should a cover letter have indented paragraphs

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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 Many Paragraphs Should a Cover Letter Have [4 Examples]

Understanding the ideal structure and length of a cover letter is crucial for job seekers aiming to make a strong impression on potential employers. A well-structured cover letter complements a resume and allows candidates to introduce themselves, showcase their skills, and demonstrate their enthusiasm for the position and company. In this article, we will answer the question "how many paragraphs should a cover letter have" by providing guidance on the ideal structure and length of a cover letter. Expect expert advice, practical tips, and examples to help you craft an effective cover letter that stands out from the competition.

The Purpose of a Cover Letter

A cover letter serves as a personalized introduction to the employer, highlighting relevant skills, experiences, and enthusiasm for the job and company. It plays a vital role in the job application process, helping candidates stand out from the competition . It is important to tailor the cover letter to the specific job and company, showcasing why you are the ideal candidate for the position. Generic, uninspired cover letters can be detrimental to your application, as they may not capture the reader's interest or demonstrate your suitability for the role.

Ideal Structure and Length

An effective cover letter should have 3 to 6 paragraphs, including an introduction, relevant experience, company details or more qualifications, and a closing. The ideal length for a cover letter is 250-400 words , with concise, focused writing being key to making a strong impression. While there is a suggested structure for an effective cover letter, it is essential to tailor the letter to the job and company. Deviations from the suggested structure may be necessary to best showcase your skills and experiences.

Example of a Well-Structured Cover Letter: Introduction: A compelling opening sentence mentioning the position being applied for and a brief overview of the candidate's suitability for the role. Relevant Experience: A paragraph showcasing the candidate's skills and accomplishments that align with the job requirements. Company Details or Additional Qualifications: A paragraph demonstrating the candidate's knowledge of the company and its values or discussing further qualifications that strengthen their suitability for the position. Closing: A paragraph reiterating the candidate's interest in the position, providing a clear call to action, and expressing gratitude for the opportunity to apply.

Crafting the Introduction

The introduction paragraph should grab the reader's attention, mention the position being applied for, and provide a brief overview of the candidate's suitability for the role. A strong opening sentence is crucial, as it sets the tone for the rest of the cover letter. Personalizing the introduction and incorporating a compelling hook can capture the reader's interest . Additionally, it is important to connect the introduction to the specific job and company, demonstrating your enthusiasm and understanding of the role.

Example of an Effective Introduction Paragraph: "As a marketing professional with five years of experience driving successful campaigns for well-known brands, I was thrilled to see the opening for a Marketing Manager at XYZ Company. Your commitment to innovation and customer-centric approach aligns with my passion for creating impactful marketing strategies that foster long-lasting relationships with consumers."

Showcasing Relevant Experience

The body of the cover letter should focus on relevant experience, demonstrating how the candidate's skills and accomplishments align with the job requirements. It is important to be selective when discussing experiences and accomplishments, as too much information can dilute the overall impact of your cover letter. Highlighting transferable skills can be especially valuable for candidates transitioning to a new industry or role. Storytelling techniques can be employed to effectively showcase your relevant experience, making it relatable and engaging for the reader. Remember to connect your experiences to the job and company, demonstrating your understanding of the position and its requirements.

Example of an Effective Paragraph Focused on Relevant Experience: "In my previous role as a Marketing Coordinator at ABC Agency, I successfully managed a variety of digital marketing campaigns for clients in the retail and hospitality sectors. Through data-driven strategies and creative content development, I increased website traffic by an average of 30% and boosted social media engagement by 25% across all client accounts. My ability to analyze market trends and adapt campaigns accordingly allowed me to deliver consistent results that exceeded client expectations. I am confident that my experience and skills in digital marketing would make me a valuable asset to XYZ Company's marketing team."

Delving into Company Details or Additional Qualifications

Additional paragraphs can be used to discuss company-specific details or further qualifications that strengthen the candidate's suitability for the position. Showing knowledge about the company and its values demonstrates your genuine interest in the role and organization. When discussing additional qualifications, such as certifications or awards, ensure that they are relevant and add value to your application. Addressing company-specific challenges or goals in your cover letter can help you stand out and show your problem-solving abilities. Maintain a strong connection between these paragraphs and the job and company to keep the focus on your suitability for the role.

Example of an Effective Paragraph Focused on Company Details or Additional Qualifications: "I recently completed a certification in data analytics, which has equipped me with the skills to analyze and interpret large datasets to drive marketing decisions. I understand that XYZ Company values data-driven strategies and continuously seeks to optimize its marketing efforts. My certification, combined with my experience in digital marketing, would enable me to contribute significantly to your team's goal of increasing customer acquisition and retention rates."

