Your cover letter is your first introduction to a potential employer, and it’s crucial to make a positive and lasting impression. While the content of your cover letter is undoubtedly important, the formatting, including the font you choose, plays a significant role in how your message is received. The right font can convey professionalism, readability, and attention to detail, while the wrong font can make your letter look unprofessional, difficult to read, or even disrespectful.
Selecting the ideal font for your cover letter is more than just aesthetics; it’s about ensuring clarity and conveying the right impression. Consider your target audience and the industry you’re applying to. For example, a conservative industry like finance may prefer a more traditional font, while a creative field like design might appreciate a slightly more modern or stylish choice. Ultimately, the best font is one that’s easy to read, professional-looking, and reflects your personal brand in a positive light. In the following sections, we’ll explore several top font choices, along with examples to guide you in making the best decision for your job application.
Choosing the Right Font: Key Considerations
Before diving into specific font recommendations, it’s important to understand the key factors that influence font selection for a cover letter:
- Readability: This is paramount. Your font should be easy to read at a glance. Avoid overly stylized or decorative fonts that can strain the reader’s eyes.
- Professionalism: The font should convey professionalism and competence. Steer clear of fonts that are too casual or whimsical.
- Legibility: Ensure the font is legible at different sizes. Print a test page to see how the font looks in hard copy.
- Consistency: Use the same font throughout your cover letter and resume. This creates a cohesive and polished look.
- Industry Standards: Consider the norms within your industry. Research what fonts are commonly used in your field.
- Font Availability: Stick to widely available fonts that are pre-installed on most computers. This prevents formatting issues when the recipient opens your document.
Top Font Choices for Cover Letters
Here are some of the most popular and effective fonts for cover letters, categorized by style:
Classic and Professional Fonts
These fonts are timeless, reliable, and always a safe bet.
- Times New Roman: A classic serif font that is highly readable and widely recognized. It conveys professionalism and tradition.
- Arial: A clean and simple sans-serif font that is easy to read on screen and in print. It’s a versatile choice suitable for various industries.
- Calibri: A modern and clean sans-serif font that is often used as the default font in Microsoft Word. It’s a good choice for a contemporary look.
- Garamond: A sophisticated serif font known for its elegance and readability. It’s a good choice if you want to convey a sense of refinement.
Modern and Approachable Fonts
These fonts offer a more contemporary feel without sacrificing professionalism.
- Helvetica: A widely used sans-serif font that is known for its clarity and neutrality. It’s a good choice for conveying a sense of objectivity.
- Verdana: A sans-serif font specifically designed for on-screen readability. It’s a good choice if you know your cover letter will primarily be viewed digitally.
- Open Sans: A humanist sans-serif font that is friendly and approachable. It’s a good choice if you want to convey a sense of openness and collaboration.
Serif vs. Sans-Serif: Which is Better?
The choice between serif and sans-serif fonts is largely a matter of personal preference and industry norms. Serif fonts (like Times New Roman and Garamond) have small strokes at the ends of the letters, which some people find easier to read in print. Sans-serif fonts (like Arial and Helvetica) lack these strokes and are often considered more modern and cleaner looking. Experiment with both types to see which you prefer.
Font Size and Spacing
In addition to font selection, font size and spacing are also crucial for readability. A font size between 11 and 12 points is generally recommended for the body text of your cover letter. Use a slightly larger font size for headings and subheadings. Single spacing is the most common choice, but you can use 1.15 or 1.5 spacing to improve readability, especially if you have a lot of text.
Sample Cover Letters with Different Fonts
The following are sample cover letters demonstrating the use of various fonts. Note how the font choice impacts the overall tone and readability of the letter.
