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Career Planning
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Cover Letters

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.

How to Set Up Correct Spacing for a Cover Letter

There are several components that go into writing a good cover letter. Using the appropriate spacing can help your cover letter get noticed by hiring managers as well as make sure you present yourself in a professional manner right from the start. This article will discuss how to set up spacing for your cover letter and tips for formatting your cover letter as well as provide a cover letter template and examples you can use when writing your own.

Why is spacing for a letter important?

Spacing for a letter is important primarily because it makes a letter easily readable. Spacing your letter correctly can also ensure a clear and organized appearance rather than a letter that is jumbled together and difficult to read. Additionally, practicing proper spacing in your letters can also help establish yourself as professional as possible to the recipients of your letter(s).

How to set up spacing for a cover letter

Here are steps you can take when setting up spacing for your cover letter:

First, begin by adding your name.
Then, insert a single space. Add your address.
Next, insert a single space. Add your phone number.
Fourthly, insert a single space. Add your email address.
Next, insert a single space. Add the date you are writing the letter.
Then, insert a single space. Add the company name of the recipient.
Next, insert a single space. Add the address of the company.
Follow this by inserting a single space. Begin the letter with ‘Dear [hiring manager/interviewer].’
Then, insert a single space. Include the first paragraph of your cover letter.
After that, insert a single space. Include the second paragraph of your cover letter.
Next, insert a single space. Include the third paragraph of your cover letter.
Then, insert a single space. Write your cover letter conclusion.
Next, insert a single space. Write ‘Sincerely,’
Follow the last step by inserting three spaces. Add your name and title.
Finish the cover letter by signing your name in the area with three spaces between ‘Sincerely’ and your typed name and title.

These steps are meant to be used as a guide when formatting and writing a business letter. You can also review examples to see the specific components you should include in a cover letter, such as the date your letter is being sent and the closing paragraph.

Tips for cover letter spacing

Here are some tips you can implement when formatting your cover letter to ensure proper spacing:

Use standard one-inch margins when formatting a cover letter
Align all paragraphs in your cover letter along the left side of the page
Keep your cover letter to three or four paragraphs, if possible
Use single spaces when formatting your cover letter
Leave a space between addresses, dates, heading, greeting and each new paragraph
Input a minimum of three spaces after the closing statement (such as ‘Sincerely’) and your name and signature
Include a handwritten signature when sending a physical/hardcopy letter
Use a font that is 10 or 12 points and is easily readable such as Calibri or Times New Roman

When using templates, examples or other samples of cover letters it is also important to customize each letter with your personal information and experience as it relates to the job you are applying for.

Cover letter spacing template

The following is a template you can use as a guide when formatting the spacing of your cover letter:

[Your name] [Space] [Your address] [Space] [Your city, state and zip code] [Space] [Your phone number] [Space] [Your email address] [Space] [Date you are writing the letter] [Space] [Dear hiring manager or interviewer name]: [Space] [First paragraph: Use the first paragraph of your cover letter to introduce yourself and why you are writing. You should include the title of the position you are sending in a resume for as well as how you found the job opening if applicable.] [Space] [Body paragraphs: Include two or three body paragraphs in your cover letter that go into detail about why you would be a good candidate for the position you are applying for. You can use specific examples and include mentions of skills or experience that were asked for in the job listing. Try to keep paragraphs short or consider using a bulleted list if appropriate. Include a space between each new paragraph.] [Space] [Concluding paragraph: Wrap up your cover letter by iterating your thanks to the interviewer/hiring manager for their time and consideration. You can also let them know that you are available at certain times if they have any questions or need more information to consider you as a candidate.] [Space] [Sincerely,] [Space] [Space] [Space] [Your signature] [Your name]

Cover letter spacing example

Here is an example of a cover letter using proper spacing throughout:

Carlos Thomas 786 Read Street Tampa, Florida 37691 (555) 555-5555 [email protected]

February 12, 2020

Dear Mr. Marcos:

I am writing to apply for the event coordinator position you currently have open at Anita’s Events in Tampa. With over 10 years of experience in event management and coordination, I believe that my skills and qualifications closely match that of the ideal candidate you are looking to fill this position.