Crafting the Closing

The closing paragraph should reiterate the candidate's interest in the position, provide a clear call to action, and express gratitude for the opportunity to apply. A strong closing leaves a lasting impression and reinforces your enthusiasm for the role and company. Offer tips for expressing enthusiasm and interest in the role and company, such as mentioning specific aspects of the job or organization that excite you. A clear call to action guides the reader's next steps, such as scheduling an interview or reviewing your resume. Maintain a professional and courteous tone in the closing, showing respect for the reader's time and consideration.

Example of an Effective Closing Paragraph: "I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to XYZ Company's ongoing marketing success and believe that my skills and experiences align with the requirements of the Marketing Manager role. I would be grateful for the opportunity to discuss my qualifications further in an interview. Thank you for considering my application, and I look forward to the possibility of working with the XYZ team."

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Job seekers should be aware of common mistakes when crafting a cover letter, such as excessive length, lack of personalization, and focusing too much on personal interests. These mistakes can negatively impact the effectiveness of your cover letter and may lead to your application being overlooked. To avoid these pitfalls, keep your cover letter concise and tailored to the job and company. Use specific examples to showcase your skills and experiences, and ensure that your cover letter complements your resume rather than rehashing its content. Proofreading and editing your cover letter is crucial, as errors can leave a negative impression on potential employers. Seek feedback from trusted sources, such as mentors or career advisors, to further refine your cover letter and increase your chances of success.

Final Thoughts

By understanding the ideal structure, length, and content for an effective cover letter, job seekers can make a strong impression on potential employers and increase their chances of landing an interview. Remember to tailor your cover letter to the specific job and company, ensuring that you demonstrate your understanding of the position and its requirements. Apply the advice and tips provided in this article to craft a compelling cover letter that highlights your unique skills, experiences, and enthusiasm for the role. For further guidance and assistance in crafting an effective cover letter, consider exploring additional cover letter resources and seeking feedback from trusted sources. We wish you the best of luck in your job search and future career endeavors.

How to Know When It’s Time to Indent (or Not)

by Gregory Price.

I am in an online novel writing workshop that is made up of smart, educated writers. We have a doctor, a couple of business people, a journalist, a radio producer, and an educator. Most of them are well-traveled, and all of them are well read. I would dare say this is a group who knows a few things.

In the first few weeks of our writing together, when we started submitting our prose pieces into our online classroom, I began to notice something. Almost none of the other writers were using indentation in their work.

At first I thought it was a glitch, or an oversight, but then it became a trend that snowballed into an outbreak.

In my written feedback and our conversations, I started calling a couple of the students out about it; after all, shouldn’t they have known better??

But because of the unanimity of their indentation behaviour, I couldn’t help wonder though if I had missed some newsletter that announced the retirement of indentation. How could something so big have passed me by?

Delve Into What Makes You Creative

Blame technology for no one knowing whether to indent or not.

Initially, I thought my computer was to blame. I haven’t updated to all the most recent software, so I thought perhaps it was a technical problem, and surely not all the other writers’ conscious choice. But that wasn’t it as I myself was still able to indent my own writing.

I then moved on to thinking it might be a regional thing. The other student brought up under the U.S. educational system like me used indentation in their submissions whereas the rest of the participants in the workshop lived in Canada.

I thought maybe Canadians didn’t know when to indent or not, or it was a northern style thing not to indent.

I also work as an EFL professor in Japan teaching writing courses to non-native university students, and the textbooks I use teach indentation as a basic rule of paragraph writing. These textbooks are from U.S publishing companies, so I settled on it being a cultural issue.

However, then I noticed that our class instructor, who is certainly no slouch, was also writing her instructions, notes, and feedback into our online forum without using indentation … and she is American.

Baffled, I had to bring it up with her.

She explained that the class website platform we use is not formatted to accommodate indentation. Even if you indented each paragraph of your message, the format of the site would flush all of the writing to the left as soon as you posted your comments.

So, she and the others, including myself, had to adapt to the parameters by changing how we were writing.

For our regular conversation it wasn’t problematic; in fact, the flush left paragraphs on website writing make logical sense to the eye.

But if we were writing prose and sharing it in the online forum, rather than indent new paragraphs, the traditional way to indicate a change in character, tone, or scene, instead we had to accommodate the technology by putting in an extra line of white space between sections.

Now, if the writing in our class website were the only time we didn’t see any indentation, that’d be one thing, but when we submit our manuscripts, we do it in the form of a Microsoft word file (.doc or .docx), which still very much supports the traditional use of indented paragraphs.

Yet still, even these submissions were mostly appearing sans-indentation.

