What Should a Cover Letter for a Resume Look Like? Complete Visual Guide 2025
TL;DR - Quick Answer
A professional cover letter should be one page long, formatted with 1-inch margins, 11-12pt professional font (Calibri, Arial, or Times New Roman), and structured in three main sections: header with contact information, 3-4 body paragraphs, and a professional closing. The visual style should match your resume's formatting for a cohesive application package, using the same fonts, colors, and header design.
The ideal cover letter looks clean, scannable, and professional—not cluttered or over-designed. It includes your contact details at the top, a personalized greeting, compelling body content with specific examples, and a confident closing with your signature. Most importantly, it should complement your resume visually while telling your story in narrative form.
Key Takeaways
Visual consistency is essential: Your cover letter and resume should use matching fonts, colors, header designs, and overall aesthetic. This cohesive look signals professionalism and attention to detail—hiring managers notice when documents don't match.
Clean structure beats creative design: A well-organized cover letter with clear sections, appropriate white space, and logical flow impresses more than fancy graphics or unusual layouts. Simple, professional formatting ensures ATS compatibility and easy readability.
One page is the standard: Your cover letter should fit on a single page (250-400 words) with standard margins. Multiple pages suggest inability to communicate concisely, while cramped single pages with tiny margins look desperate.
Headers should mirror your resume: Use the exact same header format, name styling, and contact information layout from your resume. This immediate visual connection shows both documents belong to the same professional application package.
Professional doesn't mean boring: Modern cover letters can include subtle design elements like tasteful use of brand colors in headers, strategic bolding of key achievements, or clean section dividers—as long as they enhance rather than distract from content.
Introduction: First Impressions Are Visual
Before a hiring manager reads a single word of your cover letter, they form an immediate impression based on how it looks. Is it cluttered or clean? Does it match the resume? Are the margins cramped? Is the font readable? These visual elements communicate professionalism—or lack thereof—in the first three seconds.
According to research by TheLadders, recruiters spend an average of 7.4 seconds on initial document review. During those crucial seconds, visual presentation matters as much as content. A well-formatted, professional-looking cover letter signals that you understand business communication standards and take your application seriously.
But what exactly should a cover letter look like in 2025? The answer depends on several factors: your industry, the company culture, whether you're applying online or in person, and how your resume is formatted. This comprehensive guide breaks down every visual element of an effective cover letter, from overall layout to specific formatting choices.
We'll cover the anatomy of a professional cover letter, formatting standards that work across all industries, how to create visual cohesion with your resume, modern vs. traditional styles, and industry-specific considerations. Whether you're designing from scratch or using templates, you'll understand exactly what hiring managers expect to see. For more details on the fundamental structure and setup, see our complete formatting guide.
The Anatomy of a Professional Cover Letter: Visual Layout
Overall Document Structure
A professional cover letter follows a specific visual hierarchy that guides the reader's eye from top to bottom. The standard layout includes:
Header with your contact information (top 1-2 inches)
Date
Recipient's contact information (optional in modern format)
Greeting/salutation
Opening paragraph (3-4 sentences)
Body paragraph(s) (1-2 paragraphs, 4-6 sentences each)
Closing paragraph (2-3 sentences)
Professional sign-off
Your typed name (and signature if submitting physically)
This structure creates a natural reading flow and ensures all essential elements are present. The visual balance should feel top-heavy (header takes significant space) with the body creating a centered block of text that doesn't extend to the very bottom of the page.
Page Layout and White Space
Your cover letter should occupy 70-80% of the page vertically. This means your content ends about three-quarters down the page, leaving white space at the bottom. This balanced look appears confident and properly proportioned.
White space—the empty areas around text—is just as important as the text itself. Adequate white space makes your letter readable and gives the hiring manager's eyes room to rest. Cramming text edge-to-edge or reducing margins to fit more content makes your letter look desperate and difficult to read.
