Formal Cover Letter Do's and don'ts

Posted by Hamilton Resume on 28 Jun 2026

If you’re applying for a job, an impressive resume and cover letter is crucial. However, simply having good content doesn’t suffice. The layout that you write your letter in is just as important as the content itself. A cover letter that is poorly formatted could leave a bad impression on the manager who is hiring however a well-formatted cover letter will help your company stand out from the competitors. In this article, we’ll go over the do’s and don’ts of cover letter formatting, and explain why it could be beneficial to have an expert such as Hamilton Resume handle the formatting for you.

In the beginning, let’s discuss the essentials of cover letter format.

  1. Use a professional font. Times New Roman, Arial as well as Calibri are all great choices. Avoid using too extravagant or hard-to-read fonts.
  2. Do use a consistent layout. Use the same font, size and format throughout the cover letter.
  3. Do include proper spacing. Make use of single lines or 1.15 lines, and leave ample white spaces between each paragraph to make the text easy to read.
  4. Include your contact information on the front of your letter. This includes your name, address as well as your phone number and email address.
  5. Personalize the letter. The name of the manager you’re hiring if possible, and tailor your letter to the job you’re applying to.

Let’s discuss the rules of cover letter formatting.

  1. Do not use a template. Every cover letter needs to be unique and customized to the specific position and company you’re applying to.
  2. Limit the letter to one page. Make sure the letter is concise and to the point.
  3. Do not use fancy formatting. Stick to a simple, professional layout.
  4. Don’t neglect to proofread. Double-check spelling and grammar errors prior to sending your letter.
  5. Don’t forget to acknowledge the note.

While it’s crucial to pay attention to the structure the cover letter you write, it’s time-consuming and overwhelming to do it yourself. This is where a professional resume writing service such as Hamilton Resume comes in. Our team of professionals knows how to write an effective cover letter that will make you stand out among the crowd. We’ll take care of the formatting so that you can focus on the content in your cover letter.

In addition, our team can help you tailor your letter of cover to the particular job{ and company|| and the company| or company} that you’re applying for. Additionally, we’ll look for spelling and grammar errors and ensure that your letter is clear as well as easy for readers to comprehend.

In the end, a properly formatted cover letter can make all it’s worth in your career search. By adhering to the do’s & do’s of formatting your cover letter and perhaps hiring a professional like Hamilton Resume to handle the formatting on your behalf then you’ll be on your path to creating a cover letter that helps you stand out from your crowd. Don’t hesitate to call us on 0800 024 129 or use the contact form to reach us with any questions you may have.

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