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

Posted by Shepparton Resume on 21 Mar 2026

When it comes to applying for a job, a well-written resume and cover letter is crucial. However, simply having good content isn’t enough. The structure of your cover letter is as important as your content. A poorly formatted cover letter can leave a bad impression on the manager who is hiring however a well-formatted cover letter can help you stand out from your competitors. In this post, we’ll look at the do’s and don’ts of cover letter formatting, and discuss why it may be beneficial to let an expert such as Shepparton Resume handle the formatting for you.

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

  1. Do make sure to use a professional typeface. Times New Roman, Arial as well as Calibri are all excellent choices. Avoid using fancy fonts or hard-to-read fonts.
  2. Do use a consistent layout. Make use of the same font, size, and layout in the letter of cover.
  3. Do include proper spacing. Utilize single, or 1.15 line spacing. Also, allow ample white spaces between each paragraph to make the text easy to read.
  4. Do include your contact information in the upper right-hand corner of the email. It should include your name, address, phone number, and email address.
  5. Personalize the letter. Use the hiring manager’s name as much as you can, and customize your letter to match the job and the company that you’re applying for.

Now, let’s talk about the rules of cover letter layout.

  1. Use a sample. Every cover letter must be unique and tailored to the job you’re applying for and the company you’re applying to.
  2. Do not exceed one page. Keep the letter brief and to the essence.
  3. Avoid using fancy layouts. Stick to a simple, professional layout.
  4. Don’t neglect to proofread. Double-check grammar and spelling errors prior to sending your letter.
  5. Make sure to acknowledge the letter.

While it’s important to pay attention to the format the cover letter you write, it can be difficult and time-consuming to write it yourself. That’s where a professional resume writing service such as Shepparton Resume comes in. Our team of experts knows how to design the perfect cover letter that will ensure that you stand out from the other applicants. We’ll take care of the formatting so that you can concentrate on the content of your letter.

Additionally, our team can assist you in tailoring your cover letter to match the job and the company you’re applying to. In addition, we’ll review 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 it’s worth in your career search. If you follow the do’s and do’s of formatting your cover letter and possibly hiring a professional service like Shepparton Resume to handle the formatting for you and you’ll be well on your way to creating a cover letter that helps to stand out in the crowd. Don’t hesitate to call us at 1300 648 974 or use the contact form to contact us if you have any questions.

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