Sample Letter 1: Times New Roman
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name] (If known, otherwise use title)
[Hiring Manager Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Dear [Mr./Ms./Mx. Hiring Manager Last Name],
I am writing to express my keen interest in the [Job Title] position at [Company Name], as advertised on [Platform]. With my [Number] years of experience in [Relevant Field] and my proven track record of success in [Specific Achievement], I am confident that I possess the skills and qualifications necessary to excel in this role and contribute significantly to your team. My background includes extensive experience in [Skill 1], [Skill 2], and [Skill 3], all of which align perfectly with the requirements outlined in the job description.
In my previous role at [Previous Company], I was responsible for [Key Responsibility 1] and [Key Responsibility 2]. I consistently exceeded expectations by [Quantifiable Result] and received recognition for my [Positive Attribute]. I am a highly motivated and results-oriented individual with a strong work ethic and a passion for [Relevant Industry]. I am particularly drawn to [Company Name]’s commitment to [Company Value] and believe my values align perfectly with your organization’s culture.
I am eager to learn more about this opportunity and discuss how my skills and experience can benefit [Company Name]. Thank you for your time and consideration. My resume, attached for your review, provides further detail on my qualifications. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 2: Arial
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name] (If known, otherwise use title)
[Hiring Manager Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Dear [Mr./Ms./Mx. Hiring Manager Last Name],
I am writing to express my strong interest in the [Job Title] position at [Company Name], as advertised on [Platform]. I have been closely following [Company Name]’s work in [Industry/Area] for some time and am particularly impressed by [Specific Project/Achievement]. My skills and experience in [Relevant Field] align perfectly with the requirements outlined in the job description.
In my previous role at [Previous Company], I successfully [Specific Achievement] resulting in [Quantifiable Result]. I am proficient in [Skill 1], [Skill 2], and [Skill 3], and I am confident in my ability to quickly adapt to new challenges and contribute effectively to your team. I am a proactive and collaborative team player with excellent communication and problem-solving skills.
I am particularly drawn to [Company Name]’s culture of [Company Value] and believe that my passion for [Relevant Field] would make me a valuable asset to your organization. Thank you for your time and consideration. I have attached my resume for your review and welcome the opportunity to discuss my qualifications further. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 3: Calibri
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name] (If known, otherwise use title)
[Hiring Manager Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Dear [Mr./Ms./Mx. Hiring Manager Last Name],
I am writing to express my interest in the [Job Title] opening at [Company Name]. Having followed [Company Name]’s progress in [Industry/Area] for some time, I am particularly impressed with [Specific accomplishment]. My background in [Relevant Field], specifically my expertise in [Skill 1] and [Skill 2], makes me a strong candidate for this position.
During my tenure at [Previous Company], I was instrumental in [Specific Achievement], leading to a [Quantifiable Result]. I possess a strong ability to [Key Skill], and I am confident in my capacity to contribute significantly to [Company Name]’s objectives. I am a highly motivated and results-oriented individual with a proven ability to work independently and as part of a team.
I am excited about the opportunity to further discuss my qualifications and how I can contribute to [Company Name]’s success. Thank you for considering my application. My resume is attached for your review, and I look forward to your response.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 4: Garamond
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name] (If known, otherwise use title)
[Hiring Manager Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Dear [Mr./Ms./Mx. Hiring Manager Last Name],
It is with considerable enthusiasm that I submit my application for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name], as advertised on [Platform]. My experience in [Relevant Field], coupled with my proven ability to [Specific Achievement], aligns seamlessly with the requirements outlined in the job description. I have long admired [Company Name]’s commitment to [Company Value] and believe my skills and dedication would make me a valuable addition to your team.
During my previous role at [Previous Company], I was responsible for [Key Responsibility 1] and [Key Responsibility 2], consistently exceeding expectations and delivering [Quantifiable Result]. I possess a strong understanding of [Relevant Subject] and am adept at [Key Skill]. I am a highly detail-oriented and results-driven individual with a passion for excellence.
