Guidelines for Properly Spacing Your Cover Letter

Guidelines for Properly Spacing Your Cover Letter Guidelines for Properly Spacing Your Cover Letter Should you single space or double space a cover letter? How much spacing should there be between paragraphs? What about spaces between your closing and signature? How should an email cover letter be spaced? What else do you need to do to properly format a cover letter to send with a resume when applying for a job? 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 youre 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. Cover Letter Spacing Guidelines Leave a space between your address and the date.Leave a space between the heading and the salutation.Leave a space between each paragraph.Single-space the paragraphs in your cover letter or email message.Leave a space between the final paragraph and your closing.Leave a space between the closing and your signature.When youre sending a typed letter, include a handwritten signature and a typed signature underneath it.When youre sending an email message, leave a space after your signature, with contact information. If you have a formatted email signature, use this for your contact information. Your  cover letter should be one page or less.Use a 10- or 12-point font  that is easy to read like Times New Roman, Calibri, or Arial.Align your cover letter to the left. In Microsoft Word, select your letter and click on Align, Text, Left.Format an email cover letter just  like a traditional letter  with spaces in between each paragraph and your signature. How to Use Letter Samples and Templates Letter examples and templates help you with 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 lay-off. You should use a template or 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. Sample Mail Cover Letter Spacing Your NameYour Street AddressYour City, State  Zip CodeYour Phone NumberYour Email AddressDateDear 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) Expand Sample Email Cover Message Spacing Subject:  Your Name - Sample Position ApplicationDear 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 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,Your Name____________FirstName LastNameEmail AddressPhoneCell PhoneLinkedIn Profile  (Optional) Expand