resume cover letter margin

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Cover Letter Spacing and Margins

• Cover Letter Format
• Salutation and Greeting
• Who To Address When Unknown
• How To Start A Cover Letter
• How To End A Cover Letter
• Best Cover Letter Font And Size
• Cover Letter Spacing
• Cover Letter Length
• Key Elements Of A Cover Letter
• How To Write An Address
• Official Letter Format
• Cover Letter Opening

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Writing a standout cover letter is about more than just having great content. Coming off as professional in both form and function is going to help you get noticed by hiring managers.

That means using proper spacing, margins, indentation, and length. Do these things correctly and your cover letter will be well-organized, clear, and easy to read.

Whether you’re sending a physical cover letter or an email, we’ll provide guidelines to make your cover letter format perfect. We’ll also show you a sample cover letter for both a physical copy and an email version.

Key Takeaways:

Your margins should be 1-inch on all sides, but if you’re going over one page , then you can consider making the margins smaller

Your cover letter should be similar to your resume with font and font size, which should be no larger than 12-point font.

A cover letter should be between 200-300 words, but try to keep it on the shorter end if possible.

Cover Letter Spacing Guidelines

Proper cover letter length, cover letter examples, margins and alignment in a cover letter, guidelines for cover letter font, sending your cover letter, final thoughts.

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We’ll start with proper cover letter spacing, which is the first thing any hiring manager is going to notice upon first glance. Follow these rules and your page will look professionally done.

Spacing varies slightly depending on if you’re sending a physical cover letter or a digital cover letter.

Physical Copy Guidelines:

Single-space your cover letter

Start with your contact information in the following order:

Your name Your current address City, state, zip code Phone number Email address

Add one space

Write the date

Add the contact information of the letter’s recipient in the following order:

Hiring manager’s name Company Address Company city, state, zip code Hiring manager’s phone number Hiring manager’s email address

Write your salutation

Write 3-4 paragraphs, with one space between each one

Add one space after your final paragraph

Write your closing sign-off (e.g., Sincerely)

Put three spaces between your closing and your typed name

Put your signature in the space between your closing and your typed name

Tip: You can use the same header for your cover letter as your resume.

Email Cover Letter Spacing Guidelines:

Start with a salutation

>Write 3-4 paragraphs, with one space between each one

Add two spaces

Write your contact info in the following order

Full name Position Phone number Email address

If you have a formatted email signature , you can use that for step 8. You can add a digital signature between your closing and contact info if you think it looks snazzy (or, better yet, you think your prospective employer will think it looks snazzy).

Tip: When emailing a cover letter, keep your subject line clear and professional. State your name, the position title, and the fact that you’re sending along documents for an application. It should look something like “Donald Duck — Sales Representative Application.”

Just like your resume, your cover letter should never exceed one page . Ideally, the body of your cover letter should be between 200-300 words (aiming for the lower end of that spectrum is your best bet). Hiring managers have to sift through tons of these cover letters, so keeping things short and sweet is beneficial.

A cover letter should have three paragraphs, four at the most.

Opening paragraph. Your opening paragraph should introduce yourself and your background, grab the reader’s attention with a big accomplishment, and let the company know why you’re applying. If you were referred by someone in the company, this is a good place to mention it.

Body paragraph(s). Your middle paragraph(s) should focus on your professional qualities and experiences that relate to the company for which you’re applying. Don’t repeat credentials from your resume, because the hiring manager has probably already looked at it. Dig deeper and highlight why you’re the perfect fit for the position.

If you’re having trouble deciding which elements of your professional history are best to include here, read the job description again. Note the required qualifications and significant responsibilities.

Then, look back on your experience for moments where you applied similar skills or achieved results comparable to what the new company wants to achieve. Any time you can give percentages, dollar figures, or numbers to describe your duties, it will be more impactful.

Closing paragraph. Your closing paragraph thanks the employer for considering your application. You can also express how eager you are to learn more about the role and the company.

Cut out unnecessary information and you should have no trouble fitting everything in a 300-word count maximum.

Tip: Never address your cover letter with “To whom it may concern” . Do your best to find the name of the person who will be reading your cover letter, and address it to him or her. If your best efforts turn up nothing or you’re still unsure, use “Dear Hiring Manager” or one of its alternatives .

