should a cover letter be single or double spaced

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Cover letter spacing: guidelines and examples

Cover letter spacing for printed, pdf, and email formats

Cover letter spacing for a printed or pdf document, cover letter spacing for an email message, letter document format, email format.

Cover letter spacing — it’s the invisible part of your effort to make a striking first impression in a job search . What isn’t seen on the page is pivotal to whether readers pay any attention to what they do see. The starkness of black text on white alone won’t do it. But the amount and distribution of white space can have a make-or-break impact on how your carefully crafted wording comes across.

Let’s take a closer look at why cover letter spacing is a vital formatting consideration. It should never be an afterthought, nor approached half-heartedly. Here’s what we’ll discuss:

Why is cover letter spacing important?

How can you optimize white space, simple guidelines for cover letter spacing.

• Cover letter spacing for printed or pdf documents
• Cover letter spacing in the body of an email

Cover letter spacing is important for the same reason white space is considered your best friend when designing and formatting any document. It’s about a negative element on the page  — nothing at all — having a positive impact. The absence of text naturally draws the reader’s eye to where the text appears. As a visual lure, this makes the page inviting to read. Experts contend that the uncluttered result can actually be calming.

Most of us know what “I need space” means when someone is feeling stifled, physically or psychologically. Have you ever pondered the fact that words on a page need space too? On the written page, both literally and figuratively, white space is as vital as the air that we breathe.  “White space is about letting your writing and your reader breathe,” says Writers Write blog author Mia Botha. “When your text forms a solid block it overwhelms your reader. The reader is negative about it before they even begin to read.”

The layout, design, and formatting of a document have a bearing on the amount of white space surrounding blocks of text on all sides, between lines of text, and between words or even characters. 

Adjustments to the following formatting settings will affect the spacing of cover letter text. 

• Margins — the most obvious white space areas on any document, framing the text on all outer edges of the page
• Indents — space between the margin (usually left) and text, typically to indicate a new paragraph or to format bullet points or numbered lists
• Line spacing — the separation between lines of text in a paragraph, typically single-spaced or double-spaced but can also be customized incrementally in between
• Paragraph spacing — the amount of space between paragraphs
• Text alignment — right, left, centered or justified alignment of text block edges in relation to the side margins

Here are some other ideas for adding white space to your cover letters.

• Use bullet points, or even numbered lists, in the middle section to highlight impressive achievements, in quantifiable terms if possible. Three to five listed points are ideal.
• Vary the length of your sentences by not shying away from shorter ones and breaking up longer ones.
• Break apart paragraphs so each focuses on only one point. This will add variety to the amount of white space between paragraph endings and the right margin.

Here is exactly how you can write a cover letter that will stand out from the crowd, and help you land that interview.

We’ll start with general spacing guidelines that apply to all cover letters, whether printed, submitted online as a pdf, or placed in the body of an email. Then we’ll look at differences in the guidelines for print, pdf, or email cover letters.

• Single-space your cover letter text within paragraphs or address sections.
• Skip a line in between paragraphs, before and after the salutation , and before the sign-off (e.g., Sincerely, Regards).

For our purposes in this blog, single-spaced cover letter text more accurately means not double-spaced . Often, depending on the font and word count, the single-spaced default setting may be too tight and create an imbalance of text-dense areas and white space on the page. 

Changing the line space setting to 1.5 is a commonly recommended alternative. That’s one of the preset options available using Word and Google Docs, which both enable you to customize line space settings as well.

• Do not indent the first line of paragraphs. The space between paragraphs makes that unnecessary.
• Use an easy-to-read font such as Arial, Times New Roman, Calibri, or Georgia, in a font size between 10 and 12 points. Experiment with different styles and sizes, always aiming for optimal legibility.
• Keep your cover letter short — ideally 250 to 350 words, and never more than 400 words. Following an outline of the key cover letter sections — introduction, middle paragraphs and closing — can help you stay focused and concise while still covering everything you need to say.
• Always use the left text alignment setting (sometimes called left-justified or ragged right). This creates extra white space at the right-margin end of most lines, which guides the reader’s eye from one line to the next. It also enhances your cover letter’s overall visual appeal and reader-friendliness.

The justified text alignment setting —  giving your text blocks straight edges on both left and right sides — should not be used in job application documents because it’s detrimental to legibility. Forcing all lines of text to be the same horizontal length causes erratic gaps between characters and words. This unnaturally “trapped” white space makes the text more difficult to read.

In addition to the general guidelines above, line and paragraph spacing for a printed or pdf cover letter are as follows:

• Your name, occupation, and contact information section is single-spaced.
• Skip a line before and after the date.
• The recipient’s name, title, and address section is single-spaced.
• Skip a line before and after the salutation, introduction and middle section, and closing paragraph.
• Skip three lines below the sign-off (e.g., Sincerely, Regards).*
• Your name and title are single-spaced.

* A three-line gap allows you to insert a handwritten signature on a printed hard copy of your cover letter. If the letter is being sent electronically as a pdf, you have the option of placing a scanned digital signature, but it’s not necessary or expected. If you don’t, just skip one space below the sign-off.

Eye-pleasing header adds bonus white space

A distinctive cover letter header adds a personal branding touch that sets your job application apart from the rest. And it also has built-in spacing benefits, drawing the reader’s eye to where your name, occupation, and contact information appear on the page. This is offset from your letter’s body text by white space, making the page much more inviting to read.

Cover letter margins should be consistent with the standard for business documents — one inch on all sides — which is also the default Word and Google Docs setting.

The subject line should indicate your name and the position you are applying for.

Otherwise, in the top part of your letter, there is no need for your contact information, the recipient’s name and address , or the date. The letter thus begins with the salutation.

