How to format a cover letter: Do's and Don'ts
When you are applying for a job, having a professional resume and cover letter is essential. However, simply having good content doesn’t suffice. The structure of the cover letter you send out is as crucial as the content. A badly formatted cover letter could leave a bad impression on the hiring manager and a properly formatted one will help you stand out among the other applicants. In this post, we’ll look at the best practices and pitfalls of formatting your cover letter and also discuss the reasons why it might be beneficial to let an experienced professional such as Taupo Resume handle the formatting for you.
First, let’s talk about the rules of cover letter formatting.
- Use a professional font. Times New Roman, Arial as well as Calibri are all options. Avoid using overly fancy or difficult to read fonts.
- Do use a consistent layout. Use the same font size, and layout for the covering letter.
- Do include proper spacing. Choose single line or 1.15 line spacing. Also, make sure you leave ample white spaces between each paragraph so that the letter is easily read.
- Include your contact details in the upper right-hand corner of the email. This includes your address, name as well as your phone number and email.
- Do personalize the letter. Include the name of the hiring manager If possible, and then tailor the letter to the specific job and company you’re applying to.
Now, let’s talk about the don’ts of cover letter layout.
- Don’t use a template. Each cover letter should be unique and customized to the particular job and business you’re applying to.
- Do not exceed one page. Keep your letter short and to the main point.
- Don’t use overly fancy formatting. Keep it simple and professional layout.
- Don’t neglect to proofread. Double-check grammar and spelling mistakes prior to sending the letter.
- Make sure to acknowledge the letter.
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 professional resume writing services such as Taupo Resume comes in. Our team of experts know how to design a cover letter that will help you stand out from your competition. We’ll handle the formatting so that you can focus on the content in your cover letter.
In addition, our staff will assist you in adjusting your cover letter to the specific job and the company you’re applying to. We’ll also check for grammar and spelling mistakes, and make sure your letter is clear and easy to read.
In the end, a properly formatted cover letter could make all it’s worth in your career search. By following the do’s and don’ts of cover letter formatting and possibly employing a professional such as Taupo Resume to handle the formatting for you You’ll be on the path to creating a cover letter that helps you stand out from your competition. Don’t hesitate to call us on 0800 024 129 or use the contact form to get in touch if you have any questions.