Physical copy example:

Jonathan Cash 123 Apple Street Anywhere, CO 12345 (999) 765-4321 [email protected] August 22, 2020 Phyllis Vance 789 Company Lane Somewhere, CO 56789 (543) 210-9876 [email protected] Dear Ms. Vance, I was excited to see a job posting for the Sales Representative position on NextCompany.com. I have been working in sales since I was a child with my first lemonade stand, and have 6+ years of formal experience working in sales. During my time at CurComp, I have developed my knowledge of marketing strategies, my ability to generate interest in new products, and my skill at maintaining strong, lasting customer satisfaction. My proudest achievements as a sales representative have been exceeding sales quotas by 10% or more each quarter, closing $900,000 in 2018 (25% above goal), and ranking as the top salesperson in the company in Q2 of 2019. Helping customers see the value of products that I truly believe in is the greatest source of satisfaction in my professional life. I would be thrilled to be in a position where I could implement my proven strategies to sell products offered by NextCompany, which have garnered the attention and excitement of industry experts for years. Thank you for considering me for the Sales Representative position. I look forward to discussing the role further and learning how my brand of salesmanship could fit into NextCompany’s business model. Sincerely, Jonathan Cash

Email cover letter example:

Dear Pat Murphy, ABC Inc. needs an Accountant who is determined, organized, and has years of expereince maintaining financial records. Luckily, I meet all three of those criteria. After getting an MBA with a specialization in Accounts from the University of Florida, I began working in the financial sector. For more than six years, I’ve helped companies upkeep and maintain financial records, run risk assessments, and handle all payroll and invoice documentation. I’ve also dedicated my Saturday’s performing pro bono accounting consultation for a local food bank. I was glad to see that ABC is also greatly involved with aiding the impoverished areas of our city, which further drew me to apply for this role. In my current position with XYZ Corp., I lead a team of 12 junior accountants managing a total of $10M+ in assets and cash. By setting up a new invoice system for contractors, I was able to reduce overhead by 8% and increase the efficiency of contracted projects by 6%. My proudest moment at XYZ, though, was finding a budgetary error that was bleeding over $15,000 monthly from the company. When I identified and fixed this problem, XYZ awarded me “Top Performer of the Month” in January 2020. With me, you get more than a regular CPA — you get a top-notch presenter who thrives in collaborative, deadline-driven work environments. I look forward to speaking more about how I can help XYZ achieve its goals in the years to come. Sincerely, Joanne Diggerly Johnston, HI 54321 (555) 432-1098 [email protected]

Like most documents, your cover letter should be aligned to the left. You should use 1-inch margins on all sides, but if you’re going over one page, then you can consider making the margins smaller. But really, if you’re sticking to our cover letter length guidelines (more on that below), then you should have no issues with standard 1-inch margins.

At no point should you indent any of your paragraphs. And don’t go bigger than 1-inch margins, because it’s going to look super obvious that you’re trying to make the letter’s content look beefier than it is.

If you’re writing your cover letter in Microsoft Word, you can change margins by pressing Page Layout followed by Margins . If you’re writing your cover letter in Google Docs, you can change margins by pressing File and then Page Setup .

A good rule of thumb is to make your cover letter as aesthetically similar to your resume as possible. That means using the same font. Basic, everyday fonts like Times New Roman, Arial, Helvetica, or Calibri are all good options.

Font size should generally be 12-point. If you’re trying to include more content, you could consider bringing that down to 10-point, but play around with margins as well to see which option allows you more space while keeping the letter visually pleasing .

Things to avoid like the plague are: underlining, highlighting, colored lettering, and CAPITALIZING. You can consider using bold or italicized text but use these sparingly to emphasize the key points of your cover letter. And if you choose to use bold, don’t also use italics (and vice versa).

Tip: Look at whether your prospective company uses “serif fonts” (tails at the end of letters, like in Times New Roman) or “sans serif” fonts (no tails at the end, like Arial). Then, use a font in the same style for your resume and cover letter.

If you’re sending your cover letter as a file, make sure to give it an appropriate name. For example, “John-Doe-Cover-Letter” tells the recipient exactly what the file is.

Be advised that many companies use an applicant tracking system when reviewing resumes and cover letters, so using a compatible file format like PDF or .doc is your best bet.

Sending your application documents as PDFs ensures that formatting will remain consistent across devices and operating systems. That makes it a strong choice most of the time, unless the employer specifically asks you not to send a PDF. Instructions directly from the employer always trump any advice we give here.

Cover letter spacing and margins might be the last thing on your mind, but they’re the first thing that a hiring manager or recruiter is going to notice. A bit of creativity is great when you’re applying for jobs, but some standards exist for a reason.

Stick to 1-inch margins and single-spaced, unindented paragraphs, and you’ll be off to a great first impression .

