How to format a cover letter: Do's and Don'ts

If you’re applying for jobs, an impressive resume and cover letter is crucial. However, simply having good content isn’t enough. The format for your resume is just as important as the content itself. A poorly-formatted cover letter can make a bad impression on the hiring manager, while a well-formatted one can make your company stand out from the competitors. In this article, we’ll discuss the do’s and don’ts of cover letter formatting, and explain why it could be beneficial to have professionals such as Napier Resume handle the formatting for you.
First, let’s talk about the rules of formatting a cover letter.
- Make sure you use a professional font. Times New Roman, Arial, as well as Calibri are all excellent choices. Avoid using too extravagant or difficult-to-read fonts.
- Do use a consistent layout. Use the same font size and format across the entire cover letter.
- Do include proper spacing. Use single or 1.15 line spacing. Also, ensure that you leave plenty of white space to make your letter easier to understand.
- Do include your contact information at the top of the letter. Include your address, name along with your telephone number and email.
- Personalize the letter. Make use of the name of the hiring manager as much as you can, and customize the letter to the particular job which you’re applying.
Now, let’s discuss the essentials of cover letter layout.
- Use a sample. Every cover letter must be unique and specific to the specific position and company you’re applying for.
- Don’t go over one page. Keep your letter short and straight to the essence.
- Don’t go overboard with your formatting. Choose a simple, professional layout.
- Make sure to proofread your letter. Double-check spelling and grammar errors prior to sending your letter.
- Make sure to sign the letter.
While it’s crucial to pay attention to the structure for your letter of cover, it can be time-consuming and overwhelming to do it yourself. This is where professional resume writing services like Napier Resume comes in. Our team of professionals knows how to write the perfect cover letter that will help you stand out from your competition. We’ll handle the formatting, so you can concentrate on the contents of your letter.
In addition, our team can assist you in tailoring your cover letter to fit the job and the company that you’re applying for. We’ll also check for grammar and spelling errors as well as ensure your letter is concise as well as easy for readers to comprehend.
In the end, a properly formatted cover letter can be you stand out in the job hunt. By following the do’s and do’s of formatting your cover letter and perhaps hiring a professional like Napier Resume to handle the formatting on your behalf, you’ll be on your way to writing a cover letter that helps to stand out in the crowd. Contact us at 0800 215 100 or use the contact form to reach us if you have any questions.