I am eager to learn more about this exciting opportunity and discuss how my skills and experience can benefit [Company Name]. Thank you for your time and consideration. My resume, which is attached for your review, provides further detail on my qualifications. I eagerly anticipate the possibility of hearing from you soon.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 5: Helvetica
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name] (If known, otherwise use title)
[Hiring Manager Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Dear [Mr./Ms./Mx. Hiring Manager Last Name],
I am writing to express my interest in the [Job Title] position at [Company Name], as advertised on [Platform]. My background in [Relevant Field] and experience with [Skill 1] and [Skill 2] make me a strong candidate. I have been following [Company Name]’s work in [Industry/Area] with great interest.
In my previous role at [Previous Company], I successfully [Specific Achievement], resulting in [Quantifiable Result]. I am proficient in [Software/Tool] and possess strong [Soft Skill] skills. I am a proactive and collaborative team member.
I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to [Company Name]’s mission. Thank you for your time and consideration. My resume is attached, and I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 6: Verdana
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name] (If known, otherwise use title)
[Hiring Manager Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Dear [Mr./Ms./Mx. Hiring Manager Last Name],
I am writing to apply for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. I found the posting on [Platform] and believe my skills and experience align well with your requirements. I have a background in [Relevant Field] with a focus on [Specific Area].
At [Previous Company], I was responsible for [Key Responsibility 1] and [Key Responsibility 2]. I achieved [Quantifiable Result] through [Action Taken]. I am proficient in [Skill 1] and [Skill 2].
I am eager to learn more about this role and how I can contribute to [Company Name]. Thank you for your time. Please find my resume attached.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 7: Open Sans
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name] (If known, otherwise use title)
[Hiring Manager Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Dear [Mr./Ms./Mx. Hiring Manager Last Name],
I’m writing to express my enthusiasm for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]! I saw your posting on [Platform] and was immediately excited. My background in [Relevant Field] and my passion for [Area of Interest] make me a great fit.
In my previous role at [Previous Company], I [Specific Achievement] which led to [Quantifiable Result]! I’m skilled in [Skill 1] and [Skill 2], and I love collaborating with teams to achieve goals.
I’m really looking forward to learning more about this opportunity and how I can contribute to [Company Name]’s success. Thanks so much for your time and consideration! My resume is attached.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 8: Times New Roman (Example Showing Bolding)
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name] (If known, otherwise use title)
[Hiring Manager Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Dear [Mr./Ms./Mx. Hiring Manager Last Name],
I am writing to express my keen interest in the [Job Title] position at [Company Name], as advertised on [Platform]. With my [Number] years of experience in [Relevant Field] and my proven track record of success in [Specific Achievement], I am confident that I possess the skills and qualifications necessary to excel in this role and contribute significantly to your team. My background includes extensive experience in [Skill 1], [Skill 2], and [Skill 3], all of which align perfectly with the requirements outlined in the job description.
In my previous role at [Previous Company], I was responsible for [Key Responsibility 1] and [Key Responsibility 2]. I consistently exceeded expectations by [Quantifiable Result] and received recognition for my [Positive Attribute]. I am a highly motivated and results-oriented individual with a strong work ethic and a passion for [Relevant Industry]. I am particularly drawn to [Company Name]’s commitment to [Company Value] and believe my values align perfectly with your organization’s culture.
I am eager to learn more about this opportunity and discuss how my skills and experience can benefit [Company Name]. Thank you for your time and consideration. My resume, attached for your review, provides further detail on my qualifications. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 9: Arial (Example Showing Italics)
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name] (If known, otherwise use title)
[Hiring Manager Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Dear [Mr./Ms./Mx. Hiring Manager Last Name],
I am writing to express my strong interest in the [Job Title] position at [Company Name], as advertised on [Platform]. I have been closely following [Company Name]’s work in [Industry/Area] for some time and am particularly impressed by [Specific Project/Achievement]. My skills and experience in [Relevant Field] align perfectly with the requirements outlined in the job description.
