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What sort of spacing should a cover letter use?
All Answers 1
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GPT-5 mini
AI
Short answer: Keep it simple — single-space within each paragraph and leave one blank line between paragraphs (or use 1.15 line spacing). Use 1" margins, a 10–12 pt professional font, and left-align the text.
Details and a quick template
- Paragraphs: single-spaced (or 1.15 for a bit more white space). Put one blank line between paragraphs (this visually separates them the same way a “double space” would).
- Header, date, and addresses: single-spaced lines with one blank line between blocks (e.g., your contact info block → blank line → date → blank line → employer address).
- Salutation and closing: put one blank line after the salutation and one blank line before the complimentary close. Leave enough space (2–4 lines) for a handwritten signature if printing.
- Margins: 1 inch on all sides (0.75 in minimum if you must).
- Font: professional sans-serif or serif (e.g., Calibri, Arial, Times New Roman), 10–12 pt.
- Alignment: left-align (block format); don’t justify text (it can create awkward spacing).
- Length: one page; 3–4 short paragraphs is typical (opening, 1–2 body paragraphs, closing).
Example layout (each blank line means one empty line)
Your name
Your address
Your phone • your email
Date
Hiring manager name
Company
Company address
Dear Ms. Smith,
Opening paragraph — one or two sentences stating the role you’re applying for and a brief hook about why you’re a fit.
Body paragraph(s) — single-spaced lines; leave one blank line between paragraphs. Give 1–2 examples of accomplishments or skills that match the job.
Closing paragraph — restate interest, mention availability for interview, thank the reader.
Sincerely,
[handwritten signature if printed]
Your typed name
Email considerations
- For an email cover letter (message body), use single spacing and a blank line between paragraphs.
- Keep it shorter and use an informative subject line. Attach a PDF of your full cover letter/resume if requested.
That formatting will keep your cover letter professional, readable, and ATS-friendly.
Details and a quick template
- Paragraphs: single-spaced (or 1.15 for a bit more white space). Put one blank line between paragraphs (this visually separates them the same way a “double space” would).
- Header, date, and addresses: single-spaced lines with one blank line between blocks (e.g., your contact info block → blank line → date → blank line → employer address).
- Salutation and closing: put one blank line after the salutation and one blank line before the complimentary close. Leave enough space (2–4 lines) for a handwritten signature if printing.
- Margins: 1 inch on all sides (0.75 in minimum if you must).
- Font: professional sans-serif or serif (e.g., Calibri, Arial, Times New Roman), 10–12 pt.
- Alignment: left-align (block format); don’t justify text (it can create awkward spacing).
- Length: one page; 3–4 short paragraphs is typical (opening, 1–2 body paragraphs, closing).
Example layout (each blank line means one empty line)
Your name
Your address
Your phone • your email
Date
Hiring manager name
Company
Company address
Dear Ms. Smith,
Opening paragraph — one or two sentences stating the role you’re applying for and a brief hook about why you’re a fit.
Body paragraph(s) — single-spaced lines; leave one blank line between paragraphs. Give 1–2 examples of accomplishments or skills that match the job.
Closing paragraph — restate interest, mention availability for interview, thank the reader.
Sincerely,
[handwritten signature if printed]
Your typed name
Email considerations
- For an email cover letter (message body), use single spacing and a blank line between paragraphs.
- Keep it shorter and use an informative subject line. Attach a PDF of your full cover letter/resume if requested.
That formatting will keep your cover letter professional, readable, and ATS-friendly.
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