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How to Choose the Best Font and Font Size for Cover Letters

Keep it Professional

Choose one simple font, pick an appropriate font size, how to make your font selection, include plenty of white space, sending email cover letters.

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When you are writing a cover letter , it's important to use a font—or type style—that is clear and easy to read. Consider that hiring managers have to review dozens, if not hundreds, of applicants for a position. They may immediately pass over a cover letter and resume that isn’t instantly legible.

Be sure to make your font large enough so that the reader doesn't have to squint to read your letter, but not so large that your letter doesn't fit well on the page.

When it comes to choosing a font to use in your cover letter, your best bet is to keep it simple and professional. You want your words and message to stand out, not your font choice.

Avoid using unprofessional novelty-style fonts such as Comic Sans, handwriting, or script-style fonts.

Ideally, the font used in the cover letter will be both the same size and style as the one used in your resume, to help you present a cohesive package.

Review these tips for determining the right font for your cover letter, as well as what size it should be, and which styles are and are not appropriate to use in a cover letter.

Using a simple font will ensure that your cover letter is easy to read. Basic fonts like Arial, Courier New, Calibri, Verdana, and Times New Roman work the best. Most word processing and email programs will default to a professional and easily readable choice.

Limit yourself to one font in your cover letter; it's best not to mix several fonts in one document.

There is no need to use different styles in a cover letter. Avoid underlining or italicizing, and use boldface text only when emphasizing quantifiable achievements that need to “pop” on the page.

Depending on how much content you have in your letter, select a 10- or 12-point font size.

It's best if you can format your cover letter so it fits on one page, with margins that are no larger than 1” and no smaller than .7”.

If your letter includes a heading with your name and contacts information, you may choose to make this font slightly larger.

When you are using Microsoft Word, you can select a template for your letter or start from scratch with a new document. If you're using a different word processing program, the process is similar.

• Select a font from the list at the top of your document before you start writing your letter, or:
• Type your cover letter.
• Highlight the content of your letter.
• Either select the font from the pop-up window or select the font from the list at the top of the document.
• Select the font size you want to use the same way.
• Proofread your cover letter.
• Print your cover letter, even if you are going to upload it online, to make sure that it is formatted, properly spaced, and looks the way you want it to.

Regardless of the font size, you select, there needs to be space at the top of the letter and between each paragraph and each  section of your cover letter . Here's how to  space your cover letter .

You may need to try a couple of different sizes to make sure that your cover letter fits on a single page, and you have enough white space in between paragraphs. Review these formatting tips to be sure your letter will make the best impression.

The information above applies primarily to instances where you are sending a traditional cover letter by snail mail or when you are sending a formal cover letter as a Word or PDF attachment to an email message .

Copying and pasting a cover letter into the body of an email message may change the formatting, making it difficult to read for an employer who may have a different computer system.

The safest thing to do when you are copying and pasting your cover letter into an email is to remove the formatting and reformat it as plain text. Send a copy to yourself before you send it to an employer to double-check that it reads correctly.

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6 Best Fonts for a Cover Letter (And How to Choose One)

When it comes to job search, every small detail can play for or against you. Spelling, layout, stylistic highlights, fonts — the tiny design tweaks can amplify or muddle the first impression you are to make. 

All of the above is true for cover letters too. The easiest way to make the wrong first impression is by using a terrible cover letter font. OK, but which ones are good ones and which ones are bad? 

I’ve talked to our graphic design team (the one behind all our resume templates !) to get their scoop on the best fonts for cover letters. 

What is the Best Font for a Cover Letter?

The best font for a cover letter is Times New Roman . It’s a classic serif typeface that’s been in use for over 85 years. Times New Roman uses space economically which makes it easier to fit your cover letter into one page. This font looks equally great in print and in digital documents, plus it is supported by all major word processors and email apps. So your cover letter will be 100% readable! 

What is the Best Font Size for a Cover Letter?

The best font size for a cover letter is 12 points . This is a standard font size for most business documents — not too big, not too small for different screen sizes. You can also opt for 10 or 11 points cover letter font size if you need to fit more information into one page, but this can affect the readability of your letter. 

Best Fonts for a Professional Cover Letter: Overview

Times New Roman is a clear leader, recommended for use by career advisors from MIT , Purdue University , and Boston University among others for both resumes and cover letters. 

But because Times New Roman is a serif font, it might be hard to read for people with dyslexia or other types of reading disorders . So if you want to be extra mindful, you can look for another professional cover letter font. 

Just make sure it is: 

• Serif or sans serif (avoid calligraphic typefaces) 
• Readable (i.e. don’t have too many fancy elements) 
• Widely supported by word processing apps 
• Not Comic Sans (which is universally deemed unprofessional) 

To help you narrow down your choice, here are several more best fonts for a professional cover letter we recommend using. 

1. Arial 

Arial font has been around since the 1980s. You are probably well-familiar with it if you are a Windows user. Arial has been the default font for this operating system since the 1990s. It’s a web-friendly sans serif typeface. However, many graphic designers suggest avoiding Arial in print as it ends up looking somewhat plain, especially in bigger sizes. 

But since most of us dispatch email cover letters these days, it shouldn’t be much of a concern. 

2. Helvetica 

Helvetica is a Swiss-born typeface as its name indicates (Helvetia is the Latin word for Switzerland). Originally created by a freelance designer for a Haus foundry, it became hugely popular thanks to Apple. While Microsoft chose Arial as the main font for its OS, Apple picked Helvetica for the same purpose. 

Helvetica is also a sans serif font and it’s very readable. That’s because it has even kerning in any variation — bold, italic, or skinny — which gives the reader a sense of clean spacing. 

3. Calibri 

Calibri is a digital-native sans serif post. It was created specifically for online documents in the early 2000s — and presented to the general public with Microsoft Office 2007 and Windows Vista releases. Up till today, it remains the default font in MS Office. 

It has a pleasant rounded feel to it, paired with a tight layout. Thanks to it, you can flexibly change text size without losing resolution. So if you need to fit a longer cover letter into one page , try using Calibri in size 11. 

4. Georgia 

Don’t let this name trick you — the Georgia typeface was designed in the US in the 1990s for Microsoft corporation (again). But it was introduced only in 2006 as one of the standard fonts.

Georgia was originally envisioned as an alternative serif font to Times New Roman, which would look better on smaller screen sizes. Times New Roman becomes hard to read in small sizes. 

Overall, Georgia is a great cover letter font option for those who want to add some extra “personality” to your cover letter, while still maintaining professionalism. 

5. Garamond

Garamond is another fine example of a time-tested font. It was modeled after an old-styled Latin typeface, used by a 16th-century engraver Claude Garamond. But don’t let its age deter you, Garamond looks fresher compared to other popular serif fonts like Times New Roman and Georgia.  So if you want to give your cover letter a subtle creative flair, go for this option. 

Verdana typeface family is another ‘brainchild’ of Microsoft Corporation, released in the late 1990s.  It was modeled after humanist sans serif fonts such as the ones still used by the London Underground.

Yet Verdana has a more modern feel to it and touts generous width and spacing between letters. It also has a prominent distinction between frequently confused letters just as  lowercase i j l, the uppercase I J L, and the number 1.

Making Cover Letter Font Selection Easier 

If you feel that typography isn’t your forte, go with a “safe” choice of Times New Roman. Yes, it’s somewhat overused, but this fact doesn’t make it less professional. Alternatively, opt for popular sans serif fonts such as Ariel, Helvetica, or Verdana. There you go — you now have no more excuses for not working on your cover letter !

Elena runs content operations at Freesumes since 2017. She works closely with copywriters, designers, and invited career experts to ensure that all content meets our highest editorial standards. Up to date, she wrote over 200 career-related pieces around resume writing, career advice... more

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What is the Best Font for a Cover Letter in 2024?

by Artöm Obenko

• Cover letter
• · August 20 2024
• · 10 min read

Table of contents

Whether you are a school leaver , student , or changing career , selecting the appropriate font for your cover letter might seem trivial, yet it is essential in shaping how employers perceive your application. In a good cover letter , your font choice demonstrates professionalism, attention to detail, and understanding of key requirements. Although the font can create a strong first impression, the content of your cover letter is what truly matters when submitting your application.