Use 1-inch margins on all sides (top, bottom, left, right). Between paragraphs, include one blank line. After your header and before your greeting, leave 1-2 blank lines. These spacing standards create professional visual rhythm.
Length and Proportions
The visual length of your cover letter should be:
Header: 1-2 inches (10-15% of page)
Body content: 5-6 inches (70-75% of page)
Closing and signature: 1-1.5 inches (10-15% of page)
Bottom white space: 1-2 inches
When you look at your completed cover letter, it should appear balanced—not top-heavy with a long header and short content, and not text-heavy with tiny margins and cramped spacing. The visual proportions should feel professional and intentional. For guidance on achieving the optimal length, read our analysis of what cover letters should look like for different position levels.
Header Design: Making It Match Your Resume
Traditional Header Format
Traditional cover letter headers include full contact information in a specific order:
Your Full Name Your Street Address (optional in 2025) City, State ZIP Code Phone Number Email Address LinkedIn Profile URL (optional)
This information is left-aligned at the top of the page, single-spaced, in the same font and size as your body text (or slightly larger for your name). Traditional headers look formal and are preferred in conservative industries like law, finance, and government.
Modern Header Format
Modern cover letters often use a more streamlined header that matches contemporary resume designs:
John Smith | (555) 123-4567 | john.smith@email.com | linkedin.com/in/johnsmith
Or a two-line format:
JOHN SMITH Software Engineer | (555) 123-4567 | john.smith@email.com | San Francisco, CA
Modern headers save space, look clean, and work well for tech, creative, and startup applications. They can be left-aligned, centered, or even include minimal design elements like a subtle horizontal line separator.
Matching Your Resume Header Exactly
The most important rule for cover letter headers: they must visually match your resume header. If your resume has:
A centered name with contact info below → Use the same layout on your cover letter
A two-column header with name/title on left and contact info on right → Replicate this exactly
A colored bar or design element → Include the same element
All caps for your name → Use all caps on your cover letter too
A specific font size for your name (e.g., 18pt) → Use the same size
This visual consistency creates immediate recognition that both documents belong together. When hiring managers see matching headers, they perceive you as organized and professional. Mismatched headers look careless, as if you grabbed random templates without thought. For comprehensive header formatting instructions, see our guide on how to head a cover letter.
Font Selection and Typography
Professional Font Choices
Your cover letter font must match your resume font. Don't use Times New Roman on your resume and Calibri on your cover letter—this inconsistency signals carelessness.
The best professional fonts for cover letters are:
Calibri (11-12pt): Modern, clean, widely used
Arial (11-12pt): Classic, universally compatible
Times New Roman (12pt): Traditional, formal
Georgia (11-12pt): Readable serif option
Helvetica (11-12pt): Clean, contemporary
These fonts are ATS-friendly, highly readable, and professionally accepted across all industries. Your body text should be 11-12pt, while your name in the header can be 14-18pt for visual hierarchy.
Typography Best Practices
Beyond font choice, typography involves how you use formatting to create visual hierarchy and emphasis:
Bold: Use sparingly for your name, section headers, or 1-2 key achievements
Italics: Rare in cover letters; acceptable for book/publication titles if mentioned
Underline: Avoid entirely (looks outdated)
ALL CAPS: Only for your name if you use this style on your resume
Color: Black for body text; accent colors only in header if matching resume
The visual weight of your typography should guide readers to important information without overwhelming them. If everything is bold, nothing stands out. If you use multiple formatting techniques (bold + italics + underline), your letter looks cluttered and amateur. For detailed font recommendations and comparisons, read our guide on the best fonts for cover letters.
Alignment and Justification
Always use left alignment for your cover letter body text. Justified text (where both left and right edges are straight) creates uneven word spacing that looks awkward and reads poorly on screen.
Your header can be left-aligned, centered, or right-aligned depending on your resume style—just match whatever you used on your resume. Body paragraphs should always be left-aligned with a ragged right edge, which is the professional standard for business correspondence.
