Writing a cover letter involves careful attention to format and style. Job seekers often wonder about the small details, like how to start each paragraph and make the letter look professional.
You do not need to indent paragraphs in a cover letter, as most modern business letters use left-aligned, block formatting. This article will help readers understand cover letter paragraph formatting so they can feel confident about their application.
1) Use block formatting with left-aligned paragraphs
Block formatting is the standard for modern cover letters. This means every paragraph starts at the left margin, and there is a blank line between each one. No indentation is needed at the start of paragraphs. This method is cleaner and is preferred for business communication.
Most employers expect to see left-aligned paragraphs in cover letters today. It looks professional, is easy to read, and works well with online applications and resume management systems. Formatting your cover letter using block style shows attention to detail and keeps the layout straightforward.
To make formatting easier, many job seekers use tools like RoboApply. RoboApply’s AI cover letter builder automatically uses block formatting and double-checks for errors, saving time and reducing the risk of formatting mistakes. This is helpful when you want to focus on the content instead of design.
Here is a short sample of how a block-formatted, left-aligned cover letter starts:
Jane Doe
123 Main Street
City, State 12345
jane.doe@email.com
June 4, 2025
Hiring Manager
Tech Solutions Inc.
456 Business Road
City, State 54321
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to apply for the Junior Analyst position at Tech Solutions Inc. My background in data analysis and strong attention to detail make me a good fit for your team.
I have used Excel, SQL, and several analytics tools to help previous employers improve their processes. I enjoy solving problems and working with others to reach project goals.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the chance to meet and discuss how I can contribute to your team.
Sincerely,
Jane Doe
Block formatting keeps all text aligned to the left and separates each paragraph with a blank line. This method is the best choice for clarity and professionalism in a cover letter. For those wanting to avoid formatting errors, using RoboApply is a simple and effective solution.
To learn more about block formatting and other cover letter tips, visit this guide on when to indent paragraphs in a cover letter or find business letter formatting basics at Indeed.
2) Do not indent the first line of paragraphs
In modern cover letters, it is standard practice not to indent the first line of each paragraph. Instead, keep all text left-aligned to make the letter look clean and easy to read. This block format is commonly used in business writing and ensures your letter appears professional. Most employers expect this style because it matches other business documents.
When writing a cover letter, simply start each paragraph on the left margin. Add a blank line between paragraphs for clear separation. Avoid the older style where the first line is indented, as this can make your letter look outdated.
Online job tools like RoboApply automatically use the correct block format for cover letters, so users never need to worry about indenting. This consistency helps applicants spend less time on formatting and more on their message. Block format also saves space and keeps everything organized, which is important when recruiters scan for important information.
If you need help with layout, RoboApply’s AI cover letter builder will create a clean, professional letter every time. For more details about common formatting rules, see guides from Resume Genius and CareerEd.
3) Separate paragraphs with a space for clarity
When writing a cover letter, it’s important to leave a blank line between each paragraph. This extra space makes the letter easier to read and helps each main idea stand out. It also gives your cover letter a professional look, which hiring managers expect from business documents.
Cover letters should always be single spaced within paragraphs, but there should be a full blank line between each paragraph. Using this style, also called “block formatting,” is considered the standard for business letters, including cover letters. You can see this format explained in detail at Purdue OWL’s cover letter formatting guide.
If you use RoboApply to build your cover letter, it automatically applies the correct spacing and layout, so you don’t have to worry about missing or extra spaces. This saves time and ensures your document is always professional and easy to read.
Avoid the old-fashioned habit of indenting the first line of each paragraph. Instead, use the extra space to clearly show where each new section begins. According to experts, indenting is not needed for modern business letters, including cover letters—just use a space between paragraphs for best results.
4) Indenting is less common in modern business letters
Today, most cover letters use block formatting. This means every paragraph starts at the left margin without any indenting. Block formatting looks cleaner and is preferred by many employers because it is easier to read.
In the United States and many other countries, business letters usually follow this block style. Indenting each paragraph is now seen as old-fashioned in the business world. Many hiring managers expect cover letters to use block formatting, matching other business documents like resumes.
