Standard Cover Letter Structure
A professional cover letter follows the standard business letter format:
- Your contact information (top of page or in header)
- Date
- Employer's contact information
- Salutation (Dear Mr./Ms. Last Name)
- Opening paragraph (why you are writing)
- Body paragraph(s) (why you are qualified)
- Closing paragraph (call to action)
- Sign-off (Sincerely, Your Name)
Layout and Spacing
- 1-inch margins on all sides
- Single spacing within paragraphs
- One blank line between paragraphs
- Left-aligned text (no justification)
- Professional font: Calibri, Arial, or Georgia at 10-12pt
- Match your resume's header design for consistency
Ideal Length
The ideal cover letter is 250-400 words, fitting on a single page. Hiring managers spend an average of 30-60 seconds reviewing a cover letter, so conciseness is key. Three to four paragraphs typically provide enough space to make your case effectively.
File Format
Save your cover letter as a PDF to preserve formatting. Name it clearly: "FirstName-LastName-Cover-Letter.pdf". If the application system requires a specific format, follow their instructions. Some systems combine the cover letter with the resume into a single document.