PowerPoint Presentation

How to Format a Cover LetterScott AtkinsonEDU 545IntroductionWriting a clean, well formatted cover letter as part of an application packet can make the difference between a potential employer turning the page or dropping the packet into the circular file cabinet.One of the most common issues students have with writing a cover letter is the actual formatting (e.g. spacing, tabs, etc.) of the letter.The following presentation is designed to show the detailed steps of formatting a cover letter. Blank Word Document

This image shows a fresh blank Word document. It has NOT yet been configured and has the default font style, size, alignment, and line spacing.Default Font: Calibri, Size 11Right AlignmentWord defaults to double spaced typingChanging Font Style

Use the drop down arrow to display different font styles.Select the proper font style. Arial or Times New Roman are the most acceptable styles. Changing Font Size

Select the drop down arrow next to the font size value.Change the font size value from 11 to 12 point font. Changing Line Spacing

Make sure to be on the Home tab next to FileThe quick method involves clicking from the Normal setting box to the No Spacing setting on the toolbar.To see all paragraph formatting options, click the small arrow next to Paragraph. Paragraph Format Prompt

Make sure that the Left and Right boxes next to Indentation and Spacing are set at 0.Under Line Spacing, select the drop down arrow and change the setting to Single.Setting Personal Heading

1) Starting on the first line of the document (not the Header), push the Tab key 8 9 times to move the cursor towards the right side of the page.2) Type your name. Push the Enter key to move the cursor to the next line. Push the Tab key again to align the cursor with the first letter in your first name and type the street address.3) Continue this process until the personal heading is complete.123Push Tab 8-9 timesSetting Date and Employer Heading

121) At the end of the email address, push the Enter key 2 times. The cursor will return to the left side of the page. Then, type the date the letter is being written.2) After typing the date, push the Enter key 2 times. Begin typing the employer heading.Include:Name of AddresseeAddressee job titleCompany NameStreet AddressCity, State and Zip CodeLetter Body Spacing

1) After completing the employer heading, push the Enter key 2 times. Then, type the opening address to the employer (e.g. Dear Mr./Ms. ____:).122) Push the Enter key 2 times. Begin typing the first paragraph of the body of the cover letter. Push the Enter key two times after each paragraph.Note: Leave all paragraphs left aligned. There is no need to indent as this is a business form letter. Formatting the Closing

4 spaces between Sincerely and your name for a signature.1) After the last paragraph, push the Enter key 2 times.2) Push the Tab key 8 9 times (the same amount used for the personal heading) to move the cursor toward the right side of the page. Then, type Sincerely.3) Push the Enter key 4 times after Sincerely. This leaves space for your handwritten signature. Again, push the Tab key until the cursor is directly in line with the S in Sincerely. Then, type your name.123