Use single spacing in your cover letter. Double spacing is a formatting holdover from academic and manuscript writing that makes cover letters look sparse, outdated, and harder to skim. Modern hiring standards—and most career experts—recommend single spacing with a blank line between paragraphs.
Why Single Spacing Is the Standard
Cover letters are business documents, not school essays. In business correspondence, single spacing is the default because it keeps information dense and easy to scan. Recruiters often review dozens of applications in one sitting; a single-spaced letter lets them read your key points quickly without excessive scrolling or page flipping.
Double spacing was designed for rough drafts and academic submissions where readers need room for handwritten notes. A cover letter is a final, polished document. Using double spacing can make a one-page letter stretch to two pages, which risks losing the reader’s attention and violates the unwritten rule that a cover letter should fit on one page.
How Spacing Affects Readability
Readability isn’t just about font size—it’s about white space and rhythm. Single spacing with a blank line between paragraphs creates clear visual breaks without wasting space. This format lets the reader see the structure of your argument at a glance: introduction, relevant experience, why you fit the role, and a closing call to action.
Compare these two approaches:
- Single spaced: Each line follows the next, with one empty line between paragraphs. The letter fits comfortably on one page.
- Double spaced: Every line has a blank line after it, making the text airy but elongated. A typical 300-word letter becomes nearly two pages.
Most word processors default to 1.0 or 1.15 line spacing. For a cover letter, set line spacing to exactly 1.0 and add a 10-point space after each paragraph (or simply press Enter twice between paragraphs).
What the Experts and Employers Expect
Career services at major universities and professional resume writers consistently recommend single spacing. For example, the University of California, Berkeley’s career guide and the Purdue Online Writing Lab both show cover letter samples with single spacing and a blank line between paragraphs. While no single authority dictates every formatting rule, the consensus across professional writing resources is clear: single spacing is the norm.
Employers rarely reject a candidate solely for double spacing, but it signals that you haven’t updated your understanding of business writing norms. It can also make your letter look like a template you forgot to adjust. In competitive fields, small signals like this can tip the scales against you.
How to Format Your Cover Letter: Step by Step
Follow these steps to ensure your cover letter looks professional:
- Use a standard font like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman at 10–12 points.
- Set margins to 1 inch on all sides.
- Align your text to the left (do not justify, as it creates uneven gaps).
- Set line spacing to single (1.0).
- Add one blank line between your contact info, the date, the employer’s info, and the salutation.
- Add one blank line between each paragraph.
- Add one blank line before your closing (e.g., “Sincerely”) and your typed name.
- Keep the entire letter to one page.
If you’re emailing your cover letter as the body of the email, the same rules apply. Single spacing is still the standard, and you can leave a blank line between paragraphs for readability.
Common Mistakes and Misconceptions
One common myth is that double spacing makes a letter “easier to read.” In reality, it creates too much white space and forces the reader to scroll or flip pages. Another misconception is that you should double space after every period. That rule applied to typewriters; modern word processors use proportional fonts, so a single space after a period is correct.
Other frequent errors include:
- Using extra spacing between every line to fill a page (which looks unprofessional).
- Inconsistent spacing—some paragraphs single, others double.
- Forgetting to adjust spacing when copying from a template.
Always double-check your spacing before sending. A quick way to spot issues is to zoom out and look at the page as a whole: it should look balanced and clean, not crowded or overly airy.
Cover Letter Template
Your Name
Your Address
City, State ZIP
Your Email | Your Phone Number
Date
Hiring Manager’s Name (if known)
Company Name
Company Address
Dear [Hiring Manager],
First paragraph: Introduce yourself and state the position you’re applying for. Mention how you learned about the role and why you’re excited about it.
Second paragraph: Highlight your most relevant skills and experiences. Use specific examples that match the job description. Show how you’ve added value in past roles.
Third paragraph: Explain why you’re a good fit for the company culture and how you can contribute. Reference something specific about the company that appeals to you.
Closing paragraph: Thank the reader for their time, reiterate your enthusiasm, and mention that you look forward to discussing the role further.
Sincerely,
_________________________________
Your Typed Name
Sample (fictional):
Jordan Lee
123 Main St
Springfield, IL 62701
jordan.lee@email.com | (555) 123-4567
May 15, 2025
Alex Rivera
HR Manager
Acme Marketing Solutions
456 Oak Ave
Springfield, IL 62702
Dear Mr. Rivera,
I am writing to apply for the Content Marketing Specialist position at Acme Marketing Solutions, which I saw posted on LinkedIn. With five years of experience in digital content creation and a passion for data-driven storytelling, I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to your team.
In my current role at BrightPath Media, I increased organic blog traffic by 40% in one year by implementing a new SEO strategy and revamping our editorial calendar. I also led a cross-functional project to launch a customer newsletter that grew our subscriber list by 25%. These experiences have honed my ability to create content that resonates with audiences and drives measurable results.
I particularly admire Acme’s innovative approach to social media marketing and your recent campaign for sustainable brands. I am eager to bring my skills in content strategy and analytics to help Acme continue to lead the industry.
Thank you for considering my application. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my background aligns with your team’s goals. I am available for an interview at your convenience and can be reached at (555) 123-4567.
Sincerely,
Jordan Lee
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I double space after the salutation?
No. Use a single blank line (one Enter) after the salutation, just as you would between paragraphs. Double spacing after the salutation is unnecessary and inconsistent with the rest of the letter.
What if my cover letter is longer than one page?
First, try to cut content—most cover letters should be 250–400 words. If you genuinely need a second page, use single spacing and ensure the second page has your name and page number in a header. But aim for one page; recruiters often don’t read beyond it.
Is single spacing too cramped for readability?
No, because you’re adding a blank line between paragraphs. This creates visual breaks without making the letter feel like a wall of text. If you’re worried, use a slightly larger font (11 or 12 points) and keep margins at 1 inch.
Does the same spacing rule apply to email cover letters?
Yes. In an email, use single spacing with a blank line between paragraphs. Avoid using a formal header with addresses; instead, put your name and contact info in your email signature.
Can I use 1.15 or 1.5 line spacing?
Stick to 1.0. Some word processors default to 1.15, which is acceptable but not ideal. 1.5 or higher looks like double spacing and should be avoided. If your document is set to 1.15, change it to 1.0 for a polished look.
Should I use single spacing if the job posting asks for a specific format?
Always follow the employer’s instructions first. If they explicitly request double spacing, do that. Otherwise, single spacing is the safe, professional default.
Final Thoughts
Spacing is a small detail, but it contributes to the overall impression your cover letter makes. Single spacing with a blank line between paragraphs is the modern, professional standard. It keeps your letter concise, scannable, and respectful of the reader’s time—exactly what you want in a job application.
If you’re ever in doubt, remember: the goal is to make your content easy to read and your letter easy to skim. Single spacing achieves that without sacrificing professionalism.