How to Format a Cover Letter: Examples for 2024

Designing the perfect layout, using the right paragraph order, and anything connected to formatting a cover letter comes with a stressful act. 

But don’t worry. There’s a set of rules that will help you get your head around it. I'm about to show you all you need about cover letter format.

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Sample cover letter for a resume—See more cover letter examples here.

Here’s a quick rundown to help you navigate through the article:

• What Is a Cover Letter (And Its Formats)
• How to Format a Cover Letter (Including Layout and Structure)
• Key Cover Letter Format Tips
• How to Format an Email Cover Letter
• Cover Letter Format Examples for Different Types of Jobs

What Is a Cover Letter?

A cover letter is a document attached to your job application along with your resume. It can be a standard business letter or an email. Each aims to complement the information on your resume and present you as the best candidate for a job.

• Standard cover letter, or an application letter, is the most popular cover letter type. You send it as an attachment in response to a job ad. 
• Email cover letter is a shorter cover letter type that you write directly in the email message. It’s less formal.

Choosing either depends on the type of job application process you’re in. Most online applications allow you to upload your resume and cover letter, but in some cases, you’ll be asked to email the recruiter and attach your cover letter there.

First, let me tell you how to format a standard cover letter:

How to Format a Cover Letter? 

See this infographic for the first idea of a correct cover letter structure:

1. Create a Header

A cover letter header is the first thing a hiring manager or recruiter sees, and it carries arguably the most important details of your application—your contact information. The key details are:

• Your contact information: full name, mailing address (optional), phone number, email, and LinkedIn profile handle (optional)

• City and date of writing

• Employer contact information: hiring manager’s or recruiter’s name, job title, company name, and location

See the below example: 

Cover Letter Format—Header Example

2. Start With a Personal Salutation and “The Hook”

Research shows nothing activates your brain like hearing or seeing your name. Open your cover letter with the correct hiring manager’s or recruiter’s name, and you’ll get your deserved attention. Addressing the cover letter right is the most crucial thing in cover letter writing.

You can look for their name in the job description, on the company website, or on LinkedIn. Call the company and ask for the hiring manager’s name if you struggle. I advise against opening your cover letter with “To Whom It May Concern” or “Dear Sir or Madam.” Nothing screams generic more than these two. Go for “Dear Hiring Manager” if all strategies have failed.

Cover Letter Format—Salutation Examples

Now that you have their interest, use one of those opening strategies to create the hook (something that will keep their attention for longer):

• Mention a significant (yet relevant) accomplishment you’re proud of.
• Discuss something you love about the company you’re applying to.
• Comment on the recent award or news the company was honored by.
• Showcase your passion, skill, or other outstanding quality.
• Drop names.

See this example of a powerful opening paragraph with a hook using an accomplishment:

Cover Letter Format—Opening and Hook Example

3. Craft Central Paragraphs: Your Offer and Motivation

In the body of your standard cover letter, focus on what you have to offer, not what you want from a job. Emphasize how your expertise will help solve their problems. You can use bullet points to break up the text and highlight your achievements with numbers.

Use bullet points in the body of your cover letter to highlight key achievements and skills. This format makes your qualifications stand out and allows hiring managers to quickly scan and understand your most relevant experiences and contributions. Incorporate specific examples and metrics in each bullet point to provide a clear and measurable indication of your impact, such as 'Increased sales by 15% within six months through targeted marketing strategies,' which demonstrates both your skills and effectiveness.

Make them feel special. Your cover letter should say why you’re motivated to join the company and not any other. Once your employer understands they want you, they’ll want to know why you want them.

Cover Letter Format—Central Paragraphs Example

If you’re beginning your journey, read more: Cover Letter Writing Tips for No-Experience Candidates.

4. Include a Call to Action

The hiring manager wants to give you a shot already, so don’t let them change their mind. Finish your cover letter with a compelling call to action. It should reiterate your value and summarize your qualifications in a single sentence. Then, ask for a call or a meeting. Restate that you can help them achieve their objectives.

