First of all, the cover letter most always accompanies your resume.  If in doubt, assume that you must send a cover letter.  It is placed on top of the resume packet.  Many job ads request a cover letter or a letter of interest.  If your resume is faxed, also include a cover letter which will be faxed first.  Thus, your cover letter is what the employer will see first, and it must make a good impression. 

The cover letter serves as an introduction to your resume.  The cover letter allows you to connect your skills and abilities to those which are requested in the job ad.  Do not assume that the employer can make this connection.  Perhaps your resume does not explain how your experience as a cashier in a fast food restaurant relates to a customer service position in an office.  The cover letter gives you a chance to spell out how the demands of dealing with the public as a cashier could be transferred to a different setting.   Another example would be detailing for an employer how your experiences as a teacher may be just what are needed in order to be able to be effective in the position of community outreach worker.  Try to include language from the ad in your letter.  If the ad requests someone who “pays attention to detail”, use this language and perhaps give an example of how you have done this in a previous job or situation.

The cover letter can also be thought of as an advertising tool promoting you.  You must be able to convince the employer that you are just the person who can do the job.  Be very positive about yourself. 

The letter can be set up as follows:

• Use a business format and use Mr./Ms. or Dear Sir or Madam:

• The first paragraph includes your interest in the position and where you found the ad (or, if through a friend, mention that person’s name).

• The second paragraph addresses the language of the ad and how your experience matches that requested. 

• You may have an additional paragraph further detailing your accomplishments or other relevant points which you can bring to the employer. Try not to repeat details  which are already on your resume.

• The last paragraph closes the letter, and here you can ask for the opportunity to discuss the position further in an interview.  You state that you will call (at the end of next week) to set up an appointment for an interview.