How to format a cover letter: Do's and Don'ts
When you are applying for a job, having a professional resume and cover letter is crucial. However, just having great content isn’t enough. The design that you write your letter in is just as crucial as the content. A poorly-formatted cover letter could leave a bad impression on the hiring manager and a properly formatted one can help you stand out from your competitors. In this article, we’ll cover the do’s and don’ts of formatting your cover letter and also discuss the reasons why it might be beneficial to have an experienced professional such as Coffs Harbour Resume handle the formatting for you.
In the beginning, let’s discuss the essentials of formatting a cover letter.
- Do make sure to use a professional typeface. Times New Roman, Arial and Calibri are all excellent choices. Avoid using overly fancy or difficult-to-read fonts.
- Do use a consistent layout. Use the same font, the size of the font, and formatting across the entire cover letter.
- Do include proper spacing. Utilize single, or 1.15 line spacing. Also, ensure that you leave enough white space between paragraphs to make the letter easily read.
- Include your contact information on the front of your letter. Include your name, address along with your telephone number and email.
- Personalize the letter. Use the hiring manager’s name If possible, and then tailor your letter to match the job and company that you’re applying for.
Now, let’s discuss the don’ts of cover letter design.
- Use a sample. Every cover letter should be unique and tailored to the specific position and organization you’re applying to.
- Limit the letter to one page. Keep the letter concise and to the main point.
- Don’t use overly fancy formatting. Keep it simple and professional layout.
- Don’t neglect to proofread. Double-check spelling and grammar errors prior to sending your letter.
- Make sure to acknowledge the letter.
While it’s essential to pay attention to the structure for your letter of cover, it’s difficult and time-consuming to write it yourself. This is where a professional resume writing service such as Coffs Harbour Resume comes in. Our team of specialists knows how to structure an effective cover letter that will ensure that you stand out from the crowd. We’ll handle the formatting so that you can concentrate on the content the letter.
In addition, our team can help you tailor your letter of cover to the particular job and the company which you’re applying. We’ll also check for grammar and spelling mistakes as well as ensure your cover letter is succinct and easy to read.
In the end, a well-formatted cover letter can make all it’s worth in your career search. By adhering to the do’s and nots of the format of your cover letter and perhaps hiring a professional service like Coffs Harbour Resume to handle the formatting for you You’ll be on the path to creating a cover letter that helps you stand out among the other applicants. Contact us at 1300 202 475 or use the contact form to reach us should you have any concerns.
