Formal Cover Letter Do's and don'ts

Posted by Port Macquarie Resume on 11 Aug 2026

If you’re applying for a job, having a professional resume and cover letter is crucial. However, just having great content isn’t enough. The format that you write your letter in is as important as the content itself. A cover letter that is poorly formatted will leave a negative impression on your hiring manager While a professionally formatted one will make you stand out from your competition. In this article, we’ll discuss the rules and guidelines for formatting your cover letter and also discuss the reasons why it might be beneficial to have an experienced professional such as Port Macquarie Resume handle the formatting for you.

In the beginning, let’s discuss the rules of formatting your cover letters.

  1. Do use a professional font. Times New Roman, Arial as well as Calibri are all good options. Avoid using overly fancy or difficult to read fonts.
  2. Do use a consistent layout. Make use of the same font, font size, and formatting across the entire cover letter.
  3. Do include proper spacing. Choose single line or 1.15 line spacing. Also, ensure that you leave sufficient white space in between the paragraphs to make the text easily read.
  4. Include your contact information at the top of the letter. This includes your name, address, phone number, and email.
  5. Make sure to personalize your letter. Include the name of the hiring manager If possible, and then tailor the letter to the particular job and the company the job you’re interested in.

Let’s get to the rules of cover letter format.

  1. Do not use a template. Every cover letter needs to be unique and tailored to the job you’re applying for and the business you’re applying to.
  2. Don’t exceed one page. Keep the letter concise and straight to the point.
  3. Do not use fancy formatting. Stick to a simple, professional layout.
  4. Don’t forget to proofread. Double-check grammar and spelling mistakes prior to sending the letter.
  5. Don’t forget to acknowledge the letter.

While it’s vital to be aware of the format in your resume cover letter it can be tedious and stressful to complete it yourself. This is where a professional resume writing service like Port Macquarie Resume comes in. Our team of professionals knows how to design your cover letter to make you stand out among the other applicants. We’ll handle the formatting, so you can focus on the contents the letter.

In addition, our staff can help you tailor your cover letter to match the job{ and company|| and the company| or company} which you’re applying. In addition, we’ll review for grammar and spelling errors and make sure that your cover letter is succinct as well as easy for readers to comprehend.

In the end, a properly formatted cover letter can make all you stand out in the job hunt. By following the do’s and don’ts of cover letter formatting and maybe hiring a professional service like Port Macquarie Resume to handle the formatting for you and you’ll be well on your way to writing a cover letter that can help you stand out from your competitors. Don’t hesitate to contact us at 1300 202 475 or use the contact form to contact us if you have any questions.

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