Cover Letter Formatting Do's and Don'ts

Posted by Christchurch Resume on 17 Sep 2025

If you’re applying for a job, an impressive resume and cover letter is crucial. But, having good content isn’t enough. The layout that you write your letter in is just as important as the content itself. A cover letter that is poorly formatted could leave a bad impression on your hiring manager however a well-formatted cover letter will help your application stand out from the other applicants. In this article, we’ll discuss the rules and guidelines for the format of your cover letters, and explain why it could be beneficial to have a professional like Christchurch Resume handle the formatting for you.

The first thing to discuss is the rules of cover letter format.

  1. Use a professional font. Times New Roman, Arial, and Calibri are all excellent choices. Beware of using too fancy or difficult to read fonts.
  2. Do use a consistent layout. Make use of the same font, font size, and formatting throughout the cover letter.
  3. Do include proper spacing. Utilize single, or 1.15 lines, and make sure you leave enough white space between paragraphs to make your letter easier to understand.
  4. Do include your contact information in the upper right-hand corner of the email. Include your address, name, phone number, and email address.
  5. Personalize the letter. The name of the manager you’re hiring If you can, and tailor your letter to the job which you’re applying.

Let’s get to the don’ts of cover letter format.

  1. Use a sample. Each cover letter should be unique and tailored to the particular job and organization you’re applying to.
  2. Don’t exceed one page. Make sure the letter is concise and straight to the essence.
  3. Don’t use overly fancy formatting. Keep it simple and 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 note.

While it’s essential to pay attention to the structure of your cover letter, it’s laborious and difficult to complete it yourself. This is why professional resume writing services like Christchurch Resume comes in. Our team of experts know how to structure the perfect cover letter that will help you stand out from the crowd. We’ll take care of the formatting, so you can concentrate on the contents of your letter.

In addition, our staff can assist you in tailoring your cover letter to fit the job and the company that you’re applying for. Additionally, we’ll look for spelling and grammar mistakes and make sure that your letter is clear in its writing and simple to understand.

In the end, a properly formatted 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 or perhaps hiring a professional service like Christchurch Resume to handle the formatting for you You’ll be on the way to writing a cover letter that will help you stand out among the competition. Don’t hesitate to call us on 0800 215 100 or use the contact form to reach us if you have any questions.

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