1. Match your resume
You can use compatible fonts, color, and contact formatting across both documents. Preview each export because available layouts differ.
Cover Letter Guide
Cover Letter Design — What Actually Matters
Readable spacing, typography, and consistent contact details can make a letter easier to review. Employer and system requirements still take priority.
Resumeva editorial guidance · Reviewed 10 September 2026. Guidance is not a hiring guarantee; always follow the employer’s instructions.
File requirements differ by employer. Follow the job posting first; when no format is specified, a PDF can preserve the layout you reviewed, but parsing can still vary by system. Read the U.S. Department of Labor source (PDF).
2. Generous whitespace beats clever layout
Use readable margins, consistent spacing within paragraphs, and separation between them. Check that the final document is not crowded or clipped.
3. One color accent, one font family
Resist the urge to add multiple colors or fonts. Pick one accent (your primary brand color) and one font with two weights (regular + bold).
4. Follow the employer's file instructions
Use the requested file type. When none is specified, a PDF can preserve the layout you reviewed, but no file format is guaranteed to parse identically in every hiring system.
Ready to write yours?
Create a draft from your real experience, then review and edit every suggestion.
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