Formal Cover Letter Do's and don'ts

When the process of applying for a job a well-written resume and cover letter is crucial. However, just having great content isn’t enough. The layout of your cover letter is just as important as the content. A cover letter that is poorly formatted can leave a bad impression on the hiring manager, while a well-formatted one will make you stand out from your other applicants. In this article, we’ll cover the rules and guidelines for the format of your cover letters, and discuss why it may be beneficial to let an expert such as Singleton Resume handle the formatting for you.
Let’s start by discussing the rules of cover letter format.
- Do make sure to use a professional typeface. Times New Roman, Arial, as well as Calibri are all options. Avoid using too extravagant or difficult-to-read fonts.
- Do use a consistent layout. Make use of the same font, size, and layout throughout the cover letter.
- Do include proper spacing. Choose single line or 1.15 line spacing. Also, allow enough white space between paragraphs to make your letter easier to understand.
- Do include your contact information in the upper right-hand corner of the email. Include your name, address, phone number, and email address.
- Do personalize the letter. Make use of the name of the hiring manager as much as you can, and customize your letter to match the job and the company that you’re applying for.
Let’s get to the dos and don’ts of cover letters formatting.
- Don’t make use of a template. Each cover letter should be unique and customized to the specific position and company you’re applying to.
- Don’t exceed one page. Keep the letter brief and straight to the essential.
- Do not use fancy formatting. Use a simple, professional layout.
- Don’t forget to proofread. Double-check grammar and spelling errors prior to sending your letter.
- Make sure to sign the note.
While it’s important to be aware of the format the cover letter you write, it’s tedious and stressful to complete it yourself. That’s where a professional resume writing service like Singleton Resume comes in. Our team of experts know how to write a cover letter that will help you stand out from the other applicants. We’ll take care of the formatting, so you can concentrate on the contents in your cover letter.
Our team can assist you in tailoring your letter of cover to the particular job and the company you’re applying to. In addition, we’ll review for spelling and grammar mistakes and ensure that your letter is clear and easy to read.
In the end, a well-formatted cover letter could make all you stand out in the job hunt. If you follow the do’s and don’ts of cover letter formatting and maybe hiring a professional like Singleton Resume to handle the formatting for you then you’ll be on your path to creating a cover letter that can help to stand out in the crowd. Do not hesitate to contact us at 1300 202 475 or use the contact form to reach us if you have any questions.