In this guide, we cover:

Top-notch cover letter fonts and templates (check out CVMaker for more!).

Pro tips when choosing a cover letter font.

Common mistakes to avoid.

Pros and cons of most popular fonts and font sizes.

How to pick a professional font when you're new to the game.

Explore our diverse collection of cover letter templates to help you find the perfect match for your career needs.

Design your cover letter in a few clicks

Top 10 cover letter fonts to use.

Here's a list of safe and reliable fonts you can use for your cover letter:

Arial: Classic, clear, versatile.

Calibri: Modern twist on a classic, good readability.

Cambria: Elegant, sophisticated, professional.

Garamond: Timeless, charming, classic feel.

Georgia: Similar to Garamond, a blend of classic and modern, easy on the eye.

Helvetica: Clean, minimalist, contemporary (sans-serif)

Open Sans: Open-source, clear, readable.

Avenir: Modern, stylish, suitable for creative fields.

Times New Roman: Traditional, widely recognised, possibly overused.

Verdana: Similar to Arial, a clear, spacious, and good for on-screen reading.

Avoid overly decorative and hard-to-read fonts as they can distract from your main content. These fonts may also pose issues with applicant tracking systems (ATS) used by many industries. Opt instead for clean, professional fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman to ensure clarity and enhance your chances of leaving a positive impression.

What are the main types of cover letter fonts?

There are two main types of cover letter fonts: serif and sans-serif . The former has a more traditional and formal look, characterised by tiny strokes at the end of each character. On the other hand, the latter is more recognised for its sleek and modern look, making them ideal choices for creative positions or career documents.

Times New Roman

Baskerville

Sans-serif:

As shown in the image above, there are three other fonts, specifically monospaced , script , and display. We suggest avoiding them as they are hard to read and can look unprofessional.

Arial is a contemporary sans-serif font known for its simplicity and clarity. Its clean lines and straightforward design make it an excellent choice for professional documents, ensuring readability both on screen and in print. It's ideal for corporate settings, such as finance , IT , and law . It's a strong choice for industries cherishing efficiency and accuracy.

Calibri is a modern sans-serif font that has become the default typeface for Microsoft Office. With its rounded letters and soft appearance, it brings a friendly yet professional tone to any document, making it ideal for cover letters. Calibri is often used in HR , customer service , and teaching . Its soft lines are suitable for roles requiring interpersonal skills.

Garamond is a timeless serif font that exudes classical beauty and charm. Often used in high-quality publications and literary works, it lends an air of prestige and sophistication to cover letters and other formal writings. Cambria is suited for industries requiring credibility, making it an excellent choice for roles in academic or legal jobs like paralegal .

4. Garamond

Garamond is a timeless serif font that exudes classical beauty and charm. Often used in high-quality publications and literary works, it lends an air of prestige and sophistication to cover letters and other formal writings. It is suitable for creative roles like fashion designer , writer , journalist or for professionals working inluxury brands.

Georgia is a serif font celebrated for its excellent readability, especially in smaller sizes. Its blend of traditional and modern elements makes it a versatile choice, suitable for both creative and professional documents. It is ideal for publishing, marketing, and developers .

6. Helvetica

Helvetica is an iconic Swiss sans serif font renowned for its clean, neutral design. Its widespread use in corporate branding and signage highlights its professional appeal, making it a reliable choice for business-related documents. It is a also great fit for corporate branding, banking , and technology.

7. Open Sans

Open Sans is a humanist sans serif font developed by Google, prized for its approachable and friendly appearance. Its clear and versatile design ensures it looks good on both screens and paper, making it a great option for cover letters.It's a great match for tech, e-commerce, and non-profit sectors.

Avenir is a geometric sans serif font that combines modern aesthetics with classic principles. Its sleek and elegant lines make it a popular choice for branding, design projects, and professional documents aiming for a contemporary look. This font is great for fashion, architecture , and technology brands.

9. Times New Roman

Times New Roman remains a stalwart in the world of fonts, known for its classic serif style. It is particularly favoured in traditional sectors such as law, academia, and government, providing a sense of formality and reliability.This font is appropriate for law, academia, and civil service roles.

10. Verdana

Verdana is a sans serif font created for optimal readability on screens, featuring wide spacing and a large x-height. Its relaxed yet professional appearance makes it suitable for digital documents and presentations. Verdana is a great choice for IT, e-commerce, education, and sofware development .

What is the best font and size for your cover letter?

Pick an easy-to-read, attractive, and clean font, such as Times New Roman, Garamond, or Georgia. Opt for a font size between 10 and 12 points, ensuring your message is clear and not overwhelming for the hiring manager. By choosing the right font your cover letter will speak for itself and would leave a positive impression on the overall look and legibility.

Classic choice: Play it safe and opt for ATS-friendly fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Verdana, ensuring you follow the industry requirements and write your message clearly to recruiters.

Right size: if you have a detailed cover letter or CV, we recommend going for a font size 10, whereas a font size 12 could be a better fit for a more simple and standard feel.

Consistency is key: Before submitting your application, ensure it matches your CV and looks professional across your entire application.

Take a look at our related blog article on the best font for a CV to learn more.

What fonts to avoid on a cover letter?

Although fonts can help you maintain a professional look, some fonts could harm your chances of landing a job interview. At first, it may seem like a minor change, but fonts can make your text hard to read and appear unprofessional.

Avoid the following types of fonts to ensure high readability!

Ornate fonts: Elaborate swirls and intricate designs can be difficult to read, making your information look cluttered.

Cursive fonts: They typically mimic handwriting and can be challenging to read, making your application look informal.

Uppercase fonts: Recruiters can view it as shouting, making it harder to scan your cover letter quickly. Rather leave caps for headings or official titles.

Remember, the key is to match your cover letter with the job description and career goals . Doing so can boost your chances of getting noticed and possibly landing your first job interview .

What mistakes to avoid when adding font on a cover letter?

Whether you're applying for an internship or need a short cover letter , choosing the right font and formatting it correctly is essential. See below how to avoid common mistakes:

Font soup: Avoid mixing fonts; rather, stick to one professional font for the entire document to create a clean look.

Inconsistent sizing: Maintain consistency for high readability and optimisation for applicant tracking systems (ATS).

Unreadable colours: Black or dark grey text on a white background is safest.

Bold & Italic overload: Use bold only to highlight key points and italics for titles, achievements, or quotes

Mobile mishap: Ensure your font is readable on a smaller screen, such as tablets or phones.

If you’re still early in your career, refer to our related blog article on how to write a cover letter with no experience .

Top tips for choosing the best cover letter

1. align your font choice with the company culture.

Taking the time to research the company you're applying to demonstrates your genuine interest and attention to detail. If their website and branding have a minimalist aesthetic, consider a more modern font for your cover letter. For a company with a more traditional culture, a classic font is a safe and reliable choice.

Research the company brand: Consult the company's website and social media to get a sense of how they present themselves

Modern company, modern font: For companies with a modern look, think about fonts like Proxima Nova or Helvetica.

Traditional company, classic font: Go for classic fonts like Times New Roman or Garamond for companies with a more traditional culture.

A well-chosen font can subtly reflect your suitability for the position you're applying for. For instance, in creative fields like marketing or design, a slightly bolder font can showcase a touch of personality. However, in traditional industries such as law, finance, or accounting, classic fonts convey a sense of trust and reliability.

For more insights on aligning your cover letter with company culture, see how to write a CV for the first job .

2. Prioritise readability

It is crucial to ensure your cover letter is easy to read. Avoid decorative fonts that may be visually appealing but struggle with on-screen clarity. Remember, a clear and concise message is more likely to capture a recruiter's attention.

