’t go overboard with your formatting. Keep it simple and professional layout.
4. Do not forget to proofread. Double-check for spelling and grammar errors prior to sending your letter.
5. Make sure to sign the note.

While it’s important to pay attention to the structure of your cover letter, it can be tedious and stressful to complete it yourself. That’s why professional resume writing services such as Orange Resume comes in. Our team of experts know how to write your cover letter to make you stand out among the crowd. We’ll handle the formatting so that you can concentrate on the contents in your cover letter.

In addition, our staff will assist you in adjusting your cover letter to fit the job or company which you’re applying. We’ll also check for grammar and spelling errors, and make sure your letter is short and easy to read.

In the end, a properly formatted cover letter can make all you stand out in the job hunt. By following the do’s and guidelines for formatting your cover letters and maybe employing a professional such as Orange Resume to handle the formatting for you and you’ll be well on your way to writing a professional cover letter that will help you stand out from the other applicants. Don’t hesitate to contact us on 1300 202 475 or use the contact form to reach us if you have any questions.