Formal Cover Letter Do's and don'ts

Posted by Bathurst Resume on 25 Mar 2026

When the process of applying for a job having a professional resume and cover letter is essential. But, having good content isn’t enough. The format of the cover letter you send out is just as important as your content. A cover letter that is poorly formatted can make a bad impression on the manager who is hiring however a well-formatted cover letter can make you stand out from your crowd. In this article, we’ll cover the best practices and pitfalls of cover letter formatting, and discuss why it may be beneficial to let a professional like Bathurst Resume handle the formatting for you.

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

  1. Use a professional font. Times New Roman, Arial and Calibri are all excellent choices. Avoid using fancy fonts or hard-to-read fonts.
  2. Do use a consistent layout. Make use of the same font, the size of the font, and formatting for the covering letter.
  3. Do include proper spacing. Choose single line or 1.15 lines, and ensure that you leave sufficient white space in between the paragraphs to make the text simple to comprehend.
  4. Include your contact information at the top of the letter. Include your address, name telephone number, address, and email.
  5. Personalize the letter. Use the hiring manager’s name If possible, and then tailor your letter to match the job and the company which you’re applying.

Now, let’s talk about the rules of cover letter layout.

  1. Don’t use a template. Every cover letter must be unique and customized to the particular job and business you’re applying to.
  2. Don’t go over one page. Keep the letter brief and to the point.
  3. Do not use fancy formatting. Use 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 acknowledge the note.

While it’s crucial to be aware of the format in your resume cover letter it can be difficult and time-consuming to write it yourself. That’s why professional resume writing services such as Bathurst Resume comes in. Our team of professionals knows how to structure an effective cover letter that will ensure that you stand out from your competition. We’ll handle the formatting so that you can focus on the contents that you want to convey in the cover letter.

In addition, our team can assist you in tailoring your letter of cover to the particular job and company the job you’re applying to. We’ll also check for grammar and spelling errors and make sure that your letter is concise easily read.

A well-written cover letter could make all an impact on your search for a job. By adhering to the do’s and do’s of formatting your cover letter and possibly hiring a professional like Bathurst Resume to handle the formatting on your behalf You’ll be on the way to creating a cover letter that makes to stand out in the competition. Contact us at 1300 202 475 or use the contact form to get in touch should you have any concerns.

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