Should a Cover Letter Be Double Spaced? (Spacing Guide & Examples)

When writing a cover letter, most job seekers focus on content, structure, and template design. What many overlook are cover letter formatting details like spacing and margins.

Proper spacing and margins are just as important — they make your letter easy to read and give it a polished, professional appearance that leaves a strong first impression.

Below, we go over everything you need to know about cover letter spacing and margins.

Cover letter spacing (best practices)

Proper spacing makes your cover letter easy to scan and professional to read. Follow these standards:

As a general rule, avoid double spacing your cover letter. Single spacing looks more professional and helps you fit more relevant achievements on one page.

Cover letter margins and formatting

Printed cover letters normally use 1” margins on all sides. If your letter is running long, you can reduce your margins to ½” to keep it to one page.

For email cover letters, margins are handled automatically by your email service.

To keep your cover letter polished and readable, follow these formatting tips:

• Use a clear, professional font: Choose Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman in 10–12 pt font size
• Align all text to the left: No indentations needed
• Bold your name in your contact information: Helps it stand out and makes identification easy
• Save as a PDF: Preserves your formatting across devices
• Keep length to one page: Tighten your content and adjust margins if needed to fit

How to write a cover letter

Dread writing cover letters? Read our guide to learn how to write a great cover letter that convinces hiring managers you’re the ideal person for the job.

Read Our Guide

Cover letter spacing examples

Email cover letter example

Here’s what the spacing on a cover letter written in an email should look like:

When sending a job application by email, include your name, the job title, and the fact you’re applying for the job in the subject line.

An email cover letter should be left-aligned, with no indentations, and have a blank line between each section. In order, these seven sections are:

1. Salutation: Address the hiring manager by name.
2. Introduction paragraph: State the position you’re applying for, how you heard about it, and why you’re a perfect fit.
3. Body paragraph: Explain what you offer and how your experience qualifies you. This is the most important section when you write a cover letter.
4. Closing paragraph: Thank the employer and state you’re looking forward to hearing from them.
5. Closing: Use a professional sign-off, like “Sincerely” or “Best wishes.”
6. Name: Type your full name.
7. Email signature section: Include your contact information, including your phone number and LinkedIn profile (if you have one).

Cover letter spacing for physical cover letters

Here’s a cover letter example demonstrating how to space a printed cover letter:

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A printed cover letter has nine elements (instead of seven). Like an email cover letter, everything should be left-aligned, with no indentations, and a blank line between each section.

1. Date: The date you’re sending the letter.
2. Hiring manager’s address: Address a cover letter to the hiring manager’s office.
3. Salutation: Just like in an email, address the hiring manager directly.
4. Introduction paragraph: State the position, how you found it, and why you’d be great at it.
5. Body paragraph: Explain how your previous achievements can benefit the company.
6. Closing paragraph: Make your passion for the job clear, ask for an interview, and say you’ll follow up.
7. Closing: A professional sign-off, like “Sincerely”.
8. Signature: Sign a cover letter in ink by leaving three to four spaces between the closing and your typed name.
9. Typed name: Include your full name so there’s no confusion if your signature is difficult to read.

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Frequently asked questions about cover letter spacing

How do I submit my cover letter?

Follow the instructions in the job posting, as some employers request a specific file format or submission method.

If the posting doesn’t specify, save your cover letter as a PDF and attach it to your application email. PDFs preserve your formatting across different devices and operating systems.

Alternatively, write your cover letter directly in the body of your email, which works well for quick applications and ensures the hiring manager sees your letter immediately.

Can I use bullet points in my cover letter?

Yes. Bullet points work well when you have additional experience or skills to showcase that aren’t on your resume. Use them sparingly — two to four bullets maximum.

Learn more in our guide on using bullet points in cover letters.

What font and size should I use in my cover letter?

Use a clear, professional font like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman in 10–12 pt size. These fonts are easy to read both on screen and in print, which matters since you don’t know how the hiring manager will view your letter.

Avoid decorative or script fonts, since they reduce readability and can look unprofessional. For consistency, stick with the same font throughout your entire letter.