I am currently working as the event coordinator at Edison’s Events and have headed multiple events of all varieties during my time in this position. I work directly with clients to ensure the events we plan and coordinate for them not only meet their expectations but exceed them.

The types of events that I have managed include corporate meetings, tradeshows, holiday parties, product launches, various types of gatherings and festivals. My dedication to providing unmatched customer service and staying abreast of the event management industry has allowed me to:

Increase my company’s overall revenue by 37% over the last two years
Achieve and maintain a customer service rating of five stars
Attract crowds that have exceeded 7,500
Improve the company’s overall brand recognition and customer database

I have attached my resume to this letter to provide more details as to why I would be a great candidate for this position. In my resume, you will find further examples of my work-related successes as well as the skills and experience that qualify me for this job opportunity. My resume also provides additional details as to the events I have coordinated in various industries including nonprofits, supermarket chains and car dealerships.

If you would like more information related to my experience and qualifications or to set up a meeting, please do not hesitate to contact me at (555) 555-5555. Thank you for time and consideration.

Sincerely, Carlos Thomas

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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Cover Letter Workshop - Formatting and Organization

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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 Advice

Cover letter tips.

Like your resume, a cover letter is a sample of your written work and should be brief (preferably one page), persuasive, well-reasoned, and grammatically perfect. Before crafting your cover letters, review the following tips and consult the sample cover letters .

A good cover letter

Tells the employer who you are and what you are seeking;
Shows that you know about the particular employer and the kind of work the employer does (i.e., civil or criminal work, direct client service, “impact” cases, antitrust litigation);
Demonstrates your writing skills;
Demonstrates your commitment to the work of that particular employer;
Conveys that you have something to contribute to the employer;
Shows that you and that employer are a good “fit;” and
Tells the employer how to get in touch with you by email, telephone, and mail.

Hiring attorneys and recruiting administrators use cover letters to

Eliminate applicants whose letters contain misspellings (especially of the employer name and the name of the contact person) or other errors;
Eliminate applicants whose letters show a lack of research, knowledge about, or interest in the employer’s work;
Eliminate applicants who are unable to exhibit the value they will bring to the employer; and
See if there are geographic ties or other information to explain the applicant’s interest in that city or employer.

Cover Letter Format

Your current address should be aligned with the center of the page or the left margin. Under your address you should include a telephone number where you can most easily be reached (i.e., your cell phone) and email address. The date is included under that contact information.

Determine to whom you should address the cover letter. If you are applying to law firms, address your letter to the recruiting director, unless you have reason to do otherwise—for example, if you have been instructed to address the letter to a particular attorney at the firm. For NALP member firms, use www.nalpdirectory.com to obtain that contact information. For other firms and public interest employers, you can refer to their websites, or contact the office to determine to whom your materials should be directed. The name of the person to whom the letter is addressed, his or her title, the employer’s name, and address follow the date and are aligned with the left margin. If writing to an attorney, include Esq. after the person’s name. The greeting appears two lines below the employer’s address and should be “Dear Mr.,” “Dear Ms.,” “Dear Mx.,” “Dear [First Name] [LastName],” or “Dear Judge.” When possible, avoid addressing your letter generally, such as Dear Sir or Madam, or “To Whom It May Concern”; instead take the time to find the contact person and address the letter to that individual.

The body of the cover letter ought to be single-spaced with a line between each paragraph. The closing of the letter (“Sincerely” and your signature) should be two lines below the last line of the letter and either in the center of the page or aligned with the left margin, consistent with how you set up the top of your letter.

Cover Letter Body

Although there are many ways to write a cover letter, the following general format has worked well for candidates in the past.