Cover Letter Format—Call to Action Example

5. End With a Sign-Off

The complimentary closing of a standard cover letter is the same as any other formal business letter. Write “Sincerely,” “Regards,” or “Respectfully,” followed by your full name, one or two lines underneath. Optionally, include a digital copy of your handwritten signature. And when providing a paper copy of your cover letter, handwrite your full name between the signature line and your typed name.

Key Cover Letter Format Tips

The tips below will let you create and maintain the proper cover letter format and layout:

• Pick a legible cover letter font, like Arial, Calibri, or Verdana, and keep it between 10 and 12 font-size points. 
• Set margins to 1 inch on each side of the page.
• Adjust cover letter spacing: double-spacing between paragraphs and 1–1.15 between lines.
• Left-align all contents.
• Limit the length of your cover letter to one page.
• Save your cover letter in PDF. It’s the best choice to keep the cover letter layout intact.
• Name your cover letter file as follows: YourName—JobTitle—CoverLetter.pdf.

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How to Format an Email Cover Letter?

If you reached this chapter, it means you’re required to send a cover letter as an email message. Below, I'll teach you learn exactly how to do it. 

We won’t cover a section on the layout because email software predetermines it, and you can use what their text editors offer you by default.

1. Write a Strong Subject Line

Statistics show a continual growth in the number of emails sent and received daily. It means that recruiters and hiring managers get their inboxes flooded, too. So, how do you get through? By forging a solid subject line. Focus on the first few words to let the recipient know what you’re about straight away. 

In your case, the best approach is to name the position you’re after and include the ID of the role, if it’s available, along with your full name next to it. For example: Software Developer Position (ID:12345) — Johnny Smith.

2. Begin With a Personal Greeting

Compared to a standard cover letter, you’re not required to type your and your employer’s contact information, but you can go directly to greeting them. Yet, again, I recommend addressing them by name.

3. Write a To-The-Point First Sentence

No need for storytelling. Be precise about why you’re sending them the email and what it is about. It can be as follows: Attached you will find my resume with detailed work experience for the position of software developer.

4. Create a Relevant Main Paragraph

To nail this part, read the job description carefully to identify the most pressing needs of your employer (growth objectives, skill set, qualifications) and prove with your professional acumen and accomplishments that you’ll help them meet those needs.

5. Use a Clear Call to Action

Ask them to contact you and restate your offer.

6. End With a Formal Sign-Off

This is where you choose between “Thank You,” “Sincerely,” or “Best regards.” In addition, you need to mention your contact information for them to contact you. Include your full name, cell phone number, and LinkedIn handle (optionally). 

7. Attachment(s)

Cover letter enclosures make your email job application complete. Remember to name your files professionally and attach them to your email, for instance:

Cover Letter Format Examples for Different Types of Jobs

Now that I've stocked you with cover letter formatting tips let's see what the best cover letter looks like:

Professional Cover Letter Format

Use this format

If you want to structure your cover letter to focus on what’s important, you’re right to choose this cover letter format. The darker sidebar covers the usual, leaving your hiring manager with the juicy and plenty of white space which they can rest their eyes on.

That format will also work for these cover letters:

• Accounting Cover Letter
• Administrative Cover Letter
• Business Analyst Cover Letter
• Operations Manager Cover Letter

Business Cover Letter Format

Use this format

Looking at that cover letter format, you can tell this is a cover letter for C-suite professionals. It’s elegant. It’s neat. It’s perfect. The heading is designed to highlight your position, so use it to your advantage if you’re a senior candidate with an impressive resume.

That format will also work for these cover letters:

• Consulting Cover Letter
• Law Firm Cover Letter
• Manager Cover Letter
• Program Manager Cover Letter

Modern Cover Letter Format

Use this format

Entry-level candidates—here’s something just for you. A splash of color and square icons will add personal vibes to the cover letter structure. It is precisely what employers are looking for in candidates like yourself. 

