Cover Letter Formatting Do's and Don'ts

Posted by Lismore Resume on 20 Jan 2026

When you are applying for a job, a well-written resume and cover letter are crucial. However, just having great content isn’t enough. The layout of your cover letter is as important as the content. A poorly-formatted cover letter can make a bad impression on the hiring manager and a properly formatted one will make your application stand out from the competition. In this article, we’ll cover the rules and guidelines for formatting your cover letter and explain why it could be beneficial to have professionals such as Lismore Resume handle the formatting for you.

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

  1. 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, the size of the font, and formatting across the entire cover letter.
  3. Do include proper spacing. Utilize single, or 1.15 lines, and allow ample white spaces between each paragraph to make your letter easy to read.
  4. Do include your contact information on the front of your letter. Include your name, address telephone number, address, and email.
  5. Personalize the letter. Use the hiring manager’s name as much as you can, and customize the letter to the particular job and the company which you’re applying.

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

  1. Do not use a template. Every cover letter must be original and tailored to the specific job and organization you’re applying to.
  2. Don’t go over one page. Make sure the letter is concise and to the point.
  3. Do not use fancy formatting. Stick to a simple, professional layout.
  4. Don’t neglect to proofread. Double-check for spelling and grammar mistakes before you send the letter.
  5. Make sure to sign the note.

While it’s important to be aware of the format of your cover letter, it’s difficult and time-consuming to write it yourself. That’s where professional resume writing services like Lismore Resume comes in. Our team of specialists knows how to format the perfect cover letter that will help you stand out from the competition. We’ll handle the formatting so that you can focus on the content the letter.

Additionally, our team will assist you in adjusting your cover letter to fit the job and the company that you’re applying for. In addition, we’ll review for spelling and grammar errors and make sure that your letter is concise in its writing and simple to understand.

In conclusion, a well-formatted cover letter will make all an impact on your search for a job. By following the do’s and nots of the format of your cover letter or perhaps hiring a professional like Lismore Resume to handle the formatting for you and you’ll be well on your way to writing a professional cover letter that makes you stand out from the other applicants. Do not hesitate to 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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