Careerservices.illinoisstate.edu. “ PDF .”

Owl.purdue.edu. “ Quick Formatting Tips // Purdue Writing Lab .”

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Matthew Zane is the lead editor of Zippia's How To Get A Job Guides. He is a teacher, writer, and world-traveler that wants to help people at every stage of the career life cycle. He completed his masters in American Literature from Trinity College Dublin and BA in English from the University of Connecticut.

Matt Warzel a President of a resume writing firm (MJW Careers, LLC) with 15+ years of recruitment, outplacement, career coaching and resume writing experience. Matt is also a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) and Certified Internet Recruiter (CIR) with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (Marketing Focus) from John Carroll University.

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How to Set Up Correct Spacing for a Cover Letter

There are several components that go into writing a good cover letter. Using the appropriate spacing can help your cover letter get noticed by hiring managers as well as make sure you present yourself in a professional manner right from the start. This article will discuss how to set up spacing for your cover letter and tips for formatting your cover letter as well as provide a cover letter template and examples you can use when writing your own.

Why is spacing for a letter important?

Spacing for a letter is important primarily because it makes a letter easily readable. Spacing your letter correctly can also ensure a clear and organized appearance rather than a letter that is jumbled together and difficult to read. Additionally, practicing proper spacing in your letters can also help establish yourself as professional as possible to the recipients of your letter(s).

How to set up spacing for a cover letter

Here are steps you can take when setting up spacing for your cover letter:

• First, begin by adding your name.
• Then, insert a single space. Add your address.
• Next, insert a single space. Add your phone number.
• Fourthly, insert a single space. Add your email address.
• Next, insert a single space. Add the date you are writing the letter.
• Then, insert a single space. Add the company name of the recipient.
• Next, insert a single space. Add the address of the company.
• Follow this by inserting a single space. Begin the letter with ‘Dear [hiring manager/interviewer].’
• Then, insert a single space. Include the first paragraph of your cover letter.
• After that, insert a single space. Include the second paragraph of your cover letter.
• Next, insert a single space. Include the third paragraph of your cover letter.
• Then, insert a single space. Write your cover letter conclusion.
• Next, insert a single space. Write ‘Sincerely,’
• Follow the last step by inserting three spaces. Add your name and title.
• Finish the cover letter by signing your name in the area with three spaces between ‘Sincerely’ and your typed name and title.

These steps are meant to be used as a guide when formatting and writing a business letter. You can also review examples to see the specific components you should include in a cover letter, such as the date your letter is being sent and the closing paragraph.

Tips for cover letter spacing

Here are some tips you can implement when formatting your cover letter to ensure proper spacing:

• Use standard one-inch margins when formatting a cover letter
• Align all paragraphs in your cover letter along the left side of the page
• Keep your cover letter to three or four paragraphs, if possible
• Use single spaces when formatting your cover letter
• Leave a space between addresses, dates, heading, greeting and each new paragraph
• Input a minimum of three spaces after the closing statement (such as ‘Sincerely’) and your name and signature
• Include a handwritten signature when sending a physical/hardcopy letter
• Use a font that is 10 or 12 points and is easily readable such as Calibri or Times New Roman

 When using templates, examples or other samples of cover letters it is also important to customize each letter with your personal information and experience as it relates to the job you are applying for.

Cover letter spacing template

The following is a template you can use as a guide when formatting the spacing of your cover letter:

[Your name] [Space] [Your address] [Space] [Your city, state and zip code] [Space] [Your phone number] [Space] [Your email address] [Space] [Date you are writing the letter] [Space] [Dear hiring manager or interviewer name]: [Space] [First paragraph: Use the first paragraph of your cover letter to introduce yourself and why you are writing. You should include the title of the position you are sending in a resume for as well as how you found the job opening if applicable.] [Space] [Body paragraphs: Include two or three body paragraphs in your cover letter that go into detail about why you would be a good candidate for the position you are applying for. You can use specific examples and include mentions of skills or experience that were asked for in the job listing. Try to keep paragraphs short or consider using a bulleted list if appropriate. Include a space between each new paragraph.] [Space] [Concluding paragraph: Wrap up your cover letter by iterating your thanks to the interviewer/hiring manager for their time and consideration. You can also let them know that you are available at certain times if they have any questions or need more information to consider you as a candidate.] [Space] [Sincerely,] [Space] [Space] [Space] [Your signature] [Your name]

Cover letter spacing example

Here is an example of a cover letter using proper spacing throughout:

Carlos Thomas 786 Read Street Tampa, Florida 37691 (555) 555-5555 [email protected]

February 12, 2020

Dear Mr. Marcos:

I am writing to apply for the event coordinator position you currently have open at Anita’s Events in Tampa. With over 10 years of experience in event management and coordination, I believe that my skills and qualifications closely match that of the ideal candidate you are looking to fill this position.