After the sign-off, skip one space before adding your name, occupation and contact information, single-spaced. Or, you can skip two or three spaces if you opt to insert a digital signature.

Otherwise, the same general guidelines apply regarding single-spaced text components, space between paragraphs or sections, left alignment, and font legibility.

Should cover letters ever be double-spaced?

The answer to this frequently asked question is “no.” Cover letters should not be double-spaced the way many of us associate with school essays.

Cover letters are a critical part of the job application process, and yet many struggle with how to write them. The cover letter writing tips in this guide will help you move beyond amateur errors and into the realm of a job-winning professional.

Cover letter spacing examples

Below is a sample cover letter you can customize, for printing a hard copy or sending online as a pdf attachment.

Jordan Belford Flight Attendant Somewhere Drive, Chicago, IL 60643 Phone: (312) 555-5555 [email protected]

August 6, 2022

Ms. B. Speedie Go Now Airlines Thereway Road, Chicago, IL 60642

Dear Ms. Speedie,

Having clocked over 2,500 hours in both long and short-haul flights and having acquired six years of experience as a flight attendant, I’ve learned that a variety of passengers bring with them a variety of challenges. I take pride in excelling in every aspect of customer service.

In my six years at Wings, I was involved in change initiatives across pre-flight, in-flight, and post-flight customer service. From the moment passengers walk up to the check-in desk to the moment they leave the airport, they associate their experience with your airline. Ensuring their well-being, safety, and comfort at every stage is our job. I received 97% positive recognition from passenger surveys and consistently high ratings from my team.

I hold all of the relevant certifications, including the FAA Certificate of Demonstrated Proficiency. I am an advanced first aid provider and I helped lead the Wings training on emergency response. I have coordinated the in-flight and air-to-ground responses to terrorist threats, abusive passengers, and (more happily) multiple childbirths. I have passed my experience on to over 170 flight attendants and value my role as a leader in the cabin crew.

My contributions have made a broader impact on Wings, in ways I hope to replicate in the future:

• Designed a more efficient boarding protocol — speeding up procedures by 16%
• Improved customer satisfaction metrics by 12% on long-haul flights
• Updated the cabin crew first-aid manual after noticing deficiencies in advice

Putting passenger needs first is at the heart of everything that I do. The most-common passenger feedback describes me as warm-hearted, soothing, and attentive. Being professional in the air does not preclude being caring.

I would love to hear more about the Go Now Airlines culture in a potential interview.

Jordan Belford

Below is an email cover letter example you can modify as appropriate.

SUBJECT: Daniel Drake — Human Resources Director Position

Dear Ms. Fair,

I would like to convey my genuine interest in being considered for the Human Resources Director position at the Gromwell Group. During the last eight years, I have had the pleasure of serving as an HR Administrator for two of the busiest staffing firms in New York. 

My wealth of experience has instilled a unique passion for the human resources field, where I have found my strengths are most needed and best applied. I am highly skilled in overseeing HR systems, handling employee relations, and ensuring compliance with all rules and regulations. 

My research tells me that the Gromwell Group has earned the "Top Staffing Agency" award two times in the last seven years. I am not surprised, as I am well aware of the reputation Gromwell has for expending the time and effort to provide clients with high-quality services.

Is there a time we can arrange to further discuss the value I can bring to the Gromwell Group as Human Resources Director? I hope to hear from you soon about this wonderful opportunity. 

Best regards, 

Daniel Drake Human Resources Director (718) 555-5555 [email protected]

Key takeaways for cover letter spacing

• Cover letter spacing is integral to the recipient’s overall first impression and willingness to read any or all of the text.
• White space around and in between lines of text provides “breathing space” for both the reader and the writer’s words.
• There are many ways to ensure cover letter spacing enhances legibility, including line and paragraph spacing adjustments, one-inch margins, left text alignment, and brevity.
• Start building your cover letter with our well-designed cover letter templates.

How to Format a Cover Letter That’ll Get You an Interview

Do you ever feel like your resume couldn’t possibly tell the whole story of who you are and why a company should hire you? That’s because it doesn’t. But a strong, well-written, and correctly formatted cover letter helps fill in some of the gaps.

“Cover letters are worth the time ,” says Muse coach Jennifer Smith. “They provide an opportunity to expand on key points from your resume, show off your personality, and solidify your interest.” Perhaps most importantly, “They show an employer you put the time and energy into applying.” And—luckily—they don’t need to be difficult to write.

Most cover letters have a similar format that make them much easier to write than you might think. And we’ve laid it out exactly—so you can get that application in already.

Read More: Cover Letters Are Hard to Write—But These Templates Make It a Breeze

How to format and organize your cover letter content

Here’s the format most hiring professionals that read your cover letter will be looking for:

Your heading goes at the top of the page and contains your contact info as well as some other basics that a hiring manager or recruiter might use to learn more about you once they’ve read your cover letter.

So this means:

• Phone number
• LinkedIn profile link (if you have one)
• Pronouns (if you’re comfortable including them)
• Personal website or portfolio link (optional)
• Relevant and professional social media profiles (optional)

Nowadays it’s very uncommon, but if you’re asked to mail a paper cover letter, you would also include in your heading the company’s information:

• Hiring manager’s name (or whomever the letter is addressed to)
• Company name
• Company street address
• Company city, state, zip code

But you’d be more likely to send your cover letter in the body of an email than by snail mail if you’re not applying through an online system. In this case, your heading info would go after your name at the end.

Start your salutation with “Hello,” “Dear,” or “Hi” for more casual companies.

Then, you’ll usually address your cover letter to the hiring manager. Alternatively, Muse coach Leto Papadopoulos recommends job seekers “open the letter with ‘Dear Hiring Team’ because even if you can uncover the name of the hiring manager, they are usually not the first to read the cover letter,” she says, and “I like to acknowledge the recruiting team!”