In my previous role at [Previous Company], I successfully [Specific Achievement] resulting in [Quantifiable Result]. I am proficient in [Skill 1], [Skill 2], and [Skill 3], and I am confident in my ability to quickly adapt to new challenges and contribute effectively to your team. I am a proactive and collaborative team player with excellent communication and problem-solving skills.
I am particularly drawn to [Company Name]’s culture of [Company Value] and believe that my passion for [Relevant Field] would make me a valuable asset to your organization. Thank you for your time and consideration. I have attached my resume for your review and welcome the opportunity to discuss my qualifications further. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 10: Calibri (Example Showing Italics and Bolding)
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name] (If known, otherwise use title)
[Hiring Manager Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Dear [Mr./Ms./Mx. Hiring Manager Last Name],
I am writing to express my interest in the [Job Title] opening at [Company Name]. Having followed [Company Name]’s progress in [Industry/Area] for some time, I am particularly impressed with [Specific accomplishment]. My background in [Relevant Field], specifically my expertise in [Skill 1] and [Skill 2], makes me a strong candidate for this position.
During my tenure at [Previous Company], I was instrumental in [Specific Achievement], leading to a [Quantifiable Result]. I possess a strong ability to [Key Skill], and I am confident in my capacity to contribute significantly to [Company Name]’s objectives. I am a highly motivated and results-oriented individual with a proven ability to work independently and as part of a team.
I am excited about the opportunity to further discuss my qualifications and how I can contribute to [Company Name]’s success. Thank you for considering my application. My resume is attached for your review, and I look forward to your response.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 11: Garamond (Example Showing Italics and Bolding)
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name] (If known, otherwise use title)
[Hiring Manager Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Dear [Mr./Ms./Mx. Hiring Manager Last Name],
It is with considerable enthusiasm that I submit my application for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name], as advertised on [Platform]. My experience in [Relevant Field], coupled with my proven ability to [Specific Achievement], aligns seamlessly with the requirements outlined in the job description. I have long admired [Company Name]’s commitment to [Company Value] and believe my skills and dedication would make me a valuable addition to your team.
During my previous role at [Previous Company], I was responsible for [Key Responsibility 1] and [Key Responsibility 2], consistently exceeding expectations and delivering [Quantifiable Result]. I possess a strong understanding of [Relevant Subject] and am adept at [Key Skill]. I am a highly detail-oriented and results-driven individual with a passion for excellence.
I am eager to learn more about this exciting opportunity and discuss how my skills and experience can benefit [Company Name]. Thank you for your time and consideration. My resume, which is attached for your review, provides further detail on my qualifications. I eagerly anticipate the possibility of hearing from you soon.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 12: Helvetica (Example Showing Italics and Bolding)
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name] (If known, otherwise use title)
[Hiring Manager Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Dear [Mr./Ms./Mx. Hiring Manager Last Name],
I am writing to express my interest in the [Job Title] position at [Company Name], as advertised on [Platform]. My background in [Relevant Field] and experience with [Skill 1] and [Skill 2] make me a strong candidate. I have been following [Company Name]’s work in [Industry/Area] with great interest.
In my previous role at [Previous Company], I successfully [Specific Achievement], resulting in [Quantifiable Result]. I am proficient in [Software/Tool] and possess strong [Soft Skill] skills. I am a proactive and collaborative team member.
I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to [Company Name]’s mission. Thank you for your time and consideration. My resume is attached, and I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 13: Verdana (Example Showing Italics and Bolding)
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name] (If known, otherwise use title)
[Hiring Manager Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Dear [Mr./Ms./Mx. Hiring Manager Last Name],
I am writing to apply for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. I found the posting on [Platform] and believe my skills and experience align well with your requirements. I have a background in [Relevant Field] with a focus on [Specific Area].
At [Previous Company], I was responsible for [Key Responsibility 1] and [Key Responsibility 2]. I achieved [Quantifiable Result] through [Action Taken]. I am proficient in [Skill 1] and [Skill 2].