Choose clear and crisp fonts: Go for fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Verdana, which are known to be easy to read and reliable choices.

Avoid decorative or script fonts: Avoid over-decorative or cursive fonts, as they can be difficult to read on a computer or mobile screen.

Maintain proper font size: Aim for a font size between 10 and 12 points. A 10-point font works well with extensive cover letters, while a 12-point font gives a more spacious look.

For additional guidance, refer to our related blog article on the best colour for a CV .

3. Keep it simple

Maintaining a consistent and professional tone throughout your cover letter is essential. Using multiple fonts or styles can create a cluttered and confusing visual experience for the reader. Stick to a single, professional font to ensure a clean and polished look.

Clean and simple: Use one professional font throughout your entire cover letter to create a neat and polished look.

Avoid mixing styles: Do not combine fonts like bold, italic, or underline, within the body text. Utilise them strategically for emphasis (e.g., headings, job titles).

Match your CV font: Ensure consistency between your cover letter and CV font for a unified application package.

For more expert tips, refer to our related blog article on how to improve your CV .

4. Proofread carefully

A flawless application shows professionalism and attention to detail. Take the time to proofread your cover letter carefully and ensure there are no typos or errors. Additionally, double-check that your chosen font size and style are consistent throughout the entire document.

Double-check for typos and errors: Proofread your cover letter thoroughly for any typos or grammatical errors that could detract from your professionalism.

Coherent overall look: Ensure your chosen font size and style are consistent throughout your career documents.

To ensure your cover letter is error-free and tailored to the job, check out our CV Writing Service for further guidance.

5. Consider font size and style

Consider using italics or bold text to highlight key information or achievements without overwhelming the hiring manager with too many highlights. Understanding the job's demands is key to formatting your cover letter effectively.

For more tips, see our additional article on how to place and highlight action verbs on a CV .

Use italics for emphasis: Use italics to emphasise specific words or phrases.

Use bold for headings: Apply bold for headings, subheadings, or important points.

Keep a consistent look : Ensure bold and italics enhance the design without distracting.

For more tips on the best format and layout, explore our CV examples for inspiration.

Cover letter templates with the best fonts

See below the best cover letter templates with a professional font.

Designer cover letter example 

Download this designer CV example in PDF

This cover letter sample features Abigalil, highlighting her relevant design expertise and showcasing her ability to maintain high standards as a Product Designer. This cover letter follows a simple layout, matching the chosen CV template. For more details, check out one of our articles below:

Designer CV and designer cover letter

Graphic designer CV and graphic designer cover letter.

Marketing cover letter example

Download this marketing cover letter sample in PDF

In this example, Nina strategically presents her skills and achievements, positioning herself for a high-impact Marketing Manager role. This cover letter is modern, aligning seamlessly with her marketing CV example. It follows a clear layout with concise language and a professional Source Sans Pro font. By strategically incorporating hard skills and career accomplishments, she positions herself as a qualified candidate with an impressive track record of leading and inspiring teams.  

For more inspiration, refer to the related articles below:

Marketing CV and marketing cover letter

Digital marketing CV.

Student cover letter example

Download this student cover letter in PDF

This cover letter sample features Penelope, a diligent Business Psychology student. It showcases her academic achievements and extracurricular involvement, aligning them with the position's requirements. The cover letter follows a modern style, keeping it concise and tailored to the specific job.  

For more inspiration, refer to our related step-by-step guides below:

Student CV and student cover letter

Best jobs for students.

IFor more support, check out our related articles on how to explain unemployment on a CV and seasonal work opportunities in the UK .

Key takeaways

Although the well-chosen font can make a strong initial impression, remember that content should be your real focus. See our key takeaways from the article below:

While a great font can make a good first impression, remember your content is the key !

Play it safe with classic fonts like Arial, Times New Roman, or Verdana.

Your font choice shows attention to detail and professionalism .

Make sure your font matches the job requirements and company brand.

By using our guidelines and picking the right font, you can write a strong cover letter that eludes professionalism and high readability.

Next steps?

When your mind is at peace with your cover letter colour, it’s time to update the content of your cover letter ensuring all the information is up to date and meets your recruiter’s needs. Whether you’re not sure how best to describe your experience or what information to include in your cover letter, consider checking out one of our related blog articles below:

How to start a cover letter

How to structure a cover letter

How to end a cover letter

How long should a cover letter be?

How to send a CV via email.

What is a go-to font for CVs and cover letters?

Common choices like Calibri, Arial, and Times New Roman are preferred for their readability and professional appearance. For a touch of sophistication, consider Garamond or Georgia.

Is Sans-serif or Serif more professional?

Serif fonts are generally seen as traditional and formal, whereas sans-serif fonts offer a clean, modern look. Ensure that your choice reflects industry standards and personal preference.

Are there fonts I should avoid on my cover letter?

Avoid using small fonts like size 6 or 8, as well as overly large fonts such as size 14 or 16. Opt instead for a font size between 10 and 12 points, striking a balance that ensures readability without sacrificing space. Remember, your font choice should not detract from your recruiter’s ability to focus on your main content.

Can I use different fonts for my cover letter and CV?

It’s best to use consistent fonts across your cover letter and CV to maintain a cohesive look. This approach helps create a strong first impression.

How do I format my cover letter?

Use a clean and simple format with clear headings and sufficient white space. Stick to one font, use consistent spacing, and avoid excessive formatting. Ensure your cover letter is tailored to the job and company you're applying to.

For more tips, check out the best format for a simple CV and modern CV .

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Updated August 20 2024

Artöm is your go-to Content Specialist committed to assisting job seekers globally. Through his engaging blog articles and in-depth guides, he's on a mission to make your career journey a breeze. Artöm is passionate about SEO, design, and all aspects of marketing, delivering expert advice that resonates with diverse audiences. Beyond work, you can find him practicising Kung Fu, travelling, reading a book, or enjoying the company of his beloved black cat. Try it now

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How to Select a Professional Letter Font and Font Size

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The Best Font to Choose

What size font to use, tips on font style, how to select a font, proofread your letter carefully.

What's the best font to use for a business letter? When writing formal letters, of course, it's important to make sure the content of your letter is clear and easy to understand. However, you should also think carefully about the font and font size.

The font is the style of the text you use in your letter or email message. It's important to make sure the font you choose for your professional correspondence, both printed and emailed, is clear and easy to read. Otherwise, your reader might not take the time to read your letter.

This is particularly important when writing job application letters, such as cover letters . If an employer cannot easily read your letter because the font is too small or too difficult to read, they may not bother to look at your resume .

Your best bet is to keep your font and font size simple and professional . Make sure your message—not your font—stands out.

It's important to select a font that is easy to read. You should select a font that is large enough so that the reader doesn't have to squint to read your letter, but not so big that your letter doesn't fit well on a single page.

Using a simple font will ensure that your message is clear. Basic fonts like Arial, Cambria, Calibri, Verdana, Courier New, and Times New Roman work well. Avoid novelty fonts like Comic Sans, or fonts in script or handwriting style.

Once you have selected your font style, select a 10- or 12-point font size. The size will depend on how much content you have; it's best if you can format your letter so it fits on one page.

If your letter has a heading (such as a heading with your name and contact information), you might choose to make the heading font slightly larger (14 or 16). However, this is not necessary.

In addition, avoid writing in all capital letters when you format your letter. Letters and email messages in all caps make it seem as if you are yelling. Also avoid underlining, bolding, and italicizing; these can make text difficult to read.

You may need to try a few font styles and size variations so your letter fits on a single page with enough white space that it's not crowded.

Below are steps to take when writing a letter and selecting a font size and style:

• Select a font from the list at the top of your document before you start writing your letter, or:
• Type your letter.
• Highlight the content of your letter.
• Either select the font from the pop-up window or select the font from the list at the top of the document.
• Select the font size you want to use the same way. Try some different fonts and font sizes until the letter fits onto one page. Again, make sure there is white space in your letter. Consider playing with the spacing and margins as well.
• Proofread your letter.

