Acknowledge the skills required by the position. State the skills/strengths you will bring to the job and which parallel those needed to fill the position.

Give examples of your skills and work experience--quantified results, accomplishments, achievements-- and how they will transfer to the job.

If you are still in school or a recent grad, explain how your academic background makes you a qualified candidate for the position.

Try not to repeat the same information the reader will find in the resume, but may expand on it.

You may wish to break this section into several short paragraphs that separate and emphasize your skills and strengths or "bullet" (•) your qualifications for easy reading.

Refer to documents enclosed or available, such as your resume, reference letters, a portfolio or work samples.

Assert yourself by telling the contact person you will call him/her within a designated period of time to set up an interview OR state that you are available for a personal interview at his/her earliest convenience.

Make it easy for the person to contact you; list one or two phone numbers (in bold print) and days and times when you can be reached (especially important if you are still a student and are in classes during the day). If you aren't home during day, invest in an answering machine.