Color Schemes and Visual Elements
When to Use Color
Most professional cover letters use black text on white background. This classic combination ensures maximum readability and ATS compatibility. However, subtle color use is acceptable if:
Your resume includes the same colors
You're in a creative field (marketing, design, communications)
The color is used only in the header or as a subtle accent
The colors are professional (navy, dark gray, burgundy—not bright pink, lime green, or orange)
Safe color applications include:
Your name in dark navy instead of black
A thin horizontal line under your header in a brand color
Section dividers in a muted accent color
Professional icons (phone, email) in the header in a subdued color
Never use color for body text, as this reduces readability and may not print or scan correctly. If you include color, ensure your cover letter still looks professional when printed in black and white.
Graphics, Icons, and Design Elements
In most cases, cover letters should be text-only documents. Avoid:
Photos of yourself (unless standard in your country/industry)
Logos or graphics
Charts or infographics
Decorative borders or frames
Background images or watermarks
Unusual bullet point symbols
The only acceptable visual elements are:
Simple horizontal lines as section dividers (1-2pt thickness)
Minimal professional icons in the header (phone, email, LinkedIn)
A subtle text box or border around your header if your resume uses the same
Remember: visual elements should enhance, not distract. If a design element doesn't serve a functional purpose (improving readability or visual hierarchy), remove it. Simplicity and clarity trump creativity in cover letter design.
Paragraph and Content Formatting
Paragraph Structure and Appearance
Your cover letter should contain 3-4 distinct paragraphs, each visually separated by one blank line. When someone glances at your cover letter, they should immediately see this structure:
Paragraph 1 (Opening): 3-4 sentences, introduces you and states the position
Paragraph 2 (Body 1): 4-6 sentences, highlights your most relevant achievement
Paragraph 3 (Body 2 - optional): 4-6 sentences, demonstrates additional fit
Paragraph 4 (Closing): 2-3 sentences, expresses enthusiasm and requests next steps
Each paragraph should be a solid block of text—don't indent first lines. The visual appearance should show distinct sections without looking like a wall of text. If any paragraph exceeds 7-8 sentences, it's too long and should be split or condensed.
Using Bullet Points in Cover Letters
While cover letters are primarily paragraph-based, strategic bullet points can enhance visual scanability when highlighting:
A list of 3-5 key qualifications that match job requirements
Notable achievements with metrics
Technical skills or certifications
Example of effective bullet point use:
During my five years at TechCorp, I delivered results that directly align with your job requirements:
Led a 12-person engineering team to deliver a $2M project three weeks ahead of schedule
Reduced system downtime by 47% through implementation of automated monitoring
Mentored 6 junior developers, with 4 earning promotions within two years
Limit bullets to one section of your cover letter and keep the list to 3-5 items maximum. Too many bullet points make your cover letter look like a resume, defeating its purpose as a narrative document.
Line Spacing and Visual Breathing Room
Proper spacing creates visual breathing room that makes your cover letter inviting to read:
Within paragraphs: Single spacing (1.0 or 1.15 line height)
Between paragraphs: One blank line
After your header: 1-2 blank lines before the greeting
After the greeting: One blank line before body text
After body content: One blank line before sign-off
This spacing creates distinct visual sections while maintaining professional compactness. Your complete letter should still fit comfortably on one page with proper margins. For comprehensive formatting details, review our guide on the 5 essential formatting guidelines for cover letters.
