Applying for a job is like meeting someone for the first time—you want to make a great impression. Your cover letter is that first handshake, that opening line, and that chance to grab attention. But what happens if it’s too cluttered, unstructured, or generic? You risk being overlooked.
A well-formatted cover letter doesn’t just look good—it ensures your key points shine. In this guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know about formatting your cover letter to make it compelling, engaging, and professional. And if you want expert assistance, Write Right’s cover letter writing services are here to craft one that gets you noticed.
Why Does Cover Letter Formatting Matter?
Imagine you’re receiving an invitation to an important event. If it’s messy, misaligned, or written in Comic Sans, you probably won’t take it seriously. The same applies to your cover letter—if it’s poorly formatted, hiring managers might not even read it.
A well-structured cover letter:
- Looks professional and polished
- Enhances readability, making it easy to skim
- Highlights key information effectively
If you’re unsure how to format yours, Write Right’s cover letter writing services ensure you make a lasting first impression.
Cover Letter Formatting: The Key Components
1. Start with Your Contact Information (Header)
Your cover letter should start with your contact details, just like your resume. Here’s what to include:
- Your Full Name
- Phone Number
- Email Address (Make sure it’s professional—no funky nicknames!)
- LinkedIn Profile (if applicable)
- City & State (Optional)
Example:
Priya Sharma
priya.sharma@email.com
(123) 456-7890
linkedin.com/in/priyasharma
Mumbai, India Want a sleek, professional cover letter template? Write Right’s experts can create one that matches your industry and job role.
2. Add the Date
Always include the date before addressing your recipient. Hiring managers want to see when you applied—especially if job postings have deadlines.
Example:
March 17, 20253. Address the Hiring Manager Properly
Nothing says “I didn’t put in effort” like a generic To Whom It May Concern. Always try to find the hiring manager’s name.
If you know the name:
Dear Mr. Kapoor,If you don’t know the name:
Dear Hiring Manager,
Pro Tip: Write Right’s professional writers research and personalize every cover letter to make it stand out.
4. Write an Engaging Opening Paragraph
Your opening paragraph needs to hook the reader. Keep it concise but impactful—mention the job title, where you found it, and why you’re excited about the role.
Example:
“I was thrilled to see the opening for a Marketing Associate at ABC Corp. As a recent graduate with a strong passion for digital marketing and brand storytelling, I believe my skills in content creation and data-driven strategy make me a great fit for this role.”
Not sure how to craft a compelling opening? Let Write Right do it for you!
5. Highlight Your Relevant Skills & Experience (Body Paragraphs)
Here’s where you showcase why you’re the best candidate. Don’t repeat your resume—expand on key achievements.
Use a mix of hard and soft skills: Increased social media engagement by 30% through targeted content campaigns.
Managed a team of 5 interns, improving project turnaround time by 20%.
Strong communication and adaptability skills, honed through various projects.
Struggling to make your experience sound impressive? Write Right knows how to frame your achievements to impress recruiters.
6. End with a Strong Closing Paragraph
Your closing paragraph should leave a lasting impression. Express enthusiasm, request an interview, and thank the hiring manager.
Example:
“I’m excited about the opportunity to bring my skills and passion for marketing to ABC Corp. I would love the chance to discuss how my experience aligns with your needs. Thank you for your time, and I look forward to hearing from you.”
Need the perfect closing line? Write Right’s cover letter experts customize every ending to make sure you stand out.
7. Use a Professional Closing Signature
Keep it simple and professional:
Sincerely, Priya Sharma
If submitting via email, include your contact details below your name.
Cover Letter Formatting Do’s and Don’ts
DO keep your cover letter to one page.
DO use professional fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman (11–12pt).
DO match your resume formatting for consistency.
DO customize your cover letter for each job application.
DO proofread carefully—typos are a dealbreaker.
DON’T start every sentence with “I” (Focus on what you can bring to the company).
DNO’T copy-paste the same cover letter for every job.
DON’T include irrelevant personal details.
DON’T make it too long—hiring managers skim!
Want to ensure your cover letter is flawless? Write Right offers expert proofreading and editing services!
Final Thoughts
Formatting a cover letter correctly is crucial to making a strong impression. A well-structured cover letter isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about making your application easy to read, engaging, and memorable.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure, Write Right’s cover letter writing services are here to help. Our experts ensure your cover letter is professionally crafted, keyword-optimized, and tailored for your dream job.
Ready to land more interviews? Contact Write Right today and let us craft the perfect cover letter for you!
FAQs About Cover Letter Formatting
Q: Should I send my cover letter as a PDF or Word doc?
A: PDF is the safest choice to keep formatting intact.
Q: Can I use bullet points in my cover letter?
A: Yes! Bullet points can highlight key achievements while maintaining readability.
Q: Should my cover letter match my resume’s design?
A: Absolutely! A consistent format looks more professional.
Q: Is a cover letter necessary if the job posting doesn’t ask for one?
A: Yes! A strong cover letter can set you apart from other applicants.
Still have questions? Write Right provides personalized guidance to craft job-winning cover letters.
