5 Things to Know and Avoid for Formatting the Perfect Cover Letter

Posted by Rotorua Resume on 6 Mar 2026

If you’re applying for a job, an impressive resume and cover letter are essential. However, simply having good content doesn’t suffice. The structure that you write your letter in is as important as the content itself. A poorly formatted cover letter could leave a bad impression on the hiring manager and a properly formatted one will help your company stand out from the crowd. In this article, we’ll cover the rules and guidelines for cover letter formatting, and discuss why it may be beneficial to have professionals such as Rotorua Resume handle the formatting for you.

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

  1. Do make sure to use a professional typeface. 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. Use 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 lines, and ensure that you leave enough white space between paragraphs to make the letter easier to understand.
  4. Include your contact details on the front of your letter. This should include your name, address along with your telephone number and email.
  5. Make sure to personalize your letter. Include the name of the hiring manager If you can, and tailor your letter to match the job and company the job you’re interested in.

Now, let’s discuss the don’ts of cover letter format.

  1. Use a sample. Every cover letter must be unique and specific to the job you’re applying for and the company you’re applying for.
  2. Don’t exceed one page. Keep the letter concise and straight to the essence.
  3. Avoid using fancy layouts. Choose a simple, professional layout.
  4. Do not forget to proofread. Double-check for spelling and grammar mistakes before you send the letter.
  5. Make sure to acknowledge the letter.

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. This is where a professional resume writing service like Rotorua Resume comes in. Our team of professionals knows how to structure your cover letter to help you stand out from the crowd. We’ll take care of the formatting so that you can focus on the contents in your cover letter.

In addition, our team can help you tailor your cover letter to the specific job or company the job you’re applying to. In addition, we’ll review for grammar and spelling mistakes, and make sure your letter is short easily read.

In the end, a properly formatted cover letter can be the difference in your job search. By adhering to the do’s & do’s of formatting your cover letter and possibly hiring a professional service like Rotorua Resume to handle the formatting for you then you’ll be on your way to writing a professional cover letter that helps to stand out in the competitors. Don’t hesitate to call us at 0800 024 129 or use the contact form to get in touch if you have any questions.

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The importance of formatting in Cover Letter Writing

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