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

Posted by Busselton Resume on 9 Aug 2026

When you are the process of applying for a job having a professional resume and cover letter are crucial. However, simply having good content doesn’t suffice. The layout of the cover letter you send out is just as important as the content. A cover letter that is poorly formatted could leave a bad impression on your hiring manager however a well-formatted cover letter can help you stand out from your other applicants. In this post, we’ll look at the do’s and don’ts of the format of your cover letters, and explain why it could be beneficial to have a professional like Busselton Resume handle the formatting for you.

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

  1. Do use a professional font. Times New Roman, Arial as well as Calibri are all good options. Beware of using too fancy or hard-to-read fonts.
  2. Do use a consistent layout. Use the same font, font size, and formatting for the covering letter.
  3. Do include proper spacing. Use single or 1.15 line spacing. Also, ensure that you leave sufficient white space in between the paragraphs to make the text easily read.
  4. Do include your contact information at the top of the letter. It should include your name, address telephone number, address, and email.
  5. Personalize the letter. Make use of the name of the hiring manager as much as you can, and customize the letter to the particular job and company which you’re applying.

Now, let’s talk about the don’ts of cover letter formatting.

  1. Don’t make use of a template. Every cover letter needs to be unique and customized to the specific job and business you’re applying to.
  2. Don’t exceed one page. Make sure the letter is concise and to the essence.
  3. Do not use fancy formatting. Choose a simple, professional layout.
  4. Do not forget to proofread. Double-check grammar and spelling errors prior to sending your letter.
  5. Don’t forget to sign the note.

While it’s important to be aware of the structure for your letter of cover, it can be difficult and time-consuming to write it yourself. That’s where a professional resume writing service like Busselton Resume comes in. Our team of specialists knows how to write the perfect cover letter that will help you stand out from your competition. We’ll take care of the formatting so that you can focus on the contents in your cover 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. Furthermore, we’ll check for spelling and grammar mistakes and ensure that your letter is concise in its writing and simple to understand.

In conclusion, a well-formatted cover letter could make all you stand out in the job hunt. By adhering to the do’s and don’ts of cover letter formatting or perhaps employing a professional such as Busselton Resume to handle the formatting for you then you’ll be on your way to writing a professional cover letter that makes you stand out from the crowd. Don’t hesitate to call us on 1300 871 072 or use the contact form to contact us with any questions you may have.

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