I.  Determine Expectations of Readers

A.  A "Cover" Letter? (Most Common)

1.  One Page
2.  Basic Purpose:  Provide Context for and Explicate a Résumé

B.  An "Application" Letter?

1.  May Mean Considerably more than 1 Page
2.  Detailed Analysis of Background and Experience
3.  Statement of Philosophy
4.  Biographical

C.  Rule of Thumb:  The more prestigious the position the more likely the need for a more involved letter.

II.  The Basic Cover Letter

A.  The First Paragraph

1.  Establish a confident but not arrogant tone
2.  Sound excited by what's in it for you but also what's in it for them
3.  Try to connect with the reader or readers but avoid gimmicks
4.  Explain how you came to apply for the position?

a.  If it's obvious to your readers?  Probably not necessary
b.  If it demonstrates a knowledge or a connection to the organization that will impress your reader

5.  Make clear the position you're applying for
6.  Give a brief overview of qualifications
7.  Keep it short:  6 lines or so, the max

B.  Middle Paragraph(s)

1.  Highlight a few of your experiences or some aspect of training that are relevant to the organization and that would make you seem like a good candidate
2.  Demonstrate your knowledge of the organization and of your field
3.  As you do this, refer to your enclosed résumé:  "As my enclosed résumé demonstrates,"  etc.

C.  Final Paragraph

1.  Request an interview if appropriate
2.  Inform reader where you can be reached a
3. Indicate that you will follow up, when requesting an informational interview