Type your name and address. Write the current date (month, day, year). Write the name and address of the person you are contacting. Write a salutation to the reader.
Write a brief introduction paragraph (no more than two or three sentences) describing yourself and stating your credentials.
Write the body paragraphs. Write one or two sentences describing your strengths. Write one to three sentences explaining your reasons for making an application for the job or school. Conclude the paragraph with a strong statement clarifying why you chose a particular company or school by mentioning something about the institution that impresses you.
Write a concluding paragraph. Write a concluding statement reiterating your strengths and follow-up with a second sentence calling on the reader to respond in some way, either with a face-to-face interview, phone call or written reply (include a phone number and email address where you can be reached). Write a final sentence thanking the reader for his time.
Sign the letter.