Cover why you are sending your resume: specific position; type of position.
Mention how you learned about the position: flyer; web site; friend.
Convince the reader to look at your resume: write well!
Call attention to elements of your background that are relevant to the position.
Reflect you: attitude; personality; motivation; enthusiasm; communication skills...intelligence (don't forget to edit).
Provide/refer to specifically requested information in the job description that might not be covered in your resume: availability date; reference to attachments.
Indicate your follow-up actions: contact within certain time to check if additional info is needed; or to learn more about upcoming opportunities in the organization if not inquiring about specific position.

Things to Think About

Address the qualifications you think are the most important and how you feel you meet or exceed them. Think about the skills required for the job duties instead of the duties themselves. Even if you don't have direct experience in a particular position, you may have a similar experience through another activity.

Research the company: website; call for info & brochures; school career center; employees. Highlight your skills and values that match the company's.

The qualifications for the same position may differ from company to company.

Show knowledge of the company, but don't let it dominate the letter.

After writing the letter, put it away for a couple of days and then reread with a fresh perspective. Ask friends and family for suggestions, too.

Organization

Heading: name; address; phone, email; date; company address.
Introduction: greeting ("Dear Mr./Ms. XXX"), followed by a statement of who you are and why you're writing.
Argument: why you're qualified; proof you're qualified; what sets you apart from other candidates (accomplishments, awards, special projects).
Closing: informs reader when you will contact them and thanks them, followed by a salutation and signature.

Format

Single space lines, double space between paragraphs.
Double space between heading and greeting.
Triple space between your salutation (e.g. "Sincerely") and typed name, and sign your name between them.
Use standard margins, such as 1 inch around all sides.
Vertically center the letter -- the space at top and bottom should be the same.

Helpful Links

Visit Florida State University's Letter Writing Guide. It has suggestions for organizing your letter writing campaign, Dos and Dont's, formats and other types of letters. Very helpful!

Purdue's Online Writing Lab also has a very informative question-and-answer format section on cover letters.

OWL also has a good section on Editing Business Writing.

If you are a minor, once you get a job, you need to apply for a work permit, which allows an employer to hire you. If you get a new job, you must apply for a new work permit. The work permit office, at 555 Portola Dr, Rm 380, is open 8:00am-4:30pm Monday through Friday. Permits are issued on the day of application if applying in person, but can be obtained through the mail if you submit all required materials:

Completed Application: with employer's insurer and signature and your parent/guardian signature.
Social Security Card: or photocopy or receipt for duplicate card.
Proof of Age: birth certificate, passport, California ID card.
Proof of School Attendance: current school ID, locator card or report card.

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