Formal Cover Letter Do's and don'ts

Posted by Mackay Resume on 18 Jun 2026

When you are the process of applying for a job well-written resumes and cover letter is crucial. However, simply having good content doesn’t suffice. The format for your resume is as important as the content. A poorly-formatted cover letter can leave a bad impression on the hiring manager however a well-formatted cover letter will make you stand out from your competitors. In this article, we’ll go over the important aspects of the format of your cover letters, and explain why it could be beneficial to have a professional like Mackay Resume handle the formatting for you.

First, let’s talk about the basics of formatting your cover letters.

  1. Use a professional font. Times New Roman, Arial as well as Calibri are all good options. Avoid using too extravagant or difficult-to-read fonts.
  2. Do use a consistent layout. Make use of the same font, size and format for the covering letter.
  3. Do include proper spacing. Use single or 1.15 line spacing and make sure you leave plenty of white space to make the letter easier to understand.
  4. Include your contact information on the front of your letter. It should include your name, address telephone number, address, and email.
  5. Do personalize the letter. Use the hiring manager’s name If you can, and tailor the letter to the specific job and company that you’re applying for.

Let’s get to the essentials of cover letter formatting.

  1. Do not use a template. Every cover letter should be unique and tailored to the job you’re applying for and the company you’re applying for.
  2. Limit the letter to one page. Keep your letter short and straight to the essence.
  3. Don’t go overboard with your formatting. Use a simple, professional layout.
  4. Do not forget to proofread. Double-check for spelling and grammar errors before sending the letter.
  5. Make sure to sign the letter.

While it’s important to pay attention to the structure in your resume cover letter it’s time-consuming and overwhelming to do it yourself. That’s where professional resume writing services like Mackay Resume comes in. Our team of experts know how to design your cover letter to make you stand out among the crowd. We’ll take care of the formatting so that you can focus on the contents that you want to convey in the cover letter.

In addition, our team can assist you in tailoring your cover letter to the specific job and the company which you’re applying. Furthermore, we’ll check for spelling and grammar mistakes and make sure that your letter is concise in its writing and simple to understand.

A well-written cover letter will make all you stand out in the job hunt. If you follow the do’s and don’ts of cover letter formatting and possibly employing a professional such as Mackay Resume to handle the formatting on your behalf then you’ll be on your path to creating a cover letter that helps to stand out in the other applicants. Don’t hesitate to call us at 1300 291 293 or use the contact form to reach us for any queries.

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

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