A Cover letter is the first thing that a hiring manager or recruiter sees when considering a job application. A well-crafted and visually appealing cover letter can make a great first impression, which can set you apart from the competition. However, printing a cover letter can be a bit tricky. In this guide, we will walk you through the best practices for creating a professional and visually appealing printed cover letter.
Key Takeaways:
Here are some of the key takeaways:
- A professional-looking cover letter can set you apart from the competition, especially when it is printed well.
- Always choose high-quality paper with a clean texture, and white or subtle shades of beige or gray are the most suitable colors for printing.
- Select an easy-to-read font style, like Arial or Times New Roman, in a size between 10 and 12 pt, and avoid using elaborate or fancy fonts.
- Proofread the letter before printing to ensure accuracy, free of spelling or grammatical errors, and proper format.
- Print the letter with a high-quality printer and use a single-sided print method to avoid smudging or misalignment issues.
Formatting the Cover Letter: Tips and Best Practices
When it comes to formatting a cover letter, a well-structured and visually appealing design can make it stand out from the pile. Here are some formatting tips and best practices for your cover letter:
Use a Simple and Professional Format
Keep your cover letter’s format and structure simple and straightforward. Use clear headings and subheadings to make the letter easier to read and scan. Start with an appropriate greeting and then move on to a brief introduction of yourself and how you heard about the job opening.
Be Concise and to the Point
Your cover letter should be concise, specific, and highlight your achievements and experiences relevant to the job. Discuss why you are interested in the job, what you can bring to the role, and how your skills align with the company’s goals.
Choose the Right Paper and Font Type
Choosing the right paper for your cover letter is as important as choosing the right font type. Always use high-quality paper, like white or subtle color shades of beige or gray, to give a professional and polished look. Opt for easy-to-read font styles, such as Arial or Times New Roman, between 10 and 12 pt in size.
Proofreading Your Cover Letter Before Printing
After you have finished writing your cover letter, it’s time to proofread it for grammatical or spelling errors. You can also give it to someone you trust to read over your letter for accuracy and flow. Ensure it is formatted correctly and has necessary headers and sub-headers before saving and printing it.
Printing Your Cover Letter
Once you are sure that everything is perfect with your cover letter, it’s time to print. Use a high-quality printer with a single-sided method to avoid smudging or misalignment of the text. In any case, always choose a quality print option, using suitable paper and ink.
Conclusion
Printing a cover letter is the final step towards a successful job application. A visually appealing and professional cover letter helps in setting an impression in front of the recruiters. By following these simple tips and guidelines, you can easily create a polished and refined printed cover letter. Always remember, printing your cover letter correctly can set you apart from the competition and increase your chances of getting that next job.
FAQs
1. What should be the ideal size of the font of the printed Cover letter?
Choose easy-to-read font styles like Arial or Times New Roman, in a size between 10 to 12 pt.
2. What should be the color of paper for the printed Cover letter?
White or subtle shades of beige or gray color paper gives a professional and polished look to the printed cover letter.
3. Can I use colors or pictures for the printed Cover letter?
No, it’s not recommended to use colors or pictures for printed Cover Letters. Keep your Cover Letter simple and professional.
4. How many pages can a cover letter be?
It’s recommended to keep your cover letter to one page only.