How to Write a Cover Letter Header (Format & Examples)

Why Your Cover Letter Header Matters

The header is the very first thing a hiring manager sees when they open your cover letter. A clean, well-organized header sets a professional tone before they even read your opening sentence. A poorly formatted or incomplete header, on the other hand, can signal carelessness and cost you an interview opportunity.

Beyond first impressions, your header serves a practical purpose: it ensures the recruiter can quickly find your contact information. If your cover letter gets separated from your resume during the review process, a complete header means they can still reach you. Taking a few minutes to get this right is one of the simplest ways to strengthen your application.

What to Include in a Cover Letter Header

A professional cover letter header should contain the following elements:

• Full name -- Use your first and last name prominently at the top. This should be the largest text element in your header.
• Phone number -- Include a number where you can be reliably reached. Use a professional voicemail greeting in case you miss a call.
• Professional email address -- Use a simple, professional email (e.g., firstname.lastname@email.com). Avoid novelty email addresses.
• Location -- City and state are sufficient for most applications. Including your full street address is no longer standard practice and can raise privacy concerns.
• LinkedIn profile or portfolio URL (optional) -- If your LinkedIn profile is up to date or you have a relevant portfolio, include the link.

Additional Elements for Printed Letters

If you are submitting a printed cover letter or a formal PDF attachment, you should also include:

• The date -- Written in full (e.g., February 20, 2026), placed below your contact information.
• Employer's contact information -- The hiring manager's name, their title, company name, and company address. This goes below the date and above your salutation.

Cover Letter Header Format Options

There is no single correct layout for a cover letter header, but there are several widely accepted formats. Choose one that fits your industry and personal style.

1. Centered Header

Your name is centered at the top in a larger font size, with contact details listed on one or two lines beneath it, also centered. This format is clean and modern, and works especially well when paired with a matching resume design. It is a popular choice for creative and corporate roles alike.

2. Left-Aligned Header

All information is aligned to the left margin. Your name appears at the top, followed by each piece of contact information on its own line. This is the most traditional format and is appropriate for conservative industries such as law, finance, and government.

3. Two-Column Header

Your name sits on the left side, while your contact details are aligned to the right. This creates a balanced, modern look that makes efficient use of horizontal space. It is a strong option when you want your header to feel contemporary without being unconventional.

4. Inline Header

Your name is on one line, and all contact details follow on a single line below, separated by pipes (|) or bullet points. For example: Jane Smith followed by 555-123-4567 | jane.smith@email.com | Chicago, IL. This compact format works well for email cover letters and digital submissions where space is at a premium.

Matching Your Cover Letter Header to Your Resume

One of the most effective ways to make your application look polished is to use the same header design on both your cover letter and your resume. When a hiring manager views both documents, a consistent header creates visual cohesion that signals attention to detail and professionalism.

To achieve this, keep the following elements consistent across both documents:

• Font family and font sizes for your name and contact information
• Color scheme, if you use any accent colors
• Layout and alignment of header elements
• Spacing and line height

If you build your resume using EasyResume's resume builder, you can easily replicate the header styling in your cover letter to create a unified application package.

Digital vs. Printed Cover Letter Headers

The format of your header should adapt slightly depending on how you submit your application.

Digital Submissions (Email or Online Portal)

For digital applications, keep the header concise. You do not need to include the employer's mailing address or the date, since the email or portal submission will timestamp your application automatically. Focus on your name, phone, email, and location. If pasting your cover letter into an email body, a simple inline header works best.

Printed or Formal PDF Submissions

For printed letters, follow the full formal business letter format. Include the date and the recipient's complete contact information. This format is less common today but is still expected in certain industries, particularly government, academia, and some legal settings.

Cover Letter Header Examples

Example 1: Modern Centered Header

A centered header with the name in bold 16-point font, followed by a single line containing the phone number, email, and city separated by vertical bars. This style pairs well with modern resume templates and is appropriate for most industries.

Example 2: Traditional Left-Aligned Header

The applicant's name in bold at the top left, followed by the phone number on the next line, then the email, then the city and state. Below a blank line, the date appears, followed by the employer's name, title, company, and address. This format is ideal for formal applications.

Example 3: Two-Column Header

The name appears on the left in a large font. On the right side, the phone number, email, LinkedIn URL, and location are stacked neatly. A thin horizontal line separates the header from the body of the letter. This layout makes excellent use of space and looks professional in PDF format.

Common Cover Letter Header Mistakes to Avoid

1. Using an unprofessional email address -- Addresses like partyguy99@email.com undermine your credibility immediately. Create a dedicated professional email if needed.
2. Including irrelevant personal information -- Do not add your age, marital status, or social security number to your header. This information is unnecessary and inappropriate for a job application.
3. Omitting contact information -- A header without a phone number or email makes it difficult for the employer to reach you. Always double-check that your contact details are complete and accurate.
4. Using inconsistent formatting -- If your resume uses a serif font and your cover letter uses a sans-serif font, the mismatch will be noticeable. Keep formatting consistent.
5. Making the header too large -- Your header should be prominent but not overwhelming. If it takes up more than a quarter of the page, it is too large and is eating into space you need for your actual content.

Tips for a Standout Cover Letter Header

A well-crafted header is just the beginning of a strong cover letter. Once your header is in place, the rest of your letter needs to be equally compelling. For a complete guide on writing the full letter, check out our article on how to write a cover letter.

Remember that your cover letter and resume work together as a package. Building both documents with EasyResume's resume builder ensures consistency in design and formatting, so your entire application looks cohesive and professional from header to closing signature.

Keep your header clean, complete, and consistent with your resume. It is a small detail, but in a competitive job market, small details make the difference between landing an interview and getting passed over.