How to format a cover letter: Do's and Don'ts
When it comes to applying for a job, well-written resumes and cover letter is essential. However, just having great content isn’t enough. The format of the cover letter you send out is as important as the content itself. A badly formatted cover letter could leave a bad impression on the hiring manager, while a well-formatted one can make your company stand out from the other applicants. In this post, we’ll look at the best practices and pitfalls of the format of your cover letters, and then discuss why it could be beneficial to let an experienced professional such as Nelson Bay Resume handle the formatting for you.
First, let’s talk about the rules of formatting a cover letter.
- Do use a professional font. Times New Roman, Arial, and Calibri are all options. Avoid using overly fancy or hard-to-read fonts.
- Do use a consistent layout. Use the same font, the size of the font, and formatting throughout the cover letter.
- Do include proper spacing. Utilize single, or 1.15 line spacing. Also, leave ample white spaces between each paragraph so that the letter is easy to read.
- Include your contact details near the beginning of the letters. This should include your name, address along with your telephone number and email address.
- Do personalize the letter. Make use of the name of the hiring manager as much as you can, and customize your letter to match the job and company which you’re applying.
Now, let’s talk about the dos and don’ts of cover letters layout.
- Don’t use a template. Each cover letter should be unique and tailored to the specific job and business you’re applying to.
- Do not exceed one page. Keep the letter concise and straight to the main point.
- Don’t go overboard with your formatting. Stick to a simple, professional layout.
- Don’t forget to proofread. Double-check grammar and spelling mistakes prior to sending the letter.
- Don’t forget to sign the letter.
While it’s important to pay attention to the structure for your letter of cover, it’s laborious and difficult to complete it yourself. That’s where professional resume writing services like Nelson Bay Resume comes in. Our team of specialists knows how to structure an effective cover letter that will allow you to stand out the competition. We’ll handle the formatting, so you can concentrate on the content that you want to convey in the cover letter.
In addition, our team can help you tailor your cover letter to the specific job and company which you’re applying. In addition, we’ll review for grammar and spelling errors as well as ensure your letter is clear easily read.
A well-written cover letter can make all it’s worth in your career search. By adhering to the do’s & do’s of formatting your cover letter or perhaps employing a professional such as Nelson Bay Resume to handle the formatting for you and you’ll be well on your way to creating a cover letter that makes you stand out from your other applicants. Don’t hesitate to call us on 1300 202 475 or use the contact form to contact us with any questions you may have.
