by When writing a compelling 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.
The proper cover letter formatting ensures readability, professionalism, and alignment with business standards.
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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 sections, making it easier to follow.
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.
Kerning refers to the adjustment of the space between individual letters in a word.
Alignment
- Align 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 professions.
- 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.
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
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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