Yes, MLA format for a cover letter means following the same general guidelines as an MLA essay: 12-point Times New Roman, double spacing, 1-inch margins, and your contact information at the top. However, MLA does not have an official cover letter template, so you adapt its standard formatting rules to a business-letter structure.
What MLA Format Actually Covers
The Modern Language Association (MLA) style was designed for academic papers, not job applications. Its core rules appear in the MLA Handbook (9th edition):
- Use a readable font like Times New Roman in 12-point size.
- Double-space all text, with no extra spaces between paragraphs.
- Set margins to 1 inch on all sides.
- Indent the first line of each paragraph by 0.5 inches.
- Include your last name and page number in the top-right header of each page.
For a cover letter, you keep those rules but replace the academic heading (your name, professor, course, date) with a professional one (your contact info, date, employer’s contact info). The result looks like a hybrid: a business letter with MLA’s clean, uniform spacing.
How to Structure an MLA Cover Letter
Start with your own contact information at the top left, single-spaced, line by line:
- Your full name
- Your street address
- Your city, state, ZIP code
- Your phone number
- Your email address
Skip a line, then add the date. Skip another line, then add the employer’s contact information (name, title, company, address). After that, skip a line and write “Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name]:” using a colon, not a comma. Then begin your body paragraphs, double-spaced, with a 0.5-inch indent on the first line of each paragraph. End with “Sincerely,” followed by your typed name. Leave space for your signature above the typed name.
Differences from a Standard Business Letter
The biggest difference is spacing. A traditional business letter uses single spacing within paragraphs and blank lines between them. An MLA cover letter uses double spacing everywhere, including between paragraphs. That makes the letter longer on the page, so you may need to trim your content to fit one page. Also, MLA does not use a subject line (like “RE: Application for X Position”), while many business letters include one. If you want to add a subject line, you can, but it is not part of MLA style.
How to Write the Body Paragraphs
Your opening paragraph should state the position you are applying for and where you saw it. For example: “I am writing to apply for the Editorial Assistant position posted on your company website.” The middle paragraphs should highlight your relevant skills and experience, giving specific examples. The closing paragraph should thank the reader and mention that you have attached your resume and references. Keep the tone professional but not stiff. Since MLA is an academic style, avoid overly casual language.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
People often make these errors when applying MLA rules to a cover letter:
- Using single spacing because “it’s a business letter” – MLA requires double spacing.
- Forgetting the page number header – add your last name and page number in the top right of every page, including the first.
- Not indenting paragraphs – MLA indents the first line of each paragraph, not block style.
- Using a different font or size – stick to 12-point Times New Roman or another standard font like Arial or Calibri, but be consistent.
- Adding extra blank lines between paragraphs – MLA does not use them; just indent.
MLA Cover Letter Template
Your Name
Your Street Address
Your City, State ZIP
Your Phone Number
Your Email
Date
Hiring Manager’s Name
Company Name
Company Address
City, State ZIP
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name]:
First paragraph: State the position you are applying for and how you learned about it. Briefly introduce yourself and your main qualification.
Second paragraph: Describe your relevant experience, skills, and achievements. Give a concrete example of a time you used these skills successfully.
Third paragraph: Explain why you are interested in this company and this role. Connect your goals to their mission or recent projects.
Closing paragraph: Thank the reader for considering your application. Mention that your resume and references are attached. Indicate your availability for an interview.
Sincerely,
Your Name (typed)
Sample (fictional): Jane Doe, 123 Main St, Anytown, NY 12345, (555) 123-4567, jane.doe@email.com. Date: March 15, 2025. Hiring Manager: Alex Smith, ABC Publishing, 456 Oak Ave, Metropolis, CA 90001. Letter body: “I am writing to apply for the Assistant Editor position advertised on LinkedIn. With three years of copyediting experience at a literary agency, I have honed the attention to detail your team values. In my current role, I reduced manuscript turnaround time by 20% by streamlining the review process. I admire ABC Publishing’s commitment to emerging authors and would love to contribute to that mission. Thank you for your time and consideration.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Is MLA format acceptable for a cover letter?
Yes, but it is not the most common choice. Most employers expect a standard business letter format. However, if you are applying for a job in academia, publishing, or a field where MLA is the norm, using MLA format can show attention to detail and familiarity with the style.
Should I double-space my cover letter?
According to MLA guidelines, yes – double spacing is required. But if you are sending a cover letter to a non-academic employer, they may prefer single spacing for readability. In that case, you can use single spacing and still follow other MLA rules like font and margins.
Do I need a header with my last name and page number?
In MLA format, yes. Add your last name and a space, then the page number in the top-right corner of every page. For a one-page cover letter, it is still correct to include it. If you are using a business-letter format instead, you can omit it.
Can I use MLA citations in a cover letter?
You generally do not need citations in a cover letter. If you mention a specific statistic or quote from a source, you could cite it in MLA style, but it is unusual. Keep the letter focused on your qualifications.
What font should I use for an MLA cover letter?
Use a standard, readable font like Times New Roman in 12-point size. Other acceptable options include Arial, Calibri, or Georgia, as long as the size is 12 points and the style is consistent.
Should I use a colon or comma after the salutation?
Use a colon in a formal business letter, which is what a cover letter is. MLA style does not specify, but the colon is standard and looks professional.
Final Tips for a Strong Cover Letter
Whichever format you choose, keep the letter to one page, proofread carefully, and customize it for each job. If you are applying to a company that uses an applicant tracking system, save your letter as a PDF or DOCX as instructed. Remember that the format is secondary to the content – your letter must clearly show why you are the right person for the job. If you need advice specific to your field or situation, ask a career counselor or a professional in that industry.