Modern vs. Traditional Cover Letter Appearance
Traditional Cover Letter Look
Traditional cover letters follow formal business letter format established decades ago. They look like:
Full contact information at top (including street addresses)
Date spelled out (January 15, 2025)
Recipient's full contact information
Formal greeting ("Dear Mr./Ms. [Last Name]:")
All text left-aligned
Conservative fonts (Times New Roman, Georgia)
No color, no design elements
Formal sign-off ("Sincerely," or "Respectfully,")
Signature space (3-4 blank lines) if submitting physically
Traditional formats work best for:
Law firms and legal positions
Government and public sector jobs
Academic positions
Banking and finance roles
Any position in a highly formal industry
Modern Cover Letter Look
Modern cover letters adapt to digital-first application processes and contemporary design sensibilities. They look like:
Streamlined header with essential contact info only
No date or recipient address block
Conversational greeting ("Dear [First Name]," or "Dear Hiring Manager,")
Potentially centered or creatively formatted header
Contemporary fonts (Calibri, Arial, Helvetica)
Possible subtle color in header to match resume
Minimal design elements (thin line divider, professional icons)
Clean sign-off ("Best regards," or "Thanks,")
No physical signature space (submitted as PDF)
Modern formats work best for:
Tech companies and startups
Creative industries (marketing, design, media)
E-commerce and digital businesses
Any company with contemporary branding and culture
Hybrid Approach: Best of Both Worlds
Many professionals use a hybrid approach that looks polished without being stuffy:
Clean, modern header that matches resume
Professional greeting ("Dear [Hiring Manager Name],")
Classic paragraph structure with professional content
Standard fonts and conservative colors
Minimal, tasteful design touches
Professional but warm closing
This hybrid look works across most industries and company types. It signals that you understand professional standards while being contemporary and approachable.
Industry-Specific Visual Expectations
Corporate and Finance
Cover letters for banking, consulting, and corporate finance should look:
Absolutely traditional in format
Conservative fonts (Times New Roman or Georgia, 12pt)
No color beyond black and white
Full formal header with all contact details
Formal greeting using title and last name
Pristine formatting with perfect alignment
Professional, serious tone reflected in appearance
Visual creativity in these fields is viewed negatively. Your cover letter should look like it could have been written in 1995 or 2025 with no visible difference.
Tech and Startups
Tech company cover letters can (and should) look more contemporary:
Modern, streamlined header
Contemporary fonts (Calibri, Arial, or even Lato)
Possible subtle color accent matching your resume
Conversational greeting (research the hiring manager's name)
Clean, scannable paragraphs
Possibly one section with bullet points highlighting technical skills
Warm, professional closing
Tech recruiters appreciate modern formatting that shows you understand current design principles. However, don't go overboard with creativity—readable and professional still matters most. For tech-specific examples, see our analysis of the best AI cover letter generators for tech jobs, which includes visual formatting examples.
Creative Industries
Marketing, design, and creative roles allow more visual personality:
Creative header design that matches portfolio aesthetic
Brand colors used tastefully in header or accents
Modern typography with interesting (but readable) font choices
Possible minimal icons or design elements
Strategic use of bold for key achievements
Overall design that reflects your aesthetic sensibility
However, even creative cover letters should prioritize readability and professionalism over visual tricks. Your letter is not a portfolio piece—it's a professional document that happens to have thoughtful design. Ensure it still prints well and remains ATS-compatible.
Healthcare and Education
These sectors typically prefer traditional, conservative appearances:
Standard business letter format
Professional fonts (Times New Roman, Calibri, Arial)
No color or design elements
Formal structure and greeting
Focus on content over visual creativity
Traditional sign-off
Healthcare and education value substance over style. Your cover letter should look serious, professional, and focused on your qualifications rather than design sensibility. For nursing-specific formatting, see our guide on how to write cover letters for nursing positions.
What ATS-Friendly Cover Letters Look Like
Visual Elements That Pass ATS Screening
Applicant tracking systems (ATS) scan your cover letter before human eyes see it. ATS-friendly cover letters look:
Simple and text-based
Free of tables, text boxes, or columns
Standard fonts only (Calibri, Arial, Times New Roman)
No headers/footers containing important information
No images, logos, or graphics
Clean paragraph structure with standard spacing
Saved as PDF or .docx (never .pages, .odt, or image files)
According to Jobscan, 75% of cover letters are rejected by ATS due to formatting issues. An ATS-friendly cover letter may look simple, but it gets read—while fancy, complex layouts get rejected before humans ever see them.
