Cover Letter Formatting Do's and Don'ts

Posted by Cairns Resume on 19 Aug 2026

When you are the process of applying for a job well-written resumes and cover letter is crucial. But, having good content isn’t enough. The structure for your resume is as important as the content. A badly formatted cover letter can make a bad impression on the manager who is hiring, while a well-formatted one will help you stand out among the competitors. In this article, we’ll cover the best practices and pitfalls of the format of your cover letters, and then discuss why it could be beneficial to have an expert such as Cairns Resume handle the formatting for you.

Let’s start by discussing the basics of cover letter format.

  1. 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, size, and layout across the entire cover letter.
  3. Do include proper spacing. Utilize single, or 1.15 line spacing, and make sure you leave sufficient white space in between the paragraphs to make the text easily read.
  4. Include your contact information near the beginning of the letters. Include your address, name as well as your phone number and email.
  5. Make sure to personalize your letter. Include the name of the hiring manager If you can, and tailor the letter to the specific position and company that you’re applying for.

Now, let’s talk about the dos and don’ts of cover letters formatting.

  1. Don’t make use of a template. Every cover letter must be original and tailored to the particular job and company you’re applying for.
  2. Don’t go over one page. Keep your letter short and to the essential.
  3. Do not use fancy formatting. Keep it simple and professional layout.
  4. Don’t forget to proofread. Double-check for spelling and grammar mistakes before you send the letter.
  5. Make sure to sign the note.

While it’s crucial to pay attention to the structure the cover letter you write, it can be difficult and time-consuming to write it yourself. That’s where a professional resume writing service like Cairns Resume comes in. Our team of experts know how to format a cover letter that will ensure that you stand out from the other applicants. We’ll handle the formatting, so you can focus on the contents of your letter.

In addition, our team will help you to tailor your cover letter to match the job{ and company|| and the company| or company} that you’re applying for. We’ll also check for spelling and grammar mistakes, and make sure your letter is short easily read.

In the end, a properly formatted cover letter can make all an impact on your search for a job. By following the do’s and don’ts of cover letter formatting and maybe hiring a professional like Cairns Resume to handle the formatting for you then you’ll be on your way to creating a cover letter that makes you stand out from your other applicants. Don’t hesitate to contact us at 1300 291 283 or use the contact form to reach us should you have any concerns.

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Cover Letter Formatting Do\'s and Don\'ts

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We are a team of highly certified and seasoned Recruiters, consultants and HR Professionals who are committed to providing you with an exceptional, well-written resume or cover letter.

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