I thought about this, and tried researching new trends in indentation on the Internet. Of course, the Internet is about as helpful with regard to providing concrete information about new breakthroughs for indentation as it is with giving me reasons I have had a sore throat for the past week.

I found a number of conflicting reports, unrelated to geography or schooling, age, or operating system.  Some layfolks had interesting things to say on the etymology of the paragraph and typesetting  in this online chat forum (in which all their comments were, you guessed it, left justified). 

I also found  this reassuring blog post from Editor Louise Harnby  about when precisely in fiction writing you should still very much indent (dialogue, new paragraphs, etc.)

When I finished my search, I had the nagging feeling that amongst my peers maybe simple laziness was the culprit, and I was also slightly paranoid that I had a rare form of grammar cancer.

Is Indentation Merely About Needing to Evolve with the Times?

In the past, I have been accused of being a fuddy-duddy. New ways of doing things (such as people having face-to-face conversations with their cellphones in hand) sometimes rub me the wrong way, and I’m not shy about voicing my discontent.

In instances of formal writing, indenting is still standard ( see how the various style guides handle it ). Yet in other contexts, such as when writing a business letter or a block of text in a CV or résumé, it is not only acceptable but preferable that one not indent.

Technology has also modified our indentation use. Because many sites like our classroom website, auto-justify all text to the left, it’s become standard for all website writing to be so.

(The irony hasn’t escaped me that this very essay may likely not avoid appearing sans-indentation as soon as it is party to the programming whims of this particular website).

• Texts- left.
• Online chats- left.
• Facebook messenger- left.
• Online dating apps? Could swipe either way.

Looks like the times are a-changing and indeed, the formats used in many contemporary and emerging methods of communication have upended traditional norms of written communication.  

Evolve or bust, I suppose.

Perhaps it is tricky to program indentation, or perhaps programmers don’t consider it important, or maybe on computer screens indenting brings about odd physiological responses in the eye mapping of text, who knows.

The beauty of language is that it is a living thing that evolves. When it does not, it dies. (Latin has had the same grammar for centuries.)

From time to time though, languages become extinct in order to make way for more useful forms of communication.

I maintain that we should be vigilant and pick apart our language in order to deliberate whether we should maintain certain norms, or whether it’s time to let them fade into the obscurity of that which is now deemed inefficient.

Staying the Course: Indentation or Bust

I believe indentation is valuable and should continue to be used for a few reasons:

• It looks as if care were put into the overall visual effect of the work.
• I feel it provides the writer with more time for reflection, as to the message conveyed in the paragraph, and that it warrants the pinkie taxing press that creates the indentation.
• If I add a few spaces at the beginning of a paragraph about my mother, the reader understands that this is a new theme or idea to be presented about her.
• If I add a full blank space, and an indent, it lets the reader know that the following is a shift in the flow of the main body of work.
• Perhaps we will learn of a story flashed back from my mother’s past, or a side note about her best recipe.

However, if we regularly use spaces to separate our paragraphs, our ability to use them for certain effect becomes watered down, like my mom’s lemonade (one of her lesser recipes), and we are simply spilling out a potent splash of ingredient to the flow of our writing.

What the Others Think About Indenting or Not: A Mixed Review

After I called out my intelligent peers about their indentation habits, I got some feedback.

Their remarks ranged from militant quill-gripping fists in the air, proclaiming how we as writers are the protectors of the sacred art form of the scribes and that we should not go lazily into the long electric dark ages; The others just e-shrugged and mentioned that we live in an age where presidential proclamations are regurgitated into 140 characters and emojis are becoming an actual lexicon.

Is a space as wide as a thumbprint really worth preservation, or will indentation fade into nostalgia-filled obscurity and be looked back upon like the illustrated drop cap?

For my money, I believe it is a part of our formatting worth upholding, though with the antagonism of formats created by programmers, as opposed to those created by linguists, and sheer laziness, sometimes by those same linguists, it might just be a losing battle. Time will tell.

I’ll say this: if we as writers have the mental wherewithal to remember to charge our phones before they die, I feel confident that we can indent when we need to.

Originally from Memphis TN, Gregory Price has lived and taught in Europe, China, and now works as an adjunct professor at Tokyo University of Science in Japan. He holds an M.A. in ESL and a BFA for painting and sculpture. He is currently producing abstract photography based on radial symmetry of textures from various cities around the world and writing a novel.

A portfolio of some of his visual art can be found HERE .

6 Responses

Greg– I just read this and and your bio. I will pop in and look at your visual art. How long have you lived in Japan? John

Hey John…I’ve been here for 15 years 24 days 11 hours and 12 minutes…shoot…13 minutes…uh…14 minutes and 22 seconds…uh…it’s never-ending…

Interesting that an article seemingly making a case for indenting, didn’t indent throughout.

