First Impressions are essential. Your cover letter should be confident, upbeat, professional, and personal.
Tailor your resume to the specific organization and needs of the employer. Do not write a form cover letter. Employers want to see initiative, excitement, and personality. A form letter is easily singled out and usually thrown out. Personalize, personalize, personalize.
Address the letter to a specific person. If you do not know who is responsible for hiring, check with the Career Services office or call the organization's switchboard.
Research each organization to show your appropriate knowledge in a company you want to represent. The Internet is a great tool for gathering information about government or business employers. Networking is the best tool.
Use professional stationary which is the same color, weight, and texture as your resume. White, off-white, and light gray are appropriate colors. Print your resume on a laser printer and don't forget to sign your name.
Follow through is essential. The career search is like golf: it's all in the follow through!