Testing ATS Compatibility
To test if your cover letter looks ATS-friendly:
Save as plain text (.txt)—if the content is garbled or unreadable, ATS will struggle
Copy all content into a plain text editor—it should paste cleanly without formatting issues
Remove all formatting—your content should still make sense and be in logical order
Print in black and white—it should remain fully readable
If your cover letter fails any of these tests, simplify the formatting. An ATS-compatible design might look less visually impressive to your eyes, but it looks perfect to the algorithms determining whether humans see your application.
Common Visual Mistakes to Avoid
Mismatched Resume and Cover Letter Designs
The most common and costly visual mistake is using different formatting for your resume and cover letter:
Resume in Times New Roman, cover letter in Calibri
Modern resume header, traditional cover letter header
Resume with color accents, plain black-and-white cover letter
Different name styling (Resume: "JOHN SMITH" / Cover Letter: "John Smith")
This mismatch screams "I grabbed random templates" and suggests lack of attention to detail. Always ensure visual consistency across all application materials.
Overcrowded or Cramped Appearance
Cover letters that try to cram too much information onto one page look desperate:
Margins smaller than 0.75 inches
Font size below 10.5pt
No blank lines between paragraphs
Long paragraphs (8+ sentences) without breaks
Text extending to the very bottom of the page
If your content doesn't fit with standard formatting, the solution is to edit your content, not shrink your margins or fonts. Concise, well-formatted content beats cramped, comprehensive content every time.
Over-Designed or Gimmicky Appearance
The opposite problem—too much design—also damages your application:
Multiple fonts (script font for name, different font for body)
Bright colors or multiple colors
Heavy graphics, borders, or decorative elements
Unusual layouts with text boxes or columns
Creative formatting that prioritizes style over readability
Unless you're applying for a senior design position where your cover letter itself demonstrates design skills, err on the side of simplicity. Professional simplicity always beats amateur complexity.
Inconsistent Formatting Throughout
Internal inconsistency within your cover letter looks careless:
Different spacing between some paragraphs
Inconsistent indentation
Random bold or italic words without clear purpose
Varying font sizes in body text
Misaligned text or uneven margins
Before submitting, visually scan your entire cover letter. Every paragraph should look like it belongs in the same document with consistent formatting throughout.
Using Templates vs. Custom Design
When Templates Work Well
Cover letter templates provide professional formatting and save time. They work well when:
You need to apply to multiple positions quickly
You want guaranteed professional appearance
You're not confident in your design skills
You need your cover letter to match your resume template
Quality templates from professional sources provide formatting that's proven to work. You can focus on content while the template handles visual details. Browse our professional cover letter templates for industry-specific formats with proper margins, fonts, and spacing pre-configured.
Customizing Templates Effectively
If you use a template, customize it to avoid the generic template look:
Adjust header to include your actual contact information
Modify any design elements to match your resume
Remove any decorative elements that don't serve a purpose
Adjust spacing if needed to fit your content naturally
Ensure the template's formality level matches the position/industry
The goal is using the template as a foundation while making it authentically yours. Your cover letter should look professional but not obviously templated.
The AI Alternative for Perfect Formatting
Modern AI-powered cover letter generators automatically handle all visual formatting while creating personalized content:
Generate properly formatted cover letters in seconds
Ensure ATS compatibility automatically
Match professional formatting standards
Create consistent appearance across applications
Optimize length and spacing perfectly
This approach eliminates formatting guesswork entirely. The AI handles visual presentation while you focus on ensuring the content tells your story effectively. Try our AI cover letter generator to see how it automatically creates professional-looking, properly formatted cover letters in under 60 seconds.