You can also address your cover letter to the team you’d be joining or “[Position] Hiring Manager.” But you should never start your cover letter with “ To Whom It May Concern .”

Read More: The 3 Rules of Addressing Your Cover Letter

Your introduction should be one paragraph long, include the name of the position you’re applying to, and express why you’re applying and what excites you about the opportunity. But most importantly, you want to grab your reader. You can even “kick off with a brief but attention-grabbing anecdote,” Smith says. “Show off your personality.”

Read More: 30 Genius Cover Letter Openers Recruiters Will LOVE

Body paragraphs

Write two to three body paragraphs that sell you as a candidate. “Show, don’t tell,” Smith says. “Craft a narrative about how your experience led you to apply for the job you want.” Instead of regurgitating your resume, look at the job description and pull out a few skills you specialize in that the company is looking for. Then, elaborate on them by bringing up examples of how you’ve used these skills to help your past employers (and by extension will give the reader a preview of how you’ll help them).

Wrap everything up with your conclusion paragraph. Reiterate your interest in the company and your most important qualifications. Then, “Close with a statement about contributing your skills and experiences to the success of the company in the position you’re applying for,” Smith says.

Use a professional sign-off like “Sincerely,” “Respectfully,” or “Thank you for your consideration,” then add your first and last name.

If you’re sending your cover letter in the body of an email, add any info you would’ve included in your heading below your name.

Example cover letter

Check out this cover letter example, which follows the above cover letter format:

Curtis Chen [email protected] | 999-999-9999 linkedin.com/in/curtis-chen | he/him | Baltimore, MD

Hello Arianna,

When I saw the posting for the UX designer position at CloudCo, I was immediately drawn to it because of your unique approach to online storage. CloudCo is the only player in the space right now that has promised to keep their personal storage tiers under $10—and instead pass on the cost to the larger clients. I’d love to bring my dual experience as a front-end engineer and a UX researcher to make your interface more intuitive and keep individual customers renewing their contracts.

For the last two years, I’ve worked as a UX researcher for OnlineOffice Inc, where I was part of the team that launched the updated office suite. During the development process, I interviewed more than 50 users of both OOI’s and competitors’ products. I was able to translate their desires into actionable suggestions for the design and product teams, contributing to a product launch that has already grown OOI’s user base by 120% in the first year. Through these experiences, I learned to use both qualitative and quantitative data to advocate for users and make decisions about the most important product features. As your UX designer, I’d apply this knowledge to help boost the user experience for your personal-tier products.

I also spent three years as a front-end developer on a product team at TeckyCompany. In this role, I learned what it’s like for those actually building products, including what kinds of features take the most time and work. As your UX designer, I’d use this experience to weigh design decisions and collaborate with the product team. I’m used to working at startups where, as much as you’d like to, you can’t get everything done at once, so I’ll be able to prioritize features that will help users most while still making reasonable asks of the product team.

Cloud Co’s business model has shown me that not every tech startup prioritizes its larger clients over the individual user. I’d love to bring my development and UX experience to your team to help provide the very best experience for your subscribers.

Sincerely, Curtis Chen

Read More: 4 Cover Letter Examples That’ll Make Writing Yours Way Easier

Tips for formatting your document like a pro

When you’re formatting your cover letter, you want to prioritize readability and professionalism. But you should also keep in mind that many cover letters submitted online will be uploaded to an applicant tracking system or ATS , which is software that employers use to organize and search candidate application materials. ATSs are very advanced but there’s some formatting they have trouble with.

Follow these guidelines to format your cover letter correctly for both human and computer readers:

• Font : Stick to the default fonts that come with your word processor—classics like Arial, Helvetica, Times New Roman, Cambria, Calibri, and Georgia.
• Font size: The ideal size will vary based on which font you choose, but keep it between 10 and 12 pt. Any smaller and you’ll have recruiters squinting at their screens. Any larger and they’ll be wondering if you’re trying to compensate for not having a lot to write about.
• Margins : You can’t go wrong with the usual one-inch margins all around, but you can make some slight adjustments if needed. Papadopoulos suggests decreasing the header space first.
• Alignment: All your text should be left aligned and there’s no need to indent every paragraph.
• Line spacing: Single space your cover letter (1.15 spacing works if it looks too cramped). Include an extra line between each section and paragraph.
• Length : “A cover letter should comfortably fit on one page,” Papadopoulos says. Your cover letter should be at least three paragraphs long, but generally no more than five—unless the job description says otherwise. If it’s too long, check out this guide for cutting your cover letter down .
• File format : You can submit your cover letter within the body of an email or as a separate file. But if it’s a separate file you’re uploading to an online system, stick to docx or pdf only. ATs cannot reliably “read” other file types.
• File name : Always include your name and the phrase “cover letter,” and you can also include the name of the position. Just make sure it’s easy to read and follow any instructions in the job posting.

Formatted cover letter example

Here’s how the above example looks in a properly formatted cover letter document.

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Cover Letter Spacing and Margins

• Cover Letter Format
• Salutation and Greeting
• Who To Address When Unknown
• How To Start A Cover Letter
• How To End A Cover Letter
• Best Cover Letter Font And Size
• Cover Letter Spacing
• Cover Letter Length
• Key Elements Of A Cover Letter
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• Official Letter Format
• Cover Letter Opening

Find a Job You Really Want In

Writing a standout cover letter is about more than just having great content. Coming off as professional in both form and function is going to help you get noticed by hiring managers. That means using proper spacing, margins, indentation, and length. Do these things correctly and your cover letter will be well-organized, clear, and easy to read. Whether you’re sending a physical cover letter or an email, we’ll provide guidelines to make your cover letter format perfect. We’ll also show you a sample cover letter for both a physical copy and an email version. Key Takeaways: Your margins should be 1-inch on all sides, but if you’re going over one page , then you can consider making the margins smaller Your cover letter should be similar to your resume with font and font size, which should be no larger than 12-point font. A cover letter should be between 200-300 words, but try to keep it on the shorter end if possible. In This Article    Skip to section Cover Letter Spacing Guidelines Proper Cover Letter Length Cover Letter Examples Margins and Alignment in a Cover Letter Guidelines for Cover Letter Font Sending Your Cover Letter Final Thoughts References Sign Up For More Advice and Jobs Show More Cover Letter Spacing Guidelines

We’ll start with proper cover letter spacing, which is the first thing any hiring manager is going to notice upon first glance. Follow these rules and your page will look professionally done.

