Make sure that you are concise, to the point, and legible. If you are replying to an advertisement, start your letter, 'I would like to apply for the position of ... as advertised in Dry Cleaning News'. The second paragraph should describe your educational background and experience. The covering letter is an introduction to the resume, so it should concentrate on the areas that best qualify you for the job, highlighting certain points that are not detailed in the resume. For example, if you are applying for the job of Assistant Editor at Dry Cleaning News, and you have worked in a laundromat, draw attention to it by saying 'You will see from my resume that I have some experience of such and such ...' Close the paragraph by talking yourself up a bit, saying that you think you are well-qualified and could make an important contribution to the team.

In the third paragraph, mention that you are enclosing all relevant material, are available for interview at any time, and look forward to hearing from them. Finish with 'Yours sincerely' (if you have addressed the person by name), 'Yours faithfully' (if the letter starts 'Dear Sir', or Dear Madam'). It is always a good idea to find out the name of the person you are applying to, as it makes the letter more personal. If you are applying on spec, this is essential. Your letter should be on one side of an A4 sheet. Anything longer will be read without concentration. Do not waffle: an application letter should always be to the point, but never more so than when dealing with Americans, who pride themselves on their ability to get down to business quickly. Make sure that you read advertisements carefully. If it asks for a handwritten letter, don't type it: recruiters are not impressed by inability to follow the simplest instruction.

In the USA it is common for the sender to put their address in the top left-hand corner of the envelope.

It is sometimes the custom to write a letter after an interview, thanking your interviewer for taking the time to see you, and reiterating your interest in the job. If you have gone to see someone for advice as a result of an on-spec letter, you must thank them, but after a formal interview for an advertised job it is not necessary. A letter will make no difference to their decision.