After completing and proofreading your draft, print your letter (even if you are going to upload it online or email it) to make sure that it is formatted, properly spaced, and looks the way you want it to.

Include Plenty of White Space

Regardless of the font and font size you select, there should be white space at the top, bottom, and sides of your letter. You also want to leave some white space between each paragraph, after the body of the letter and before your closing, and between the closing and your signature. A squished letter without enough spacing is hard to read.

More Tips on Spacing Your Letter:

• Keep your letter to one page or less, if possible. Email letters should be a few paragraphs long and be easy to scan.
• Align your cover to the left.
• For email letters, use your formatted email signature to close the message.

Try a variety of font types and sizes to see which one allows you to fit your letter on one page, while still leaving some white space.

You might also adjust the margins of the page to be slightly bigger or smaller to keep some white space while making the letter fit on one page. As a general rule, margins should be no wider than 1” and no narrower than .7”.

Be sure to thoroughly proofread your letter for grammar and spelling errors. Even if your font and font size are easy to read, errors will make you look unprofessional. If this is a cover letter, an error might even cost you a job offer. More proofreading tips:

• Read your letter out loud . You’ll find any typos and might also spot opportunities to improve your word choice and sentence structure.
• Check and double-check the spelling of all company and personal names.
• Take a break before you review your final document . You may find errors with fresh eyes that you wouldn’t have found right after writing the letter.
• Ask an eagle-eyed friend to review your letter before you send it.
• For email letters, be sure to send yourself a test message before emailing the document to a hiring manager. You might uncover spacing oddities and formatting errors that you wouldn’t have seen without a test.

Once it's set, send the letter and cc: yourself so you have a copy for your records.

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What are the best cover letter fonts?

Should you use a serif or a non-serif font for cover letters?

What is the correct font size for a cover letter, what font size is too small for a cover letter, cover letter spacing and white space.

What is the best cover letter fonts? There's no single correct answer to this frequently asked question. But when it comes to choosing the right font for your own cover letter, you have quite a few great options.

The best fonts to use in a cover letter are those that are attractive, clean and easy to read. 

You want hiring managers to take one glance at your cover letter and think “Looks good!” before they even start reading. Then you want them to read every word, focusing on your content — not distracted by a strange font choice or a font size that’s too big or too small.

If you choose some odd-looking, avant garde font to make your cover letter stand out , it will — but for all the wrong reasons. The recruiter is likely to frown and wonder why you chose such a weird font, and you’ve already got one strike against you. 

There is no shortage of online advice about how to choose the best font for cover letters, including YouTube videos such as this one.

Choosing between serif and sans serif fonts

Your choice of cover letter font ultimately comes down to two basic font types: serif and sans serif.

Serif fonts : A serif is a decorative flourish, a small line or stroke added to the letters of the alphabet. For example, a capital A in a serif typeface will have a small horizontal line at the bottom of the two diagonal lines that form the primary part of the letter — they look like tiny pedestals that form a base for the letter. 

Serifs are added to the parts of letters that end in mid-air; for example, a lowercase “i” as in “ice” will generally have a serif at the top pointing left and a serif at the bottom pointing both right and left. But you’ll probably never see a serif on the letter “o” because it’s a circle where no part of the letter ends in mid-air. 

Sans serif fonts : Sans serif fonts don’t use serifs, so they look more like the alphabet displayed above the blackboard in an elementary school classroom. For example, if you print the letter “i” on a piece of paper with a pencil, you probably just draw a straight vertical line and add a dot on top of it. That’s sans serif. But if you add little decorations to the vertical line, those are serifs.

There is no right or wrong answer to the question of using a serif or non-serif cover letter font, as long as it's easy on the eyes and doesn't distract your reader. Perhaps with the exception of header text only, you should use the same font consistently throughout. It can be a matter of personal preference, as well as compatibility with the occupation, employer and industry. In terms of “personality,” serif fonts tend to be perceived as more traditional, formal, mature and reliable, while sans serif fonts are commonly described as sleek, modern and clean.

Chances are, you've heard the rule that serif fonts are easy to read. However, there's little weight to that argument.

Research into the theory suggests that serif fonts may produce a "tiny legibility increase" when the type is small or far away. However, the study authors concluded that overall there is "no difference in legibility between typefaces" that are serif or sans serif.

The top 8 cover letter fonts to use

Here is our list of good fonts for cover letters:

• Arial : Sort of like a Helvetica for the 21st century, Arial is a modern sans serif font popular for its legibility and clean lines. This one always makes the list of best fonts for cover letters.

• Calibri : Another good sans serif option, Calibri is the current default font for Microsoft Word.

• Cambria : A good-looking serif font designed for computer screens, commissioned by Microsoft.

• Garamond : A classic serif font like you’d expect to see in a pricey new book by a top publisher.

• Georgia : Currently a very popular serif font, said to read well in small sizes; call it the new Times New Roman.

• Lato : A “serious but friendly” sans serif font created by Google for computer screens, but it doesn’t come with Microsoft Word applications.

• Trebuchet : A sans serif font from Microsoft, also designed to look good online. If you're looking for the best fonts for cover letters, look no further than this one.

• Verdana : Another sans serif font from Microsoft, Verdana looks sort of a like a chilled-out version of Arial.

Fonts to NOT use in your cover letter

Now you know about the best fonts for cover letters, let's talk about the worst. Unless you’re really loving unemployment, don’t use these fonts in a cover letter:

• Brush Script : If you favor fonts that look like cursive, you might as well just grab a pen and write the letter with your own hand.

• Comic Sans : If you’re designing a comic book, go for it, but this is not one of the best cover letter fonts. Avoid it at all costs.

• Courier : May be useful for forging a document to look like it was written on a typewriter in the 1970s, but useless in a modern cover letter.

• Impact : Any font that’s this heavy and bold makes it look like you’re trying to compensate for something lacking in your pitch.

Situational fonts for cover letters

You’ll hear conflicting advice on certain fonts, these are generally considered situational fonts and you need to consider the image, character, and context for the job:

Helvetica : There’s nothing wrong with the world’s most famous font, but it’s so old that many consider it yesterday’s choice.

Times New Roman : Same goes for this classic serif font: It still works after all these years, but you won’t get points for originality.

Roboto, Open Sans, Ubuntu : These are clean and legible fonts that are widely used in the tech/IT industry, but they may not be as popular with more traditional jobs and employers. You can feel a bit safer using these when applying to a software company or an IT startup.  Just be advised that you might end up with an overly sleek and techy feel to your document.

Cover letter font size and spacing

Whatever font you choose, do not make the mistake of running it too big or too small. Too big and it looks childish; too small and the reader needs a magnifying glass. And you can always count on resume.io for occupation-specific advice and a top-of-the-line online cover letter builder to boost your career!

A good rule of thumb is to start with a 12-point font size. Font size depends on the font style; for some fonts, 12 points could be too large or 10 points too small. Getting it right may take some trial and error. 

People sometimes ask if an 11-point font is OK for a cover letter, and the answer is yes. Font sizes are typically described in even numbers, but there’s no reason you can’t make your font size 11, or even 11.3, as long as it looks good on the page.

Most cover letters should be one page only , and most first drafts exceed one page, so writers resort to downsizing the font to make it fit. This IS an allowable tactic, but don’t make it any smaller than 10 points.

The temptation to increase your resume to two pages is real, but is it the right thing to do? For a director-level job seeker, the answer will be yes, but what about everyone else? If you do opt for two pages, make the most of them.

In addition to choosing the right font size for your application letter , you need to set appropriate cover letter margins — one inch on the top, bottom, left and right is a good rule. 

Another consideration is cover letter spacing . Every typeface comes with a default amount of “leading” (rhymes with “sledding”), which means the amount of space between lines. This setting is adjustable, but don’t downsize it to squeeze your letter onto one page. Allow for an appropriate amount of white space in your cover letter, or it will look like you’re trying to cram 12 pounds of stuff into a 10-pound bag. 

