When it comes to crafting a cover letter that will catch the attention of hiring managers, one crucial aspect to consider is the font. The best font for a cover letter is one that is clear, easy to read, and professional. Hiring managers will quickly overlook a cover letter that isn’t instantly legible. It’s important to choose a font that renders well on all screens, as your cover letter may be viewed on various devices. In this article, we will explore the top five font styles that hiring managers and recruiters agree are the best choices for cover letters, as well as provide tips on font size, formatting, and how to save and send your cover letter effectively.
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.
5 Best Font for Cover Letter Styles
Hiring managers and recruiters largely agree on these being the 5 best font for cover letter styles:
1. Arial
Arial 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. However, 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 types 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. It is an appropriate choice for jobs in traditional and conservative industries.
3. Trebuchet MS
Trebuchet MS is a less used, modern, and clean cover letter font with an energetic feel. It is very easy to read and renders well on all screen sizes, particularly smaller devices. Its thicker lines and wider body make it useful when you are trying to fill up space, such as for entry-level cover letters. This font is a good choice for jobs in marketing, media, publishing, and start-ups.
4. Calibri
Calibri 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. Calibri is a modern and clean font that has been described as warm and gentle by its designer. It works well for jobs in nursing, social work, teaching, and care-related professions.
5. Georgia
Georgia is a classic font with a contemporary feel that was designed specifically for easy reading on computer and mobile screens. It is 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?
The best font for cover letter style is subjective and may vary depending on the industry and company culture. However, the 5 fonts mentioned above, Arial, Times New Roman, Trebuchet MS, Calibri, and Georgia, are generally considered to be safe and professional choices.
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.
- Use italics, bold, and highlighting 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 a 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
Creating a cover letter that works involves effectively showcasing your skills and experiences, addressing the specific requirements of the job, and expressing your enthusiasm and motivation for the role. It is important to personalize your cover letter for each job application and highlight relevant achievements and qualifications. Use a professional tone and concise language, and ensure that your cover letter is error-free and polished.
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 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?
The best font for resumes may vary depending on personal preferences and industry standards. However, it is generally recommended to choose a professional and easy-to-read font for resumes. Arial, Times New Roman, and Calibri are commonly used and safe choices for resumes. It is important to ensure consistency between the font used in the resume and the font used in the cover letter.
How to write a convincing cover letter
Writing a convincing cover letter involves effectively conveying your qualifications, accomplishments, and fit for the position. Here are some tips to help you write a convincing cover letter:
- Research the company and position: Tailor your cover letter to the specific needs and requirements of the company and position.
- Start with a strong opening paragraph: Capture the reader’s attention and express your enthusiasm for the position.
- Highlight your relevant skills and experiences: Emphasize how your qualifications align with the job requirements and address any specific criteria mentioned in the job posting.
- Provide specific examples: Use examples and anecdotes to illustrate your achievements and demonstrate how you can contribute to the company.
- Show your enthusiasm: Convey your passion and motivation for the industry and the company.
- Proofread and edit: Ensure that your cover letter is error-free and well-written. Check for grammar and spelling mistakes, and make sure the tone is professional and positive.
By following these tips and using a clear and easy-to-read font, you can create a compelling cover letter that will enhance your chances of getting noticed by potential employers.
