Is there value in an e-mail cover letter? Yes, and employers do read them. Even when sent via e-mail, cover letters are expected to be of the same quality as conventional, mailed letters. Here are some guidelines to follow.

Subject line

If responding to an advertisement, follow instructions on what to put in the subject line – often a specific job code or title.

If you have not been told what to put in the subject line, use a clear-cut statement, such as applying for a job. Vague subject lines or none at all may result in your message being deleted before it is read.

When e-mailing

• Check the ad for specific instructions on what information to include, as well as where and how to include it.
  
  
• Clearly label attachments
  
  
  • Provide options
    When in doubt, send more than one format. (Microsoft Word and ASCII are recommended).
    
    
  • Name your attachments
    Include your name in each attachment, i.e., Sam_Smith_Resume.doc, to make it easier to find once filed.
    
    
  • Describe file formats
    Indicate the file formats you have attached, i.e., “My Microsoft Word and ASCII resumes are attached.”
  
  
• File a copy. Use the BCC (blind carbon copy) feature to provide yourself a copy. Or, go to your sent items folder and file the e-mail with all other correspondence.
  
  
• Provide the reader with your contact information, including telephone numbers. Use your email program's signature feature to automatically include it.
  
  
• Spell and grammar check before hitting the send button.