Formal Cover Letter Do's and don'ts

Posted by Mackay Resume on 3 Dec 2025

When it comes to the process of applying for a job an impressive resume and cover letter is crucial. However, just having great content doesn’t suffice. The layout that you write your letter in is just as important as the content. A poorly-formatted cover letter will leave a negative impression on the manager who is hiring While a professionally formatted one can make you stand out among the competitors. In this article, we’ll go over the rules and guidelines for formatting your cover letter and also discuss the reasons why it might be beneficial to let an experienced professional such as Mackay Resume handle the formatting for you.

The first thing to discuss is the basics of cover letter format.

  1. Do use a professional font. Times New Roman, Arial as well as Calibri are all options. Avoid using too extravagant or hard-to-read fonts.
  2. Do use a consistent layout. Make use of the same font, the size of the font, and formatting in the letter of cover.
  3. Do include proper spacing. Utilize single, or 1.15 line spacing, and allow sufficient white space in between the paragraphs to make your letter easy to read.
  4. Do include your contact information near the beginning of the letters. Include your name, address telephone number, address, and email address.
  5. Make sure to personalize your letter. The name of the manager you’re hiring If you can, and tailor the letter to the specific job and company the job you’re interested in.

Let’s get to the don’ts of cover letter layout.

  1. Don’t make use of a template. Each cover letter should be unique and specific to the specific position and organization you’re applying to.
  2. Don’t exceed one page. Keep your letter short and straight to the essence.
  3. Do not use fancy formatting. Keep it simple and professional layout.
  4. Don’t forget to proofread. Double-check grammar and spelling errors prior to sending your letter.
  5. Don’t forget to sign the letter.

While it’s essential to be aware of the format in your resume cover letter it’s laborious and difficult to complete it yourself. That’s why a professional resume writing service such as Mackay Resume comes in. Our team of specialists knows how to structure an effective cover letter that will make you stand out among the other applicants. We’ll take care of the formatting, so you can focus on the contents in your cover letter.

In addition, our team will help you to tailor your cover letter to the specific job or company which you’re applying. Furthermore, we’ll check for spelling and grammar mistakes and make sure that your cover letter is succinct easily read.

A well-written cover letter can make all an impact on your search for a job. By adhering to the do’s & nots of the format of your cover letter and perhaps hiring a professional company like Mackay Resume to handle the formatting on your behalf, you’ll be on your way to writing a cover letter that can help you stand out from the other applicants. Don’t hesitate to call us at 1300 291 293 or use the contact form to get in touch should you have any concerns.

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5 Things to Know and Avoid for creating the perfect cover letter

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