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

Posted by Nowra Resume on 22 Jul 2026

When you are seeking a job, a well-written resume and cover letter is crucial. However, just having great content doesn’t suffice. The structure of the cover letter you send out is as crucial as the content. A poorly formatted cover letter will leave a negative impression on your hiring manager While a professionally formatted one can help you stand out from your competition. In this article, we’ll discuss the rules and guidelines for cover letter formatting, and also discuss the reasons why it might be beneficial to let an expert such as Nowra Resume handle the formatting for you.

The first thing to discuss is the basics of cover letter format.

  1. Do use a professional font. Times New Roman, Arial, as well as Calibri are all good options. Avoid using fancy fonts or hard-to-read fonts.
  2. Do use a consistent layout. Make use of the same font, size and format throughout the cover letter.
  3. Do include proper spacing. Make use of single lines or 1.15 line spacing, and make sure you leave enough white space between paragraphs so that the letter is easy to read.
  4. Do include your contact information on the front of your letter. This should include your name, address telephone number, address, and email.
  5. Do personalize the letter. Include the name of the hiring manager If possible, and then tailor the letter to the specific position and company which you’re applying.

Let’s discuss the rules of cover letter formatting.

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

While it’s crucial to be aware of the format of your cover letter, it can be time-consuming and overwhelming to do it yourself. This is why professional resume writing services such as Nowra Resume comes in. Our team of professionals knows how to format the perfect cover letter that will ensure that you stand out from the crowd. We’ll handle the formatting so that you can focus on the content in your cover letter.

In addition, our staff can help you tailor your cover letter to match the job{ and company|| and the company| or company} which you’re applying. In addition, we’ll review for spelling and grammar errors and make sure that your letter is short in its writing and simple to understand.

In conclusion, a well-formatted cover letter can be it’s worth in your career search. If you follow the do’s and don’ts of cover letter formatting and possibly hiring a professional like Nowra Resume to handle the formatting on your behalf then you’ll be on your way to writing a cover letter that makes you stand out from the other applicants. Don’t hesitate to contact us at 1300 202 475 or use the contact form to contact us should you have any concerns.

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