A cover letter is a key part of most job applications and says a lot about a candidate’s attention to detail. Including the correct date on a cover letter helps show professionalism and gives employers a reference for when the document was written.
Many job seekers wonder if they really need to add a date, why it matters, and the best way to format it. This article explains when, why, and how to include a date on a cover letter to make a strong first impression.
1) Purpose of the date on a cover letter
Including a date on a cover letter is standard business practice. The date shows exactly when the letter was written, which helps create a clear record for employers. This is important in case there are any updates to the job posting or questions about when the letter was sent.
A date also signals that the letter is specific to a certain job opening and not reused for different applications. This detail can help show attention to professionalism, making a positive first impression with hiring managers.
Some companies may use the date to match your cover letter with your other application materials and track your correspondence. It also helps if an employer reviews candidates over weeks or months, confirming that you applied within the right time frame.
While there is some debate about whether a date is needed for online applications, most business guides, like the University of Washington’s advice on key elements of a cover letter, still recommend including it. Adding a date is quick—just place it after your address at the top left of the letter.
If you use a tool like RoboApply, it can automatically format and insert the correct date for you, so you won’t need to remember each time you apply. This small detail can help make your applications more professional and organized.
2) Where to place the date in your cover letter
The date should be placed near the top of the cover letter, before the employer’s contact information and the main body of the letter. This helps the reader know exactly when the letter was written. It also keeps the document neat and professional.
Most experts recommend putting the date two lines below your own address or any personal information header you use. If your cover letter has a banner at the top, the date should be the first line of text under that banner. For a step-by-step breakdown, you can follow examples from trusted guides on formatting a cover letter and take note of their exact placement.
If you use a tool like RoboApply, the AI cover letter builder can automatically format your cover letter with the date in the correct position. This saves time and helps ensure perfect formatting every time.
Here is a clear example of how to place the date:
123 Main Street
Springfield, IL 62701
June 4, 2025
Ms. Jamie Rivera
Human Resources Manager
Acme Inc.
456 Commerce Drive
Springfield, IL 62701
Dear Ms. Rivera:
This format makes it simple for anyone to copy, customize, and be sure the date is in the right place.
3) Format the date in American style (Month Day, Year)
When including a date on a cover letter in the United States, always use the American style. This means the date should start with the month, followed by the day, then the year. A comma separates the day and year. For example, write “June 4, 2025” instead of using dashes or the day-before-month format.
This format is standard for business letters and helps prevent confusion, especially for employers who expect the US date style. Consistency with this style makes your cover letter look professional and clear. Use the full name of the month—not abbreviations—for the best appearance.
Place the date at the top left of your cover letter, above the employer’s contact information. RoboApply’s AI cover letter builder automatically places and formats your date correctly, so you can avoid mistakes.
Example: June 4, 2025
For more guidance on American date formats, you can review common US date format guidelines and get tips on punctuation as well as formatting from Grammarly’s date writing tips.
4) Format the date in British style (Day Month Year) without commas
In British English, the correct way to write dates for a cover letter is the Day Month Year format. For example: 4 June 2025. This style avoids the use of commas and numbers with slashes or dashes.
Using this structure follows local business conventions and ensures your cover letter looks professional and consistent. It’s important not to write “June 4, 2025” (the American format) or use “04/06/2025,” as these can be seen as informal or confusing. Detailed guidance on this format can be found at How to write the date correctly.
RoboApply’s AI cover letter builder includes step-by-step prompts so users place dates in the right format automatically, removing guesswork and mistakes.
Here is a copy-and-paste-ready example of a date line in British style for your cover letter:
4 June 2025
Keep the date left-aligned at the top of your cover letter, just above the employer’s contact details. This clear, professional format helps your application get noticed for the right reasons.
5) Include the full date, not abbreviations
Always use the full, written-out date in a cover letter. Do not use short forms like “6/4/25” or simply “6/4.” Write the date in a clear format such as “June 4, 2025.” This approach looks professional and helps avoid confusion, especially for employers in other countries who may read dates differently. Writing out the date also shows attention to detail.
According to cover letter experts, placing the full date two lines below your address is standard and expected in formal applications. Skipping abbreviations not only follows common business etiquette but also meets the preferences of most recruiters and managers. Learning to format the date this way can help a candidate’s application look more polished see more formatting rules here.
When using tools like RoboApply, the platform automatically sets up your cover letter with the correct date format. This ensures your application won’t get overlooked for simple mistakes. Even if you write a cover letter by hand, be sure to use the full date for a neat, easy-to-read look.
For reference, here’s how to format the date line:
June 4, 2025Avoid using the following:
6/4/25
6/4
04-06-25These small details, like writing the full date, can make a big difference in how your cover letter is received. Choose clarity and professionalism over shortcuts.
6) Date the cover letter on the day it is written or sent
Each cover letter should include the date it is written or sent. Dating your letter shows the employer when you applied and helps track your application. Professionals agree that placing the current date near the top of the cover letter is a standard part of business formatting.
Dates also keep your application materials organized and easy to reference during follow-up. If you use a platform like RoboApply to generate your cover letter, the tool will prompt you to enter the correct date or automatically add today’s date for you.
Type the date in full, such as “June 4, 2025,” and place it on the left margin, two lines below your address or contact section. This small step keeps your application professional and up to date, following advice such as the best practices from Indeed and the University of Washington.
7) Match the cover letter date with your resume date if possible
Using the same date on both your cover letter and resume helps present a consistent, professional image. It shows the employer that all your materials are prepared together and up to date. In some cases, application tracking systems may even look for matching details as a sign of authenticity.
