Things to keep in mind ....

1. Keep it short, sweet, and to the point. There is rarely any reason a cover letter should be over a page in length.

2. However, there is nothing worse than cramming too much on a single page. Keep your margins at one inch, keep your font size comfortable to the reader (11 or 12 point, depending on the style of font) -- then go to two pages only if you absolutely have to.

3. Letters that are strictly formal are BORING! Try to put as much of your personality into your use of language as you can.

4. Do some research on the company before you write the letter, then use that information to your advantage. For example, if a company has been in the news recently, tell about how this made an impact on you.

5. Nobody can proofread his/her own work immediately after writing it. You know what it's supposed to say, so you read it that way. Put the letter away for a day or so, then look at it again with a fresh eye to see what kind of impression it makes.

6. Have a friend review the letter before you send it off.