5 Tips and Do's for creating the perfect cover letter

Posted by Wellington Resume on 7 Jan 2026

If you’re applying for a job, having a professional resume and cover letter are crucial. However, simply having good content doesn’t suffice. The format that you write your letter in is just as important as the content itself. A badly formatted cover letter can make a bad impression on the manager who is hiring While a professionally formatted one will help your application stand out from the crowd. In this article, we’ll discuss the do’s and don’ts of formatting your cover letter and discuss why it may be beneficial to have professionals such as Wellington Resume handle the formatting for you.

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

  1. Do use a professional font. Times New Roman, Arial, and Calibri are all great choices. Avoid using too extravagant or hard-to-read fonts.
  2. Do use a consistent layout. Make use of the same font, size, and layout throughout the cover letter.
  3. Do include proper spacing. Use single or 1.15 line spacing, and make sure you leave sufficient white space in between the paragraphs to make the text easy to read.
  4. Include your contact information near the beginning of the letters. It should include your address, name, phone number, and email.
  5. Make sure to personalize your letter. Use the hiring manager’s name If possible, and then tailor the letter to the particular job and company which you’re applying.

Let’s get to the rules of cover letter layout.

  1. Don’t make use of a template. Every cover letter must be unique and specific to the specific job and company you’re applying to.
  2. Don’t exceed one page. Keep your letter short and to the main point.
  3. Don’t use overly fancy formatting. Use a simple, professional layout.
  4. Don’t neglect to proofread. Double-check spelling and grammar mistakes prior to sending the letter.
  5. Make sure to acknowledge the letter.

While it’s important to be aware of the format in your resume cover letter it’s time-consuming and overwhelming to do it yourself. That’s where professional resume writing services such as Wellington Resume comes in. Our team of experts knows how to design your cover letter to make you stand out among your competition. We’ll take care of the formatting so that you can focus on the contents in your cover letter.

In addition, our staff will help you to tailor your cover letter to match the job which you’re applying. Furthermore, we’ll check for spelling and grammar mistakes as well as ensure your letter is clear easily read.

A well-written cover letter will make all the difference in your job search. By adhering to the do’s & nots of the format of your cover letter and perhaps hiring a professional like Wellington Resume to handle the formatting on your behalf You’ll be on the path to creating a cover letter that will help you stand out among the other applicants. Don’t hesitate to contact us at 0800 215 100 or use the contact form to contact us should you have any concerns.

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Cover Letter Formatting Do's and Don'ts

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