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

Posted by Wangaratta Resume on 14 Feb 2026

When it comes to applying for a job, a well-written resume and cover letter is essential. However, just having great content doesn’t suffice. The structure of your cover letter is as crucial as the content. A poorly-formatted cover letter can make a bad impression on the manager who is hiring While a professionally formatted one will make your company stand out from the crowd. In this article, we’ll cover the best practices and pitfalls of the format of your cover letters, and discuss why it may be beneficial to let professionals such as Wangaratta Resume handle the formatting for you.

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

  1. Make sure you use a professional font. Times New Roman, Arial, as well as Calibri are all options. Avoid using too extravagant or difficult to read fonts.
  2. Do use a consistent layout. Make use of the same font, the size of the font, and formatting across the entire cover letter.
  3. Do include proper spacing. Make use of single lines or 1.15 line spacing. Also, make sure you leave plenty of white space to make the text simple to comprehend.
  4. Include your contact details near the beginning of the letters. This should include your address, name, phone number, and email address.
  5. Personalize the letter. Make use of the name of the hiring manager as much as you can, and customize your letter to match the job and the company you’re applying to.

Let’s discuss the don’ts of cover letter format.

  1. Do not use a template. Every cover letter needs to be unique and specific to the specific position and business you’re applying to.
  2. Don’t go over one page. Keep the letter concise and to the essence.
  3. Avoid using fancy layouts. Choose a simple, professional layout.
  4. Don’t forget to proofread. Double-check for spelling and grammar errors before sending the letter.
  5. Make sure to acknowledge the note.

While it’s vital to be aware of the format in your resume cover letter it can be difficult and time-consuming to write it yourself. This is why professional resume writing services like Wangaratta Resume comes in. Our team of experts knows how to structure an effective cover letter that will help you stand out from your competition. We’ll handle the formatting so that you can concentrate on the content of your letter.

In addition, our staff can assist you in tailoring your cover letter to fit the job and company which you’re applying. In addition, we’ll review for spelling and grammar mistakes as well as ensure your letter is concise easily read.

In the end, a well-formatted cover letter could make all you stand out in the job hunt. By adhering to the do’s & nots of the format of your cover letter and possibly hiring a professional company like Wangaratta Resume to handle the formatting on your behalf, you’ll be on your way to creating a cover letter that helps you stand out from your competition. Don’t hesitate to call us on 1300 648 974 or use the contact form to reach us for any queries.

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The Formatting of Cover Letters: What to Do and Not To Do

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