What do the best cover letter fonts look like?

Look no further than resume.io for samples of what you might decide is the best font for cover letters. And if you’re ready to create your own cover letter, this is also the right place to get started right away. Check out our professionally designed, field-tested cover letter templates in four design categories: simple , creative , modern and professional . 

Our top-of-the-line cover letter builder tool makes it easy to customize your own version for hassle-free, high-quality results in no time. 

You can always count on resume.io for the advice to boost your career! Our job-winning resources include a wide selection of occupation-specific writing guides and free cover letter examples . 

Key takeaways

• Readability is the deciding factor for choosing a cover letter font that’s clean, attractive and non-distracting.
• Our top 8 list of cover letter fonts includes a good selection of serif and non-serif font types to suit your preference.
• With good reason, several fonts belong on a “do not use in a cover letter” list. Others may be okay in certain situations, depending on the image, character and context for the job.
• Cover letter font size and spacing are vitally important considerations, along with font style.

Best of luck with choosing the right fonts and formatting choices for your cover letter. And even if you’ve forgotten everything we’ve said here, remember: Don’t use Comic Sans!

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Best Font for Cover Letter

The best font for cover letter purposes is one that is clear and easy to read. Hiring managers will quickly pass over a cover letter that isn't instantly legible. Keep your cover letter font professional, simple and consistent with your resume font.

An important consideration is the fact that your cover letter may be viewed on a desktop, laptop or mobile device so stick to a universal font that renders well on all screens.

5 Best Font for Cover Letter Styles

Hiring managers and recruiters largely agree on these being the 5 best font for cover letter styles.

Helvetica is a modern favorite that works well for all cover letters. It only comes preloaded on Apple computers so Arial is an excellent alternative if you don't have a Mac.

Arial is the standard font for Google Docs and Microsoft Word, meaning that it will display accurately on all computers. It renders well on all screen sizes and its crisp lines make it clear and simple to read.

It is sometimes considered too familiar and bland for jobs in creative and trendy companies and a more contemporary font may be better suited for these type of cover letters

2. Times New Roman

Times New Roman is a popular and traditional font that presents as classic and professional. It is a good cover letter font to use when you want to convey a serious and formal approach. An appropriate choice for jobs in traditional and conservative industries.

3. Trebuchet MS

A less used, modern and clean cover letter font with an energetic feel. Very easy to read and renders well on all screen sizes, particularly smaller devices.

Its thicker lines and wider body makes it useful when you are trying to fill up space such as for entry level cover letters. A good choice for jobs in marketing, media, publishing and start-ups.

This font has taken the place of Times New Roman as the MS Office default font so it is familiar and easy to access on all devices. Its tighter layout is useful when you have to fit a large amount of text on one page for your cover letter.

A modern and clean font that has been described as warm and gentle by its designer, this cover letter font works well for jobs in nursing, social work, teaching and care-related professions

A classic font with a contemporary feel that was designed specifically for easy reading on computer and mobile screens.

An ideal font for a professional cover letter look with elements of elegance and trendiness.

All of these 5 cover letter fonts are legible, clean-looking,  professional and render accurately on most devices. They are unlikely to cause problems with Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and will ensure your cover letter can be easily read.  They are suitable for both on-screen and print versions of your cover letter.

What is the best font for cover letter style?

Top tips for best font for cover letter

• stick to one font style and size throughout your cover letter
• your cover letter and resume font should be the same style and size to present a consistent and professional look
• italics, bold and highlighting should be used sparingly, if at all, as they detract from the clean and easy-to-read look of your cover letter
• ensure your cover letter fits on one page
• Print your cover letter, even if you are going to upload it online, to make sure that it looks the way you want

What is the best cover letter font size?

Your cover letter font should be sufficient size to be easy to read but not so big that your cover letter does not fit on one page.  You may need to try a couple of different sizes to make sure that your cover letter is legible and fits on a single page.

For most font styles 12-point is the standard size and is easy to scan and read in different formats. Some fonts may look better at 10.5- or 11-point. To find the best size for your cover letter, try each of the standard sizes to find the most legible version.

If your cover letter includes a heading with your name and contact details you may choose to make this slightly bigger than the body text. If this creates problems with keeping your cover letter to a single page, rather bold those details. 

How to format your font and cover letter

Include sufficient white space for a clean, easy-to-scan and legible look. There needs to be space at the top of the letter and between each paragraph of your cover letter. Using bullet points is a useful way to increase legibility and to make an impact with your cover letter.

Use the right spacing for your cover letter for readability. Single, double and 1.5 spacing are the most common selections. 

The cover letter must be clearly formatted and easy to read. Long sentences and insufficient line spacing are to be avoided because they clutter the letter and make it  hard to scan and read quickly. 

How to create a cover letter that works

How to save and send your cover letter

Save your cover letter correctly. The best way to do this is to save it as a PDF file to preserve its original appearance and style.

Send it as a PDF attachment to an email message. Copying-and-pasting a cover letter into the body of your email message may corrupt the formatting and make it hard to read for the hiring manager who may well have a different computer system. When you email your cover letter in word processing format, such as a Microsoft Word file, the formatting may not transfer properly.

A good way to check if your cover letter renders correctly is to send the email with  the attachment to yourself first so you can review it before sending it to the hiring manager.

Font styles to avoid in your cover letter

Just as there are best font for cover letter styles there are some fonts you should never use for your cover letter. 

• avoid unprofessional and novelty-type fonts such as Comic Sans which come across as childish
• avoid heavy and bold cover letter fonts such as Impact which are hard to read and look messy
• Fonts that try to look like type (Lucida Console) or handwriting (Script) are considered insufficiently professional or serious

What is the best font for resumes?

You can find a great article on the best resume fonts for 2023   plus loads of tips on writing a job-winning resume.

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Why are cover letter font, size, and style important?

So you’ve slaved away for days on end drafting a great cover letter to go with your resume but you end up choosing an unprofessional font for your cover letter and all your hard work goes in vain because of a minor mishap.

Not exactly a situation that job seekers dream about, isn’t it?

You see, your cover letter font is important because it directly impacts your letter’s readability and appeal.

If the recruiters can’t read the contents of your cover letter with ease, the chances of you being shortlisted are slim.

Whereas, a well-chosen cover letter font with the right styling, size, space, and margin can help you make a good impression on the recruiters.

Read on to learn more about cover letter font and the following related FAQs:

• What font is best for cover letter?
• How to choose a cover letter font?
• What font size should a cover letter be?
• How to set cover letter margins and font spacing?
• What cover letter font style should you use?
• What are some common FAQs about cover letter font?

Top 10 Cover Letter Fonts

When it comes to cover letter font type, the options are plenty. The key is simply to ensure that the font you select looks professional and simple.

Here are some top cover letter fonts that you can choose from:

Times New Roman: If you want to play it safe and go for the traditional approach, Times New Roman is your best choice. This font type is widely used when candidates are applying for government jobs and other traditional industries such as law and medicine.

Helvetica: Being a contemporary font option, this is a suitable choice for your cover letter font if you are seeking jobs in marketing, sales, or business. Due to its concise design, it does not distract the readers from the content.

Calibri: With its modern and light design, Calibri makes for an elegant cover letter font. This font’s popularity has toppled Times New Roman as the default font in Microsoft Word.

Arial: If you are unsure of the type of fonts job seekers generally use in your industry, Arial is a great option for your cover letter font. Due to its sleek and minimal design, the majority of candidates prefer this font style.

Garamond: Garamond is a popular cover letter font used by job seekers in their applications. It is a classic serif font that is commonly used by professionals in both creative and academic industries.

Trebuchet MS: Due to its slightly larger and bolder design, Trebuchet MS takes up more space and is well suited for fresh graduates who are writing a short cover letter with less content.

