show textarea line breaks after a post

I am designing a job-posting site and when the user fills in the application form and clicks submit an email is sent out.  I have two text area tags that require the user to paste his/her cover letter and resume.  When the email is received, the line breaks are ignored and therefore the outcome doesn't look pretty.

I am aware there are sites where one can preview what his or her cover letter and resume will look like one the receiving end.  Does anyone know the steps I need to take or a third party program that format the information?

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

RCorr