Always include a cover letter with your résumé, even if you present it in person.

Address the letter to an individual, not "to whom it may concern." Call the organization and obtain the correct name and title if you do not have that information.

Always personalize each cover letter, drawing upon information you have researched about the organization and how your skills and experience would fit within the organization. Mass mailings rarely produce positive results!

Remember that cover letters are bridges between what you have to offer and what employers indicate they need. Use their job description to formulate your letter, using the exact terminology used in the job posting to sell your abilities.

Be concise and attempt to gain the attention of the reader by highlighting the qualifications that you have and they need!

Focus on what the employer seeks, not on what you want from the employer/job.

If you worked while going to school this shows initiative. Include the percentage you contributed to your educational costs on your cover letter/résumé.

Indicate your ability to relocate.

Ensure that your letter is business format, error free, laser printed on quality paper which complements or matches your résumé. For an added touch, use a matching envelope and send the cover letter and résumé in a full size 10 x 12 envelope.

Edit and proofread you letter and have at least one other person do the same, checking for misspellings, omissions, and improper grammar.

Critique you letter for content, clarity, relevance to the job and interest to the reader.

Make sure that your stage-two (sales pitch) matches the job advertisement. Emphasize those required skills you do have first, along with your related accomplishments and other relevant skills.

Include your phone number(s) in the final paragraph "if you have any questions please feel free to contact me at 231.591.1234."

Sign the letter in a fine tip black marker or pen.

Keep a copy for your files - always build on and learn from previous letters.

Enclosures (work samples, brochures, reports, etc.) that demonstrate your success at or abilities to do a particular job responsibility make a strong statement.

If asked for a salary range - use the low end 10% above your last salary level. If this is a new field for you, check the help wanted ads or consult the FSU Graduate Follow-up Study for reported salary ranges.