How to Format a Cover Letter: A Step-by-Step Guide for 2025. A properly formatted cover letter can significantly impact the success of your job application. In today’s digital age, where hiring managers skim hundreds of applications, a polished, professional letter ensures you stand out. Below is a modern, actionable guide to formatting a cover letter that aligns with current standards, whether you’re applying for an entry-level role, internship, or senior position. Crafting a compelling cover letter is crucial in today’s competitive job market. It serves as your introduction to potential employers, highlighting your qualifications and enthusiasm for the role. Here’s an in-depth guide to formatting and writing an effective cover letter:
Format a cover letter.
1. Header
Your Contact Information:
- Full NameNew York Post+6YouTube+6Career Development+6
- Address (City, State, ZIP Code)Career Development
- Phone NumberPurdue OWL+15Reddit+15Job Search | Indeed+15
- Email Address
Date: Include the date of writing.Purdue OWL+5Home+5Penn Career Services+5
Employer’s Contact Information:
- Hiring Manager’s Name
- Company NameHarvard Business Review+3Wikipedia+3Home+3
- Company Address (City, State, ZIP Code)
Example:
2. Salutation
- If possible, kindly address the hiring manager by name. Use “Dear [First Name] [Last Name]:”
- If the name is unknown, “Dear Hiring Manager:” is acceptable.
Example:
- Please specify the position you are applying for and how you learnt about it.
- Express your enthusiasm for the role and the company.
Example:
4. Body Paragraphs
First Body Paragraph:
Example:
- Highlight your relevant experience and skills.
- Use specific examples to demonstrate your accomplishments.
Second Body Paragraph:
Example:
- Please describe how you are a good fit for the company culture and how your goals align with the company’s objectives.
5. Closing Paragraph
- Please express your continued interest in the position.
- Thank the hiring manager for considering your application.
- Could you please let us know your availability for an interview?
Example:
6. Closing and Signature
- Use a professional closing such as “Sincerely,”
- Leave space for your handwritten signature (if submitting a hard copy)
- Type your full name below the signature
Example:
Formatting Tips
- Font: Use professional fonts like Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri.
- Font Size: 11 or 12-point size ensures readability.
- Margins: Set one-inch margins on all sides.
- Alignment: Align text to the left, which is standard for business letters.Purdue OWL
- Spacing: Use single spacing within paragraphs and a blank line between paragraphs.
- Length: Keep the cover letter to one page.
Additional Considerations
- Tailoring: Customise your cover letter for each application to address the specific job requirements and company culture.
- Tone: Maintain a professional and positive tone throughout the letter.
- Proofreading: Carefully proofread your cover letter to eliminate grammatical errors and typos.
- Attachments: When emailing, attach the cover letter as a PDF to preserve formatting.
By following this detailed guide, you can create a compelling cover letter that effectively showcases your qualifications and enthusiasm for the position, increasing your chances of securing an interview.
