How to Set Cover Letter Margins for a Professional Look

The presentation of the information on your cover letter, including your cover letter margins and format, is essential because the look of your letter encourages the hiring manager to read the information. Cover letters have crucial details about your qualifications and the reasons you are suitable for the position. When you include the information in an organized and easy-to-see format, it encourages the employer to read your letter.

Paying attention to the clean format and margin guidelines shows you are a detailed-oriented person who takes care and has pride in your work. As a representation of you and your initial introduction to the employer, the cover letter should impress the hiring manager and encourage them to contact you for an interview. Cover letters introduce your resume, but also introduce you and your work ethic to the employer.

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A cover letter is an opportunity to show your competence in written communication and establish yourself as a good fit for the position and the company culture. When formatting your cover letter, consider both the content of the letter and the presentation. Cover letters submitted with a resume and job application function as a formal business letter and have a similar format. Each cover letter you submit should be in paragraph format, with a formal greeting, a respectful closing, and your signature. Here are tips to consider when formatting your customized cover letter:

• Review the job description. Read the official job description, which can typically be found on the company website, and identify the keywords listed in the qualifications and responsibilities. When composing your letter, include these keywords strategically as some employers use an application tracking system (ATS) to facilitate the application process.
• Include required details. Read the instructions included in the job description carefully. It may require you to address a specific skill or answer a question as part of the application packet. Be sure to follow directions to fulfill all the requirements asked of you.
• Choose an easy-to-read font. To show consideration towards the person reviewing your cover letter and application and to ensure your application gets passed the ATS, use a basic font that has simple lines. Hiring managers’ eyes can tire after reviewing hundreds of applications, and ATS does best with fonts like Times New Roman, Arial, and Veranda.
• Consider font size. Keep the font size consistent throughout the letter and ensure it matches the one used on your resume. The typical size is 12. Too large of font will take up too much space on your page and may look unprofessional. Too small of a size will be hard to read and appear overwhelming. It will give your cover letter a polished look.
• Leave blank space when appropriate. The margins around your page provide a visually appealing frame for the content and writing while the spaces within the page show a change in idea, topic, and provide visual stimulus to help information stand out. Use the white space appropriately and you will not have to rely on enlarging font for emphasis or using the bold feature for titles and contact information.
• Set standard margins. The typical business margin setting is 1 inch all around. This allows enough space for the person reading your letter to hold the page comfortably without covering the information.
• Be mindful of length. A cover letter should highlight your central qualifications and establish why you are a good fit for the job. Be selective of the information you include so you don’t repeat your entire resume. Keep it on one page if possible. You can see how to adjust your margins in the section below to keep your cover letter on a single sheet of paper.
• Revise and edit carefully. Make sure your letter is direct, clear, and easy to read. There should be a logical flow to the information you present, and it should be clear of spelling and grammatical errors. Paying close attention to avoid these mistakes on your cover letter establishes your caliber of dedication to your work.
• Print on professional quality paper. Try to use resume paper, which can be found online or at most office supply stores, for impeccable presentation.

Setting the margins to your desired size for your cover letter gives your work a professional appearance. If your letter has a lot of information and does not fit on a single page, you can adjust the margins on the top, bottom, or sides for space and visual appeal. Here are some steps to take to help you edit your cover letter margin settings:

1. Locate the Page Layout tab. Select it by setting your cursor over it and pressing down on the select button.
2. Click on the margins button using your cursor.
3. There is typically a selection of pre-formatted options. They range from a half an inch all around the page to one and a half inches around. If one of those options fits your needs, just select it.
4. If you prefer to set your own margins, select the option from the drop-down menu that reads “Custom Margins.”
5. Type in your preferred settings in each of the four dialog boxes.
6. Verify that your margins match all around to give your letter a centered, distinct, and neat appearance.

Because cover letter margins and formatting follow a business style letter, refrain from indenting each paragraph and include your contact information, in box form, at the top of the correspondence. Review this template to help you effectively format the spacing and provide a finished look for your cover letter.

[Your name]
[Your address]
[Your phone number]
[Your professional email]

[Date you are submitting the letter]

[Recipient’s name]
[Recipient’s address]
[Recipient’s business number]
[Recipient’s business email]

Dear Mr./Mrs./Ms. [Recipient’s last name]

Paragraph 1: Include a formal greeting and the letter’s intent. Thank you for your time and attention to this letter. My purpose is to communicate my interest in applying for the vacant position of x. I learned of this position through [explain if you saw a posting, received a job listing alert, or were told by a professional acquaintance].

Paragraph 2: Explain the central skills that qualify you for the position and what you can provide for the company. My expertise in [explain your first skill or qualification] proves that I have the ability to delivery quality and fulfill the requirements of the role. [Use measurable examples and include details about your previous experience when possible.] 

Paragraph 3: Show how you fit well with the culture of the company. I bring [amount of time] years’ experience working in teams and have led many companies to succeed. I work well with like-minded people and seek a role where I can guide others and advance with the company.

Paragraph 4: End with gratitude and explain your next steps. You can also ask about what you can expect from the company which will prompt a response from the hiring manager. I appreciate your time and consideration. I have included my resume and contact information. I will follow-up with an email within a week to see if there are more details you require from me. Please let me know the next steps to expect in the process. 

With warm regards,
[Your signature in red or blue ink]
[Your typed full name]

Preparing the cover letter margins and format can help you catch the attention of a hiring manager and differentiate you from other candidates. An accomplished cover letter can help you land an interview and advance your career path. Whether you are transitioning into a new industry or searching for a place to advance your career and hone your skills, being capable of customizing your cover letter margins and format is a detail that can open up opportunities for you. Looking for a new job? Start here!