Cover Letter Formatting Do's and Don'ts

Posted by Cessnock Resume on 6 Jul 2026

When it comes to seeking a job, well-written resumes and cover letter is crucial. But, having good content doesn’t suffice. The layout for your resume is as important as the content itself. A poorly-formatted cover letter can make a bad impression on your hiring manager, while a well-formatted one can make you stand out among the competition. In this article, we’ll go over the rules and guidelines for formatting your cover letter and discuss why it may be beneficial to have a professional like Cessnock Resume handle the formatting for you.

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

  1. Do use a professional font. Times New Roman, Arial as well as Calibri are all great choices. Beware of using too fancy or difficult to read fonts.
  2. Do use a consistent layout. Use the same font, the size of the font, and formatting in the letter of cover.
  3. Do include proper spacing. Utilize single, or 1.15 line spacing and allow enough white space between paragraphs to make your letter easily read.
  4. Include your contact details on the front of your letter. It should include your address, name telephone number, address, and email.
  5. Make sure to personalize your letter. Use the hiring manager’s name if possible, and tailor your letter to the job and company which you’re applying.

Now, let’s talk about the dos and don’ts of cover letters layout.

  1. Use a sample. Every cover letter should be unique and customized to the specific job and company you’re applying for.
  2. Don’t go over one page. Keep your letter short 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 grammar and spelling errors before sending the letter.
  5. Make sure to sign the note.

While it’s important to be aware of the format for your letter of cover, it’s tedious and stressful to complete it yourself. That’s where professional resume writing services such as Cessnock Resume comes in. Our team of specialists knows how to design an effective cover letter that will allow you to stand out the competition. We’ll handle the formatting, so you can focus on the content that you want to convey in the cover letter.

Additionally, our team 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 as well as ensure your cover letter is succinct in its writing and simple to understand.

In conclusion, a well-formatted cover letter could make all you stand out in the job hunt. By following the do’s and don’ts of cover letter formatting and perhaps hiring a professional service like Cessnock Resume to handle the formatting on your behalf, you’ll be on your way to writing a professional cover letter that helps you stand out from your crowd. Contact us on 1300 202 475 or use the contact form to reach us with any questions you may have.

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