Crafting a cover letter?
The right font can make a big difference! It’s like the outfit you wear to a job interview—before anyone even reads your words, your font sets the tone.
A good font can enhance readability, convey professionalism, and make your cover letter stand out from the pile.
The wrong one? It can be a deal-breaker.
Let’s explore the best fonts to make your cover letter stand out.
What is the best font for a cover letter?
Choosing the best font for your cover letter is about balancing professionalism with readability.
So, what’s the go-to font for cover letters?
| Font Name | Font Type | Why Choose it? |
|---|---|---|
| Times New Roman | Serif | Classic serif typeface, formal and timeless. |
| Calibri | Sans Serif | Modern, clean, and highly readable on computer screens. |
| Arial | Sans Serif | Simple, default font in many applications. |
| Garamond | Serif | Elegant and easy to read, great for a classic look. |
| Georgia | Serif | Professional with a bit of character, readable in small sizes. |
| Helvetica | Sans Serif | Sleek and contemporary, ideal for a modern look. |
| Cambria | Serif | More modern than Times New Roman, but still formal. |
| Verdana | Sans Serif | Highly readable, especially on computer screens. |
| Trebuchet MS | Sans Serif | Clean with a touch of personality, good for various formats. |
| Book Antiqua | Serif | Traditional yet friendly, a good rule of thumb for formal documents. |
Each of these fonts is suitable for a cover letter and resume. It’s really about what matches your style and the job you’re applying for.
Choosing between Serif and Sans Serif Fonts
Glad you asked! It depends on the vibe you want.
Serif fonts have small lines or extensions at the end of their letters. These fonts, like Times New Roman and Garamond, are often considered more traditional and formal.
They’re designed to look good in printed formats and are often used in professional cover letters. They are great for more formal industries like law or academia.
On the other hand, Sans Serif fonts don’t have the little lines at the end of letters, giving them a cleaner and more modern look. Fonts like Calibri, Arial, and Helvetica fall into this category.
These fonts are designed to be easy to read on computer screens, making them great for email cover letters and digital applications. These fonts are perfect for tech, creative roles, or when you want a clean, modern look.
Cover Letter Font Size And Spacing
Getting the size and spacing right in your cover letter is crucial.
You don’t want your cover letter to look cramped or overly spaced out, whether you’re applying for a traditional or modern role.
Ideal Font Size
11-12 points is generally the best range. This site is readable but doesn’t make your cover letter look like it’s written for kids.
Line Spacing
1.15-1.5 line spacing is recommended. It adds some breathing room without making the text look too sparse.
Margins
1 inch on all sides is standard. It keeps your cover letter clean and professional, whether you’re using a Serif or Sans Serif typeface.
Best Font Styles And Formats
While the font choice is important, how you format it can make a huge difference too!
Whether you’re writing a traditional letter or using a cover letter template, consistency in style matters.
Bold and Italics
Wondering if you should use bold or italics in a cover letter? Sparingly. Use bold for headings or key points. Italics can highlight certain phrases but don’t overdo it. Keeping the text easy to read is key.
Alignment
Left alignment is the norm. It’s easier to read and looks tidy on both printed and digital documents.
Consistency
Stick to one font throughout your cover letter and resume. Mixing fonts can look chaotic and unprofessional. If you’re using a cover letter builder, it will often default to one font style, ensuring uniformity.
Fonts To Not Use In Your Cover Letter
Let’s get to the point straight- Avoid fonts that are hard to read or look unprofessional.
Try to avoid using fonts like Comic Sans (too casual and unprofessional), Papyrus (overused and difficult to read), Impact (too bold and informal), Brush Script (hard to read, too decorative), or Courier (looks outdated and typewriter-like).
Using any of these fonts might seem like a way to stand out, but it’s better to use professional fonts to keep your cover letter legible and suitable for hiring managers.
The Top 10 Best Fonts For Your Resume
Now, let’s talk about your resume. Align your cover letter with your resume in terms of font choice, and you are good to go! It makes the application look polished.
Here are the top 10 best fonts:
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FAQs
Can I use more than one font in my cover letter?
It’s best to stick with one font to keep it consistent and professional.
Is it okay to use a colored font?
Use black or dark gray. It’s professional and easy to read.
Should my resume and cover letter fonts match?
Yes, using the same font for both can make your application look polished.
Can I use a unique font to stand out?
Avoid overly unique fonts. They can be distracting and hard to read.
What if the job description specifies a font?
Always follow the job description’s guidelines if they specify a font.
The Final Thought
Choosing the right font for your cover letter isn’t just about aesthetics- it’s about readability and making a good impression. Stick with classic, easy-to-read fonts, and your cover letter will be set to impress. Happy job hunting!
Manisha is a digital writer providing guidance in career development and growth. She facilitates skill development and implementation of the right strategies for advancement. At Jobera, She documents content around the latest market trend analysis, insights, and career planning.
