5 Things to Know and Avoid for How to write the perfect cover letter

Posted by Cairns Resume on 12 Feb 2026

If you’re the process of applying for a job an impressive resume and cover letter are crucial. However, just having great content isn’t enough. The structure that you write your letter in is as crucial as the content. A poorly-formatted cover letter can leave a bad impression on your hiring manager While a professionally formatted one will help you stand out from your competitors. In this article, we’ll cover the do’s and don’ts of cover letter formatting, and also discuss the reasons why it might be beneficial to have an expert such as Cairns Resume handle the formatting for you.

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

  1. Do make sure to use a professional typeface. 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, font size, and formatting across the entire cover letter.
  3. Do include proper spacing. Use single or 1.15 lines, and ensure that you leave ample white spaces between each paragraph to make the letter easier to understand.
  4. Include your contact details on the front of your letter. It should include your name, address, phone number, and email address.
  5. Do personalize the letter. The name of the manager you’re hiring as much as you can, and customize the letter to the specific job you’re applying to.

Now, let’s discuss the don’ts of cover letter layout.

  1. Do not use a template. Every cover letter needs to be original and tailored to the particular job and company you’re applying to.
  2. Don’t go over one page. Keep the letter concise and to the point.
  3. Don’t go overboard with your formatting. Choose a simple, professional layout.
  4. Make sure to proofread your letter. Double-check grammar and spelling errors prior to sending your letter.
  5. Don’t forget to sign the letter.

While it’s vital to be aware of the structure of your cover letter, it can be time-consuming and overwhelming to do it yourself. That’s where professional resume writing services like Cairns Resume comes in. Our team of professionals knows how to design the perfect cover letter that will make you stand out among the other applicants. We’ll take care of the formatting so that you can focus on the content of your letter.

Our team can help you tailor your cover letter to fit the job and the company that you’re applying for. Additionally, we’ll look for grammar and spelling mistakes, and make sure your letter is concise and easy to read.

In the end, a well-formatted cover letter could make all you stand out in the job hunt. By adhering to the do’s & nots of the format of your cover letter and maybe hiring a professional service like Cairns Resume to handle the formatting on your behalf then you’ll be on your way to creating a cover letter that can help you stand out from the competitors. Don’t hesitate to call us on 1300 291 283 or use the contact form to get in touch with any questions you may have.

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

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