The Formatting of Cover Letters: What to Do and Not To Do

Posted by Bendigo Professional Resume Writers on 21 Mar 2026

When you are applying for jobs, well-written resumes and cover letter are crucial. However, simply having good content doesn’t suffice. The format of your cover letter is as important as your content. A poorly formatted cover letter can make a bad impression on the hiring manager and a properly formatted one can help you stand out among the other applicants. In this post, we’ll look at the rules and guidelines for the formatting of your cover letter, and explain why it could be beneficial to have an experienced professional such as Bendigo Professional Resume Writers handle the formatting for you.

First, let’s talk about the rules of formatting a cover letter.

  1. Use a professional font. Times New Roman, Arial, and Calibri are all excellent choices. Beware of using too fancy or hard-to-read fonts.
  2. Do use a consistent layout. Make use of the same font, size and format in the letter of cover.
  3. Do include proper spacing. Choose single line or 1.15 line spacing and leave enough white space between paragraphs so that the letter is easier to understand.
  4. Include your contact details in the upper right-hand corner of the email. It should include your name, address telephone number, address, and email.
  5. Personalize the letter. Make use of the name of the hiring manager If you can, and tailor your letter to match the job the job you’re interested in.

Let’s get to the dos and don’ts of cover letters layout.

  1. Don’t make use of a template. Every cover letter should be unique and customized to the specific job and company you’re applying to.
  2. Don’t exceed one page. Keep the letter brief and to the main point.
  3. Avoid using fancy layouts. Keep it simple and professional layout.
  4. Don’t neglect to proofread. Double-check for spelling and grammar mistakes prior to sending the letter.
  5. Don’t forget to acknowledge the letter.

While it’s essential to be aware of the structure of your cover letter, it can be tedious and stressful to complete it yourself. This is where a professional resume writing service like Bendigo Professional Resume Writers comes in. Our team of specialists knows how to format an effective cover letter that will allow you to stand out the crowd. We’ll handle the formatting, so you can focus on the content the letter.

In addition, our staff can assist you in tailoring your cover letter to the specific job and company you’re applying to. Furthermore, we’ll check for grammar and spelling errors as well as ensure your letter is concise as well as easy for readers to comprehend.

In conclusion, a well-formatted cover letter can be an impact on your search for a job. By adhering to the do’s and nots of the format of your cover letter and maybe hiring a professional service like Bendigo Professional Resume Writers to handle the formatting for you and you’ll be well on your way to writing a professional cover letter that makes you stand out from the competition. Contact us on 03 5420 1563 or use the contact form to get in touch if you have any questions.

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