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

Posted by Rockhampton Resume on 23 Feb 2026

When you are the process of applying for a job well-written resumes and cover letter are essential. However, just having great content doesn’t suffice. The layout for your resume is as crucial as the content. A poorly-formatted cover letter can make a bad impression on the manager who is hiring, while a well-formatted one can help your application stand out from the other applicants. In this article, we’ll cover the rules and guidelines for the formatting of your cover letter, and discuss why it may be beneficial to let a professional like Rockhampton Resume handle the formatting for you.

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

  1. Make sure you use a professional font. 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, font size, and formatting for the covering letter.
  3. Do include proper spacing. Utilize single, or 1.15 line spacing. Also, leave sufficient white space in between the paragraphs to make the text easily read.
  4. Do include your contact information at the top of the letter. This should include your address, name as well as your phone number and email address.
  5. Personalize the letter. Use the hiring manager’s name If possible, and then tailor your letter to match the job and the company that you’re applying for.

Let’s discuss the essentials of cover letter design.

  1. Don’t make use of a template. Each cover letter should be unique and specific to the specific job and organization you’re applying to.
  2. Limit the letter to one page. Make sure the letter is concise and straight to the point.
  3. Avoid using fancy layouts. Choose a simple, professional layout.
  4. Don’t neglect to proofread. Double-check spelling and grammar mistakes before you send the letter.
  5. Don’t forget to sign the letter.

While it’s crucial to be aware of the format in your resume cover letter it’s difficult and time-consuming to write it yourself. This is where a professional resume writing service like Rockhampton Resume comes in. Our team of experts know how to write your cover letter to allow you to stand out the crowd. We’ll take care of the formatting so that you can focus on the content of your letter.

Our team will help you to tailor your cover letter to fit the job the job you’re applying to. Additionally, we’ll look for grammar and spelling mistakes and ensure that your cover letter is succinct and easy to read.

In the end, a properly formatted cover letter could make all it’s worth in your career search. By adhering to the do’s & guidelines for formatting your cover letters and maybe hiring a professional like Rockhampton Resume to handle the formatting on your behalf, you’ll be on your path to creating a cover letter that can help you stand out from your other applicants. Don’t hesitate to call us at 1300 993 659 or use the contact form to reach us should you have any concerns.

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