Spacing varies slightly depending on if you’re sending a physical cover letter or a digital cover letter.

Physical Copy Guidelines:

Single-space your cover letter

Start with your contact information in the following order:

Your name Your current address City, state, zip code Phone number Email address

Add one space

Write the date

Add the contact information of the letter’s recipient in the following order:

Hiring manager’s name Company Address Company city, state, zip code Hiring manager’s phone number Hiring manager’s email address

Write your salutation

Write 3-4 paragraphs, with one space between each one

Add one space after your final paragraph

Write your closing sign-off (e.g., Sincerely)

Put three spaces between your closing and your typed name

Put your signature in the space between your closing and your typed name

Tip: You can use the same header for your cover letter as your resume.

Email Cover Letter Spacing Guidelines:

Start with a salutation

>Write 3-4 paragraphs, with one space between each one

Add two spaces

Write your contact info in the following order

Full name Position Phone number Email address

If you have a formatted email signature , you can use that for step 8. You can add a digital signature between your closing and contact info if you think it looks snazzy (or, better yet, you think your prospective employer will think it looks snazzy).

Tip: When emailing a cover letter, keep your subject line clear and professional. State your name, the position title, and the fact that you’re sending along documents for an application. It should look something like “Donald Duck — Sales Representative Application.”

Proper Cover Letter Length

Just like your resume, your cover letter should never exceed one page . Ideally, the body of your cover letter should be between 200-300 words (aiming for the lower end of that spectrum is your best bet). Hiring managers have to sift through tons of these cover letters, so keeping things short and sweet is beneficial.

A cover letter should have three paragraphs, four at the most.

Opening paragraph. Your opening paragraph should introduce yourself and your background, grab the reader’s attention with a big accomplishment, and let the company know why you’re applying. If you were referred by someone in the company, this is a good place to mention it.

Body paragraph(s). Your middle paragraph(s) should focus on your professional qualities and experiences that relate to the company for which you’re applying. Don’t repeat credentials from your resume, because the hiring manager has probably already looked at it. Dig deeper and highlight why you’re the perfect fit for the position.

If you’re having trouble deciding which elements of your professional history are best to include here, read the job description again. Note the required qualifications and significant responsibilities.

Then, look back on your experience for moments where you applied similar skills or achieved results comparable to what the new company wants to achieve. Any time you can give percentages, dollar figures, or numbers to describe your duties, it will be more impactful.

Closing paragraph. Your closing paragraph thanks the employer for considering your application. You can also express how eager you are to learn more about the role and the company.

Cut out unnecessary information and you should have no trouble fitting everything in a 300-word count maximum.

Tip: Never address your cover letter with “To whom it may concern” . Do your best to find the name of the person who will be reading your cover letter, and address it to him or her. If your best efforts turn up nothing or you’re still unsure, use “Dear Hiring Manager” or one of its alternatives .

Cover Letter Examples

Physical copy example:

Jonathan Cash 123 Apple Street Anywhere, CO 12345 (999) 765-4321 [email protected] August 22, 2020 Phyllis Vance 789 Company Lane Somewhere, CO 56789 (543) 210-9876 [email protected] Dear Ms. Vance, I was excited to see a job posting for the Sales Representative position on NextCompany.com. I have been working in sales since I was a child with my first lemonade stand, and have 6+ years of formal experience working in sales. During my time at CurComp, I have developed my knowledge of marketing strategies, my ability to generate interest in new products, and my skill at maintaining strong, lasting customer satisfaction. My proudest achievements as a sales representative have been exceeding sales quotas by 10% or more each quarter, closing $900,000 in 2018 (25% above goal), and ranking as the top salesperson in the company in Q2 of 2019. Helping customers see the value of products that I truly believe in is the greatest source of satisfaction in my professional life. I would be thrilled to be in a position where I could implement my proven strategies to sell products offered by NextCompany, which have garnered the attention and excitement of industry experts for years. Thank you for considering me for the Sales Representative position. I look forward to discussing the role further and learning how my brand of salesmanship could fit into NextCompany’s business model. Sincerely, Jonathan Cash

Email cover letter example:

Dear Pat Murphy, ABC Inc. needs an Accountant who is determined, organized, and has years of expereince maintaining financial records. Luckily, I meet all three of those criteria. After getting an MBA with a specialization in Accounts from the University of Florida, I began working in the financial sector. For more than six years, I’ve helped companies upkeep and maintain financial records, run risk assessments, and handle all payroll and invoice documentation. I’ve also dedicated my Saturday’s performing pro bono accounting consultation for a local food bank. I was glad to see that ABC is also greatly involved with aiding the impoverished areas of our city, which further drew me to apply for this role. In my current position with XYZ Corp., I lead a team of 12 junior accountants managing a total of $10M+ in assets and cash. By setting up a new invoice system for contractors, I was able to reduce overhead by 8% and increase the efficiency of contracted projects by 6%. My proudest moment at XYZ, though, was finding a budgetary error that was bleeding over $15,000 monthly from the company. When I identified and fixed this problem, XYZ awarded me “Top Performer of the Month” in January 2020. With me, you get more than a regular CPA — you get a top-notch presenter who thrives in collaborative, deadline-driven work environments. I look forward to speaking more about how I can help XYZ achieve its goals in the years to come. Sincerely, Joanne Diggerly Johnston, HI 54321 (555) 432-1098 [email protected]

Margins and Alignment in a Cover Letter

Like most documents, your cover letter should be aligned to the left. You should use 1-inch margins on all sides, but if you’re going over one page, then you can consider making the margins smaller. But really, if you’re sticking to our cover letter length guidelines (more on that below), then you should have no issues with standard 1-inch margins.

