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

Posted by Dunedin Resume on 5 Apr 2026

When it comes to applying for jobs, well-written resumes and cover letter are essential. But, having good content doesn’t suffice. The structure for your resume is just as important as the content itself. A poorly formatted cover letter can make a bad impression on the manager who is hiring While a professionally formatted one can help you stand out from your other applicants. In this article, we’ll cover the rules and guidelines for formatting your cover letter and discuss why it may be beneficial to let an experienced professional such as Dunedin Resume handle the formatting for you.

First, let’s talk about the rules of formatting your cover letters.

  1. Make sure you use a professional font. Times New Roman, Arial as well as Calibri are all great choices. 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. Use single or 1.15 lines, and leave enough white space between paragraphs to make your letter easier to understand.
  4. Include your contact details on the front of your letter. It should include your name, address telephone number, address, and email address.
  5. Personalize the letter. The name of the manager you’re hiring If you can, and tailor the letter to the specific job and company which you’re applying.

Now, let’s discuss the dos and don’ts of cover letters design.

  1. Don’t make use of a template. Every cover letter needs to be unique and specific to the job you’re applying for and the company you’re applying for.
  2. Do not exceed one page. Keep the letter brief and straight to the essential.
  3. Don’t go overboard with your formatting. Stick to a simple, professional layout.
  4. Don’t forget to proofread. Double-check grammar and spelling errors prior to sending your letter.
  5. Don’t forget to acknowledge the note.

While it’s important to be aware of the format in your resume cover letter it can be tedious and stressful to complete it yourself. That’s where a professional resume writing service such as Dunedin Resume comes in. Our team of professionals knows how to format your cover letter to help you stand out from your competition. We’ll handle the formatting so that you can concentrate on the contents the letter.

In addition, our team will help you to tailor your cover letter to fit the job you’re applying to. Furthermore, we’ll check for spelling and grammar errors and ensure that your letter is clear and easy to read.

In the end, a well-formatted cover letter will make all an impact on your search for a job. By adhering to the do’s & nots of the format of your cover letter or perhaps employing a professional such as Dunedin Resume to handle the formatting on your behalf You’ll be on the way to writing a professional cover letter that helps you stand out among the competition. Contact us on 0800 215 100 or use the contact form to contact us if you have any questions.

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Cover Letter Formatting Do's and Don'ts

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Cover Letter Formatting Do's and Don'ts

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