I am currently working as the event coordinator at Edison’s Events and have headed multiple events of all varieties during my time in this position. I work directly with clients to ensure the events we plan and coordinate for them not only meet their expectations but exceed them.

The types of events that I have managed include corporate meetings, tradeshows, holiday parties, product launches, various types of gatherings and festivals. My dedication to providing unmatched customer service and staying abreast of the event management industry has allowed me to:

• Increase my company’s overall revenue by 37% over the last two years
• Achieve and maintain a customer service rating of five stars
• Attract crowds that have exceeded 7,500
• Improve the company’s overall brand recognition and customer database

I have attached my resume to this letter to provide more details as to why I would be a great candidate for this position. In my resume, you will find further examples of my work-related successes as well as the skills and experience that qualify me for this job opportunity. My resume also provides additional details as to the events I have coordinated in various industries including nonprofits, supermarket chains and car dealerships.

If you would like more information related to my experience and qualifications or to set up a meeting, please do not hesitate to contact me at (555) 555-5555. Thank you for time and consideration.

Sincerely, Carlos Thomas

How to Make Resume Margins the Right Size

What are the correct margins for a resume?

How critical are proper margins on a resume, how do we solve the resume margin issue at enhancv, how to set proper resume margins in ms word and google docs, should your cover letter margins match your resume margins, tips for printed resumes, what alignment, font size, and style rules to follow on your resume, takeaways: resume margins.

I’ve said it once, and I’ll say it a thousand more times – resume formatting matters!

If you’re reading this, you’re probably already aware of just how much of a difference proper formatting and design can make.

Yes – something as small as proper resume margins can make or break your application.

But why do these tiny details matter? Surely, the content of your resume is more important than the space on the sides, right?

Well, yes. But you want to make this crucial content as presentable and easy-to-read as possible.

So, stick with me as I take you through:

• What the ideal resume margins are (for digital and printed resumes alike);
• How to set your resume margins in Google Docs or MS Word;
• Some extra resume formatting tips, such as font size and alignment.

I’ll also share how we deal with margins in our resume builder , which is a fantastic way to simplify the resume creation process (so, make sure to check it out).

Let’s start with the burning question – what is the proper resume margin size?

For most resumes, the recommended margin size is 1 inch on each side . This applies to both digital and printed documents.

There’s a bit of leeway, of course. If you need a little extra space, you can shrink the margins a bit. Just keep them at least half an inch or more . Different types of resumes might require different margins, so it doesn’t hurt to check out some examples if you’re unsure.

It’s only natural that you want to try and fit all the information on a single page, especially if you’ve been bombarded with the “ one-page resume ” rule. That’s not a bad thing, but there are still aspects to consider.

First off, if you find yourself having to shrink your resume margins a ton, take a step back and think about whether all of this information is necessary.

The key to a successful resume is relevancy. If you’ve added fluff or non-relevant information to try and make your application look more impressive, it will most likely backfire. Remember, hiring managers only spend a few seconds on each resume to decide whether it should go in the reject pile.

If you’re not sure what you need to include in a resume , take a look at our helpful guide on the matter.

So, now you know what the ideal resume margin size is.

Let’s dive a little bit deeper.

You might not think that resume margins are a big deal, but they are. They really are.

And here’s why.

You’re probably sick of hearing about resume formatting and how important it is. But a well-designed document can be a handy tool in your job hunt efforts.

Margins, in particular, are a key aspect because of readability . If there’s too little white space on the page, your resume can look cramped, busy, and overall difficult to read. Especially if you’ve added a ton of information.

The exact opposite is true for resumes with giant margins. Leave too much white space, and the page will look empty and, frankly, unimpressive. Like you don’t really have that much to say and, by extension, offer the company.

Another factor contributing to the importance of resume margins is consistency .

While it’s true that you should keep the spacing and formatting within your resume consistent, that’s not exactly what I’m talking about here.

Recruiters look at many, many resumes. So, it’s inevitable that their mind will create, and therefore expect, specific patterns. They’re used to seeing standard formatting, including small details like margins.

You might be tempted to break those patterns to try and stand out, but this is more likely to throw the hiring manager off. People aren’t really that fond of surprises, and a recruiter might end up focusing more on your formatting than the content of your resume.

