How to format a cover letter: Do's and Don'ts

Posted by Bathurst Resume on 25 Mar 2026

When it comes to the process of applying for a job a well-written resume and cover letter are essential. However, simply having good content doesn’t suffice. The layout of the cover letter you send out is just as important as the content. A cover letter that is poorly formatted can leave a bad impression on the hiring manager, while a well-formatted one can make you stand out among the competition. In this article, we’ll discuss the best practices and pitfalls of formatting your cover letter and discuss why it may be beneficial to let an expert such as Bathurst Resume handle the formatting for you.

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

  1. Do make sure to use a professional typeface. Times New Roman, Arial, as well as Calibri are all options. Avoid using fancy fonts or difficult-to-read fonts.
  2. Do use a consistent layout. Use the same font, size, and layout throughout the cover letter.
  3. Do include proper spacing. Make use of single lines or 1.15 line spacing and allow enough white space between paragraphs so that the letter is simple to comprehend.
  4. Do include your contact information on the front of your letter. It should include your address, name, phone number, and email address.
  5. Personalize the letter. The name of the manager you’re hiring if possible, and tailor the letter to the specific job and the company the job you’re interested in.

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

  1. Don’t use a template. Every cover letter must be unique and customized to the specific job and company you’re applying for.
  2. Limit the letter to one page. Keep your letter short and straight to the point.
  3. Avoid using fancy layouts. Stick to a simple, professional layout.
  4. Make sure to proofread your letter. Double-check grammar and spelling mistakes before you send the letter.
  5. Don’t forget to acknowledge the note.

While it’s crucial to be aware of the format the cover letter you write, it can be time-consuming and overwhelming to do it yourself. That’s why a professional resume writing service like Bathurst Resume comes in. Our team of specialists knows how to design your cover letter to make you stand out among the competition. We’ll handle the formatting, so you can focus on the content that you want to convey in the cover letter.

Our team will help you to tailor your cover letter to match the job{ and company|| and the company| or company} the job you’re applying to. Furthermore, we’ll check for spelling and grammar mistakes as well as ensure your letter is concise as well as easy for readers to comprehend.

A well-written cover letter could make all the difference in your job search. By adhering to the do’s & don’ts of cover letter formatting and possibly hiring a professional company like Bathurst Resume to handle the formatting on your behalf You’ll be on the way to writing a cover letter that will help to stand out in the competitors. Don’t hesitate to contact us at 1300 202 475 or use the contact form to get in touch for any queries.

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