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

Posted by New Plymouth Resume on 14 Nov 2025

When you are seeking a job, having a professional resume and cover letter is essential. However, just having great content doesn’t suffice. The format of your cover letter is as important as the content itself. A poorly-formatted cover letter can make a bad impression on the hiring manager While a professionally formatted one can make your company stand out from the other applicants. In this article, we’ll cover the best practices and pitfalls of cover letter formatting, and also discuss the reasons why it might be beneficial to have a professional like New Plymouth Resume handle the formatting for you.

Let’s start by discussing the do’s of cover letter format.

  1. Do use a professional font. Times New Roman, Arial, and Calibri are all options. Avoid using overly fancy or hard-to-read fonts.
  2. Do use a consistent layout. Use the same font, the size of the font, and formatting throughout the cover letter.
  3. Do include proper spacing. Use single or 1.15 line spacing, and leave enough white space between paragraphs so that the letter is simple to comprehend.
  4. Include your contact details near the beginning of the letters. This includes your address, name as well as your phone number and email address.
  5. Do personalize the letter. Include the name of the hiring manager If you can, and tailor your letter to the job and the company the job you’re interested in.

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

  1. Don’t use a template. Every cover letter must be original and tailored to the job you’re applying for and the organization you’re applying to.
  2. Do not exceed one page. Keep the letter concise and to the main point.
  3. Do not use fancy formatting. Use a simple, professional layout.
  4. Make sure to proofread your letter. Double-check for spelling and grammar mistakes prior to sending the letter.
  5. Don’t forget to acknowledge the note.

While it’s essential to pay attention to the format for your letter of cover, it can be difficult and time-consuming to write it yourself. That’s why professional resume writing services such as New Plymouth Resume comes in. Our team of experts knows how to structure your cover letter to allow you to stand out the competition. We’ll handle the formatting, so you can focus on the content of your letter.

In addition, our team will help you to tailor your cover letter to the specific job or company which you’re applying. We’ll also check for spelling and grammar mistakes and ensure that your cover letter is succinct as well as easy for readers to comprehend.

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 guidelines for formatting your cover letters or perhaps hiring a professional service like New Plymouth Resume to handle the formatting for you then you’ll be on your path to creating a cover letter that will help you stand out among the other applicants. Don’t hesitate to contact us on 0800 215 100 or use the contact form to reach us should you have any concerns.

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