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

Posted by Newcastle Resume on 13 Jul 2026

If you’re the process of applying for a job a well-written resume and cover letter is essential. However, simply having good content isn’t enough. The structure for your resume is just as important as your content. A badly formatted cover letter could leave a bad impression on your hiring manager and a properly formatted one will make your company stand out from the crowd. In this article, we’ll discuss the best practices and pitfalls of the format of your cover letters, and discuss why it may be beneficial to have an experienced professional such as Newcastle Resume handle the formatting for you.

Let’s start by discussing the essentials of formatting a cover letter.

  1. Make sure you use a professional font. Times New Roman, Arial and Calibri are all good options. Avoid using fancy fonts or hard-to-read fonts.
  2. Do use a consistent layout. Use the same font the size of the font, and formatting throughout the cover letter.
  3. Do include proper spacing. Utilize single, or 1.15 lines, and leave ample white spaces between each paragraph so that the letter is easy to read.
  4. Do include your contact information at the top of the letter. It should include your name, address, phone number, and email address.
  5. Personalize the letter. The name of the manager you’re hiring If possible, and then tailor your letter to match the job you’re applying to.

Let’s discuss the essentials of cover letter design.

  1. Don’t use a template. Every cover letter needs to be original and tailored to the particular job and business you’re applying to.
  2. Don’t exceed one page. Keep the letter concise and to the main point.
  3. Do not use fancy formatting. Keep it simple and professional layout.
  4. Do not forget to proofread. Double-check grammar and spelling errors prior to sending your letter.
  5. Make sure to acknowledge the note.

While it’s crucial to pay attention to the structure of your cover letter, it can be difficult and time-consuming to write it yourself. This is why professional resume writing services such as Newcastle Resume comes in. Our team of experts knows how to format an effective cover letter that will help you stand out from the crowd. We’ll take care of the formatting so that you can focus on the contents that you want to convey in the cover letter.

Our team will assist you in adjusting your cover letter to the specific job{ and company|| and the company| or company} which you’re applying. In addition, we’ll review for grammar and spelling mistakes as well as ensure your letter is short and easy to read.

A well-written cover letter could make all an impact on your search for a job. By adhering to the do’s & don’ts of cover letter formatting and maybe hiring a professional company like Newcastle Resume to handle the formatting for you and you’ll be well on your way to creating a cover letter that helps you stand out from the crowd. Contact us at 1300 257 381 or use the contact form to get in touch should you have any concerns.

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

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