At no point should you indent any of your paragraphs. And don’t go bigger than 1-inch margins, because it’s going to look super obvious that you’re trying to make the letter’s content look beefier than it is.

If you’re writing your cover letter in Microsoft Word, you can change margins by pressing Page Layout followed by Margins . If you’re writing your cover letter in Google Docs, you can change margins by pressing File and then Page Setup .

Guidelines for Cover Letter Font

A good rule of thumb is to make your cover letter as aesthetically similar to your resume as possible. That means using the same font. Basic, everyday fonts like Times New Roman, Arial, Helvetica, or Calibri are all good options.

Font size should generally be 12-point. If you’re trying to include more content, you could consider bringing that down to 10-point, but play around with margins as well to see which option allows you more space while keeping the letter visually pleasing .

Things to avoid like the plague are: underlining, highlighting, colored lettering, and CAPITALIZING. You can consider using bold or italicized text but use these sparingly to emphasize the key points of your cover letter. And if you choose to use bold, don’t also use italics (and vice versa).

Tip: Look at whether your prospective company uses “serif fonts” (tails at the end of letters, like in Times New Roman) or “sans serif” fonts (no tails at the end, like Arial). Then, use a font in the same style for your resume and cover letter.

Sending Your Cover Letter

If you’re sending your cover letter as a file, make sure to give it an appropriate name. For example, “John-Doe-Cover-Letter” tells the recipient exactly what the file is.

Be advised that many companies use an applicant tracking system when reviewing resumes and cover letters, so using a compatible file format like PDF or .doc is your best bet.

Sending your application documents as PDFs ensures that formatting will remain consistent across devices and operating systems. That makes it a strong choice most of the time, unless the employer specifically asks you not to send a PDF. Instructions directly from the employer always trump any advice we give here.

Final Thoughts

Cover letter spacing and margins might be the last thing on your mind, but they’re the first thing that a hiring manager or recruiter is going to notice. A bit of creativity is great when you’re applying for jobs, but some standards exist for a reason.

Stick to 1-inch margins and single-spaced, unindented paragraphs, and you’ll be off to a great first impression .

Careerservices.illinoisstate.edu. “ PDF .”

Owl.purdue.edu. “ Quick Formatting Tips // Purdue Writing Lab .”

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Matthew Zane is the lead editor of Zippia's How To Get A Job Guides. He is a teacher, writer, and world-traveler that wants to help people at every stage of the career life cycle. He completed his masters in American Literature from Trinity College Dublin and BA in English from the University of Connecticut.

Matt Warzel a President of a resume writing firm (MJW Careers, LLC) with 15+ years of recruitment, outplacement, career coaching and resume writing experience. Matt is also a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) and Certified Internet Recruiter (CIR) with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (Marketing Focus) from John Carroll University.

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Are Cover Letters Double-Spaced?

Along with the main  peculiarities of cover letter writing , it’s important to know the appropriate format for the winning cover letter. According to the opinion of reliable professionals, cover letters should be single-spaced but the spaces between paragraphs should be double-spaced. Such a format provides readability.

A format is an important factor, which can’t guarantee but accompanies success. Therefore, it’s important to take time and organize the cover letter properly.

So, How Should You Do It?

Contact information must be at the top of the page supported by the formal greeting and a couple of paragraphs with finished ideas.

The section with the contact information should be single-spaced and left-justified. Space needs to be placed between your and the employer’s contact details.

Each of the body paragraphs of your cover letter should be single-spaced, with a space between each paragraph.

Furthermore, it’s crucial to use the same font, margins, and header as you used in the resume.

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• Tips for an Email Cover Letter

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When writing a cover letter (as you should do each time you submit a resume as part of a job application), the layout of your letter is very important. Layout refers to the way the words are set up on the page, including headings, spacing, and font. You want to use a layout that makes your letter both easy to read and professional.

Read below for advice about how to lay out your letter, as well as a template for a cover letter.

When laying out a cover letter, you want to follow the layout of a typical business letter.

Heading. A business letter begins with your contact information, and then the employer’s contact information, if it's available.

Letter spacing. It's important to properly space the layout of the cover letters you send, with space between the heading, the greeting, each paragraph, the closing, and your signature.  Single space  your letter and leave a space between each paragraph. Also, remember to left-justify your entire letter.

Font and font size. When selecting a font, use a  simple font  like Arial, Verdana, Courier New, or Times New Roman. Your font size should be no smaller than 10-pt. but no larger than 12-pt. In choosing your font size, 12 pt. is probably the best—you don’t want to irritate a hiring manager by making him or her have to squint to read your font.

The cover letter template below shows the layout for a typical cover letter. Use the template to structure your own cover letter. It will give you advice on how to space your letter, what font to use, and how to justify your page.

What's Included in the Letter

The template also briefly describes what kind of content should go in each paragraph. Use this information to help you begin writing your own letter, tailored to reflect your own career history, professional qualifications, hard and soft skills , and your knowledge about the job and employer to which you are applying.

You can also review  examples of cover letters  for advice on how to word your cover letter.