Haha, that’s a good point! Yet with web writing, the standard is to left justify for ease of on-screen reading. That convention isn’t about to change but Greg does a great job in his article of interrogating the changes that come along with new technologies. I appreciate your good eye, and thank you for your comment, Ibrahim!

Hi Ibrahim, When I originally wrote this, I indented throughout. The website cut the indentation upon publication. It is a pretty good example of irony. -Greg

Website admin note: Greg, entirely agree. And the irony on the irony is that indentation is non-standard for web writing, so I had to err on the side of succumbing to the standard, which was created and is used because of scanning/ease of web readability. It’s a great article and lens through which to continue to find interesting how things continue to evolve in the writing/formatting landscape (and twist over themselves in the name of progress!). ~ Jenna

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Cover Letter Spacing Guidelines

Cover Letting Spacing Overview

• Using Letter Samples and Templates
• Review Sample Formatted Cover Letters

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Technology has made it easier than ever to apply to jobs. But there’s one part of the process that’s hard to automate: cover letters.

Maybe that’s why so few candidates write them. Only 42% of applicants say that they submit this crucial document when they apply for a job. However, most hiring managers still want to see cover letters from job applicants. Even if they didn’t, it would be a shame to miss out on the opportunity to sing your praises to decision-makers. Write a thoughtful, professional cover letter, and you’ll stand out from the competition before you’ve even spoken with the hiring team.

If it’s been a while since you’ve written a cover letter—or any formal business correspondence—you might feel a little intimidated. Even the  formatting requirements  can feel confusing when you’re rusty.

The good news is that there’s a clear formula for organizing your cover letter. These cover letter spacing guidelines will help you compose a message that makes the best possible impression.

The format of a letter refers to the way the letter is arranged on the page. The format includes spacing, indentation, margins, and more.

When you're writing a cover letter, the spacing is important regardless of what form your letter is in. An email cover letter needs to be as properly formatted as a typed cover letter.

Read below for cover letter spacing and general formatting guidelines for both typed and email cover letters. Two sample cover letters, one for a typed letter and one for an email letter, are included.

• Format an email cover letter just like a traditional business letter, with spaces in between each paragraph and your signature.
• Align your cover letter to the left.
• Single-space the paragraphs in your cover letter or email message.
• When you're sending a typed letter, include a handwritten signature and a typed signature underneath it.
• When you're sending an email message, follow your signature with your contact information. If you have a formatted email signature, use this to close your message.

Your cover letter should be one page or less. Use a 10- or 12-point font that is easy to read, such as Times New Roman, Calibri, or Arial.

How to Use Letter Samples and Templates

Cover letter examples and templates  can help you visualize the layout of your letter. They also show you what elements you need to include, such as introductions and body paragraphs.

Along with helping with your layout, letter samples and templates can help you see what kind of content you should include in your document, such as a brief explanation of a layoff.

You should use a template or an example as a starting point for your letter. However, you should always personalize and customize your cover letter, so it reflects your skills and abilities, and the jobs you are applying for.

Remember that hiring managers want candidates who are passionate about this particular job, not just any job. Use your cover letter as a sales document to persuade the hiring team that you’re the right person for the job.

Review Sample Cover Letters

Here's an example of a properly spaced and formatted printed cover letter, as well as a sample email message.

Sample Spacing for a Printed Document

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

Dear Hiring Manager:

First Paragraph: The first paragraph of your letter should include information on why you are writing. Mention the position you are applying for.

Middle Paragraphs: The next paragraphs of your cover letter should describe what you have to offer the employer. Make strong connections between your abilities and their needs. Use several shorter paragraphs or bullets rather than one large block of text. Keep the paragraphs single-spaced but leave a space between each paragraph.

Final Paragraph: Conclude your cover letter by thanking the employer for considering you for the position.

Signature: Sincerely,

Signature (Handwritten)

Signature (Typed)

Sample Spacing for an Email Message

Subject: Your Name - Sample Position Application

Middle Paragraphs: The next section of your cover letter should describe what you have to offer the employer. Provide details on your qualifications for the job. Keep the paragraphs single-spaced but leave a space between each paragraph.

Final Paragraph: Conclude your cover letter by thanking the hiring manager for considering you for the job.

Signature: Include your contact information in your signature at the bottom of your email message.

Best Regards,

____________

FirstName LastName Email Address Phone LinkedIn Profile (Optional)

Jobvite. “ Job Seeker Nation Survey 2017 ,” Page 19. Accessed June 15, 2021.

Nancy M. Schullery, Linda Ickes, and Stephen E. Schullery. “ Employer Preferences for Résumés and Cover Letters ,” Business and Professional Communication Quarterly . Accessed June 15, 2021.