And finally, keep Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) in mind. These systems are just as easily confused as humans are when things aren’t where they expect them to be.

So, just to be safe, you might want to stick to the standard resume margins.

For all of you out there who get overwhelmed by all things resume, we’ve created a super simple resume builder . And yes, it can take care of the margins, too!

You can effortlessly switch between 5 different margin lengths. The drag-and-drop function makes it easy to play around with white space, take out or add more content, and organize your resume, so it looks its best.

You don’t need to worry about text formatting, either – it’s aligned automatically, and the line height is pre-set to fit different margins.

You can choose from our selection of suitable fonts for a resume , too, and rest assured that the text will look great both digitally and in print.

With the Enhancv resume builder, all you need to focus on is your content – we’ll take care of the rest.

All you need to do to change the margin size in our editor is head over to “Design”. At the very top of the dropdown menu is the “Margins” slider. You can set the font, size, and color from the same tab, too. Just play around with it until you’re happy!

If you’ve decided to build your resume in Word or Google Docs, you’ll have to set the resume margins manually.

Luckily, they are automatically set at 1 inch! So, if you’re happy with the standard resume margin size, you don’t really need to do anything.

Regardless, if you do need to tweak the margins, here’s how to do it easily:

Changing the size of your resume margins in Word is easy. All you need to do is:

• Click on the “Layout” tab.
• Choose the very first option – “Margins”.
• You can choose one of the pre-set sizes from the dropdown menu (e.g., Normal for 1-inch margins).
• If you want to set your own size, select “Custom Margins” at the bottom of the dropdown menu and set the size.

Google Docs

The process is just as simple in Google Docs. Here’s how to change resume margin size:

• Click on the “File” tab.
• Select “Page Setup” from the dropdown menu.
• In the following window, choose the size of the margins. You can edit all margins separately.

And that’s all!

Remember what I said about keeping things consistent?

That applies to your cover letter, too.

Ideally, you want your whole application to be consistent – both in design and formatting. So, if you’re wondering whether your resume margins should match your cover letter margins, the answer is yes .

As I mentioned at the start, the ideal resume margins for printed documents are still around 1 inch each. However, when it comes to printing, there are some extra things to pay attention to.

If the margins of the document are too small, you might have some trouble printing. The content at the edges will more than likely get cut. So, stick with the standard size to avoid this. Make sure you set the proper printing size, too.

Font size and type matter even more if you’ll be printing your resume, too. But we’ll talk more about that below.

And, if you really want to cover all your bases, take a look at this post on choosing the best printing paper for your resume .

So, now that I’ve covered what you need to know about proper resume margins. Before we wrap it up, here are some bonus resume formatting tips:

• Font size – As a general guide, you should keep the font size between 10 and 12 pt. Normally, the smallest size for print is 6 pt, but your best bet is to avoid this rule when it comes to your resume. You want to keep the text legible, after all.
• Font style – While you may be tempted to use a fancy, impressive-looking font, that’s not the best call for your resume. Again, readability is key, so a simple, recognisable font like Arial or Times New Roman is a good choice. If you want to go for something different, that’s fine, too. Just keep it simple.
• Text formatting – When it comes to formatting, don’t go crazy and use it strategically. Think about text hierarchy – you can make your name, headers, and titles bold and a little larger, but keep the rest consistent.
• Alignment – To keep your resume easy to read and to follow, align the text to the left. Also, add the more important details on the left side of the document – your education and work history, for example. Secondary information, like interests and skills, can be put on the right.

So, there you have it! All you need to know about proper resume margins. Let’s recap what we’ve learned:

• The standard resume margin size is 1 inch.
• You can change the size or the margins if you need to, but shouldn’t make them smaller than half an inch.
• If you leave too little white space, your resume will look busy and cluttered. If you leave too much, it will look empty and unfinished.
• The margin size on your cover letter should match the one on your resume.
• Proper resume margins make sure your application remains easy-to-read and doesn’t confuse the recruiters or the ATS.

I hope you found this article helpful. If you have any questions, or if you’d like to share your own findings and experiences, don’t hesitate to comment down below!

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Cover Letter Paragraph and Margin Guidelines

Cover Letter Paragraph Guidelines

Cover letter margin settings, how to adjust page margin settings in microsoft word, how to adjust page margin settings in google docs, use your cover letter to make the best impression.

Every resume you send out to a potential employer should be accompanied by a tailored, well-crafted cover letter. Most hiring managers will review cover letters to decide whether it’s worth their time to read the attached resumes. Thus, your cover letter is your “teaser,” the all-important first introduction that explains why you are the right candidate for the job.

