A cover letter should always accompany your résumé. It could be considered the most important part of your application because it is a personalized marketing tool as well as your introduction to the employer. It is not a summary of your résumé! Instead, your cover letter gives you the opportunity to identify your interest and explain how your qualifications “fit” with the position and organization. Don't forget to request an interview.

Sample Cover Letters - Click on this link to review sample cover letters. Use these samples as a guide. 
Tips and Suggestions - Before you begin writing your cover letter, review these quick tips.

PARTS OF A COVER LETTER
Divided into three or four short paragraphs, the cover letter should address the following:

1.  INTRODUCTION:  Why you are writing

·  To apply for a specific job or to inquire about existing openings.

·  Mention how you learned about the job and/or organization.

2.  BODY:  Qualifications and “fit”

·  Highlight and expand upon those qualifications that are important for the position.

·  Note your unique accomplishments related to the job description.

For example: “As a student teacher at Selinsgrove Middle School, I accomplished…” or “By interning at Goldman Sachs, I developed…”

·  Devote one paragraph to each point or skill.

·  Most career professionals recommend having between one to three paragraphs for the body.

·  Without key selling points your résumé may never even get a glance.

3.  CONCLUSION:  Request an interview

·  Either directly or indirectly ask for an interview; you may state that you will follow-up by phone.

·  Mention that your résumé is enclosed or attached and thank the employer for considering you.

Should you tell the employer you’ll call to schedule an interview? There is mixed advice surrounding this issue. Some say that employers have to sift through 1000’s of résumés and don’t have time to take calls only to tell job seekers, “We are accepting applications until the position is filled. We will contact you for an interview if we are interested.” Others say “Let employers know that you are eager to learn more about the company and that you are a motivated go-getter.” The answer may depend on your career field. 

4.  FINAL CLOSING:  Some choices

·   Sincerely,

·   Very truly yours,

·   Best regards,

·   Warm regards,

Don’t forget the comma. Be sure to sign the letter and print “Enclosure: Résumé” if you did not reference an enclosed or attached résumé in your closing paragraph.