5 Do's and Don'ts for creating the perfect cover letter

Posted by Lismore Resume on 22 Aug 2026

When you are applying for jobs, a well-written resume and cover letter is crucial. But, having good content isn’t enough. The format of the cover letter you send out is as important as the content. A badly formatted cover letter can make a bad impression on the hiring manager, while a well-formatted one can help you stand out from your crowd. In this article, we’ll cover the best practices and pitfalls of the formatting of your cover letter, and also discuss the reasons why it might be beneficial to let an expert such as Lismore Resume handle the formatting for you.

In the beginning, let’s discuss the basics of cover letter formatting.

  1. Do use a professional font. Times New Roman, Arial, as well as Calibri are all options. Beware of using too fancy or difficult to read fonts.
  2. Do use a consistent layout. Make use of the same font, size, and layout across the entire cover letter.
  3. Do include proper spacing. Choose single line or 1.15 lines, and allow ample white spaces between each paragraph so that the letter is easily read.
  4. Include your contact details in the upper right-hand corner of the email. It should include your name, address telephone number, address, and email address.
  5. Do personalize the letter. The name of the manager you’re hiring if possible, and tailor your letter to the position and company the job you’re interested in.

Let’s get to the dos and don’ts of cover letters design.

  1. Do not use a template. Each cover letter should be unique and customized to the specific position and company you’re applying to.
  2. Do not exceed one page. Make sure the letter is concise and to the essential.
  3. Don’t use overly fancy formatting. Choose a simple, professional layout.
  4. Do not forget to proofread. Double-check for spelling and grammar mistakes prior to sending the letter.
  5. Make sure to acknowledge the letter.

While it’s crucial to pay attention to the structure in your resume cover letter it’s time-consuming and overwhelming to do it yourself. That’s where professional resume writing services such as Lismore Resume comes in. Our team of experts know how to design your cover letter to allow you to stand out the crowd. We’ll handle the formatting, so you can focus on the content the letter.

In addition, our team can assist you in tailoring your cover letter to the specific job{ and company|| and the company| or company} which you’re applying. In addition, we’ll review for grammar and spelling mistakes as well as ensure your letter is clear in its writing and simple to understand.

A well-written cover letter will make all you stand out in the job hunt. By following the do’s and don’ts of cover letter formatting and possibly hiring a professional company like Lismore Resume to handle the formatting for you then you’ll be on your way to creating a cover letter that will help you stand out from your crowd. Contact us on 1300 202 475 or use the contact form to reach us should you have any concerns.

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