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

Posted by Ballarat Resume on 29 Oct 2025

When you are seeking a job, well-written resumes and cover letter is crucial. However, just having great content doesn’t suffice. The layout of the cover letter you send out is just as crucial as the content. A poorly formatted cover letter will leave a negative impression on the manager who is hiring While a professionally formatted one will help your application stand out from the other applicants. In this article, we’ll go over the rules and guidelines for formatting your cover letter and explain why it could be beneficial to let a professional like Ballarat Resume handle the formatting for you.

First, let’s talk about the basics of formatting a cover letter.

  1. Do make sure to use a professional typeface. Times New Roman, Arial and Calibri are all great choices. Avoid using fancy fonts or difficult to read fonts.
  2. Do use a consistent layout. Use the same font, size and format across the entire cover letter.
  3. Do include proper spacing. Utilize single, or 1.15 lines, and leave ample white spaces between each paragraph to make the letter easy to read.
  4. Do include your contact information near the beginning of the letters. This should include your address, name, phone number, and email.
  5. Make sure to personalize your letter. Use the hiring manager’s name If possible, and then tailor your letter to the position and company you’re applying to.

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

  1. Don’t make use of a template. Every cover letter must be original and tailored to the specific position and organization you’re applying to.
  2. Don’t exceed one page. Keep your letter short and straight to the essence.
  3. Don’t go overboard with your formatting. Keep it simple and professional layout.
  4. Don’t forget to proofread. Double-check spelling and grammar mistakes before you send the letter.
  5. Don’t forget to acknowledge the letter.

While it’s essential to be aware of the format the cover letter you write, it can be time-consuming and overwhelming to do it yourself. This is why a professional resume writing service like Ballarat Resume comes in. Our team of professionals knows how to write the perfect cover letter that will allow you to stand out the competition. We’ll take care of the formatting, so you can concentrate on the contents that you want to convey in the cover letter.

Our team can assist you in tailoring your letter of cover to the particular job the job you’re applying to. We’ll also check for spelling and grammar errors and ensure that your letter is short and easy to read.

In the end, a well-formatted cover letter can be the difference in your job search. By adhering to the do’s and do’s of formatting your cover letter and possibly hiring a professional like Ballarat Resume to handle the formatting on your behalf then you’ll be on your way to creating a cover letter that helps you stand out from your other applicants. Don’t hesitate to contact us at 1300 615 870 or use the contact form to reach us if you have any questions.

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The importance of formatting in Cover Letter Writing

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