Formal Cover Letter Do's and don'ts

Posted by Bendigo Resume on 17 Sep 2025

When the process of applying for a job well-written resumes and cover letter is crucial. However, simply having good content doesn’t suffice. The design for your resume is just as crucial as the content. A badly formatted cover letter could leave a bad impression on your hiring manager and a properly 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 cover letter formatting, and explain why it could be beneficial to have an expert such as Bendigo Resume handle the formatting for you.

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

  1. Make sure you use a professional font. Times New Roman, Arial, and Calibri are all excellent choices. Avoid using too extravagant or difficult-to-read fonts.
  2. Do use a consistent layout. Make use of the same font, font size, and formatting across the entire cover letter.
  3. Do include proper spacing. Choose single line or 1.15 line spacing. Also, leave ample white spaces between each paragraph to make the letter simple to comprehend.
  4. Do include your contact information on the front of your letter. It should include your address, name along with your telephone number and email.
  5. Do personalize the letter. Include the name of the hiring manager If you can, and tailor the letter to the particular job and the company the job you’re interested in.

Now, let’s discuss the don’ts of cover letter layout.

  1. Use a sample. Each cover letter should be original and tailored to the specific position and organization you’re applying to.
  2. Do not exceed one page. Keep the letter concise and straight to the essential.
  3. Avoid using fancy layouts. Stick to a simple, professional layout.
  4. Don’t neglect to proofread. Double-check grammar and spelling mistakes before you send the letter.
  5. Don’t forget to acknowledge the note.

While it’s important to pay attention to the format of your cover letter, it can be tedious and stressful to complete it yourself. This is where professional resume writing services such as Bendigo Resume comes in. Our team of professionals knows how to structure an effective cover letter that will ensure that you stand out from the other applicants. We’ll take care of the formatting, so you can focus on the contents the letter.

Additionally, our team can help you tailor your letter of cover to the particular job and the company that you’re applying for. We’ll also check for spelling and grammar errors and make sure that your letter is short as well as easy for readers to comprehend.

In the end, a well-formatted cover letter can be an impact on your search for a job. By adhering to the do’s & don’ts of cover letter formatting and possibly hiring a professional like Bendigo 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 competitors. Don’t hesitate to call us at 03 5420 1572 or use the contact form to get in touch if you have any questions.

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