By choosing not to indent, applicants make their cover letters look more professional and in line with current standards. Online tools like RoboApply automatically use block formatting for cover letters. This saves time and prevents formatting mistakes.
If you want to make sure your cover letter meets expectations, avoid indenting the first lines. Start each paragraph flush with the left margin. This simple step can help your document look updated and polished.
For more on cover letter format, see explanations from career resources and writing guides that also recommend block formatting without indents. These sources agree that indenting is not needed for a modern, professional cover letter.
5) Non-indented paragraphs create a cleaner look
Using non-indented paragraphs in a cover letter makes the layout look organized and modern. Every paragraph starts at the left margin, so there are no extra spaces at the start. This style is called block formatting and is used in most business writing today. It helps the letter feel easier to read and less crowded.
Readers can quickly scan each paragraph since there is a full line of space between them. This keeps the information separate and simple to follow. Many employers prefer this format because it gives the cover letter a tidy and professional appearance.
Online resources, like this guide, explain that spacing between paragraphs is more important than indenting. Job seekers who want a polished look should use non-indented paragraphs and leave a blank line between each section.
Tools such as RoboApply’s AI resume and cover letter builder use this format by default. RoboApply creates clean templates that are easy to read and help users meet modern business standards without any extra setup. This ensures every cover letter looks professional right away.
6) Indentation can reduce available space on the page
Indenting each paragraph in a cover letter can make the document look crowded. Every time a paragraph is indented, it uses up valuable horizontal space. This can quickly add up, especially if the cover letter is nearing one full page.
Modern cover letters usually use block formatting, meaning paragraphs start flush left with no indentation. This format keeps the layout clean and makes the letter easier to scan. According to professional advice, skipping indentation gives your cover letter a more modern and spacious appearance.
Saving space is important, especially when trying to fit all your qualifications onto one page. The extra space from not indenting allows for more text without making the letter look crammed. This is especially helpful for candidates with a lot to say or for those who use a slightly larger font.
RoboApply recommends using block formatting with no indents to maximize how much you can fit on one page. This layout also helps the reader focus on your content rather than the layout. It’s a simple way to boost the overall readability and professional appearance of your cover letter.
7) Use 1-inch margins with block formatting
A cover letter should always use 1-inch margins on all sides. This keeps the layout neat and professional, and it matches the standard for most business documents. Good margins make a letter easy to read and help avoid clutter, even with several paragraphs.
Block formatting means every paragraph starts at the left margin with no indentation. Do not add spacing at the start of paragraphs. Instead, add a blank line between them. This style is the business standard and looks clean on both printed and digital versions. Most employers expect this layout.
When building a cover letter, using RoboApply’s AI cover letter builder makes it easy to keep formatting correct. RoboApply automatically sets the page with 1-inch margins and uses block formatting so users do not have to worry about spacing or paragraph alignment. If writing from scratch, always double-check the page setup and paragraph style before sending the letter.
For step-by-step cover letter formatting, follow this simple block-style template:
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State ZIP]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number]
[Date]
[Employer’s Name]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
[City, State ZIP]
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name]:
I am writing to apply for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name] as advertised on your website.
My background in [Your Field] and experience with [relevant skills] make me a strong fit for your team.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
This format follows 1-inch margins and block formatting. It is ready for copy-and-paste, or users can create a similar letter using RoboApply. For more formatting details, check advice on cover letter margins and formatting from major career sites.
8) Choose a simple, professional font
Using a basic, clean font in a cover letter makes it easy for hiring managers to read. Fonts like Arial, Calibri, Verdana, or Times New Roman look professional and work well for business letters. Avoid script or decorative styles, as these can be hard to read and may not appear correctly on all devices.
A good font size is between 10 and 12 points. This ensures the text is clear without looking crowded or too large. Tiny or very large fonts may look unprofessional or be difficult for employers to review.
RoboApply’s cover letter builder makes it easy to pick recommended fonts and gives real-time previews. This helps users match industry standards while keeping their application looking polished.
An easy-to-read font shows attention to detail and makes a positive first impression. For more tips on cover letter formatting and font choice, check out this guide on professional cover letter fonts.
Using a simple font is a small change that can have a big impact on the overall look of a cover letter. Stick to clear, professional options to help the content stand out.
