Cover Letter Format
Professional Guidelines
Learn how to format a cover letter that stands out and wins interviews with expert formatting guidelines
How to Format a Cover Letter
Master the essential cover letter formatting rules with our step-by-step guide for maximum impact.
Your contact information
Include your full name, phone number, email address, and LinkedIn profile. Place this information at the top of your cover letter for easy reference.
Recipient's contact information
Add the hiring manager's name, title, company name, and address. Research to find the specific person who will review your application.
Salutation
Use a professional greeting like "Dear Mr./Ms. [Last Name]" or "Dear Hiring Manager" if you can't find a specific name.
Opening paragraph
State the position you're applying for and briefly explain why you're interested. Include a compelling hook that grabs the reader's attention.
Body paragraphs
Detail your relevant experience, skills, and achievements. Use specific examples and metrics to demonstrate your value to the company.
Call to action
Express enthusiasm for an interview and indicate your availability. Thank the reader for their time and consideration.
Sign off
End with a professional closing like "Sincerely" or "Best regards," followed by your typed name and signature if submitting a hard copy.
Best Cover Letter Format
Create professional ATS-optimized cover letters using our expertly designed templates and formatting guidelines.
The best way to format a cover letter is with a professional cover letter template that you can customize with your information.
You can use one of our professionally designed templates to create a cover letter from scratch or generate one from the information in your resume.
Our cover letter templates organize your qualifications based on applicant tracking system (ATS) requirements, making it easy to write a professional cover letter in minutes.
In addition, our builder offers the following features:
Job-specific phrases
No matter the job you're applying for, we give you the right words and relevant skills you can incorporate with just one click.
Easy customization
Write a cover letter for every job application and save as many versions of it as you need.
Step-by-step guidance
Get suggestions and advice at every step to help you present your best self and get the job.
How to Format a Cover Letter for an Email
Learn the essential differences when sending your cover letter via email to ensure professional presentation.
Create a professional subject line:
If the employer doesn't give you specific instructions for submitting a cover letter for a job application, put the title of the position you're interested in and your name in the subject line.
Start with the salutation:
When you format a cover letter for an email message, you don't need to include the employer's mailing address. Skip straight to writing a formal greeting (e.g., "Dear Mrs. Jones").
Include your contact information at the bottom:
A professional format for a cover letter places your contact information underneath your sign-off in this order:
Phone Number
Email Address
LinkedIn Profile
Your email cover letter message should look like this:
Dear Mr./Ms. Last Name,
This is the opening paragraph of your cover letter. In this section, state the specific position you're interested in. In a few sentences, communicate who you are and the top qualifications that make you a good fit for the position.
In the body paragraphs, explain why you're interested in the job, and why the prospect of working with the company or organization attracts you. Mention specific aspects of the job or company that excite you, and explain why you think you'll fit in. Give more details about your skills and background and describe how you can apply them to the job.
Close your letter by reiterating your interest and enthusiasm in the position, and give the employer a call to action: Request the opportunity to meet and further discuss the position and your background. If you're attaching a resume to this message, mention it here.
Best regards,
Your full name
City and state of residence
Email address
Phone number
Job profile link (if available)
Learn more about how to format a cover letter for an email in our in-depth guide.
Cover Letter Formatting Tips
Follow a standard cover letter format to show professionalism. The magic is in the details: the margins, fonts and spacing. Follow these cover letter tips to ensure your cover letter looks great!
Margins
Our samples show you how to format a cover letter so the side, top and bottom margins are one inch all the way around.
Fonts
A proper cover letter format uses standard fonts such as Times New Roman, Helvetica or Arial, in 12-point size. Unusual fonts can confuse applicant tracking systems (ATS) that employers use to scan cover letters and resumes.
Spacing
As our cover letter examples demonstrate, your cover letter layout should be single-spaced, with a double space between paragraphs.
Alignment
Your text should be left-justified throughout your cover letter. The one exception to this might be your cover letter header, depending on the template you're using.
File Format
Unless the employer specifies a preferred format, it's advisable to save and send your cover letter as either a PDF or Word document. Use your name to save the cover letter; for example: "Your Name" or "YourName_Cover Letter."
Length
Keep your cover letter concise and focused. A professional cover letter should be no longer than one page, typically 3-4 paragraphs that highlight your most relevant qualifications and enthusiasm for the position.
Save your letter in our Cover Letter Generator in both formats and plain text.
Key Takeaways
Here's a quick recap so you can write the perfect cover letter and get an interview.
A cover letter format follows a straightforward business letter format.
Use 1-inch margins with a common font like Helvetica in 12-point size for maximum legibility.
Align the date and hiring manager's address at the top left under the cover letter heading.
Start with an attention-grabbing opening paragraph that shows interest in the position and confidence that you are the best fit.
There are two or three body paragraphs in a cover letter format. Use them to elaborate on why you're interested in the job and the skills you can bring.
Emphasize professional achievements and use numbers to make an impact.
Don't be afraid to invite the hiring manager to contact you for an interview in your cover letter closing.
Your letter should be one page and 500 words long.
A cover letter template makes creating a professional cover letter easy. Use one with our Cover Letter Builder, and we will format a cover letter for you.