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

When you are applying for jobs, an impressive resume and cover letter is crucial. However, just having great content isn’t enough. The format of your cover letter is just as crucial as the content. A poorly formatted cover letter will leave a negative impression on the manager who is hiring however a well-formatted cover letter can make your application stand out from the other applicants. In this article, we’ll cover the do’s and don’ts of cover letter formatting, and then discuss why it could be beneficial to have an expert such as Ballarat Resume handle the formatting for you.

In the beginning, let’s discuss the do’s of cover letter format.

1. Make sure you use a professional font. Times New Roman, Arial, and Calibri are all great choices. Beware of using too fancy or hard-to-read fonts.
2. Do use a consistent layout. Use the same font font size, and formatting throughout the cover letter.
3. Do include proper spacing. Use single or 1.15 line spacing and ensure that you leave enough white space between paragraphs so that the letter is simple to comprehend.
4. Do include your contact information at the top of the letter. This includes your name, address along with your telephone number and email.
5. 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 and company that you’re applying for.

Now, let’s discuss the don’ts of cover letter format.

1. Don’t use a template. Every cover letter should be unique and specific to the particular job and company you’re applying for.
2. Don’t exceed one page. Keep your letter short and straight to the essence.
3. Avoid using fancy layouts. Use a simple, professional layout.
4. Don’t neglect to proofread. Double-check grammar and spelling errors before sending the letter.
5. Don’t forget to acknowledge the note.

While it’s vital to be aware of the structure for your letter of cover, it’s laborious and difficult to complete it yourself. This is where a professional resume writing service such as Ballarat Resume comes in. Our team of experts know how to structure your cover letter to make you stand out among the competition. We’ll take care of the formatting so that you can focus on the content in your cover letter.

In addition, our team will assist you in adjusting your cover letter to match the job or company the job you’re applying to. Furthermore, we’ll check for spelling and grammar mistakes as well as ensure your letter is clear easily read.

In the end, a properly formatted cover letter can be an impact on your search for a job. By adhering to the do’s and do’s of formatting your cover letter and possibly hiring a professional service like Ballarat Resume to handle the formatting for you and you’ll be well on your way to creating a cover letter that helps you stand out among the other applicants. Contact us on 1300 615 870 or use the contact form to get in touch should you have any concerns.