In the first paragraph of your cover letter, explain why you are sending your application to the employer: “I am an experienced attorney admitted in New York and am seeking a position with the Trusts and Estates practice group at your organization.” Mention your education background very briefly. In addition, if you have been referred by a mutual contact, you should mention that contact in the first paragraph.
Use the second paragraph to explain your interest in the employer, including your interest in the employer’s geographic location, reputation, specialty area, or public service.
In the third paragraph, stress why this employer should hire you. Try not to reiterate what is already included on your resume. Elaborate on the qualifications and experience you have that make you an exceptional attorney. As a lateral candidate it is particularly important to show the value you will bring to the organization.
The final paragraph should thank the employer for taking the time to review your application and inform the employer of how you can be reached to set up an interview. You may wish to state that you will contact the employer in a couple of weeks to follow up and then actually do so. This is especially true with public interest employers who are often understaffed and will appreciate your extra effort.

For additional general cover letter advice from CDO, consult this page . You are welcome to schedule an appointment with a CDO counselor to review and discuss your cover letter draft.

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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.

Enhancv Cover Letter Design: 5+ Tips & Examples for Success Cover letter design

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.

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Nathan Bransford | Writing, Book Editing, Publishing

Helping authors achieve their dreams

How to format a query letter

November 2, 2020 by Nathan Bransford 13 Comments

SUBJECT LINE : Query – [Something that makes sense like your book title]

Dear Blog Readers,

This is how you format an e-mailed query letter. Note that I did not begin with the recipient’s address or my address or the date, as that is not customary for an e-mail. I also am not indenting because indenting and e-mails do not mix.

I am using block formatting. My BOOK TITLE is capitalized. I double space between paragraphs but otherwise the query is single-spaced. It is written in a default font, it is left-justified, and the font is a normal size and color. If I have copied from a word processing program or a past e-mail I am careful to have stripped any lingering formatting (pasting with Alt-Shift-Command-V can help). I haven’t added pictures or tried to get fancy with anything because I want the agent to see that I’m confident in my words and don’t need any gimmicks to make my query stand out.

Believe it or not, less than 25% of the e-queries I received when I was an agent were properly formatted. While you won’t get rejected if your query is incorrectly formatted, if you accomplish this simple task correctly you will convey an indispensable aura of professionalism.

And remember: the amount of time you spend formatting, coloring, bolding, italicizing, and adding pictures to your query is inversely proportional to how professional it looks when you’re finished.

Sincerely, Nathan Bransford (note that I didn’t leave space for a signature since it’s an e-mail)

My e-mail address My phone number (optional: my website)

First 5 pages of the manuscript in the body of the email.

More query formatting tips

Here are some more tips on formatting and email correspondence:

Always address your query to a specific agent and personalize, even if it’s a general submission address . Personalize, personalize, personalize . It’s not about kissing up, it’s about showing the agents you’re diligent and did your research.
Query with your real name . An agent is considering entering into a business arrangement with you and they want to know who they’re really talking to. If you are planning to use a pen name, include it beneath your signature but you should still query as yourself.
Always include “query” in the subject line . Many agents have their spam filters set so that queries don’t get trapped. What you include in addition to that is up to you, but don’t get gimmicky. Just be professional.
Do not send an attachment unless the agent specifically asks for one . Agents will likely delete an unsolicited attachment unopened. Follow submission guidelines but your initial query should most likely not have an attachment.
Do not change the color or font . I really can’t emphasize this enough. Sometimes people feel they need to do something to “stand out” in an agent’s inbox and so they get crazy with the formatting. Do not do this. Stand out by just writing well.
Do not use a shared email address with your spouse . Sorry, but this feels unprofessional and computer illiterate. Use your own email address.
When corresponding with an agent, reply directly to their emails and do not change the subject line . This is just good email etiquette in general, but don’t make an agent’s life difficult by making them hunt for your past correspondence. Always just reply to their last email. Make sure all the correspondence is one place so they can easily refresh their memory. (Here’s more on literary agent etiquette )
See also : How to format your manuscript .
If you need additional help with your query : Take my online classes , reach out for editing , or book a consultation !

