How to Write Date in Cover Letter: Format & Placement

Writing the date correctly in a cover letter might seem like a tiny detail, but it sets the tone for your professionalism and attention to detail. A properly formatted date shows the hiring manager that you understand business correspondence norms, and it helps them track your application accurately. This guide will walk you through the exact format, placement, and common pitfalls, so your cover letter looks polished from the first line.

What You’ll Need

• A word processor or text editor (e.g., Microsoft Word, Google Docs, or any plain text editor)
• The current date (check your calendar or device)
• Your cover letter draft (or a blank document to start)
• Knowledge of the country you’re applying in (US vs. UK/International date formats differ)

Step-by-Step

1. Decide on the date format based on your location. In the United States, the standard is Month Day, Year (e.g., October 24, 2025). In the United Kingdom, Australia, and most other English-speaking countries, the common format is Day Month Year (e.g., 24 October 2025). If you’re applying to a company in a specific country, use that country’s convention. When in doubt, use the US format for US-based companies and the UK format for UK-based ones.
2. Place the date at the top of your cover letter, aligned left. The date should appear above the hiring manager’s contact information, and below your own contact details (if you’re using a header with your name, phone, and email). If you’re writing a formal business letter, the date goes right after your contact block and before the recipient’s address. For a more modern email-style cover letter, you can place the date directly above the salutation.
3. Write the date in full, not abbreviated. Avoid using numeric-only formats like 10/24/2025 or 24/10/2025, as they can be confusing—especially when the day and month are both under 12. Instead, spell out the month: October 24, 2025 or 24 October 2025. This eliminates ambiguity and looks more professional.
4. Use the current date, not the date you plan to send. If you’re drafting a cover letter a few days before you intend to send it, write the date you will actually submit it. This avoids confusion if the letter is delayed. If you’re unsure, use the date you’re writing it, as it’s the most accurate.
5. Keep the date on its own line. Do not combine it with your address or the recipient’s address. A separate line makes it easy to scan and looks cleaner. For example:
6. John Doe
   123 Main Street
   Anytown, NY 12345
   john.doe@email.com | (555) 123-4567

   October 24, 2025

   Hiring Manager
   Tech Solutions Inc.
   456 Corporate Drive
   Business City, CA 67890

7. If you’re sending your cover letter via email, include the date in the body. Even if your email client automatically timestamps the message, it’s still good practice to include the date at the top of the email body, just as you would in a printed letter. This makes it easy for the recipient to reference later.
8. Double-check the date for accuracy. Before sending, verify that the day, month, and year are correct. A simple typo like writing 2024 instead of 2025 can look careless.

Common Mistakes

• Using a numeric-only date. Writing 10/24/2025 is ambiguous because in some countries it means October 24, while in others it means 10 February 2025. Always spell out the month.
• Placing the date in the wrong spot. Some people put the date at the bottom of the letter, which is non-standard. It should be at the top, before the recipient’s address.
• Using a comma incorrectly. In the US format, you need a comma between the day and year (October 24, 2025). In the UK format, no comma is needed (24 October 2025). Mixing these up can look sloppy.
• Writing an old or future date. Forgetting to update the date when you’re reusing a template can lead to sending a letter dated months ago. Always set it to the current date.
• Abbreviating the month. Writing Oct. 24, 2025 is acceptable in informal contexts, but in a cover letter, it’s better to spell out the full month for a formal tone.

Tips

• Match the date format to the company’s location. If the job posting is from a US company, use the US format. If it’s a multinational, choose the format of the country where the office is located.
• Keep it consistent with the rest of your letter. If you’re using a particular style (e.g., block format with everything left-aligned), make sure the date follows that same alignment.
• Use the same date on your resume and cover letter. If you include a date on your resume (though not required), ensure they match to avoid confusion.
• If you’re sending digitally, consider omitting the date entirely. Some modern cover letters, especially those sent via email or online forms, skip the date because the timestamp is automatic. However, if you’re attaching a PDF, including the date is still a safe bet.

Troubleshooting

What if the job posting is from a country with a different date format? When in doubt, use the format that is standard in the country where the company is headquartered. If you’re applying to a remote position for a company based in the US, use the US format. If you’re still unsure, you can always write the month in words, which is universally understood.

What if I’m submitting my cover letter through an online form that asks for the date separately? In that case, you can omit the date from the cover letter body and simply fill in the form field. But if the form asks for a date, use the same format as the form (often YYYY-MM-DD).

What if I’m sending a cover letter as a PDF and the date is wrong? If you catch the error before sending, correct it and re-export the PDF. If you’ve already sent it, you can send a brief follow-up email with the corrected version, apologizing for the oversight. It’s better to correct it than to let it slide.

What if I’m writing a cover letter for a job that starts in the future? Use the current date, not the future start date. The date on the letter should reflect when you’re writing it, not when you hope to begin work.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I include the date on a cover letter sent by email?

Yes, it’s still good practice to include the date at the top of the email body, even though email providers automatically timestamp messages. It makes your letter look more formal and complete.

What is the correct date format for a cover letter in the UK?

In the UK, the standard is Day Month Year without a comma, e.g., 24 October 2025. This is also used in Australia, New Zealand, and most of Europe.

Can I use a numeric date like 10/24/2025?

It’s not recommended because it can be misinterpreted in different countries. Always spell out the month to avoid confusion.

Where exactly should the date go on a cover letter?

The date goes at the top of the letter, below your contact information (if you have a header) and above the recipient’s address. It should be on its own line, left-aligned.

Should I use the date I write the letter or the date I send it?

Use the date you send it, because that’s the date the recipient will see. If you’re drafting in advance, update it on the day you submit.

Is it okay to omit the date on a modern cover letter?

Yes, especially if you’re sending it via an online application system that captures the date automatically. However, if you’re attaching a PDF or sending a physical letter, including the date is standard.

Template

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