The format of this document is usually formal and is supposed to follow the conventional Writing style. The cover letter should not contain more than 200 to 250 words. While writing a cover letter you have to keep in mind the word limit and start with introduction, further highlight few aspects of your CV which relate to the job requirements. Also include any experience you have had that you haven’t included in the CV. The cover letter is supposed to be short and to the point so that the employer knows whether you are suitable for the job or not.

Described below are the factors involved in writing a Cover letter:

This is a formal document; hence the format would be of a formal business letter. On the top right corner you will include you name, address and contact details. Below this you will add the name and address of the person you are writing to. These details will be aligned left. The date is written next to the text written aligned to the right. The format for the date is City, Date Month, Year; New York, 12^th August 2010. Many people do not write the place they are writing from, this is not obligatory. Begin the cover letter with ‘Dear’ and then the title of the person you are addressing the letter to; example Mr. Mrs. or Dr. Add the surname of the person and continue with the body of the letter.

If you leave a blank line between the name and the first line of the paragraph, only then you will start with a capital letter in the next line, otherwise you will add comma after their name and start without capitalization of the first word of the next line; example

When you are not sure of the name of the person you need to contact for the job you will start writing the cover letter as follows:

As a rule, your letter will end with Yours Sincerely if you have the name of the person you are writing to and Yours Faithfully if you do not have the details. Otherwise Yours Truly can be used for both cases.

The cover letter will start off with the job post you are referring to and where you saw it. The second paragraph will include your skills, experience and your suitability for the job. Do not repeat what is mentioned in your CV. Although you will be writing the cover letter in a formal format, make it a little personal and write everything in relation to the ad you are replying to. The third paragraph will have your reason for applying for the vacancy and how you can contribute to the company. The last paragraph will sign off by mentioning when you are available for the interview and also that you are looking forward to further communication from the employer.

The CV and the CL should be on A4 paper. If it is an email, then just mention what you are attaching with the mail and a request for confirmation of receipt. If there is no reply from the employer’s end for almost two weeks, contact them and ask for feedback.