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

Posted by Hamilton Resume on 4 Nov 2025

If you’re the process of applying for a job well-written resumes and cover letter are essential. However, just having great content doesn’t suffice. The layout of the cover letter you send out is as important as your content. A cover letter that is poorly formatted can make a bad impression on your hiring manager, while a well-formatted one can make your company stand out from the competitors. In this article, we’ll cover the rules and guidelines for cover letter formatting, and explain why it could be beneficial to let professionals such as Hamilton Resume handle the formatting for you.

The first thing to discuss is the essentials of formatting a cover letter.

  1. Make sure you use a professional font. Times New Roman, Arial and Calibri are all options. Avoid using fancy fonts or difficult-to-read fonts.
  2. Do use a consistent layout. Make use of the same font, size, and layout for the covering letter.
  3. Do include proper spacing. Make use of single lines or 1.15 line spacing. Also, ensure that you leave ample white spaces between each paragraph to make the text easily read.
  4. Include your contact details in the upper right-hand corner of the email. Include your address, name telephone number, address, and email.
  5. Make sure to personalize your letter. Make use of the name of the hiring manager If possible, and then tailor your letter to the position and company which you’re applying.

Let’s discuss the rules of cover letter format.

  1. Do not use a template. Every cover letter must be unique and tailored to the specific position and organization you’re applying to.
  2. Don’t exceed one page. Make sure the letter is concise and straight to the essential.
  3. Do not use fancy formatting. Choose a simple, professional layout.
  4. Don’t neglect to proofread. Double-check grammar and spelling mistakes prior to sending the letter.
  5. Make sure to acknowledge the letter.

While it’s crucial to pay attention to the structure for your letter of cover, it can be difficult and time-consuming to write it yourself. This is why a professional resume writing service like Hamilton Resume comes in. Our team of experts know how to format the perfect cover letter that will help you stand out from the competition. We’ll take care of the formatting, so you can concentrate on the contents of your letter.

In addition, our staff can assist you in tailoring your letter of cover to the particular job that you’re applying for. In addition, we’ll review for spelling and grammar errors as well as ensure your cover letter is succinct in its writing and simple to understand.

A well-written cover letter could make all the difference in your job search. By adhering to the do’s & do’s of formatting your cover letter and possibly hiring a professional like Hamilton Resume to handle the formatting on your behalf, you’ll be on your way to creating a cover letter that will help you stand out from your competitors. Do not hesitate to contact us on 0800 024 129 or use the contact form to get in touch if you have any questions.

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