Job search letters, including letters of inquiry, thank you notes, academic cover letters, and cover letters are essential to a successful employment search. The Purdue Owl Job Search Letters site addresses each in detail and provides step-by-step guidance in crafting persuasive correspondence.  An overview of the cover letter and its parts is as follows:  

Cover Letter Formatting and Parts

FORMATTING: The basic format of a cover letter is that of a business letter.  Standard margins, aligned to the left.  Indent first line of each paragraph. 

Length: Keep to one page. 

Spacing:

• Single space your letter
• Leave a space between addresses and dates in the heading
• Leave a space between your heading (contact info) and greeting (Dear ...)
• Leave a space between each paragraph
• Leave at least three spaces between  your complimentary close (Sincerely...) and typed name
• Sign your name in ink between the complimentary close and your typed name

PARTS: Four basic parts of a cover letter: Heading, Introduction, Argument/Body, Closing. 

Heading:

• Your contact information
• Date you are writing the letter
• Address of the company

Introduction (Paragraph 1): 

• Greet the specific person with whom you are corresponding
• State the position for which you are applying and where you heard about it
• Name drop if you have a good connection
• State why you believe you are a good match, including 2-3 key qualifications you will address in the rest of your letter (that will also match your resume)

 Argument/Body (Paragraph 2 and MAYBE 3):

• Tailor cover letter for each job application.
• Focus each paragraph on one qualification that shows you are a good match for the job and organization.
• Give specific examples to prove where you got these skills and how you have used them before.
• Tell a story; do not just list your skills.
• Refer to your resume; do not repeat it.
• Do not use contractions.

Closing (Final Paragraph)

• Close with a strong reminder of why you are a good match for the job and the organization.
• Request an interview in some way.
• Provide contact information.
• Thank the person for reading your material.
• Sign your name and print it underneath.