by When writing a cover letter, every detail matters — formatting included. One common question among job seekers is should a cover letter be double spaced.
In this article, we’ll explore best practices for spacing in cover letters, discuss its impact on readability and visual appeal, and provide tips to ensure your document strikes the right balance between form and function.
What is the right cover letter spacing?
Spacing refers to the amount of empty place between different elements of a text or design. It determines how "tight" or "spread out" the content appears.
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Here's a breakdown of the key elements:
Line spacing
- Single-spacing is the standard for the body of a cover letter. It keeps the paper concise and easy to read.
- Add one blank line between paragraphs to create clear separations, improving visual flow.
- This spacing organizes the letter into logical resume sections, making it easier to follow.
- Verify there's a space between your closing phrase (e.g., "Sincerely") and your typed name.
Cover letter margins
- 1-inch margins on all sides (top, bottom, left, and right) are the industry standard.
- If your content runs slightly over one page, you can reduce the margins to 0.75 inches.
- Avoid margins for cover letter smaller than 0.5 inches, as they can make the text feel cramped.
Proper letter spacing
- Stick with the default letter spacing of your chosen font.
- Recommended fonts are: Times New Roman, Arial, Calibri, Verdana, Georgia, Garamond, or Helvetica.
- Refrain from decorative or cursive fonts, such as Comic Sans or Papyrus, as they can appear unprofessional.
- Use a font size of 10 to 12 points for the body of the letter.
- Your name at the top (header) can be slightly larger, around 14–16 points.
- Go with kerning between 0% to +2% expansion.
- Test print your letter to verify that the result looks natural in both digital and physical formats.
Kerning refers to the adjustment of the space between individual letters in a word.
Alignment
- Move your text to the left, as this is standard in business correspondence.
- Avoid justified alignment, which can create uneven spacing between words.
Basic cover letter layout examples
Should a cover letter be double spaced?
A cover letter is traditionally single-spaced, but there may be exceptions where a double-spaced format could be appropriate.
Here’s what you need to know about double-spaced cover letter:
Such spacing is not standard for cover letters in business or professional settings. It may waste valuable space, especially if you’re aiming for a short application.
When double-spaced format for cover letter can be used?
- If the job posting or employer explicitly requests it. Always follow the specified guidelines.
- For certain academic or legal occupations.
- If you're submitting a cover letter for someone who requires additional spacing for readability.
Downsides of double cover letter spacing format:
- Limits how much you can fit on the page, often requiring you to cut details.
- Can make your application look less polished or not tailored to business norms.
- Visually resembles academic essays or casual correspondence, which can feel out of place.
Ideal cover letter spacing example
Below are cover letter examples tailored to different career levels and industries.
Spacing for a beginner cover letter
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to express my enthusiasm for the Marketing Assistant position at Google. As a recent graduate, I am eager to contribute my creativity to one of the world’s most innovative companies.
I interned with a local startup, where I helped design social media campaigns that increased engagement by 35%. This hands-on experience taught me how to translate market research into actionable strategies, a skill I am eager to bring to Google’s marketing team.
I am particularly drawn to Google’s commitment to fostering innovation and using technology to solve global challenges. I am confident that my passion for creative problem-solving would make me a valuable addition to your team.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my background aligns with your needs.
Sincerely,
Sarah Johnson
Cover letter spacing: Mid-career example
Dear Ms. Martinez,
I am excited to apply for the Project Manager role at Boeing. With experience managing large-scale aerospace projects, I have a proven track record of delivering complex initiatives on time.
At Lockheed Martin, I led a cross-functional team on a $50M avionics upgrade project. My ability to streamline operations and foster collaboration among engineering, procurement, and quality assurance teams has consistently driven successful outcomes.
Boeing’s reputation for innovation and excellence in aerospace technology aligns perfectly with my professional aspirations. I am eager to bring my expertise in process improvement and stakeholder management to contribute to your continued success in delivering cutting-edge solutions.
Thank you for considering my application. I welcome the opportunity to discuss how my experience can benefit your team.
