Okay, so, my resume is just fine.
My problem is, I don't have a cover letter.
I've never really written one up because frankly I've never understood the point and think they're kinda stupid. Unfortunately, I suppose other people do think they're important.

Soooo, uh....how the hell do you write one?
Because there's two pharmaceutical companies I'm eyeballing [for very low level entry work]. What do I say? "Hi. My name is X. I am seeking employment. I can do this and this, and a little bit of that, and here's my resume. Bye."

More generally, get across in slightly more formal language the same ideas you would be trying to get across in an interview. But not too long because HR people do not medicate their ADHD in order to get through as many apps as possible. Bis's order for these is a good one but not necessarily set in stone.

ObRandomThought: HR app reading is like a con slush party.

I like to introduce myself in the first paragraph with my qualifications:

My name is Pants McPantson, and I am a [recent graduate of School/skilled technician/experienced supply-chain manager/spin yourself with your self-label here]. I am seeking employment with a [established/up and coming/fast paced/industry leader/describe your target in flattering terms] company that can offer me a position where I can expand my knowledge and skills in [area], and I think [target company] would be an excellent opportunity.

I then follow it with a paragraph that quickly mentions my qualifications/experience and uses these to show my virtues. If the job posting mentions certain words, use them or close synonyms. So, if the posting says they are looking for someone who can multitask in a fast paced environment, mention a job or class that had you do this and state you can do it. Explain what they can get from you.

If it will fit as one paragraph, also explain why you are excited about this position. Talk about what motivates you (Satisfaction of completing a project or putting things in order. Fulfillment from helping others. Enjoyment of learning new things. Pride in learning and then doing a job well, doing it better than anyone else.) and point out how you see this job as an opportunity to do that, how this company in particular can help you do that. Do some research on the company and figure out how they see themselves, and spend a sentence or two tying your motivations into their key words. So if they are about innovation, talk about how you would love to be at an innovative company where you can always be learning new things. If they are all about customer service, talk about how you really feel fulfilled from helping others. Essentially, show them that your virtues and their corporate character are a good match.

Finally, thank them for their time and let them know they can contact you, and close with your contact info.

Some tips:

• SPELL CHECK. Read-check too. For example, spell check didn't catch me using "TNR is acceptably" right below, when it should have been "acceptable".
• Read it through. Does it flow well?
• CUSTOMIZE your cover letter to each job posting.
• Have a nice format. Don't use silly fonts. Times New Roman is acceptable, but try Tahoma or Verdana or Arial or Helvetica.
• For the love of god use a good email address. janesmith@gmail.com is better than janesmith@yahoo.com, and both are better than blackspiraldancergrrrl89@yahoo.com.
• FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS when it is time to submit your application. Do they want a cover letter and resume as one document attached to an email sent to hr@company.com? Do that. Do they want you to use their online submission system? Do that. Do they want you to paste the content of your cover letter into the body of the email and attach your resume as a PDF? Do that. Do they want you to mail in paper copies, postmarked by a certain date? Become familiar with the post offices in your area, which are open latest/earliest and will give the right postmark date, and DO THAT. It may mean you have half a dozen copies of resume and cover letter on your hard drive, in PDF, .doc, and .rtf, CL and resume separate and together. That's fine.
  
• Finally, amuse yourself for an evening reading online editorials by HR professionals lamenting the common mistakes they see in applications. Helpful and full of schadenfreudey goodness.

Here is a copy of one of my old cover letters. I'll post some more tonight. This one is a very general version, suitable for customization for specific postings.



edit: thought of another point. Also, fixed formatting in sample CL.

I don't have any advice to add to the already excellent collection, but if you'd like a proofreader I'm happy to help out!