Skip to content
Overview of Cover Letter Format
The format of a letter refers to the way the letter is arranged on the page. The format includes spacing, indentation, margins, and more.
When writing a cover letter, spacing is important regardless of the form of your letter. An email cover letter should be properly formatted just like a written cover letter.
Read below to learn the principles of cover letter formatting and the general format for both written cover letters and email cover letters. Two sample cover letters are included, one for a written letter and another for an email cover letter.
Cover Letter Spacing Principles
Format your email cover letter just like a traditional business letter, with spacing between each paragraph and your signature. Align the cover letter to the left. Space the paragraphs in your cover letter or email cover letter. When sending a written letter, include a handwritten signature and a typed signature adjacent to it. When sending an email, follow your signature with your contact information. If you have a formatted email signature, use it to close your message.
Note: Your cover letter should be one page or less. Use a readable font size of 10 or 12 points, such as Times New Roman, Calibri, or Arial.
How to Use Cover Letter Samples and Templates
Cover letter examples and templates can help you visualize the layout of your letter. They also show you the elements you should include, such as introductions and key paragraphs.
In addition to helping with your layout, cover letter examples and templates can assist you in understanding the type of content you should include in your document, such as a brief explanation of your background.
You should use a template or example as a starting point for your letter. However, you should always customize your cover letter to reflect your skills and abilities and the specific job you are applying for.
Note: Remember that hiring managers want candidates who are passionate about the specific job, not just any job. Use your cover letter as a sales document to convince the hiring team that you are the right person for the position.
Review of Cover Letter Samples
Below is an example of a properly formatted written letter, along with a sample email letter.
Formatting space for the printed document:
Your Name
Your Street Address
Your City, State ZIP Code
Your Phone Number
Your Email Address
Date
Dear Hiring Manager:
First paragraph: The first paragraph of your letter should include information about why you are writing. Mention the position you are applying for.
Middle paragraphs: The following paragraphs in your cover letter should describe what you have to offer the employer. Make strong connections between your abilities and their needs. Use several short paragraphs or bullet points instead of a large block of text. Keep spacing between paragraphs but leave a space between each paragraph.
Final paragraph: Conclude your cover letter by thanking the employer for considering you for the position.
Signature: Sincerely,
Signature (handwritten)
Signature (typed)
Formatting space for the email letter:
Subject: Your Name – Job Application
Dear Hiring Manager:
First paragraph: The first paragraph of your letter should include information about why you are writing. Mention the position you are applying for.
Middle paragraphs: The following paragraphs in your cover letter should describe what you have to offer the employer. Provide details about your qualifications for the job. Keep spacing between paragraphs but leave a space between each paragraph.
Final paragraph: Conclude your cover letter by thanking the hiring manager for considering you for the position.
Signature: Include your contact information in your signature at the bottom of the email.
Sincerely,
Best regards,
Your Name
____________
First Name Last Name
Email Address
Phone
LinkedIn Profile (optional)
Was this page helpful?
Thank you for your feedback! Let us know why! Last
Sources:
The Balance uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts in our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we verify facts and maintain the accuracy, reliability, and quality of our content.
Jobvite. “2017 Job Seeker Nation Survey,” page 19. Accessed June 15, 2021.
Nancy M. Schullery, Linda Ickes, and Stephen E. Schullery. “Employer Preferences for Resumes and Cover Letters,” Business and Professional Communication Quarterly. Accessed June 15, 2021.
More:
How to Format a Cover Letter (with Examples)
Cover Letter Layout Example and Formatting Tips
Cover Letter Template for Resume
How to Format a Cover Letter via Email
What to Include in the Body Section of a Cover Letter
How to Write a Cover Letter for an Unadvertised Job
How to Address a Cover Letter with Examples
How to Write a Job Application Letter (with Examples)
Top 10 Tips for Writing a Cover Letter
Letter Format Example and Writing Tips
How to Sign a Cover Letter (with Examples of Signatures)
Cover Letter Examples for Internships and Writing Tips
What to Include in a Cover Letter for a Job
Email Application Letter Examples
Job Application Letter Format and Writing Tips
How to Write a Cover Letter for a Job
The Balance
Follow Us
Budgeting
Investing
Mortgages
Economy
Banking
Small Business
Financial Terms Dictionary
About Us
Privacy Policy
Editorial Principles
Terms of Service
Diversity and Inclusion Commitment
Advertising
Jobs
Contact Us
The Balance is part of the Dotdash Meredith publishing family.
Please review our updated terms of service.
Subscribe to the newsletter
Subscribe to the newsletter
Source: https://www.thebalancemoney.com/cover-letter-spacing-guidelines-2060310
Leave a Reply