how to format a cover letter

How To Format A Cover Letter

A well-written cover letter shows your professionalism and attention to detail. One of the most important aspects of a great cover letter is its formatting.

However, most of the candidates overlook this essential step.

They focus on qualifications and experience, while submitting a document with poor presentation, unclear structure, and unreadable layouts.

From adding personal greetings to wrapping it up on one page, formatting a cover letter requires a lot of work.

A proper cover letter format ensures a strong first impression on the employer and increases the chances of an interview.

So if you are about to submit your cover letter, keep reading to make the right formatting changes at the right time!

What Are Some Cover Letter Writing Tips?

A cover letter is a professional document that provides a detailed overview of your professional journey. It works as a persuasive introduction that reveals your personality to the recruiter.

When done right, this document can distinguish you from other candidates and increase your chances of getting the job role.

The most effective cover letter tips for writing a great one include:

  • Tailoring it to the specific job role
  • Incorporating keywords from the job description
  • Demonstrating your accomplishments

Many candidates struggle to understand the precise requirements; that is why they choose a professional cover letter writer.

What Is The Correct Cover Letter Format?

An appropriate cover letter format includes six major sections that include:

  • A header with your contact details
  • Salutation
  • Opening paragraph
  • Body paragraph
  • Closing paragraph
  • Professional sign off

Why Job Cover Letter Format Matters?

Job cover letter format is critical because it not only looks good but also plays a crucial role in getting your application noticed.

From recruiters to AI systems, proper formatting helps in getting your cover letter noticed instantly.

Before focusing on layout and presentation, it is important to understand why a cover letter is essential for your job application and how it supports your resume during the hiring process.

Here is why cover letter formatting is essential, as with any other step,

  • A well-structured layout shows your seriousness about the job role
  • It demonstrates that you are capable of creating professional business documents
  • Formatting improves the readability and efficiency of your documents
  • Results in a cohesive and well-polished document
  • Ensures that your resume is ATS optimized by capturing the keywords
  • Makes it easier for the recruiter to locate your information on the document

A poorly formatted cover lettercan lead to rejection, even if you are a qualified candidate.

What Should Be The Length Of A Cover Letter Samples?

Hiring managers prioritize documents that deliver your unique value proposition instantly. Your cover letter samples should be:

  • Covered within one page only
  • Written in 3-5 short paragraphs
  • Have 240-400 words maximum

What Spacing And Margins Should Be Used In A Cover Letter For Job Application?

Spacing is important for your cover letter for job application. White space ensures that your document is readable. The sections have enough space to breath and each paragraph doesn’t overwhelm the reader.

Remember the following spacing guidelines while formatting your resume:

  • The text should be single-spaced
  • One-inch margins on all sides of the document’s page
  • Left-aligned text for convenient reading

What Font Should Be Used In Cover Letter Outline?

The font and font size affect how the recruiter gets to read your document. While writing a cover letter outline, you need to keep the font simple. Instead of using fancy fonts, try these:

  • Arial
  • Calibri
  • Verdana
  • Times New Roman
  • Helvetica

The right font type ensures that your document is easily analyzed and read by the applicant tracking systems. Remember, the wrong choice can make it difficult for them to interpret the most important information related to you.

What Is The Recommended Font Size- A Cover Letter Help

For easy reading, the most recommended font size is 10.5 to 12 points. With this cover letter help, you can ensure readability.

What File Format Should I Use For Short Cover Letter Sample?

Using a compatible file format is necessary to ensure that your document’s layout remains intact.

  • The most recommended file format is PDF or Word docx
  • If any other file format is specifically mentioned, you should use it
  • Don’t submit your file with a random name, such as ( Document 1)

To ensure that the hiring manager remembers your name and can reach out to you easily, you need to follow this naming format in your short cover letter sample.

First name-Lastname-Cover-Letter.pdf

What Is The Most Used Cover Letter Structure And Cover Letter Outline?

Most of the cover letters follow an industry-specific format that makes a candidate appear more capable and qualified. It comprises the six essential sections that are mentioned below by professional CV writers.

Header Section In A Cover Letter for a Job Application

The first section of a well-formatted cover letter will include some basic information about you and the recruiter. You need to align the header at the top-left corner of the page. The details include:

  • Full Name
  • Address
  • Phone Number
  • Professional Email Address
  • Employers Name
  • Company Name
  • Address

The Greeting Format In A Basic Cover Letter

Make sure to use a professional salutation for the employer. Try finding their name through LinkedIn and write,

Dear [Hiring Manager’s Full Name]

If you are unable to find their name, the most recommended way is to write:

Dear Hiring Manager,

Make sure to avoid traditional greetings in your basic cover letter such as:

  • “To Whom It May Concern.”
  • “Hi, Hello”

How To Write An Effective Cover Letter Opening Paragraph

The opening paragraph should instantly grab the attention of the employer. In this section, you need to express your excitement and enthusiasm for the job role.

For writing an effective cover letter opening paragraph, you should:

  • State the job title
  • Mention where you found the job
  • Provide a summary of your professional profile

Remember to use the keywords present in the job posting to present yourself as the ideal candidate.

Resume And Cover Letter Help For Body Paragraph

The body paragraph is your chance to explain why you are the ideal candidate for the job role. Here is what you need to include it according to professional resume and cover letter help:

  • Your job experience
  • The skills that align with the job requirements
  • Professional achievements
  • Transferable skills
  • Add metrics in between sentences
  • Begin with strong action verbs

Make sure to use one achievement in each paragraph, keep each paragraph short, and avoid dense blocks of text!

In case of a longer section, you can choose to break it into bullet points when needed for a professional cover letter format.

Closing Paragraphs In A Professional Yet Simple Cover Letter

The closing paragraph should show confidence. You need to reinforce your interest and encourage action while keeping your tone polite.

For a strong and simple cover letter closing:

  • Keep it brief
  • Express your interest in the job role
  • Appreciate them for their time and consideration

Writing An Effective Cover Letter Sign-Off

You need to use formal closing phrases and avoid casual phrases. The most common ones for a cover letter format include:

Sincerely:

  • Best Regards
  • Kind regards
  • Respectfully
  • Thank you for your consideration

ATS-Friendly Proper Cover Letter Format

Upto 90% of the employers are now using applicant tracking systems. Proper cover letter format is one of the key requirements for ATS.

Remember these tips to ensure that your cover letter can be easily read and ranked by the digital systems.

  • Make use of standard fonts
  • Avoid the use of tables, columns, and text boxes
  • Don’t add images
  • Add industry-specific keywords naturally

FAQS

Should the cover letter format change for different industries?

The cover letter format is standard across all industries. However, the wording and tone can change based on the type of industry. Some might allow for a formal tone, while others are flexible for using a creative approach.

Is a basic cover letter enough to make me stand out in the competitive job market?

Yes! If you have used a proper job cover letter format and tailored the content to the job role, there is a high chance that your resume will be attractive to recruiters! The recruiters prefer a professional layout and simple yet relevant content.

Can I use cover letter samples for my job application?

You can use them to get an idea of the job application; however, copying the samples verbatim can make your application sound inauthentic. It will lack originality even with a professional cover letter format.

Final Word

Recruiters are not looking for candidates with basic skills; they are seeking dedicated individuals who are passionate about their role. Submitting a clean, polished cover letter is one of the most effective ways to convey your professional story with impact. By implementing the cover letter format tips shared above, you can create a cover letter that flawlessly speaks to your excellence!