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

Posted by Lismore Resume on 5 Jul 2025

When you are applying for jobs, having a professional resume and cover letter is crucial. However, just having great content isn’t enough. The format of your cover letter is as important as your content. A cover letter that is poorly formatted can leave a bad impression on your hiring manager and a properly formatted one can help your company stand out from the competition. In this article, we’ll discuss the do’s and don’ts of cover letter formatting, and discuss why it may be beneficial to let an expert such as Lismore Resume handle the formatting for you.

First, let’s talk about the do’s of cover letter format.

  1. 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, font size, and formatting in the letter of cover.
  3. Do include proper spacing. Use single or 1.15 line spacing. Also, leave enough white space between paragraphs so that the letter is easily read.
  4. Include your contact information near the beginning of the letters. Include your address, name along with your telephone number and email.
  5. Do personalize the letter. Use the hiring manager’s name as much as you can, and customize your letter to match the job and the company you’re applying to.

Now, let’s discuss the dos and don’ts of cover letters design.

  1. Don’t make use of a template. Every cover letter should be unique and specific to the particular job and organization you’re applying to.
  2. Don’t exceed one page. Keep your letter short and to the essential.
  3. Do not use fancy formatting. Choose a simple, professional layout.
  4. Don’t forget to proofread. Double-check for spelling and grammar errors prior to sending your letter.
  5. Make sure to acknowledge the note.

While it’s important to pay attention to the format for your letter of cover, it can be time-consuming and overwhelming to do it yourself. That’s why a professional resume writing service like Lismore Resume comes in. Our team of specialists knows how to design your cover letter to make you stand out among the other applicants. We’ll take care of the formatting so that you can concentrate on the content that you want to convey in the cover letter.

In addition, our team can assist you in tailoring your letter of cover to the particular job and the company which you’re applying. In addition, we’ll review for spelling and grammar errors, and make sure your cover letter is succinct and easy to read.

A well-written cover letter will make all it’s worth in your career search. By following the do’s and nots of the format of your cover letter and maybe hiring a professional service like Lismore Resume to handle the formatting on your behalf then you’ll be on your way to creating a cover letter that makes you stand out from your other applicants. Contact us at 1300 202 475 or use the contact form to get in touch with any questions you may have.

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