Be Flexible

When using a format or a sample letter, remember to be flexible. You can add or remove paragraphs to fit the needs of the particular job description. Your letter doesn't have to exactly match the template.

Write Customized Cover Letters

Also, keep in mind that your best strategy is to write a customized cover letter for each job to which you are applying. Hiring managers can tell when they’ve been sent a generic cover letter; they are more likely to be interested in candidates who have taken the time to write unique letters that specifically address the job opening they are offering.

Heading The  first section  of your cover letter should include information on how the employer can contact you. If you have contact information for the employer, include that. Otherwise, just list your information. This section should be single-spaced and left-justified, with a space between your contact information and your employer’s contact information.

Your  Contact Information

Your Name Your Address Your City, State Zip Code Your Phone Number Your Email Address

Employer Contact Information

Name Title Company Address City, State Zip Code

Dear Mr./Ms. Last Name:

First Paragraph:

Each of your body paragraphs should be single-spaced, with a space between each paragraph. The  first paragraph  of your cover letter should include information on the position you are applying for, including the job title. You should state how you heard about the job, and (briefly) explain why you think you are an ideal candidate for the position.

(space between paragraphs)

Middle Paragraph(s): 

The  next section  of your cover letter should describe what you have to offer the employer. Mention why you are qualified for the job and how your skills and experience are a match for the position for which you are applying. Provide specific examples to prove your skills and experience; these examples will “pop” on the page if you provide them in a bulleted format.

Final Paragraph:  Conclude your cover letter by thanking the employer for considering you for the position. Include information on how you will follow up with them regarding the status of your application.

Sincerely yours,

(double space)

Handwritten Signature (for a hard copy letter)

Typed Signature

This is a cover letter sample.  Download the letter template (compatible with Google Docs or Word Online) or read the example below.

Sample Cover Letter

Kelly Timmons 62 Beacon Street Huntington Station, NY 11746 555-123-4568 kelly.timmons@myemail.com

August 17, 2020

Ms. Maribel Jones Human Resources Manager Belview Electronics 123 Main Street Huntington, NY 11743

Dear Ms. Jones:

I was excited to find the Customer Service Representative position on the Careers page of the Belview Electronics website. I believe I would be a good fit for your company because I have all of your required qualifications, as well as extensive experience in customer service and the electronics industry.

I have a bachelor’s degree in computer science, and I am fluent in both English and Spanish. In addition, I worked as a customer representative for a local plumbing company while I was in college. I have excellent phone skills and the ability to multitask. In addition, I am well organized, and proficient in most word processing and spreadsheet programs. My schedule is very flexible, and I would be happy to work evenings or weekends as necessary.

Thank you so much for your consideration. I’ve included my resume so you may further review my qualifications for the position. My cell phone is 555-123-4568, and my email is kelly.timmons@myemail.com. I look forward to hearing from you so we can arrange an interview.

Kelly Timmons  (signature for a hard copy letter)

Kelly Timmons

Tips for Sending an Email Cover Letter

When you are sending your letter via email include your name and the job title in the subject line of your message:

Subject: FirstName LastName – Manager Position

List your contact information in your signature, rather than in the body of the letter:

FirstName LastName Your Email Your Phone Number Your LinkedIn Profile URL (optional)

Purdue Online Writing Lab Purdue OWL® College of Liberal Arts

Cover Letter Workshop - Formatting and Organization

Welcome to the Purdue OWL

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Copyright ©1995-2018 by The Writing Lab & The OWL at Purdue and Purdue University. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, reproduced, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our terms and conditions of fair use.

The cover letter is one of the most challenging documents you may ever write: you must write about yourself without sounding selfish and self-centered. The solution to this is to explain how your values and goals align with the prospective organization's and to discuss how your experience will fulfill the job requirements. Before we get to content, however, you need to know how to format your cover letter in a professional manner.

Formatting your cover letter

Your cover letter should convey a professional message. Of course, the particular expectations of a professional format depend on the organization you are looking to join. For example, an accounting position at a legal firm will require a more traditional document format. A position as an Imagineer at Disney might require a completely different approach. Again, a close audience analysis of the company and the position will yield important information about the document expectations. Let the organization's communications guide your work.

For this example, we are using a traditional approach to cover letters:

• Single-space your cover letter
• Leave a space between each paragraph
• Leave three spaces between your closing (such as "Sincerely" or "Sincerely Yours") and typed name
• Leave a space between your heading (contact information) and greeting (such as, "Dear Mr. Roberts")
• Either align all paragraphs to the left of the page, or indent the first line of each paragraph to the right
• Use standard margins for your cover letter, such as one-inch margins on all sides of the document
• Center your letter in the middle of the page; in other words, make sure that the space at the top and bottom of the page is the same
• Sign your name in ink between your salutation and typed name

Organizing your cover letter

A cover letter has four essential parts: heading, introduction, argument, and closing.

The heading

In your heading, include your contact information:

• phone number
• email address

The date and company contact information should directly follow your contact information. Use spacing effectively in order to keep this information more organized and readable. Use the link at the top of this resource to view a sample cover letter - please note the letter is double-spaced for readability purposes only .

Addressing your cover letter

Whenever possible, you should address your letter to a specific individual, the person in charge of interviewing and hiring (the hiring authority). Larger companies often have standard procedures for dealing with solicited and unsolicited resumes and cover letters. Sending your employment documents to a specific person increases the chances that they will be seriously reviewed by the company.

When a job advertisement does not provide you with the name of the hiring authority, call the company to ask for more information. Even if your contact cannot tell you the name of the hiring authority, you can use this time to find out more about the company.

If you cannot find out the name of the hiring authority, you may address your letter to "hiring professionals" - e.g., "Dear Hiring Professionals."

