Cover Letter Design
Most people put a lot of thought into their resume design, but very few people think about how the cover letter should look. If your cover letter is the body of your email, don't sweat it. However, if you're attaching a cover letter or sending it hard copy, there are some things you should consider:
- Match it to your resume. If your resume is on a certain weight/color paper, make sure your cover letter is printed on the same type. Keep the font consistent between both documents, and if you have any design elements (bars, color, etc.), consider including them on the cover letter so that it looks like a matching set.
- Make it attention-grabbing. The first thing employers are going to see won't be your resume—it'll be your cover letter. So make sure it stands out. Choose an attractive (but professional) font, and consider a header similar to what you might have on your resume. The header might have your name and information block in formatted font above a separating bar.
- Consider light design. Use the left side or top of the page to add a logo, a little color, or a sleek design. It can make you look more professional if you don't overdo it, and it can sell your "brand."
- Maximize the space. Like your resume, you don't want your cover letter to look too crowded. Keep the margins at one inch, and don't leave too much empty space at the bottom of the page if your cover letter is short.
- Sign it with a nice pen. If you're signing a hard copy, sign the letter with a pen that has ink that matches the general tone and coloring of your letter.
Index of Cover Letter Examples