I am eager to learn more about this role and how I can contribute to [Company Name]. Thank you for your time. Please find my resume attached.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 14: Open Sans (Example Showing Italics and Bolding)
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name] (If known, otherwise use title)
[Hiring Manager Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Dear [Mr./Ms./Mx. Hiring Manager Last Name],
I’m writing to express my enthusiasm for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]! I saw your posting on [Platform] and was immediately excited. My background in [Relevant Field] and my passion for [Area of Interest] make me a great fit.
In my previous role at [Previous Company], I [Specific Achievement] which led to [Quantifiable Result]! I’m skilled in [Skill 1] and [Skill 2], and I love collaborating with teams to achieve goals.
I’m really looking forward to learning more about this opportunity and how I can contribute to [Company Name]’s success. Thanks so much for your time and consideration! My resume is attached.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 15: Same as sample 1 – demonstrating minor edits
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name] (If known, otherwise use title)
[Hiring Manager Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Dear [Mr./Ms./Mx. Hiring Manager Last Name],
I am writing to express my keen interest in the [Job Title] position at [Company Name], as advertised on [Platform]. With over [Number] years of experience in [Relevant Field] and a proven track record of success in [Specific Achievement], I am confident that I possess the skills and qualifications necessary to excel in this role and significantly contribute to your team. My background includes extensive experience in [Skill 1], [Skill 2], and [Skill 3], all of which closely align with the requirements outlined in the job description.
In my previous role at [Previous Company], I was responsible for [Key Responsibility 1] and [Key Responsibility 2]. I consistently exceeded expectations achieving [Quantifiable Result] and received recognition for my [Positive Attribute]. I am a highly motivated and results-oriented individual with a strong work ethic and a passion for [Relevant Industry]. I am particularly drawn to [Company Name]’s commitment to [Company Value] and feel my values align perfectly with your organization’s culture.
I am eager to learn more and discuss how my skills can benefit [Company Name]. Thank you for your time. My resume, attached, provides further detail. I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 16: Same as sample 2 – demonstrating minor edits
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name] (If known, otherwise use title)
[Hiring Manager Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Dear [Mr./Ms./Mx. Hiring Manager Last Name],
I am writing to express my strong interest in the [Job Title] position at [Company Name], as advertised on [Platform]. I have been closely following [Company Name]’s work in [Industry/Area] for some time and am particularly impressed by [Specific Project/Achievement]. My skills in [Relevant Field] readily align with the requirements in the job description.
In my previous role at [Previous Company], I successfully [Specific Achievement] resulting in [Quantifiable Result]. Proficient in [Skill 1], [Skill 2], and [Skill 3], I am confident in my ability to quickly adapt and effectively contribute. A proactive and collaborative team player with excellent communication and problem-solving skills.
I am particularly drawn to [Company Name]’s culture of [Company Value] and believe that my passion for [Relevant Field] would make me a valuable asset. Thank you for your time. I have attached my resume and welcome discussing my qualifications further. I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 17: Same as sample 3 – demonstrating minor edits
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name] (If known, otherwise use title)
[Hiring Manager Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Dear [Mr./Ms./Mx. Hiring Manager Last Name],
I am writing to express my interest in the [Job Title] opening at [Company Name]. Having followed [Company Name]’s progress in [Industry/Area] for some time, I am particularly impressed with [Specific accomplishment]. My background in [Relevant Field], specifically my expertise in [Skill 1] and [Skill 2], provides a strong fit for this position.
During my tenure at [Previous Company], I was instrumental in [Specific Achievement], leading to [Quantifiable Result]. I possess a strong ability to [Key Skill], and my capacity to contribute significantly to [Company Name]’s objectives is unwavering. I am highly motivated and results-oriented with a proven ability to work independently and collaboratively.
I am excited about the opportunity to further discuss my qualifications and how I