How to Format a Cover Letter

With a cover letter, presentation counts almost as much as selling yourself with great content. Create your cover letter with a few basic format rules in mind, and you just might find yourself being called for an interview. Read on to learn more.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Word processing program
• Resumé

Format a Cover Letter

1. Format your cover letter like a professional business letter, even if you are sending it through email. You should plan on including a copy of the letter pasted directly into the email, as well as attached as a separate document.

2. Address the letter to the proper contact person. This may require a bit of legwork on your part to discover the correct name, but it shows professionalism and a sense of seriousness.

3. Include no more than 3 to 5 paragraphs, depending on the primary focus of the letter. The first paragraph should include why you are sending your resumé, where you heard about the opening and a brief explanation about why you are drawn to the position or company. The middle paragraphs should focus on marketing yourself, while the last paragraph should include any closing remarks and the best way to contact you.

4. Use a normal size font that is easy to read. Keep the font between 10 and 12 points, with 11 points being the standard size. A letter crammed with useful information will be ignored if it is in tiny unreadable script, which means your resumé will be ignored as well.

5. Design your cover letter to fit on a single page. Margins should average 3/4-inch all around. Adjust these margins to create a visually balanced cover letter, while keeping it on a single page.

6. Use interesting layouts like tables and columns to add individuality to a cover letter. While these less-formal styles may not be perfect for every cover letter, a non-standard format makes your application stand out from all the others.

7. Consider including a postscript to grab the reader's eye. The note should mention your number one selling point as it relates to the company. If you are mailing or faxing your resume, hand write the note for a personal touch.

8. Take a step back and look at your cover letter without reading it. If it looks clean and inviting, then your format probably works. If the letter appears sloppy or heavy, then you should put a little more work into it. Try to create a strong visual first impression.

Tips & Warnings

• Match your cover letter design and typography to your resumé by using the same letterhead and paper, if possible.