The Formatting of Cover Letters: What to Do and Not To Do

Posted by Bendigo Resume on 19 May 2026

When you are applying for jobs, a well-written resume and cover letter is essential. But, having good content doesn’t suffice. The format of your cover letter is as important 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 crowd. In this article, we’ll cover the do’s and don’ts of the formatting of your cover letter, and also discuss the reasons why it might be beneficial to have an experienced professional such as Bendigo Resume handle the formatting for you.

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

  1. Do make sure to use a professional typeface. Times New Roman, Arial, and Calibri are all options. Avoid using too extravagant or difficult to read fonts.
  2. Do use a consistent layout. Use the same font size, and layout for the covering letter.
  3. Do include proper spacing. Utilize single, or 1.15 lines, and make sure you leave plenty of white space to make the letter easy to read.
  4. Include your contact information in the upper right-hand corner of the email. Include your name, address, phone number, and email.
  5. Make sure to personalize your letter. Make use of the name of the hiring manager If possible, and then tailor the letter to the particular position and company that you’re applying for.

Now, let’s talk about the dos and don’ts of cover letters design.

  1. Don’t make use of a template. Each cover letter should be unique and specific to the specific job and company you’re applying for.
  2. Don’t exceed one page. Keep the letter brief and straight to the point.
  3. Do not use fancy formatting. Keep it simple and professional layout.
  4. Don’t neglect to proofread. Double-check spelling and grammar mistakes prior to sending the letter.
  5. Make sure to acknowledge the note.

While it’s crucial to be aware of the structure for your letter of cover, it can be difficult and time-consuming to write it yourself. That’s where professional resume writing services like Bendigo Resume comes in. Our team of experts know how to write a cover letter that will help you stand out from your competition. We’ll take care of the formatting so that you can focus on the content in your cover letter.

Our team can help you tailor your cover letter to fit the job which you’re applying. 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.

In the end, a well-formatted cover letter will make all it’s worth in your career search. By following the do’s and do’s of formatting your cover letter and maybe hiring a professional service like Bendigo Resume to handle the formatting for you then you’ll be on your way to creating a cover letter that makes to stand out in the other applicants. Don’t hesitate to call us on 03 5420 1572 or use the contact form to reach us should you have any concerns.

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