One-Size Doesn't Fit All

• Write a new, original cover letter for each job application. Educate yourself about the company and the specific job you'll be doing, and direct your cover letter content to address that information. Specific required information for the letter includes how you learned about the employment opening or the reason you selected the organization for a letter of inquiry. Target the reason you're pursuing a career with the company. Simply stating you need a job does not provide a compelling reason for the reader to continue. State at least one specific reason why you believe you are the perfect candidate for this specific job at this company.
  
  

Use Standard Formatting

• Your cover letter shouldn't be the time to use creative formatting to gain attention. Hard-copy cover letters should allow 1- to 1.5-inch right and left page margins. Arial, Times New Roman and Calibri font styles make for easy reading. Use 10- to 12-point font and keep the font and size consistent within the letter for both hard copy and online submissions. The actual size varies with the font style and can be adjusted to make the letter look more appealing. Select a font style that matches the font used for the résumé, although the two need not exactly match.
  
  

Be Specific

• Note the specific job you're interested in and where you learned about the job opening. Examine the job posting or advertisement carefully to get the details correct. If you're applying for a certificated teaching position and a certificated teaching assistant position is also open, your cover letter should provide the specific job title, or opening number, so your application arrives on the appropriate desk or email mailbox.
  
  

Avoid Repeating Your Résumé

• Your résumé provides the details of your education and experience. Don't regurgitate the same information in the cover letter. The cover letter should encourage the reader to want to look at your résumé to research additional information about you. A simple retelling cover letter lacks interest. Let the reader know why your experience is perfect for the company and the specific job opening. The letter should also provide the reasons why the employer should select you.
  
  

Solicit Other Opinions

• Your cover letter may appear to be a masterpiece when you've finished, but soliciting outside input is important to testing the text and letter for the impact. The letter may be your best work, but others might supply valuable suggestions to make the document even better. Ask your friends and teachers to read and make comments on your letter. Search out professional opinions from career centers, both school and community, and from others who may work in the industry of the employment opening.