Prepare a cover letter.

Preparation of a cover letter should include

• appropriate business-letter format
• three or four short paragraphs emphasizing salient points in the résumé
• indication that the writer knows something about the company
• indication of whether the job search is confidential and why the applicant is interested in employment
• ability to properly address the letter to an appropriate individual at the business.

Process/Skill Questions:

• What is the purpose of a cover letter?
• How can a cover letter enhance the résumé?
• Is it acceptable to use an email message as a cover letter?
• Why is it important to send a cover letter and résumé in the format preferred by the employer?