You want your cover letter to stand out. How can you ensure it's visually appealing and easy to read?

1 Layout Tips

When it comes to your cover letter's layout, simplicity and clarity are key. Choose a clean, professional font like Arial or Times New Roman, and keep the font size around 10-12 points for easy reading. Margins should be set at 1 inch on all sides, providing a neat frame for your text. White space is your friend; it makes the document less daunting and guides the reader's eye through your narrative. Align your paragraphs to the left for a tidy presentation, and avoid dense blocks of text by keeping paragraphs short, ideally no more than three or four sentences.

2 Color Choices

While most cover letters stick to black and white, adding a touch of color can make yours pop—just be sure it's subtle and professional. A dark blue or gray can enhance headings or your name without overwhelming the page. Use color sparingly; it should accentuate rather than distract. Remember, the goal is to attract the hiring manager's attention, not to bombard them with rainbow hues. Stick to one color besides black for a cohesive, polished look.

3 Personal Branding

Your cover letter is an extension of your personal brand, so it's important to incorporate elements that reflect your professionalism. If you have a personal logo or a specific design style from your resume, carry it over to your cover letter for brand consistency. This could be a header with your name and contact information styled in a unique way. Consistency in branding shows attention to detail and helps build recognition, reinforcing your personal brand with each document the hiring manager reviews.

4 Readability Focus

To ensure readability, pay close attention to the structure of your sentences and the flow of your paragraphs. Use bullet points to break up lists of achievements or skills, making them easier for the reader to scan. Maintain a friendly yet professional tone throughout, and avoid jargon or complex language that might confuse the reader. The easier your cover letter is to read, the more likely the hiring manager will engage with your content and remember you.

5 Proofreading Essentials

Proofreading is non-negotiable. Typos or grammatical errors can undermine even the most visually appealing cover letter. Use spell check but don't rely on it exclusively; read your cover letter aloud to catch errors that software might miss. It can also be helpful to have a friend or mentor review it with fresh eyes. This final polish ensures that your cover letter is not only visually appealing but also error-free, reflecting your professionalism and attention to detail.

6 Final Touches

Before sending off your cover letter, ensure that it aligns with the company's culture and the industry's standards. For creative fields, you might have more leeway with design elements, while traditional industries might expect a more conservative approach. Always save your cover letter as a PDF to preserve the formatting you've worked hard to create. This also ensures that no matter what device or software the hiring manager uses to open your document, it will look exactly as you intended.