Best regards,
James Taylor
Spacing for a senior cover letter
Dear Mr. Smith,
I am writing to express my interest in the Senior Vice President of Global Operations role at Pfizer. With over 20 years of leadership experience in pharmaceutical manufacturing and supply chain optimization, I bring a strategic vision and a proven ability to drive operational excellence on a global scale.
As Chief Operations Officer at Merck, I led the transformation of our end-to-end supply chain. I reduced lead times by 30% and saving $100M annually. By fostering a culture of innovation and leveraging advanced analytics, I successfully aligned operations with market demands and regulatory requirements.
Pfizer’s commitment to delivering life-changing medicines resonates deeply with my own passion for advancing healthcare. I am eager to contribute my expertise in operational strategy and global logistics to support Pfizer’s mission and drive continued growth.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my leadership and operational expertise can contribute to Pfizer’s success.
Sincerely,
Patricia Williams
Entry-level creative cover letter
Dear Ms. Lopez,
I am thrilled to apply for the Graphic Designer position at Adobe. As a recent graduate, I am eager to contribute my design skills and innovative ideas to your creative team.
During my internship at a boutique design studio, I developed branding materials and digital assets for client campaigns, increasing social media engagement by 25%. This experience taught me how to balance creativity with strategic objectives, a skill I am excited to bring to Adobe.
Adobe’s dedication to inspiring creativity and pushing design boundaries resonates deeply with me. I am confident that my enthusiasm for visual storytelling and my ability to transform concepts into compelling designs would make me a strong addition to your team.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of discussing how my skills and creativity can contribute to your projects.
Sincerely,
Alexandra Chen
Making cover letter unforgettable
This page isn’t a formality - it’s your moment to show a bit of who you are. This is where personality, creativity, and professionalism all have to fit into one sheet. Before you ever set foot in an interview, this is your first handshake.
Think like a detective
Dive into research mode. Learn everything you can about the company - their values, projects, the vibe of their culture. When you drop a specific detail about something they recently did, you’re showing you care about more than just a job title. You’re not sending out another cookie-cutter letter. You’re speaking directly to them, and trust me, people notice that.
Turn achievements into stories
Don’t rattle off a list of duties. Tell a narrative. Reveal what happened because you were there. Like, instead of saying:
“Managed a team of 10 on a project.”
Go for something more like:
“Led a team of 10 to overhaul a sluggish marketing campaign, and we boosted engagement by 40% in just six weeks.”
Stories stick.
Add personal touches
Little details go a long way. Maybe you share a quick tale or a small anecdote that ties directly to the role. If you’ve got a connection or a shared interest, mention it. These items display you’re thoughtful and that you pay attention, without coming off as fake.
Hold your voice
Nobody wants to read a document that sounds like a robot wrote it. Keep it formal, but let your true self come through. Add a bit of humor if it fits. Be confident. Sound approachable. When your piece has some life to it, recruiters remember you.
End with purpose
Don’t fade out at the end. Wrap up by making it clear you’re excited and ready for the next step. Instead of a flat goodbye, try something like:
“I’d love to talk more about how my experience in digital strategy can help drive your upcoming campaigns.”
Additional tips
- White height matters: Don’t be afraid to let your words breathe. Good spacing makes your cover letter easier to read and holds hiring managers from getting tired halfway through.
- Keep it consistent: Utilize the same style for your headings, body, and signature. It pulls the whole thing together and looks sharper.
- Check before you send: If you’re submitting your paper as a PDF or through an online portal, take a second to see how the spacing appears on both the screen and a printed page.
- Don’t cram it in: Squeezing everything onto one page by shrinking the margins or spacing hurts legibility. Give your content room — it is far more professional.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a cover letter should not be double spaced unless explicitly requested by the recruiter.
The standard practice is to use single-spacing for the body of the letter, with one blank line between paragraphs.
By adhering to these guidelines, you’ll ensure that your cover letter is visually appealing and aligned with industry standards — helping you make a strong first impression.
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