That format will also work for these cover letters:

• Data Entry Cover Letter
• Entry-Level Cover Letter
• Human Resources Cover Letter
• Product Manager Cover Letter

Creative Cover Letter Format

Use this format

Are you recruiting to the creative industry? Then this is a perfect cover letter format for someone with a knack for design and communication. It’ll help you tell your story thanks to a sleek layout that feels complete. 

That format will also work for these cover letters:

• Copywriter Cover Letter
• Event Manager Cover Letter
• Journalism Cover Letter
• Public Relations Cover Letter

Basic Cover Letter Format

Use this format

Sometimes you want things to be uncomplicated, be direct, and put your thoughts down uninterrupted. This cover letter format gives you just that. It’s a simple cover letter format that lets your words take the stage.

That format will also work for these cover letters:

• Data Entry Cover Letter
• Federal Cover Letter
• Personal Assistant Cover Letter
• Social Work Cover Letter

Plus, a great cover letter that matches your resume will give you an advantage over other candidates. You can write it in our cover letter builder here. Here's what it may look like:

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See more cover letter templates and start writing.

Key Takeaway

 In a nutshell, this is how to format a cover letter:

• Use one-inch margins, single line spacing, and 11 to 12–pt font.
• In the top-left corner, put your contact details, city and date, and the employer's contact details.
• Open with a personal salutation.
• In the body of your letter, open with the hook, make an offer, and explain your motivation.
• Finish with a clear call to action.
• Sign off with a “sincerely” and your full name.

All check? Then, you can be sure you perfected the proper cover letter format for a job application.

Want to learn more about cover letter structure? Have additional questions we didn’t answer above? Drop me a line in the comments, and I’ll be happy to chat! 

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This article has been reviewed by our editorial team to make sure it follows Zety's editorial guidelines. We’re committed to sharing our expertise and giving you trustworthy career advice tailored to your needs. High-quality content is what brings over 40 million readers to our site every year. But we don't stop there. Our team conducts original research to understand the job market better, and we pride ourselves on being quoted by top universities and prime media outlets from around the world.

Sources

• https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0006899306022682?via%3Dihub
• https://www.statista.com/statistics/456500/daily-number-of-e-mails-worldwide/

Frequently Asked Questions about Cover Letter Format

How to format a cover letter correctly?

Even if you know what a cover letter should say, it’s still important to structure the message correctly:

1. Put your contact information at the top of the letter.
2. Address the cover letter to the hiring manager.
3. Add today’s date.
4. Use a professional cover letter greeting and the hiring manager’s name.
5. Open the letter with a hook.
6. Explain why you’re a good fit for the position in a few bullet points.
7. Finish the letter with a call to action.
8. Add a cover letter closing and sign the letter.

How to format a cover letter for an internship?

Candidates applying for an internship can use a business cover letter format. The main difference is that instead of referring to their work experience, they should put emphasis on their academic accomplishments, extracurricular activities, and relevant knowledge they learned while studying—very similar to an entry-level cover letter.

This is how you should format a cover letter for an internship:

1. Put your name, field of study, and contact information at the top.
2. Address the cover letter to the hiring manager or internship coordinator.
3. Add the date.
4. Use a professional greeting and the hiring manager’s name.
5. Introduce yourself and provide an attention-grabbing accomplishment.
6. Explain why you’re interested in the internship and how well you fit the position.
7. Provide relevant examples of academic achievements, extracurricular activities, personal projects, etc.
8. Finish with a call to action.
9. Add a cover letter closing and sign the letter.

Remember to use a cover letter template matching your internship resume. And don’t forget to get into the details of cover letters for internships here.

What’s a good cover letter email format?

A good email cover letter format, or an online cover letter format, is shorter and less formal than a classic cover letter format. You can use such a format when the job advertisement doesn’t specifically request a cover letter. This way, you can introduce yourself and present your qualifications for the job without spending extra time on making the layout for your cover letter or choosing a Word cover letter template.

Follow our guide to read more about the best email cover letter format.