The introduction

The introduction should include a salutation, such as "Dear Mr. Roberts:" If you are uncertain of your contact's gender, avoid using Mr. or Mrs. by simply using the person's full name.

The body of your introduction can be organized in many ways. However, it is important to include, who you are and why you are writing. It can also state how you learned about the position and why you are interested in it. (This might be the right opportunity to briefly relate your education and/or experience to the requirements of the position.)

Many people hear of job openings from contacts associated with the company. If you wish to include a person's name in your cover letter, make certain that your reader has a positive relationship with the person.

In some instances, you may have previously met the reader of your cover letter. In these instances it is acceptable to use your introduction to remind your reader of who you are and briefly discuss a specific topic of your previous conversation(s).

Most important is to briefly overview why your values and goals align with the organization's and how you will help them. You should also touch on how you match the position requirements. By reviewing how you align with the organization and how your skills match what they're looking for, you can forecast the contents of your cover letter before you move into your argument.

The argument

Your argument is an important part of your cover letter, because it allows you to persuade your reader why you are a good fit for the company and the job. Carefully choose what to include in your argument. You want your argument to be as powerful as possible, but it shouldn't cloud your main points by including excessive or irrelevant details about your past. In addition, use your resume (and refer to it) as the source of "data" you will use and expand on in your cover letter.

In your argument, you should try to:

• Show your reader you possess the most important skills s/he seeks (you're a good match for the organization's mission/goals and job requirements).
• Convince your reader that the company will benefit from hiring you (how you will help them).
• Include in each paragraph a strong reason why your employer should hire you and how they will benefit from the relationship.
• Maintain an upbeat/personable tone.
• Avoid explaining your entire resume but use your resume as a source of data to support your argument (the two documents should work together).

Reminder : When writing your argument, it is essential for you to learn as much as possible about the company and the job (see the Cover Letter Workshop - Introduction resource).

The closing

Your closing restates your main points and reveals what you plan to do after your readers have received your resume and cover letter. We recommend you do the following in your closing:

• Restate why you align with the organization's mission/goals.
• Restate why your skills match the position requirements and how your experience will help the organization.
• Inform your readers when you will contact them.
• Include your phone number and e-mail address.
• Thank your readers for their consideration.

A sample closing:

I believe my coursework and work experience in electrical engineering will help your Baltimore division attain its goals, and I look forward to meeting with you to discuss the job position further. I will contact you before June 5th to discuss my application. If you wish to contact me, I may be reached at 765-555-6473, or by e-mail at [email protected]. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Although this closing may seem bold, potential employers will read your documents with more interest if they know you will be calling them in the future. Also, many employment authorities prefer candidates who are willing to take the initiative to follow-up. Additionally, by following up, you are able to inform prospective employers that you're still interested in the position and determine where the company is in the hiring process. When you tell readers you will contact them, it is imperative that you do so. It will not reflect well on you if you forget to call a potential employer when you said you would. It's best to demonstrate your punctuality and interest in the company by calling when you say you will.

If you do not feel comfortable informing your readers when you will contact them, ask your readers to contact you, and thank them for their time. For example:

Please contact me at 765-555-6473, or by e-mail at [email protected]. I look forward to speaking with you. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Before you send the cover letter

Always proofread your cover letter carefully. After you've finished, put it aside for a couple of days if time allows, and then reread it. More than likely, you will discover sentences that could be improved, or grammatical errors that could otherwise prove to be uncharacteristic of your writing abilities. Furthermore, we recommend giving your cover letter to friends and colleagues. Ask them for ways to improve it; listen to their suggestions and revise your document as you see fit.

If you are a Purdue student, you may go to the Writing Lab or CCO for assistance with your cover letter. You can make an appointment to talk about your letter, whether you need to begin drafting it or want help with revising and editing.

Click on the link at the top of this resource for a sample cover letter. Please note that this sample is double spaced for readability only. Unless requested otherwise, always single space your professional communication.

The following are additional Purdue OWL resources to help you write your cover letter:

• Cover Letter Workshop- Formatting and Organization
• Example Employment Documents
• Cover Letters 2: Preparing to Write a Cover Letter
• Cover Letters 3: Writing Your Cover Letter
• Cover Letter Presentation
• Job Search Documents for Working Class Positions

Cover Letter Design: 5+ Tips & Examples for Success

In This Guide:

Cover letter templates, why does design matter for a cover letter, what needs to go into my cover letter design, our favorite cover letter designs, frequently asked questions, cover letter design is about nailing the basics.

Quick Answer: The design of your cover letter matters as much as the content. Recruiters are under immense pressure to filter through all the applications they receive, so design can make the difference in terms of standing out. Optimize your header, update links, choose colors scheme thoughtfully, think how it looks on paper, be consistent with the design of your resume, and always keep a cover letter to a single page.

Recruiters go through hundreds of resumes and cover letters each day.

This means the key to getting hired is making it through their initial scanning methods.

This scanning involves checking the basics , and one of the most basic parts of your cover letter is how you design it.

The design you choose can help you stand out, direct the recruiter’s attention, and leave a lasting impression. What is there to consider when designing your cover letter?

Keep on reading below to find out!

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Check out these cover letter examples from 50+ different job titles to inspire your own writing.

Much like with your resume design , it all comes down to impression. Recruiters are under severe pressure to sort through all of the applications that come across their desks as quickly as possible.

This means it’s important to create an immediate impression.

One of the best ways to create an impression on someone who is on auto-pilot is to cause disruption.

You want to catch the recruiter’s attention, give them something that makes them pause and hold your application for an extra second, something that holds their eye and centers them. “Hold on, this one looks good”.

That’s what you’re going for.

Design choices are an excellent way to accomplish this.

Optimize your header

If you’re including a cover letter on top of your resume, your header will be the first thing the recruiter looks at . Think about what information recruiters want from your resume header. They want to find your name, contact information, and spot anything that individualizes your application.

