Consider this step-by-step, paragraph-by-paragraph tutorial as you look at the Sample Cover Letters in the Cover Letter Toolbox.

1. The cover letter begins with your mailing address.

2. Next comes the date on which you plan to mail the cover letter.

3. Next comes the name, title, and address of the person to whom you are sending the cover letter.

4. Next comes the salutation or greeting, followed by a colon. In the absence of an academic title for a woman (e.g. "Dr.") use "Ms." Never address the person by first name in the salutation -- always Dr., Mr., or Ms.

5. The first paragraph of the cover letter begins with a straightforward statement about which position you are applying for. The school, business, or organization may have multiple openings and the administrative assistant, human resources director, or principal needs to know right away which position you are applying for so he/she can categorize the letter appropriately. Next, you need to indicate how you came to know of the position. If you were referred to the position by someone within the school, business, or organization, drop that person's name and title, so as to create a reference by association. If you found the opening posted on a website or within a newspaper, cite the website or the date of the paper. (Schools, businesses, and organizations often advertise in several venues and your indication of where you saw the position gives them feedback about where their advertising dollar is best spent.) Then indicate your general qualifications for the position, referencing your specific degree and concentration, eligibility for certification, and date of graduation (if applicable).

6. The second paragraph of the cover letter hits some of the highlights of your resume and may also reveal additional information about you that requires narrative explanation beyond the confines of the resume with its emphasis on brief, bulleted statements. In Sample Cover Letter A of the Cover Letter Toolbox, note how the writer spends a little time discussing a unique use of American Sign Language in the teaching of non-hearing-impaired students.  Make sure you use the language and terminology of your profession appropriately in context. You may also indicate what about the school., business, or organization and you are a good fit. Whenever possible, give specific examples from your skills and work experience to illustrate claims about your skills and abilities.

7. The last paragraph of the cover letter states the obvious -- you welcome the opportunity for an interview. This is a good place to give further detail about your availability. For instance, if you plan on traveling immediately after graduation, you may want to indicate the window of time in the near future when you can be reached at a phone number different from the one listed on your resume. If you have a portfolio you plan on sending with the application, give some explanation of the contents and remind the reader that he/she need not return it to you. If you plan on using the portfolio during the interview, mention that you look forward to sharing examples of your lesson and classroom management plans in the interview. Close the paragraph with a statement like this: "Thank you for considering my interest in serving the students, parents, and staff of Lakewood High School."

8. Double space and then close with either "Sincerely" or "Cordially." Then leave approximately four spaces for your signature, followed by your name. Make sure you sign your cover letter before mailing it. "Enclosure" is a business letter convention that indicates other materials (resume, transcript, application, etc.) are enclosed in the envelope.