9) Indentation can be used but is optional
Indenting the first line of each paragraph in a cover letter is not required. In modern business correspondence, most people use block format, where all lines start at the left margin with no indentation. This approach is simple, looks professional, and is widely accepted.
However, indentation is still an option for those who prefer a traditional look. Some older business letter styles use a half-inch indent at the start of each paragraph. Both styles are considered correct, so the choice depends on the applicant’s personal style and industry trends.
For those who want a clean and modern look, it is best to avoid indentation and use block paragraphs, as seen in guides about cover letter formatting standards. Tools like RoboApply help users keep formatting consistent with the latest professional expectations.
If choosing to indent, make sure to use the same indentation for every paragraph. Consistency in formatting helps the cover letter appear organized and easy to read.
Below is an example of a short indented paragraph you can use:
I am writing to express my interest in the Marketing Assistant position at ABC Company. My experience in [digital marketing](https://beta.robo-apply.com/2025/05/13/digital-marketer-cover-letter-templates-and-examples/) and my strong attention to detail make me a great fit for your team. I look forward to contributing to your company’s goals.RoboApply’s AI cover letter builder can automatically format your letter in block or indented style, so you don’t have to worry about aligning paragraphs by hand. Users can pick their preference and export cover letters in the style most suited to their needs.
10) Avoid mixing indent and block styles
When writing a cover letter, it’s important to stick to one formatting style. Mixing indented and block paragraphs makes the letter look messy and unprofessional. Block style is preferred in modern cover letters, where each new paragraph starts at the left margin with a space between paragraphs.
According to expert guides, mixing styles can confuse readers and make your application look outdated or inconsistent. Employers expect a clean, uniform layout from start to finish. If you’re unsure which style to use, always use block formatting for a safe, modern look.
For extra help, RoboApply’s AI cover letter builder makes it easy to keep your paragraphs consistent—no need to worry about accidental style changes. If you need a refresher, you can see what block formatting looks like with this quick snippet:
Block style example:
I am writing to express my interest in the position at your company. My background includes five years in customer service and a strong record of problem solving.
I am excited about the chance to join your team and believe I would be a great fit. Thank you for considering my application.
Save time and eliminate formatting errors by using tools like RoboApply, which keep your cover letters clean, organized, and ready to impress. For more details on formatting, see advice from industry guides like this cover letter formatting rules guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cover letter formatting can impact how employers view an application. Paying attention to paragraph indentation, spacing, and alignment ensures a clean and professional appearance.
What is the proper formatting for a cover letter?
A cover letter should use block formatting with all text left-aligned. There is no need to indent the first line of each paragraph. Each paragraph should be separated by a single line of space. This approach makes the letter easier to read and looks modern. Tools like RoboApply provide templates that follow these standards to help users create professional cover letters.
Should paragraphs in a cover letter be indented for professional applications?
Paragraphs in a cover letter should not be indented when submitting for professional applications. The block format, with left-aligned paragraphs and no indentations, is considered the best practice in business communication today. RoboApply’s cover letter builder does not indent paragraphs, so users don’t need to worry about formatting mistakes.
What are the current conventions for paragraph indentation in cover letters?
Current conventions do not call for indenting paragraphs. Modern cover letters use a clean format, with all text beginning at the left margin and a full line between each paragraph. Choosing not to indent is more aligned with what hiring managers expect. For more details, see this clear explanation of cover letter indentation conventions.
How does paragraph indentation affect the readability of a cover letter?
Not indenting paragraphs and using a line of space between them improves readability. A block style helps recruiters quickly scan the letter for important details. It avoids the visual clutter that indents and tight spacing can sometimes create.
What guidelines should be followed for paragraph spacing in cover letters?
A single blank line should be left between paragraphs to provide visual separation. This spacing helps guide the reader’s eye and prevents the text from blending together. RoboApply templates use this recommended spacing, so applicants don’t have to adjust it manually.
Are there any exceptions to the typical cover letter formatting rules?
Most industries expect the block style with no indentation. However, if a company or job posting gives specific formatting instructions, always follow them. Some creative industries may accept variations, but it’s safest to use the standard format unless otherwise stated. RoboApply allows users to tweak spacing and layout to fit special requirements if needed.
