The Formatting of Cover Letters: What to Do and Not To Do
When applying for a job, a well-written resume and cover letter are crucial. However, simply having good content doesn’t suffice. The structure of the cover letter you send out is as important as the content itself. A poorly-formatted cover letter can make a bad impression on the hiring manager and a properly formatted one can make you stand out among the other applicants. In this article, we’ll discuss the do’s and don’ts of cover letter formatting, and also discuss the reasons why it might be beneficial to let a professional like Manukau Resume handle the formatting for you.
First, let’s talk about the rules of formatting your cover letters.
- Make sure you use a professional font. Times New Roman, Arial, as well as Calibri are all good options. Beware of using too fancy or hard-to-read fonts.
- Do use a consistent layout. Use the same font font size, and formatting throughout the cover letter.
- Do include proper spacing. Utilize single, or 1.15 line spacing and allow sufficient white space in between the paragraphs to make the text simple to comprehend.
- Include your contact information in the upper right-hand corner of the email. This should include your name, address along with your telephone number and email address.
- Personalize the letter. Include the name of the hiring manager as much as you can, and customize your letter to the job you’re applying to.
Now, let’s discuss the dos and don’ts of cover letters formatting.
- Do not use a template. Each cover letter should be unique and customized to the particular job and organization you’re applying to.
- Don’t exceed one page. Keep the letter concise and to the essence.
- Avoid using fancy layouts. Use a simple, professional layout.
- Do not forget to proofread. Double-check for spelling and grammar errors before sending the letter.
- Make sure to acknowledge the note.
While it’s important to pay attention to the structure the cover letter you write, it can be difficult and time-consuming to write it yourself. That’s why professional resume writing services such as Manukau Resume comes in. Our team of experts knows how to structure the perfect cover letter that will ensure that you stand out from your competition. We’ll handle the formatting, so you can focus on the contents the letter.
Additionally, our team can help you tailor your cover letter to fit the job or company you’re applying to. In addition, we’ll review for grammar and spelling mistakes as well as ensure your letter is concise as well as easy for readers to comprehend.
A well-written cover letter can make all an impact on your search for a job. If you follow the do’s and nots of the format of your cover letter and perhaps hiring a professional service like Manukau Resume to handle the formatting on your behalf and you’ll be well on your way to writing a cover letter that makes you stand out among the crowd. Don’t hesitate to call us at 0800 024 129 or use the contact form to get in touch if you have any questions.