This means your name should be the largest font of all text in your cover letter, and there should be clear sections dedicated to your contact information.

You can personalize your header by introducing a color scheme and resume headline .

Take a look at Marcellus’ header on his network engineer’s resume to see all of this in action.

Be sure to update any links you’re including in your cover letter as time goes on.

While we all know to update the body of your cover letter and ensure it’s specialized to each position you’re applying for, you may forget to update your contact information and header.

Ensure you’re including a professional email address and update your voicemail, too.

Think about your color scheme

As mentioned, the color you use in your cover letter can draw attention and convey personality. While I wouldn’t recommend using color in the main body of your cover letter, it can be used to accent essential sections. For example, your title can be included in color.

The key number is three. One color for main headings, one color for your body (I’d recommend one shade lighter than your main headings), and an accent color to highlight the important stuff.

When Pavel was applying for a job with Booking.com, he matched his resume colors to Booking’s famous blue.

Using photos

Beyond simply including a photo of yourself, including a photo of a personal logo can help a cover letter stand out.

Not only does this allow you to use photographs to your advantage in states where personal photographs are prohibited, but it’s also professional.

This is especially true for freelancers. You can go on to include personal photographs in your resume thereafter.

How does it look on paper?

Part of the design process is thinking about how your cover letter looks from beginning to finished product. This means checking how your design translates across different mediums.

Are your colors as vibrant in print as they were in design?

Is your font legible when printed out, can you read it without having to zoom in?

You never know what format the recruiter will request your application to be sent in, so you should ensure you’re putting your best foot forward every time.

Tip: Using different resume paper styles can add to the individuality of your application and cover letter!

Be consistent

Remember, your cover letter is the icing on the cake of your resume. They should compliment one another.

This doesn’t mean your cover letter should be designed in the exact same way as your resume, in fact, in most cases it shouldn’t be.

But, they should lie in the same design family. One great feature of Enhancv’s resume builder is the ability to write your cover letter and choose from the same great template, color, and text styles.

You can have a resume and cover letter that go hand-in-hand.

1. Default Cover Letter

The default cover letter design was our first, and we’ve never stopped loving it. It’s perfect for matching the Enhancv resume design you all know and love, and is functional for everything a cover letter should accomplish.

With the bold typeface, simple sections, and sleek backgrounds, the default cover letter is perfect for every job from entry-level all the way to executive.

2. Compact cover letter

Much like our compact resume template, the compact cover letter is direct and to-the-point. It can be used to give a quick introduction to the recruiter and further direct them to your resume where they can comb through the fine details.

This type of cover letter is perfect for when you’ve already been referred to a job and have already introduced yourself, or when for seasonal work.

3. Modern cover letter

The modern cover letter is the perfect middle-point between the compact and default cover letters. Each section is downsized to provide more room for the body of your cover letter, while still leaving room for your personal photo or logo.

This is perfect for applying to high-level senior roles where great detail of your prior accomplishments and desire to work for the organization is needed.

Why is the cover letter important?

Most jobs require you to submit a cover letter with your resume and application. A cover letter is important because it directly speaks to the employer, showing them why you’re the right fit for the job.

In this one-page cover letter, you can cover your main skills and achievements, your relevant experience to the position you’re applying for, and any other information that shows that you’re passionate about the role.

What font should you use in your cover letter?

Your cover letter should always be written in a standard, easy-to-read font like Times New Roman or Arial. It should be 12pt or slightly bigger.

Your cover letter is not the place to experiment with fun new fonts. It’s best to keep it professional.

Who should you address the cover letter to?

We recommend that you try to find the actual hiring manager’s name before defaulting to the “Dear Hiring Manager” line.

Check the job description first to see if they’ve listed the hiring manager’s name.

If their name isn’t there, you can do some research on LinkedIn to see if you can find the hiring manager there. Otherwise, you can call or email the company to ask them who you should address your cover letter to.

If neither is an option, it’s acceptable to address the cover letter as: “Dear Hiring Manager”.

Can a cover letter be two pages?

No, you should always keep a cover letter to one page. Hiring managers read a ton of job applications. They only have time to read one-page cover letters. If you make it two, they likely won’t read it.

Can a cover letter have bullet points?"?

Yes! Bullet points are a great way to organize your thoughts in a cover letter.

The entire cover letter shouldn’t be written with bullet points, but some parts of it can be. For example, when highlighting your accomplishments, you can list them off with bullet points to make a bigger impact.

Can a cover letter be an email?

Short answer, it doesn’t matter. Unless the hiring manager specifically said how they want the cover letter sent, you can either attach it to the email or write it as the body of the email. Up to you!

Should you sign your cover letter?

If you’re sending your cover letter over the computer, you don’t need to include a formal signature. Instead, use a professional sounding sign off, like “Sincerely”, and then type your full name underneath.

How should you export your cover letter?

Exporting your cover letter as a PDF is the best option. You’ll have confidence that your cover letter format won’t change, no matter what computer or browser the hiring manager is reading it from.

With your cover letter, it comes down to the basics. Make sure to provide enough space to the essential information you’re including by sectioning off your header where you can include your name and contact details.

Stick to three simple colors to direct attention, detail, and highlight important elements. You should ensure to match your cover letter to your resume so the recruiter gets you in one cohesive package.

Using Enhancv , you can pick the background, template, font, colors, and more to personalize both your resume and cover letter in this fashion. No need to worry about margins and spacing, we’ve got that covered!

Match your cover letter to your resume perfectly by using Enhancv’s resume builder . You can choose customizable resume templates that suit your style. Looking for inspiration on what to write? We have resume examples covering hundreds of different job roles.

• Cover Letter Guides

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