Didot: Didot is a good cover letter font if you are applying for jobs in the fashion, architecture, or graphic design industries as this cover letter font is considered to be more artist-friendly and creative among others.

Tahoma: This cover letter font type can be a great option for job seekers from any industry as it is very reader-friendly, modern, and simple.

Georgia: Since this font is commonly used by newspapers, it is one of the most popular fonts in the writing industry. With its modern yet classic design, Georgia is a good cover letter font if you are targeting jobs in the writing or creative industries.

Cambria: If you are sending your cover letter in an online format, Cambria is a great font for your cover letter as it was specially designed to facilitate screen reading.

Also read: How to write a cover letter in 2022?

Tips on How to Choose a Cover Letter Font

Even if you want to stray away from a traditional font like Times New Roman and want your cover letter to stand out from the rest, your top priority must be your cover letter’s reader friendliness.

Your cover letter font must not distract the recruiters from its content. Avoid using fonts that include special characters or are too stylish.

Since the majority of employers use the Applicant Tracking System (ATS) to select suitable candidates based on the use of relevant keywords in their resumes and cover letters, it is best to use simple cover letter fonts to ensure that the ATS can easily scan your cover letter for the same.

However, this doesn’t mean that your cover letter font must be bland or outdated. You can choose a modern and sharp font that can help your cover letter stand out by following these tips:

Do Your Research

Yes, you need to research the company you’re targeting to probe the type of font they have used in their websites, job listings, press releases, etc.

The chances of them resonating with your cover letter will be higher when they see a familiar font in your cover letter as opposed to a completely new font.

Accordingly, choose a font (from the recommended list) that matches their font type for your cover letter.

Consider the Industry Type

When you are choosing a cover letter font, you must also consider the nature of the industry you’re in.

For instance, if you are applying for jobs in the creative industry such as graphic design, writing, fashion, marketing, etc, you can choose a font with a slightly stylish design like Didot, Helvetica, Proxima Nova, and Garamond.

While aspiring candidates in conventional industries like medical, law, and engineering fields, must stick with traditional fonts like Times New Roman and Calibri.

Ensure Uniformity

Always ensure that you use only one cover letter font throughout your letter.

Mixing and matching is the last thing you want to do in your cover letter as it will distract the recruiters from the content and it also doesn’t look professional.

Instead, you can use different font sizes and types to segregate the headings and the body.

Choose the Correct File Format

To ensure that your cover letter font remains intact, you must save your file in a PDF format unless the recruiters have specified any other format like .doc or Docx. in the listing.

Also read: What are some good cover letter examples?

Cover Letter Font Size and Spacing

The standard cover letter font size commonly used by candidates is 12 points.

However, depending on the type of font you select, the size can be changed between - 10, 11, and 12, points.

The reason is, that certain fonts can appear too small or too large at 12 points due to their spatial proportions.

And since your cover letter must not exceed one page, you can adjust your cover letter font size to fit the page.

But ensure that you don’t go below 10 points and that the smaller cover letter font size does not affect the readability.

If your font size is too small, recruiters may reject your cover letter even before reading it and the ATS may not be able to scan the small font size.

• Consider showing your cover letter to your friends and family for feedback on its reader-friendliness and appeal.

As for the cover letter margins and font spacing, ensure you follow the below-given guidelines:

• Maintain 1.5 line spacing if you are following the 3 paragraph cover letter format
• Stick to the universal business letter margin standard and keep 1" margins on all sides of your cover letter
• Use single space in your cover letter and skip a line between each section (Header, date, address, subject line, salutation, and the 3 paragraphs)
• Left-align the contents of your cover letter to follow the universal business letter standard

Also read: How to start a cover letter?

Cover Letter Font Style

Once you are done choosing the perfect cover letter font size and type, the next step is highlighting crucial details with a different cover letter font style.

While the body of your cover letter will not have any font style, you can use Bold and Italics to draw the recruiters' attention to certain details.

Avoid using cover letter font style like underlining as it serves the same purpose as bolding.

Besides, bolding is the most commonly used cover letter font style to highlight details in professional paperwork.

Also read: How to write a cover letter for resume?

FAQs about Cover Letter Font

Is 11 point font okay for a cover letter?

Yes, depending on the font type of your cover letter, the font size can range between 10-12 points.

Should my cover letter and resume be the same font?

Yes, to maintain uniformity, you must use the same font in your cover letter and resume.

Why are cover letters important?

Cover letters are important because 65% of hiring managers agreed that a well-written cover letter can influence their hiring decision.

Also Read: How to choose an ideal cover letter template in 2022?

Key Points from the Blog

• A well-chosen cover letter font with the right styling and size can help your cover letter make a good impression on the recruiters.
• Always ensure that the cover letter font you select is simple and easy to read .
• Avoid using cover letter fonts that include special characters or are too stylish as it can distract the recruiters from the content and can block the ATS from picking up keywords from your cover letter.
• Use only a single cover letter font type in your letter to ensure uniformity.
• Although the standard cover letter font size used by candidates is 12 points, you can change it between 10-12 points , according to the font type and the amount of content you have in your letter.
• Use cover letter font style like bolding to draw the recruiters' attention to crucial details.

If you are still confused over cover letter font size and style, you can simply use Hiration’s AI-powered cover letter builder which will help you draft a perfect letter without the hassle of selecting the font type or size. You can also write to us at [email protected] .

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Best Fonts to Use On Your Cover Letter

In This Guide:

Eye-pleasing fonts, get to writing.

Recruiters and human resource specialists look for reasons to keep or throw away cover letters from the second they see them. Your writing style and content of your letter may be the most important factors of whether you make it to the next round or not, but do not overlook the importance of appearance.

You can have the best-crafted cover letter that truly sets you apart from your peers, but if you write it in Comic Sans, someone will likely toss it in the trash before being read. In this article, you’ll learn about some of the best fonts for cover letters.

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There is no single best font for your cover letter, but you cannot go wrong with the options listed below. Whether you are looking for something classic, safe, or professional while still being fun, you will find something that works for you.

Arial is a sans serif font, meaning without strokes at the ends of letters, and is always a safe choice. This classic font is clean and easy to read, making it the standard choice for most business uses — including cover letters. Arial is also a standard sans serif choice for many commonly used applications such as Microsoft Word and Google Docs.

Times new roman

Times New Roman was the standard font for printed work before documents, including cover letters, were primarily read on computer screens and tablets. This is one of the best fonts for cover letters due to it being a serif font, meaning letters have strokes that help make them easier to identify and read.

Calibri has served as Microsoft’s default serif font for nearly 15 years from its creation to today. The software giant is in the process of moving on to new options, but Calibri is still a popular and safe choice for your cover letter. The design consists of more defined lines and curves for lettering, which increases readability.

Lato is one of the best fonts for cover letters for job seekers who want to be professional but add some style. This sans serif font comes in a variety of typefaces from thin to ultra-bold. This modern font was created by Polish designer Łukasz Dziedzic in 2010.

Exo 2 is a redesigned geometric sans serif font created by Portuguese designer Natanael Gama while he was doodling glyphs. This contemporary font grabs attention in the right way while still maintaining professionality. Exo 2 would be one of the best fonts for a cover letter for anyone applying for a creative or non-corporate position.

Helvetica is a classic font that has been a favorite of the business and art worlds since the 1950s. This sans it specifically designed serif font to be neutral, making it one of the best fonts for cover letters as it will not distract the reader from what you have written.

You cannot go wrong with any of the choices mentioned here. Some fonts like Arial and Times New Roman are used more than others, but all are safe options that will not turn an evaluator off from your cover letter on sight. So check them out, make your choice, and write that cover letter!

