Cover Letter

While writing cover letters may seem complex, don't overthink it. It is a letter of introduction that allows you to have the hiring person's complete attention, and you merely need to speak clearly and simply in your own voice. Likewise, don't consider a cover letter a mere mechanical exercise; it is the initial document that represents you when you're not present for an interview. As such, the cover letter can't appear to be text copied off a web site.

Ideally, the cover letter shows five things: Your intelligence, your maturity, the fact you do your research, your awareness of the job, and you're interest in it.

First off, the intelligence and research thing:

Address the letter to the person who is doing the hiring. If the name is unknown, do the research, and if nothing else, provide the hiring title. It's much better to use the hiring title, rather than merely ”To Whom It May Concern.”
Check his or her title (Mr., Ms., Mrs., etc.)
Check the spelling of his or her name. Hiring folk take a dim view of someone who can't even be bothered to spell their name correctly.
Check the spelling of the hiring organization.

Next, job awareness and your interest in pursuing it:

Express which job you're applying for. If this is from a listing in JobSearch, there may be several positions open at the same organization.
Make a statement that shows the letter is not just a response to an ad. Express interest, that you've given some consideration towards this application.
Write in original words; don’t copy and paste from a Googled form. Potential employers are looking for knowledge, enthusiasm, focus, and commitment.

The cover letter should be one page, consisting of three or four brief paragraphs:

First Paragraph: Answer the reader’s question, ”Why am I reading this?” Play the name game: Note any connection such as, ”Patrick suggested that I contact you regarding...”, and then note the job being applied for.
Second and Third Paragraphs: Describe your strengths and skills, and how they apply to the position being sought.
Highlight a relevant job or experience that tested these abilities, and describe how you met the challenge.
Final Paragraph: Rather than ”I will wait for your call,” indicate that a call or e-mail will follow to check on the status of the application. Arrange a meeting if that’s appropriate.

Final Cover Letter Thoughts

Many of the unwritten rules for resume presentation are also applicable to cover letters.

Make certain the font choice and document layout follow typical letter convention. Don't use wacky fonts, don't lay the document out upside down.
If colored paper is considered, carefully consider the decision, and what it may imply.
If possible, hand-sign the document. Even if it then scanned and sent electronically, it shows time and effort was taken to produce the document.