Real Examples: What Good Cover Letters Actually Look Like
Example 1: Traditional Corporate Format
A traditional corporate cover letter has this visual structure:
SARAH JOHNSON 123 Main Street, Boston, MA 02108 (617) 555-1234 | sarah.johnson@email.com
January 15, 2025
Mr. Robert Chen Senior Hiring Manager Boston Financial Group 456 Financial Plaza Boston, MA 02109
Dear Mr. Chen,
[Opening paragraph...]
This format looks formal, traditional, and appropriate for conservative industries. Notice the full addresses, formal greeting, and classic structure.
Example 2: Modern Tech Format
A modern tech-focused cover letter looks like:
ALEX RIVERA | SOFTWARE ENGINEER San Francisco, CA | (415) 555-7890 | alex.rivera@email.com | linkedin.com/in/alexrivera
―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――
Dear Hiring Manager,
[Opening paragraph...]
This format looks clean, modern, and streamlined. The single-line header with job title, minimal divider, and conversational greeting signal contemporary professionalism appropriate for tech roles.
Example 3: Hybrid Professional Format
A versatile hybrid format that works for most industries:
Michael Thompson Project Manager | Chicago, IL (312) 555-4321 | michael.thompson@email.com
Dear Ms. Rodriguez,
[Opening paragraph...]
This format balances modern efficiency with professional formality. It works for corporate, nonprofit, and mid-sized company applications where neither ultra-traditional nor very contemporary is required.
For more complete examples tailored to specific roles, browse our cover letter examples library with visual formatting samples for 50+ job roles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should my cover letter look exactly like my resume?
Your cover letter should match your resume's formatting elements (fonts, colors, header style) but not replicate its layout. Resumes use bullet points, sections, and compact formatting, while cover letters use paragraphs and narrative structure. Think of them as matching pieces of a professional application package—same visual identity, different formats appropriate to each document's purpose.
Can I use the same template for my cover letter and resume?
Yes, using matching templates is ideal and ensures visual consistency. However, make sure the template set includes both resume and cover letter formats designed to complement each other. Don't try to force resume content into a cover letter template or vice versa—use the appropriate template for each document type while maintaining the unified design system.
How do I make my cover letter look professional without a template?
To create a professional-looking cover letter from scratch: Use a standard professional font (Calibri, Arial, or Times New Roman at 11-12pt), set 1-inch margins on all sides, create a clean header with your contact information, use left alignment for body text, include one blank line between paragraphs, and limit your content to one page. Follow business letter format with greeting, 3-4 body paragraphs, professional closing, and your name. This simple structure looks professional without requiring design skills.
Should I include my photo on my cover letter?
In the United States, Canada, and UK, do not include your photo on your cover letter or resume unless specifically requested. Photos can introduce unconscious bias and may cause ATS rejection. In some European, Asian, and Latin American countries, photos are standard—research local norms for your target market. When in doubt, leave photos off to focus attention on your qualifications.
What if my content doesn't fit on one page?
If your cover letter exceeds one page with standard formatting, edit your content rather than adjusting margins or fonts. Cut redundant information, tighten sentences, remove less relevant examples, and focus on your strongest 2-3 selling points. Hiring managers rarely read beyond one page, so a concise, powerful single page beats a comprehensive two-page letter. If you absolutely cannot condense further, ensure page breaks occur at logical paragraph breaks, not mid-sentence.
Can I use color in my cover letter header?
Yes, subtle color in your header is acceptable if: (1) your resume uses the same color scheme, (2) you're in a creative or modern industry, (3) the colors are professional (navy, dark gray, burgundy), and (4) all body text remains black for readability. Avoid bright colors, multiple colors, or colored body text. When printing in black and white, your cover letter should still look professional and remain fully readable.
How should I format my cover letter if I'm emailing it?