When writing cover letters, your paragraphs should be concise, grammatically flawless, and should focus on your qualifications for the job. Ideally, they should also convey an impression of your own unique personality.

A cover letter should include three paragraphs:

• Introduction
• Body/selling pitch

First Paragraph

The first paragraph explains why you are writing. It is your first impression and should contain a basic explanation of who you are and why you are writing. It is also acceptable to describe how you found the position, such as through an online job listing or a recommendation from a professional contact, and why you are interested in the job.

Use the qualifications on the job announcement as a guide for explaining how your past experience makes you a suitable candidate for the job.

Second Paragraph

The second paragraph, known as the  body , explains why you are qualified for the position. It is the part of the letter where it is most appropriate to highlight your experience, skills, and attributes that make you a perfect candidate for the job. Don’t restate your entire resume; rather, focus on the most important factors that make you desirable.

Because you don’t have a lot of space for elaboration in your cover letter, the best way to choose which qualifications and experience to highlight is to use the employer’s job announcement as your guide. Take note of the top attributes they list in their advertisement's “Qualifications Section,” and make sure you mention examples that demonstrate how your knowledge, experience, or training has prepared you to fulfill these requirements. 

As an eye-catcher, incorporate a list within this second paragraph that provides examples that quantify, through the use of percentages, numbers or dollar figures, the contributions you’ve made in this job role for previous employers. 

Third Paragraph

The third paragraph is a brief conclusion, thanking the employer for their time and consideration. This is where you should enthusiastically reiterate your interest in the position and describe how you will next follow up. Be sure to leave a space between each paragraph in your cover letter.

When writing a cover letter for a job, the ideal margins should be approximately 1 inch all around. The left and right margin should be set at 1 inch and the top and bottom margins should also be set at 1 inch. This gives your cover letter an uncluttered look and provides plenty of white space, which helps with readability.

You should align your text to the left; this is how most documents are aligned, so it will make your letter readable.

When You Need More Space for the Letter

If you have more text than fits on a single page, you can tighten up the margins slightly rather than writing a two-page letter. Keep the margins consistent, so your letter is balanced on the page. For example, if you adjust your margins to .70 inches, it will give you more lines and space for the letter content.

Another option is to reduce the left and right margin to .70 inches and leave the top at 1 inch. Try several options to see which looks best.

When You Need Less Space for the Letter

If your letter is short, you can make the margins larger, so the letter looks balanced on the page without too much white space. In that case, try 1.5 inches for each of the margins.

To adjust the margins in Microsoft Word:

• Select  Page Layout > Margins > Normal   (for 1-inch margins).
• There are a variety of other selections, or you can set your own margins by selecting Page Layout >  Margins Custom .

To adjust the margins in Google Docs:

• Select  File > Page Set Up .
• You can adjust all the margins⁠—left, right, top and bottom⁠—from this window.

A cover letter is extremely important in the hiring process , as it's your initial introduction to a prospective employer. It determines the employer's next move in either reading about you further or moving on to the next candidate.

Therefore, make sure your cover letter clearly and succinctly explains why you are right for the job. This will increase your chances of a callback and perhaps an interview.

Resume Margins – Standard Size Guidelines

If you are gearing up to craft the perfect resume , take a moment and read this. For a perfect resume is not made of just the right content but also the right presentation. Everything from page margins and spacing to the font type and size you use will contribute towards how your resume will be perceived by a hiring manager. Always format your resume to the T.

It is the little things that make all the difference when you are building your resume; the things you might not even have paid attention to. When formatting your resume it is important to follow the standard resume margin guidelines to make that great first impression and to have a professional-looking testimony of your skill sets and experience.

Related: How to Choose Best Resume Format for a Job

Standard Margins for Resumes

Resume margins are the white space that frames your resume. Margins can affect how hiring managers view your resume and whether they’re able to effectively read it. For example, having too narrow margins might cause your resume to look cluttered and unprofessional. Too wide of a margin may make it look like you don’t have enough information to fill the page.

The standard resume margin setting should be one inch on all four sides. While it is all right to reduce this margin a bit should you require more space, ensure that you don’t make it smaller than half an inch. Smaller margins make your resume look text-heavy.

Since most of us try to keep our resumes down to a single page, it is likely that you might feel tempted to reduce the margins greatly to buy precious space on your resume. However, career experts now agree that it is all right to go beyond a one-page resume . So stop trying to cram in information, it only makes your resume look crowded.