Have any other questions about query formatting? Let me know in the comments!

Need help with your book? I’m available for manuscript edits, query critiques, and coaching ! For my best advice, check out my online classes , my guide to writing a novel and my guide to publishing a book . And if you like this post: subscribe to my newsletter !

Art: The Fish Footman and the Frog Footman from “Alice in Wonderland” by Sir John Tenniel

Reader Interactions

November 2, 2020 at 10:15 pm

Nathan, this reminder has come at a great time. I am getting ever closer to having my query letter just the way I want it, ready to do some serious querying. I’ve been psyched out by the process and labored more on the query than my manuscript…and that’s saying a lot. I’ll still likely get many, many rejections but I won’t get any until I send my query. Besides, I need something new up on the wall to remind me to keep on keepin’ on. Thanks!

November 4, 2020 at 6:41 am

Thank you for this insightful article. I continue to enjoy your blog and newsletter; they are helpful. Your efforts are much appreciated.

The question I have is that some agents say that the query “should include a cover letter.” Is this something that should be a separate attachment and would that request change anything in terms of what you have stated in this blog?

November 4, 2020 at 5:03 pm

I’m not sure what that means, I think a query letter is a cover letter? Can you point me to those submission requirements?

November 4, 2020 at 9:16 am

Thank you so much for sharing this. We work so hard on the MS, go through the mountainous minutiae to get first pages, first lines, the hook, strong middles and satisfying endings to our stories then trip up trying to introduce ourselves to the very people we’re hoping to help us get our labors of love out into the world. This is very helpful!

November 9, 2020 at 5:11 am

I think that you are right that the query letter is the cover letter and the difference in terms for the query is because of the option to submit both electronically and through traditional mail. Here are the submission guidelines in their entirety:

Submitted queries should include a cover letter with your name, a short bio, the title of the work, and a brief synopsis. Manuscripts should be attached as .PDF or .docx files and should be titled in the format “Last Name_Manuscript Title”, e.g. “Ginsburg_Sunset City”. You may include a full manuscript or an excerpt of whatever length you choose. We do not accept queries by mail or over the phone.

If you have any additional thoughts, I would be grateful for your opinion. Thank you for your time and efforts.

November 9, 2020 at 9:24 am

Yeah it’s phrased in a confusing way but I think they’re just trying to describe what a query letter is for people who might not be familiar with the term. I still think cover letter = query letter.

November 10, 2020 at 7:26 am

Yes, that makes sense. Thank you!

November 13, 2020 at 12:40 pm

From what I’ve seen, the British refer to query letters as cover, so yes they are one and the same. I read that the query should be single spaced, but few references to the sample manuscript pages. Should the first five or ten be double-spaced?

November 13, 2020 at 12:42 pm

I wouldn’t worry about double-spacing the sample pages within the query letter. I think agents know that formatting is going to get wonky when you’re pasting a manuscript into the body of an email, so just do the best you can.

December 4, 2022 at 1:10 pm

Thanks for your blog. One of the things I keep encountering is advice on the Internet to not put a synopsis in your query. The advice tends to be that a query should be less than 300 words or so. But then I start going through my list of potential agents and a large percentage of them want a query and a synopsis. I’m stuck with whatever a particular agent wants, of course, but that means I have to try and distinguish what part of my “query” is the query (hook, bio and?) and what part is the synopsis (just a summary?).

December 4, 2022 at 2:31 pm

This is what a synopsis is: https://nathanbransford.com/blog/2022/08/how-to-write-a-synopsis-for-a-novel

March 31, 2023 at 4:12 pm

I’ve noted that in some overviews on the net, plot summary (hook/pitch) and synopsis are used interchangeably – confusing. Thanks for differentiating between the plot summary contained in the query and the separate synopsis. Clarified and clear, now.

March 31, 2023 at 4:48 pm

I agree this is confusing! I wish there were more consistency within the publishing industry on the terminology.