When emailing your cover letter, save it as a PDF to preserve formatting across different devices and operating systems. Name the file professionally (FirstName_LastName_CoverLetter.pdf). Your email body should contain a brief message (2-3 sentences) stating your interest and noting that your cover letter and resume are attached. The actual formatted cover letter should be the PDF attachment, not pasted into the email body, which can break formatting.
Should my cover letter have the same header as my resume?
Yes, your cover letter header should exactly match your resume header. Use the same name format, font, font size, color scheme, layout, and style. This immediate visual connection signals that both documents belong to a cohesive application package. Mismatched headers look careless and suggest you used random templates without coordinating them. The only difference is that your cover letter may include recipient information below your header, which doesn't appear on resumes.
What does an ATS-friendly cover letter look like?
An ATS-friendly cover letter looks simple and text-based: standard professional font, no tables or text boxes, no headers/footers with important content, no images or graphics, clean paragraph structure, standard margins, and saved as PDF or .docx. It may look less visually impressive than heavily designed letters, but it successfully passes through applicant tracking systems so human reviewers actually see your application. Prioritize ATS compatibility over visual creativity unless you know the company doesn't use ATS.
Can I use bullet points in my cover letter?
Yes, but sparingly. Cover letters are primarily narrative documents, but one section with 3-5 bullet points can effectively highlight key qualifications, achievements with metrics, or technical skills. Limit bullets to one area of your letter—usually mid-body after explaining your background. Too many bullet points make your cover letter look like a resume outline rather than a compelling narrative. The visual should remain paragraph-dominant with bullets as a strategic accent.
How do I know if my cover letter looks too busy or cluttered?
Your cover letter looks too busy if it includes: multiple fonts, excessive use of bold/italics/underline, several colors, decorative graphics or borders, long paragraphs with no white space, or cramped margins. To test, step back and view your cover letter from 6 feet away—you should see clear visual sections with balanced white space, not a dense wall of text or overwhelming design elements. If your eye doesn't know where to look first, simplify.
Should I use letterhead for my cover letter?
Personal letterhead is unnecessary and can look presumptuous unless you're a freelancer or business owner with established branding. Instead, create a clean header with your contact information that matches your resume. If you do have professional letterhead (as a consultant, for example), use a simplified version showing just your name and contact details without logos or taglines. The letter should look professional but not like formal business correspondence on company letterhead.
Conclusion: Visual Presentation Supports Your Content
A well-formatted cover letter looks professional, matches your resume, and guides the reader's eye through your most compelling qualifications. The visual presentation isn't just aesthetic—it's functional communication that either helps or hinders your message. When formatting is done right, hiring managers focus on your qualifications rather than being distracted by visual issues.
Key takeaways for what your cover letter should look like:
Match your resume's visual design (fonts, colors, header style) for cohesive application
Use standard professional formatting (1-inch margins, 11-12pt font, one page length)
Prioritize clean, simple layout over creative design unless in creative field
Ensure ATS compatibility by avoiding tables, graphics, and unusual formatting
Create clear visual hierarchy with proper spacing and paragraph breaks
Maintain consistent formatting throughout the entire document
Remember that visual presentation serves your content—it should enhance readability and professionalism without calling attention to itself. A hiring manager should finish reading your cover letter thinking about your qualifications, not noticing your formatting choices.
The best-looking cover letters feel effortless and appropriate. They demonstrate that you understand professional communication standards while showing attention to detail. Whether you're using templates, designing from scratch, or leveraging AI tools, the goal remains the same: creating a visual presentation that makes hiring managers want to read your content and meet you in person.
If formatting feels overwhelming or you want to ensure your cover letter looks perfect, our AI cover letter generator handles all visual formatting automatically while creating personalized, compelling content. It ensures your cover letter looks professional, matches industry standards, and passes ATS screening—so you can focus on preparing for the interview rather than worrying about margins and fonts.
Your cover letter's appearance is your first impression. Make it count by ensuring it looks as professional and polished as the qualifications you're presenting inside.
