Tips for Professional Cover Letter Spacing

Proper cover letter spacing showcases that you’re a professional who knows what you’re doing. Here are the most important things to remember for correct spacing.

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Cover letter spacing

There are many things you should include in a business letter or cover letter. Looking at cover letter examples can help you ensure that you put out a good cover letter. However, the formatting and spacing of the letter are also important. You need to make sure your letter looks as good as possible if you want the hiring manager to get a positive first impression. Here’s how to do that with professional cover letter spacing.

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What is a cover letter spacing?

As the term suggests, “cover letter spacing” dictates how you use the space in your cover letter. Having decent amounts of spacing helps with readability, ensures that a recruiter can scan your letter more effectively, and makes the best use of any cover letter template you work with. In short, mastering cover letter spacing makes it easier for you to impress a hiring manager.

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Proper cover letter spacing, top to bottom

Starting from the very beginning, here’s how to do proper cover letter spacing:

First is the header section, which includes contact information. First, write your address. Typically, this is your mailing address.

Skip a line, then add your phone number. Use whatever phone number would be easiest for someone to get in touch with you, typically your cell phone.

Skip a line, then add the date. This should be the date you actually send the cover letter.

Skip a line, then add the hiring manager’s address. If you can’t find a specific address for the recruiter, then use the address for the company.

Skip a line, then create your salutation. This should be “Dear Mr. Name” or “Dear Ms. Name.” Avoid starting your salutation with “To whom it may concern” or “Dear Hiring Manager.” Your job application should start by addressing the person you’re talking to.

Skip a line, then write the first paragraph. This introductory paragraph should include a great hook to pull in the hiring manager, leading to an explanation of your job search. It should make the hiring manager want to read the rest of your body paragraphs.

Skip a line, then write the middle paragraph. This should give the hiring manager more of an idea of why you’re the perfect person for this job title and what puts you above other job seekers.

If you want to add more information about projects and skills you have, then you will include them underneath the second paragraph, typically in bullet points.

Skip a line, then write the final paragraph. This closing paragraph is where you have your call to action, asking directly for a job interview.

Skip a line, then add the closing. This should be something formal, like “Sincerely” or “Regards,” not something familiar like “Best wishes.”

Skip three lines, then add your full name and title if applicable. Skipping three lines allows you to add your signature if you want to, especially if you’re handing in a job application in person.

Skip a final line, then add a postscript if you want.

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Cover letter formatting tips

For best results, you also want to format your cover letter appropriately. Cover letter samples will typically follow these cover letter formatting guidelines. Here are a few tips for writing the best cover letter:

Line spacing should typically be single-spaced, 1.15-spaced, or 1.5-spaced.
Margins should be .5 to 1 inch.
Don’t use indents or tabs.
Use a simple CV font like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman.
The cover letter should fit on a single page, typically between half a page and 3/4 of a page.
Single-space the cover letter.
If sending a cover email, then make the subject line something descriptive, like “Full Name – Cover Letter”.
Use a 10 to 12-point font.

The best way to ensure that all of this formatting is accurate is to use a cover letter builder. The CVHelp cover letter builder helps you write a cover letter that looks great, and it includes cover letter tips and tricks to improve your likelihood that you’ll get the new job.

FAQ: Cover letter spacing

Q: How important is cover letter spacing?

It might not register with a hiring manager immediately if cover letter spacing is off, but it will still make a negative impression, especially after reading through dozens of cover letters from other people who have more consistent cover letter spacing. This can impact how professional your CV looks. That’s why it’s important that you stick to these suggestions.

Q: How many words per line should my cover letter be?

This will depend on the font size, the font you’re using, and the design of your cover letter. Instead of concerning yourself with words per line, you should aim for about 250-350 words overall. This is enough space for you to write a really good cover letter without overloading the hiring manager with information.

Q: Is this cover letter spacing right for an email as well?

Yes. For an email cover letter, you’ll use the same spacing suggestions. However, you might move your physical address to the bottom, underneath your name and title. Additionally, even though you won’t be writing the cover letter in a document that you attach to a CV, it’s best to use a cover letter builder. This can help you tailor your cover letter perfectly to the job description you’re searching for.

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