If you use RoboApply to create your job documents, it’s easy to keep your dates matched automatically. RoboApply’s AI resume and cover letter builder can sync details for you, so you don’t have to worry about accidentally using different dates.
This step is simple. After finishing your resume, check the date you used at the top. Use that same date in your cover letter, usually right under your address. For extra accuracy, especially if you update your documents later, double-check before sending.
This approach also makes it easier for hiring managers to organize and review your application, since everything looks coordinated. According to Indeed’s cover letter formatting guide, including a clear date is standard on professional job materials. Matching it across documents is a small detail that can leave a positive impression.
8) Use a consistent date format throughout the application
Keeping dates consistent in your cover letter, resume, and other materials looks professional and helps avoid confusion for hiring managers. Choose one date style, such as “June 4, 2025” or “4 June 2025,” and use it everywhere. Switching between formats can make details harder to follow and can distract from your qualifications.
Many career experts recommend writing out the month rather than using only numbers, since this reduces the risk of mistakes or misunderstandings. For example, some countries write dates as day/month/year, while others use month/day/year. Writing “June 4, 2025” is clear in any context and aligns with best practices seen in current cover letter guides.
Using the same date format does not just look cleaner—it shows you pay attention to details. This is something employers notice, especially in jobs that require organization. RoboApply’s AI cover letter builder can help ensure your documents use matching, easy-to-read date formats, so everything feels polished before you submit.
For example, if you decide to use “June 4, 2025,” here’s how it would look in your cover letter header:
Taylor Johnson
123 Oak Street
Boston, MA 02118
taylor.johnson@email.com
June 4, 2025
Ms. Erica Lin
Human Resources Manager
Acme Company
456 Maple Avenue
Boston, MA 02120Stay consistent from start to finish with the date format you choose. This simple step can help make your whole application easier to read.
9) Avoid outdated or future dates on your cover letter
Using the correct date on a cover letter is important. Dates that are set in the past or future can make an application look sloppy or careless. Employers may notice these mistakes and assume the candidate is not paying attention to details.
Double-check the date before submitting your cover letter, especially when using templates or reusing old files. A small error, such as typing last year or next month by mistake, can lead employers to think the cover letter is outdated or generic. According to advice from employment experts, even a small date mistake can hurt your chances.
Make it a habit to update the date to match the day you plan to send your application. RoboApply’s AI cover letter builder can help avoid this by always adding the correct date based on when you generate the document. With tools like RoboApply, these small details are checked automatically, lowering the risk of errors.
Always check the very top of your document for the date. It should look like this:
June 4, 2025
Jane Smith
Hiring Manager
GreenTech Solutions
123 Main Street
Springfield, IL 62704
This date matches the actual day the application is being sent, not an earlier or later month or year. Keeping dates accurate shows organization and professionalism.
10) Place the date below your contact information in the header
The date is a key detail in a cover letter because it shows when the letter was written. Placing the date below your contact information keeps the layout neat and professional. This is the standard in most industries, and it makes it easier for hiring managers to track your application.
To do this, first write your name, address, phone number, and email at the very top. Skip a line, then add the date. Use a simple and clear format, like “June 4, 2025.” After the date, insert the employer’s contact information and continue with the body of your cover letter.
If someone is creating their cover letter using RoboApply, this layout is made easy. RoboApply’s cover letter builder gives step-by-step prompts and formats the header correctly every time. Other sources also confirm this format as best practice for a professional appearance. For more, see the guidelines at Indeed’s advice on formatting a cover letter.
Example:
Jane Doe
123 Main Street
Apt 2B
Springfield, IL 62704
janedoe@email.com
(555) 123-4567
June 4, 2025
Mr. John Smith
Hiring Manager
Business Corp
456 Company Lane
Springfield, IL 62701
Dear Mr. Smith,
Frequently Asked Questions
Including the date on a cover letter matters because it shows when you applied and keeps your application organized. The following questions cover the right way to add the date, the details of proper formatting, and tips to avoid common mistakes.
What is the proper placement of the date on a cover letter?
The date should appear at the top of the cover letter, just below your contact information and above the employer’s details. This position is standard in a business letter structure. Tools like RoboApply format cover letters to ensure the date appears in the correct place every time.
How should one present the date in a cover letter: in full or abbreviated?
Always write the date in full and avoid abbreviations. For example, use “June 4, 2025” instead of “6/4/25.” This clear format is easier for employers to read and looks professional. RoboApply automatically inserts dates using full text, saving time and ensuring consistency.
What formatting guidelines should be followed for a cover letter?
Use standard business letter formatting. Select a simple font, single-space the body, and use standard margins. The date should always be at the top, and the rest of the content should be left aligned. RoboApply’s AI cover letter builder applies these rules automatically for a professional result. Find more cover letter formatting recommendations in this detailed guide.
Is it necessary to include a cover letter even if it is not requested?
Including a cover letter is a good idea, even if it is not asked for, unless the posting says not to send one. A personalized cover letter can help you stand out and show your interest in the job. RoboApply can create custom cover letters for each job in seconds.
How long is an ideal cover letter supposed to be?
An ideal cover letter is one page. Aim for about three to four short paragraphs. This length keeps the message focused and allows hiring managers to read it quickly. RoboApply’s cover letter builder helps keep your letter concise and targeted for the role.
What are common errors to avoid when drafting a cover letter?
Do not use generic or copied content, and always include the correct date and company name. Avoid typos, informal language, and missing key information. RoboApply’s AI writing tool reviews content for grammar and checks that all fields, including the date, are correct before submission. Find more mistakes to watch out for in this FAQ about cover letters.