For a visually balanced resume, reserve the left side of the page for important information such as work experience and achievements. The right side is where additional information comes in.

How to Properly Set Resume Margins in MS Word and Google Docs

• For one inch margins click on Layout>> Margins >> Normal
• For custom, margins click on Layout>> Custom margins

Google Docs

• Go to File>> Select Page Setup to adjust margins from this window

Make Sure it Aligns

Now that you’ve got your resume margins right, let’s move on to the text.

Align your text to the left, don’t center it. Centering it makes it look forced and stretched while left aligning it makes it more readable. Most formal documents are left-aligned and it looks most natural to all left to right readers. Often people might choose to center align their names and contact details. While this is fine, ensure it doesn’t disturb the overall text on your resume.

If you thought that most job searches and applications occur online these days and have thereby made printed resumes obsolete, think again. It always pays to have a few printed copies of your resume handy. Hiring managers and recruiters usually like to have a print out ready for the interview . This means you also need to keep print margins in mind to ensure nothing gets cut out when the document is printed.

To ensure a good print set standard margins for the resume; a narrow margin will risk text getting cut out. Font styles and sizes matter a great deal here. Cut out the fancy font and instead choose something more sensible and visually appealing. Use simple and legible font styles in size 12. Avoid fancy fonts altogether. The most common fonts used in resumes are:

• Serif fonts (with tails): Times New Roman, Georgie, Garamond.
• Sans Serif fonts (without tails): Arial, Tahoma, Century Gothic, and Lucida Sans.

Leave enough white space between lines to lend visual relief to the document. In your bid to pack in more information don’t compromise on this spacing. It can lead to a resume looking very crammed. Once you’ve finalized your resume don’t forget to save a PDF copy of it; this will ensure that the document gets printed correctly.

Resume Margins – Guidelines

• Most recruiters and hiring managers use applicant tracking systems (ATS) that are very specific about the data being fed into them. Your resume is likely to go through this ATS when you apply for a job. To ensure the software picks up your document, stick to standard formatting and margins. It is likely that the software will not pick up your document if its style and formatting don’t meet its requirements.
• Always try and use standard settings for your resume; this includes margins and fonts. Experimenting too much in this aspect could take the focus away from the contents of your resume.
• Do your homework before you begin work on your resume. Chances are that looking at other templates and formats might give you some ideas to make your resume better.
• Use bullet points in sections such as Skills, Work Experience, and Hobbies to ensure you not just stick to the point but also avoid putting out wordy paragraphs.

You might think it is a great idea to unleash your creativity in your resume to put your most creative foot forward or to stand out from the rest. Truth is this is not the case. Almost everything you include in your resume typically comes under intense scrutiny, including the presentation. Here simplicity and readability are the most preferred features most hiring managers look for. Do just that then; keep your resume simple and readable.

Creative resume s might be exceptions to the case here. However, you might want to be careful with these as well. As mentioned earlier, most applicant tracking software may not pick up your document if it does not match the style and content an ATS is programmed for.

Related Resume & Cover Letter Articles

How To Write a Cover Letter With Examples

Cover letters can help differentiate you from other job applicants and be the determining factor of landing your dream job. By taking the time to craft a custom cover letter, a single sheet of paper can help communicate all the human elements that a resume may fall short of capturing about yourself. 

But what do employers and recruiters have to say about how to write a cover letter? What are the best tips they have to offer for graduate students who are writing a cover letter?

We asked 11 employers for their best cover letter tips. Here is what they had to share.

Let it Set the Stage

In many ways, cover letters should provide background information and context to your resume, while simultaneously addressing how that resume addresses the specific requirements of the job opportunity. The cover letter is your opportunity to "set the stage" and to convince the hiring manager why your specific set of skills, experiences and interests will provide value to their team and its objectives.

Andrew Horrigan '11 BSBA (Management Information Systems), Product Manager at Cisco

Research the Hiring Manager

If possible, find out who the hiring manager is and look them up on LinkedIn. Do your research on the company you're applying for. What's their mission statement and how do they portray their company culture? Hopefully what you're looking for in a job is reflected by those things. Make sure the hiring manager knows that and understands who you are and what drives you. A resume is often about as robotic as things can be. Make sure your cover letter is the opposite—personalize it and let yourself shine through.

Joshua Schlag ’05 BS (Computer Science) ’11 MBA, Digital Marketing Manager at Pyramid Analytics

Utilize Career Development Resources

The University of Arizona and Eller College of Management go to great lengths to make sure students are prepared for their impending career journey. Because cover letters are so important to getting your foot in the door, there are several career development resources online and on campus to take advantage of. The university’s cover letter builder serves as a nice template to get started. And of course, it never hurts to make an appointment with an Eller Career Coach through eSMS to have a professional review your letter before submission. 

