Before Writing

• Research the potential employer to develop a thorough understanding of their business practices. While it is not a good idea to pull phrases word-for-word from their business literature, you can get an idea about the potential employer's business philosophy, so that you can frame your cover letter with that mindset. Understanding what the potential employer values in their product and in an employee of their company will better enable you to customize your cover letter to their needs.
  
  

Formatting

• Cover letters should follow a standard format. As with the resume, include your contact information at the top. It is a good idea to coordinate the formatting of your contact information with that of your resume, as these two documents are usually reviewed as a set. This being a letter, it should be addressed to an individual. Avoid using generic terms, as it shows a lack of preparation. Instead, make certain that you know who specifically the hiring manager is, and address it to that individual. Business letters should be concise, no more than one page, and should be formatted in a professional fashion. That means avoid using fancy fonts and images, and do print on white paper.
  
  

Style

• The tone of the business letter should be formal, but you also want to get across that you have expertise in your desired position. Write in the first-person and construct your sentences boldly. If you possess certain skills or have been awarded certifications, don't just casually state these facts -- declare them. Your statements about your job qualifications should show a high level of confidence in your abilities. It can even border on boastful, as long as you keep the bragging within reason. The cover letter should communicate in no uncertain terms that you are right for the job.
  
  

Tips

• When writing business letters, it can be easy to fall into the trap of overusing jargon. While it may be understood perfectly by the potential employer, jargon is often empty of meaning. When expressing skills and qualifications, be as descriptive as possible, as it will more clearly paint a picture of your abilities than jargon ever could.
  
  Consider reading cover letter samples on the Internet. If you are finding yourself short on ideas, reading what others have written can often jump start your efforts.