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Best Font For Cover Letter When Applying For A Job

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Having fantastic content is the most important part of a cover letter . However, your text needs to be presented in a way that makes it easy to read. If your cover letter is hard to read , many people will give up and toss your job application aside. There are so many things to consider when writing a cover letter for your job search . Not only do the words need to be compelling, but it needs to be formatted in a way that is professional and easy to read as well. Knowing the best cover letter typeface and size can help your cover letter to stand out. Key Takeaways: The different types of fonts to use are serif fonts, san-serif fonts, and truetype fonts. When choosing a font, you want to keep it between 10 and 12 points in size and make sure it is readable on multiple platforms. You want to chose a font that is professional and consistent through out your resume . In This Article    Skip to section Why Cover Letters Are Important The Importance of a Font Size The Different Font Types How to Choose a Font Size Tips to Boost your Cover Letter Readability Final Thoughts Sign Up For More Advice and Jobs Show More Why Cover Letters Are Important

The cover letter is like the teaser for your resume. If you are worried about how to write an entry-level cover letter , I advise that you don’t use a template.

A cover letter highlights some of the best qualifications you offer as a candidate. It shows your passion and motivation for wanting to join a company. Plus, it shows a few reasons why your skills and experience are a perfect match for their job opening. You want it to make your cover letter stand out so the hiring manager can interview you.

Cover letters help you to :

Stand out against candidates who apply without a cover letter .

Entice recruiters to read your resume.

Explain career gaps.

Discuss reasons for changing careers.

Share the value and ROI you brought in the positions you have held.

The Importance of a Font Size

Whether you’re aware or not, the font you use plays a vital role in your cover letter’s appearance. The way you format your cover letter can improve your cover letter’s overall aesthetic and allow hiring managers and recruiters to read the content easier.

But if you carelessly pick a random font, it might hurt how your cover letter looks and its readability.

You want to format your cover letter, so the typeface is clean and easy to read. Here are some of the reasons why choosing the right font matters.

Professional. It’s essential to use a font that looks professional. If you use an artsy font, it doesn’t come across seriously.

Consistent for print/web. Select a font that views well in both email and print. Hiring Managers will probably first see your cover letter online. Then they may print it for closer review.

Web-safe fonts. These are fonts that are compatible with both Macintosh and Windows devices. Your cover letter font should view consistently on an Apple device or a Windows PC. Make sure to check your cover letter on different devices, screens, and browsers to ensure that your font looks good everywhere.

PDF compatible. When you convert your cover letter to pdf, you want to ensure that the formatting remains clean in the newly created document. Helvetica or Arial will convert cleanly in regular, bold, italic, and bold italic.

Clean. Sans serif fonts are a standard web-friendly type font. It’s easy to read on-screen. Plus, it views well consistently across multiple browsers.

Easy to read. Some of your recruiters will be older. Using a small font size may allow you to include more on a page , but it makes your cover letter more difficult to read for older hiring managers who wear glasses or readers.

The Different Font Types

So what are the best recruiter approved fonts? There are generally two types of web fonts available.

Serif fonts: The most notable feature of these fonts are the small line at the end of a big stroke in a letter or symbol.

Examples include:

Times New Roman. This font is single and elegant. This is a great font to use if you want to give your cover letter a basic and formal appearance.

Georgia. This was designed to be read on computer screens and mobile devices. This is perfect if you plan on sending your cover letter over email.

Garamond. This is one of the best fonts for a cover letter. It’s a classic serif design and has delicate strokes.

San serif fonts are the favorite font face to choose for readability. It does not have extensions called “serifs” at the end of strokes. Most fonts from this family usually have a similar stroke width, making it appear modern and minimalistic. Google and Facebook use sans-serif fonts.

San serif fonts are easier to read on a computer screen. So if a hiring manager reads your cover letter on their smartphone, it will be easy to read. It also prints cleanly too. So if they like your cover letter and want to print it out to review more thoroughly, it will still look crisp and clean.

Arial. This is a sans serif font. This classic font is clean and easy to read. That’s why it’s one of the most popular fonts used for business communications. It is the default font in Google Docs. Arial was first created by IBM. But later, Microsoft chose to include Arial in their Windows software.

Trebuchet. This sans-serif typeface was actually designed for Microsoft Corporation by Vincent Connare. It was created to display nicely on a computer screen.

Verdana. This sans-serif typeface was also designed to be viewed on computer monitors. It’s an easily readable typeface even when using small font sizes.

Helvetica. This is a sans serif font that is one of the most popular and widely used fonts. It’s a neutral font that is suitable for any type of business communication.

Calibri. This is a sans serif font. It is the default font for Microsoft Office. It also replaced Arial as the default in PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook, and WordPad.

TrueType fonts are the most common format for fonts on Mac and Windows operating systems. The benefit of TrueType fonts is that they display precisely at various font sizes. That means that whether you size the font to 8 or 18, you’ll still be able to read it cleanly on a computer screen. Arial, Trebuchet, and Verdana are TrueType Fonts.

How to Choose a Font Size

You want to use a font size that is easy to read for the majority of recruiters and hiring managers. With employers reading hundreds of resumes online, you want to ensure your font size reduces eye strain.

Use the standard size. We recommend between 10 to 12 points in size for the main cover letter text. For headers, you can boost the font size to 13 to 16 points for emphasis.

Check the readability. Once you pick a font size, check to make sure you can read it. If you decide to choose the 10 point font, it may be easy for you to read, but consider if others will be able to do it. Check if it’s easy to read on different platforms as well.

Get feedback. After you determine if you can read it, have other people read it. They will be able to tell you if your 10 point font is actually readable or not.

Tips to Boost your Cover Letter Readability

Want to make your cover letter stand out ? Here are some steps to add more impact.

Personalize. Don’t send the same cookie-cutter letter . Take time to read their job description and learn about the company. Then write how and why you are a match for their job opening.

Scan-ability. Most hiring managers are not going to read your cover letter from start to finish. They are going to scan for what they are looking for. They have to sort through piles and piles of resumes to pull out a select few to review.

Small sections. Try to keep your paragraphs shorter. Group information in small sections that a reader can easily scan and find information on a specific point. That way, if they jump from one section to the next, they’ll spot more of the highlights of your document.

Uniqueness. Don’t take things word for word in your resume and include them in your cover letter. You don’t want employers to think that you don’t have creativity. Take the time to wordsmith and create original text about the points you are trying to make.

Proofread. You have probably been working on your resume and cover letter for hours. So it’s hard to spot typos and other errors. Print your cover letter out. Read it out loud. That will help you find grammatical, punctuation, and formatting errors. Plus, you’ll probably find areas that would sound better with an edit to smooth it out.

Consistency. Use a consistent typeface and size for both your cover letter and resume. That way, visually, they look like they belong together. It creates a more polished, cohesive look.

Bullets. If you need to list items in your cover letter, it is much better to use bullets for both readability and scan-ability. It ensures that your information is well organized and listed in an order that makes sense. Plus, it adds visual appeal by leading the reader down the page.

Final Thoughts

On the first day, draft your thoughts and write the cover letter. On the second day, go through the letter carefully to make everything perfect before finalizing it. Using this two-day writing method will help you write more powerful cover letters.

We have shown you the best cover letter font and size. Now that you know the best choices, it’s time to decide which is the most suitable for your own use.

Good luck job hunting!

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Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.

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The English application: Cover letter

Cover letter: format and layout.

The cover letter must be clearly arranged and easy to read. Long sentences, insufficient line spacing and too many paragraphs are all inappropriate because they overload the letter. Bright colours do not belong in a cover letter nor does an overload of different colours, fonts, boxes, graphics and the like. Furthermore, you must ensure a consistent layout for both, cover letter and CV.

Font and size

An appropriate font size facilitates reading for the recipient. Choose a font size of 10 to 12 points and avoid fancy fonts. Times New Roman, Arial or Calibri are standard options. Note also that the font style and size on your cover letter should match those on your CV.

Paper format

In the US and in Canada, the standard cover letter is written on the letter format. This measures 21.6 cm x 27.9 cm and differs in size from the standard European A4 format, which is approximately 6 mm wider and 18 mm shorter in length. Your best option is to set up the cover letter in this format at the beginning. This will save you the trouble of making adjustments to the layout later. You can use the A4 format for applications to the UK.