Brett Farmiloe, ’06 BSBA (Accounting), Founder, Featured

Discover Past Samples of the Position

Do your research on the company and personalize your cover letter to the role for which you are applying. Don't be afraid to Google, "How to write a good cover letter for X position." Seriously, it helps! There is so much information out there from various perspectives—applicants, hiring managers, etc. Most importantly be yourself and let your personality come through. And don't forget to spell check!

Mariam Nikola '17 MS MIS, Consultant at Point B

Highlight Your Soft Skills

When writing a professional cover letter, there are a couple things you can do to set yourself apart from the pack. First, make sure you tailor your letter to the specific position you are applying for. This should not be a general, "one size fits all" letter—be sure to discuss specific details surrounding the role or the company itself. Secondly, this is an opportunity for you to show a little bit of your personality. Obviously, you want to remain professional, but this is a great time to highlight some of your soft skills that might not be fully conveyed through your resume.  

Brian Ellis ’17 BSBA (Management), Staffing Manager at Randstad Office and Administrative Professionals

Fill in the “Why” Gaps

As a talent advisor, I review a lot of applicants and agree that a cover letter can be a great way to stand apart, if it is done correctly. A great cover letter for me covers the ‘why’ that I cannot understand from just a resume alone. It should clearly state why you are interested in the role, what your goals are for utilizing your graduate degree (if recently graduated) and explain any career pivots reflected on your resume. If you answer those questions in a direct, concise manner it will add value to your application.

Monica Larson , ’11 BSBA (Marketing) ‘20 MBA, Talent Advisor

Tell Your Story

A cover letter is your opportunity to tell your story—tying your experience and personal interests into why you want a position and why you are the best candidate for it. Paint the picture of your journey and what about the position excites you personally and professionally. Similar to your resume, keep it short and sweet. No need to repeat what’s already on your resume. Recruiters and hiring managers don’t have time to comb through a novel, so you need to engage them with as few words as possible while also grabbing their attention.

Kelly Castoro, ’06 BA (Spanish, Portuguese), Project Manager at Squarespace

Tailor Each Cover Letter to the Position You Are Applying

Be sure to research the role and customize your cover letter for each position, relating your experience to the particular role you are applying for. Personalization is key—research who you are sending the cover letter to and address the letter to them directly. End your letter with a call to action, stating you will follow up by phone or email if you haven’t heard from anyone. Follow ups are very important! 

Jessica Rosenzweig, ’15 BSBA (Business Management), Account Manager at PeopleWare Staffing

Communicate Bankability and Personality 

Your cover letter answers two crucial questions; are you bankable and are you someone the company will enjoy working with? Communicate bankability with your knowledge of the company, industry and why your skills, capabilities and interests are a great fit. Share your passion for their mission, culture, brand—whatever excites you about becoming a member of their team.  

When conveyed through a concise, well-formulated, well-worded cover letter, you demonstrate the ability to write an effective business case—communicating that you are a ready professional and worthy teammate who will hit the ground running.

Theresa L Garcia, ’83 BSBA (Human Resources), Senior Change Management and Organization Capability Consultant at Boeing

Keep it Concise but Compelling

A cover letter is your chance to speak directly to the hiring team and tell them why you are not only the best match for the position for which you are applying but also give them additional insight into yourself as an individual that is less visible from your experience.

A great cover letter should be attention grabbing and touch upon the qualities that make you stand out from others in the applicant pool, highlight both your recent and most distinguished accomplishments and drive home why you are the right person for the job. Professionalism is always important, but don’t be hesitant to put your voice into the letter to let your personality shine through. Research the company, understand where they currently are, where they are going and show why you are the right person to get them from point A to point B. Recruiters spend a lot of time reviewing applicants and making yourself stand apart from the crowd is key. Keep it concise but compelling!

Matt Reineberg, ’14 BSBA (Marketing), Senior Talent Acquisition Sourcer at Cox Enterprises

Highlight the “Why”

Why are you applying to this company? Why do you want this position? Your cover letter should aim to answer the why behind applying for the job. Conveying an interest and excitement for working specifically for this job at this company, rather than a desire to get any job anywhere that will give you money, can go a long way. Show the company that they should hire you and your passion over someone that might have the skills needed for the job, but doesn’t care about the work as much as you do. 

Ryan Nouis, Trupath 

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