Formal Cover Letter Do's and don'ts

Posted by Bowral Resume on 9 Apr 2026

If you’re seeking a job, having a professional resume and cover letter is essential. However, simply having good content doesn’t suffice. The structure that you write your letter in is as crucial as the content. A poorly formatted cover letter will leave a negative impression on your hiring manager, while a well-formatted one can make your application stand out from the crowd. In this article, we’ll discuss the best practices and pitfalls of cover letter formatting, and explain why it could be beneficial to have an expert such as Bowral Resume handle the formatting for you.

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

  1. Use a professional font. Times New Roman, Arial, as well as Calibri are all options. Avoid using overly fancy or difficult to read fonts.
  2. Do use a consistent layout. Make use of the same font, the size of the font, and formatting throughout the cover letter.
  3. Do include proper spacing. Choose single line or 1.15 line spacing, and allow plenty of white space to make the text simple to comprehend.
  4. Do include your contact information on the front of your letter. This should include your name, address, phone number, and email address.
  5. Personalize the letter. Include the name of the hiring manager If you can, and tailor the letter to the specific job and the company you’re applying to.

Now, let’s talk about the don’ts of cover letter formatting.

  1. Don’t make use of a template. Every cover letter must be unique and tailored to the job you’re applying for and the business you’re applying to.
  2. Don’t go over one page. Make sure the letter is concise and straight to the essential.
  3. Do not use fancy formatting. Choose a simple, professional layout.
  4. Make sure to proofread your letter. Double-check spelling and grammar errors prior to sending your letter.
  5. Make sure to acknowledge the letter.

While it’s essential to pay attention to the format the cover letter you write, it’s difficult and time-consuming to write it yourself. This is where a professional resume writing service such as Bowral Resume comes in. Our team of professionals knows how to design the perfect cover letter that will ensure that you stand out from the competition. We’ll handle the formatting so that you can concentrate on the contents in your cover letter.

Additionally, our team can assist you in tailoring your cover letter to match the job you’re applying to. Furthermore, we’ll check for grammar and spelling mistakes, and make sure your letter is concise and easy to read.

A well-written cover letter will make all it’s worth in your career search. By adhering to the do’s & don’ts of cover letter formatting or perhaps employing a professional such as Bowral Resume to handle the formatting for you You’ll be on the way to writing a professional cover letter that helps you stand out from your other applicants. Contact us at 1300 202 475 or use the contact form to contact us if you have any questions.

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Cover Letter Formatting Do's and Don'ts

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