Final follow-up

At the end, check whether the layout is consistent throughout the document. The CV and the cover letter should not differ in terms of layout. It is advisable to show both documents to a friend: he/she might notice if the line spacing differs in parts, or if there are other layout mistakes.

Regardless of whether you are applying in the US, Canada, Australia or the UK, the cover letter must never be longer than one page.

• Short and sweet
• Simple and clear structure
• Maximum length of one page
• Consistent font and layout
• Appropriate font size (10–12 points)
• Avoid bright colours and graphics
• Special letter format for US and Canada

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Most employers will require a cover or covering letter as part of your application. It is typically sent alongside your CV.

Your cover letter should complement and build on the content in your CV, rather than simply repeating the same content in more detail.

This page provides all the information you'll need to build a strong cover letter ready for your next application.

Book an appointment on MyCareer

Format of a cover letter

Your cover letter is an opportunity to expand on your experiences and skills beyond what you can include in a CV, as well as conveying your personal motivations and suitability for working in the role you're applying for.

Length and style

The letter is usually short, not exceeding one A4 page, although this can be two pages if applying for some academic jobs. It is typically expected that cover letters will be written in a business-style format, however some employers will specify an alternative format such as a supporting statement or similar.  Make sure you have checked all requirements before getting started.

The tone of writing

Your tone should be professional, clear and a true reflection of you. Make sure you check your grammar and spelling, and ask a colleague or careers adviser to provide you with feedback before you apply. It's important to be concise, otherwise you risk losing the employer's attention.

Which fonts to use

It's widely advised to use a clear font such as Calibri, with a font size of 11 or 12. You should use the same font for both your CV and your cover letter, to make sure your application looks professional and consistent.

Being clear

It's important to be clear about your motivations and suitability for the role, and avoid being vague or using clichés.

Your skills and abilities are unique to you, so your cover letter needs to reflect this. Consider your cover letter to be the equivalent of an 'elevator pitch' where you have a short amount of time to explain why they should hire you.

Matching your values

You should use your cover letter to demonstrate how your personal motivations and career values align with the role and the employer, and be specific about the reasons you are a good match.

If there's something in particular about the employer values or activities that you resonate with, make it clear in your application. This will demonstrate to the employer that you have taken the time to understand the role, and that you haven't just sent the same application to multiple companies.

Sending your cover letter

When you've finished your CV and cover letter, you are usually required to send your application by email. Ensure that you have saved each file as a PDF document so that the formatting won't change when the employer opens the files.

The job advert should provide an email address to submit your application to. You should address your email to that person, write a very concise email stating that you have attached your CV and cover letter for consideration for the advertised job vacancy.

If the job advert provides a job reference number, include this in the email so that the employer can easily locate your application. If this has not been provided, use the title of the role instead.

What to include in your cover letter

The purpose of a cover letter is to briefly introduce yourself and express your motivation and suitability for the role in three or four short paragraphs. It is therefore important to make sure you carefully consider the information you include in each paragraph striking the right balance between being concise and being thorough.

Consider the guidance in this section to help you decide what to write about in each paragraph.

The start of the letter

Your details.

At the start of the letter, include your personal contact details and include the date, in the same way you might start a business letter. If you have the employer's name and contact details, you should address them at the beginning of the letter.

Addressing the letter

If you have not been provided with the name of the contact information or if the application is speculative, you can use LinkedIn or the company's website to find a suitable addressee. This could be the head of the department you are applying to, or the head of human resources.

If you have the job reference number, it can be good practice to include this at the beginning of the letter so that it reaches the right person within the organisation more quickly.

The opening paragraph

Begin the letter with a polite introduction to yourself and the purpose of the letter. You should be clear about the role you are making an application for, and if appropriate, let them know where you found the role advertised, for example, on their website or a job vacancy listing website.

The suitability paragraph

This paragraph is where you should describe the reasons why you are a suitable candidate for the job.

Try not to duplicate the information you've included in your CV but expand on the key skills, experiences or activities in more detail.

It's important to make sure that you choose examples which align with the requirements of the role, to demonstrate that you have a relevant skillset, even if these examples are not from your most recent experience.

It is within this paragraph that you demonstrate to the employer the ways in which you would be an asset to their team rather than explaining what attracts you to the role.

The company or organisation paragraph

You should use this paragraph to explain what attracts you to the company or organisation that you are applying to. It's important that you take the time to research the company or organisation and understand their core values, their main competitors, their most recent projects, their position in the market, and so on.

Be specific about your reasons

You should be so specific that the application would not make sense if it was sent to a similar company, otherwise they might assume that you have been vague due to a lack of research.

If you're not sure where to find information about them, start by looking through their website, as well as exploring their social media presence and checking if they've been in the news.

Find out more about researching a company or organisation .

The concluding paragraph

In this paragraph you will need to concisely summarise the above information and emphasise your suitability to the role and the employer.

Complete the letter by thanking the employer for considering your application, and mentioning that you look forward from hearing back from them. Avoid clichés, and keep this section concise.

Cover letters for academic jobs

Much of the advice for cover letters is the same regardless of the role you're applying for, but there are a few differences if you're applying for an academic job rather than a role outside academia.

Academic cover letters are usually allowed to be longer than for those outside academia. You should always check the application requirements on the job advert in case they've set their own requirements, but it is standard to require two sides of A4 for academic jobs.

Shifting the focus

For academic job applications, it's usually more important to focus on what you have to offer the institution you're applying to, rather than what you would like to gain from working there.

You should still describe what draws you to the institution or department, but there should be a greater emphasis on your skillset and what makes you an ideal candidate.

Being specific

When applying to academic jobs, you can be more specific about your research skills than when you're applying to jobs outside academia.

If there's a particular methodology or skillset that is required for the role and you have experience with this, make sure to provide detail so that the employer can see that you are a suitable candidate.

Teaching and research

You should try to mirror the job description in terms of the ratio of teaching to research. For example, if the job description seems to be 50:50 teaching and research, you should aim to have half of your cover letter focusing on teaching and half on research.

If the role is heavily focused on research or on research, make sure that the majority of your cover letter mirrors this.

The teaching and research statements

Additionally, you will usually be required to submit teaching and research statements as part of your application to an academic job. Read through our advice on teaching and research statements  under the section: specific application advice for academic jobs.

Cover letters for jobs outside academia

Most advice on this page applies to both academic and non-academic jobs, but there are a few specific things to keep in mind if you're making an application outside of academia.

Transferable skills

When writing about your skills it's important to focus on transferable skills rather than going into too much detail about your methodology, or using jargon which is specific to your research area.

Unless your role has been advertised to require those specific research techniques, the employer will be more interested in how your skills can be translated to match their requirements.

Making sure you value your experience

It's important to remember that your postgraduate research degree is a job, and you will have gained experience throughout your research which will be highly valuable to an employer.

Make sure you don't downplay your experience and your abilities by viewing it only as a course.

The employer

For jobs outside academia, the process of researching your employer and explaining why you're interested in working for them is more important than it would be for academic jobs.

The employer will want to make sure you understand how their organisation operates within the industry they're in, and what challenges they have faced and the achievements they have made.

Find out more about researching the employer and sector thoroughly.

Covering letters for roles outside the UK with FREE access to GoinGlobal

If you are considering or are in the process of applying to a job abroad, the format of the covering letter could be different to the above advice. GoinGlobal is an international careers information resource providing advice on applying for jobs including covering letters in 42 countries.

UoN students and graduates can access GoinGlobal free of charge by logging into MyCareer

Go to GoinGlobal for advice on applying for jobs abroad

Frequently asked questions

Cover letters can be difficult to write, so it can be tempting to use AI to help out. However, your cover letter should be a true reflection of you as a professional, and the information included should be specific to you.

Additionally, many employers now use AI checkers to filter through applications. It is therefore not advised to rely on AI for your cover letter.

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