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

Posted by Port Macquarie Resume on 11 Aug 2026

When you are applying for jobs, well-written resumes and cover letter are crucial. But, having good content doesn’t suffice. The layout that you write your letter in is as important as your content. A badly formatted cover letter will leave a negative impression on your hiring manager and a properly formatted one will make your company stand out from the competitors. In this article, we’ll discuss the important aspects of formatting your cover letter and then discuss why it could be beneficial to let a professional like Port Macquarie Resume handle the formatting for you.

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

  1. Make sure you use a professional font. Times New Roman, Arial, and Calibri are all options. Avoid using fancy fonts or hard-to-read fonts.
  2. Do use a consistent layout. Make use of the same font, font size, and formatting for the covering letter.
  3. Do include proper spacing. Choose single line or 1.15 line spacing. Also, leave enough white space between paragraphs to make the letter easier to understand.
  4. Include your contact information in the upper right-hand corner of the email. Include your address, name, phone number, and email.
  5. Do personalize the letter. Include the name of the hiring manager If you can, and tailor the letter to the particular position and company that you’re applying for.

Now, let’s discuss the essentials of cover letter layout.

  1. Do not use a template. Every cover letter should be unique and specific to the specific job and company you’re applying for.
  2. Don’t exceed one page. Keep your letter short and to the point.
  3. Avoid using fancy layouts. Keep it simple and professional layout.
  4. Don’t neglect to proofread. Double-check spelling and grammar errors before sending the letter.
  5. Make sure to acknowledge the letter.

While it’s important to pay attention to the structure of your cover letter, it’s difficult and time-consuming to write it yourself. This is why a professional resume writing service like Port Macquarie Resume comes in. Our team of experts know how to structure an effective cover letter that will allow you to stand out the crowd. We’ll handle the formatting, so you can focus on the contents that you want to convey in the cover letter.

In addition, our staff will help you to tailor your letter of cover to the particular job and company you’re applying to. We’ll also check for grammar and spelling mistakes, and make sure your letter is clear in its writing and simple to understand.

In the end, a well-formatted cover letter will make all you stand out in the job hunt. If you follow the do’s and guidelines for formatting your cover letters and perhaps hiring a professional company like Port Macquarie Resume to handle the formatting for you then you’ll be on your way to creating a cover letter that helps to stand out in the crowd. Don’t hesitate to call us at 1300 202 475 or use the contact form to contact us for any queries.

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