Cover letters are important documents that accompany a job application. They serve as an introduction to the candidate and provide an opportunity to highlight their relevant skills and experiences. A well-written cover letter can help a candidate stand out in a crowded field of applicants.

One aspect of a cover letter that is often overlooked is the enclosure. An enclosure is a document that is included with the cover letter, such as a resume, writing sample, or other supporting materials. The purpose of the enclosure is to provide additional information that supports the candidate’s qualifications.

In this article, we will delve into the definition and purpose of an enclosure in a cover letter. We will explore the various types of documents that can be included as enclosures, and provide tips on how to effectively use them to strengthen your application. By the end of this article, you will have a clear understanding of what an enclosure is and how to use it to your advantage in your job search.

Where to Include Enclosures

When it comes to including enclosures in your cover letter, it’s important to know where to include them based on the type of cover letter you will be using. Here are the different places to include enclosures depending on the type of cover letter you are using:

A. Electronic Cover Letters

Email: If you are submitting your cover letter via email, you can include the enclosure either in the body of the email or as an attachment. If you choose to include it as an attachment, make sure to mention it in the body of your email as well.
Online Submission Forms: Some companies may require you to submit your cover letter through an online submission form. In this case, there may be a designated section where you can upload your enclosure.

B. Physical Cover Letters

Mailing: If you are mailing your cover letter, you can include the enclosure by stapling it to the cover letter or placing it in the same envelope. Make sure to mention in your cover letter that you have enclosed additional materials.
Hand Delivery: If you are hand delivering your cover letter, you can either staple the enclosure to the cover letter or include it in a separate folder or envelope.

Remember, including enclosures can be a great way to provide additional information about yourself to potential employers, but make sure to only include relevant and necessary materials.

Types of Enclosures

When submitting a cover letter, you may be required to include various types of enclosures. These can include a resume, CV, references, writing samples, certifications, relevant projects, and other supporting documents. In this section, we will go through each of these types in detail to help you understand what they are and how to include them in your cover letter.

A. Resume

A resume is a document that summarizes your work experience, education, and relevant skills. It is typically a one-page document that showcases your professional accomplishments and provides a quick overview of your qualifications. When including your resume as an enclosure in your cover letter, make sure it is up-to-date and relevant to the job you are applying for.

B. CV

A CV, or curriculum vitae, is a more comprehensive document than a resume. It includes not only your work experience and education but also publications, presentations, and other academic achievements. A CV is commonly used in academic or research settings and can be longer than two pages. If the job you are applying for requires a CV, be sure to include it as an enclosure in your cover letter.

C. References

When applying for a job, it’s important to have references who can attest to your professional capabilities. Including a list of references as an enclosure in your cover letter can demonstrate your preparedness and readiness to work with the company. Be sure to ask permission from your references before including them in your cover letter.

D. Writing Samples

If the job you are applying for involves writing or requires a specific writing style, including writing samples as enclosures in your cover letter can help demonstrate your skills. Choose samples that are relevant to the job and showcase your unique writing style.

E. Certifications

If you have certifications relevant to the job you are applying for, including them as enclosures in your cover letter can provide additional credibility to your application. These can be industry-specific certifications or general ones like CPR or First Aid.

F. Relevant Projects

If you have completed relevant projects in your field or have personal projects that demonstrate your skills, including them as enclosures in your cover letter can set you apart from other applicants. Be sure to explain the relevance of each project to the job you are applying for.

G. Other Supporting Documents

If there are other supporting documents that you believe can help showcase your qualifications for the job, including them as enclosures in your cover letter can be beneficial. These can include publications, awards, or other relevant materials.

When submitting a cover letter, including enclosures can help demonstrate your qualifications and professionalism. Be sure to choose the appropriate type of enclosure for the job you are applying for and ensure they are relevant and up-to-date.

Proper Formatting and Labeling for Enclosures

Enclosures are an important component of a cover letter and serve as a means to provide additional information to the recipient. To ensure that the enclosures are easily identified and understood, it is important to use proper formatting and labeling.

A. Labeling Guidelines

When labeling enclosures, it is important to use clear and concise language that accurately describes the enclosed documents. Use a descriptive title, such as “Resume” or “References,” to clearly indicate the type of document enclosed. Avoid using vague titles, such as “Documents,” which do not provide any meaningful information.

It is also important to number the enclosures to ensure that they are accounted for and that none are missing. Use a consistent numbering system, such as “Enclosure 1,” “Enclosure 2,” etc., and include the corresponding number in the cover letter or email. This will make it easier for the recipient to cross-reference the enclosed documents with the cover letter or email.

B. Location of the Label

The label for the enclosure should be placed either at the top or bottom of the document. If you choose to place the label at the top, center it and make it bold and slightly larger than the text in the body of the document. If you place the label at the bottom, align it with the left margin.

C. Aligning Multiple Enclosure Labels

If you are enclosing multiple documents, it is important to align the labels to make them easier to read and reference. Align the labels either horizontally or vertically, depending on the number of enclosures and the available space. Remember to number the enclosures in the order in which they appear in the cover letter or email.

For horizontal alignment, place the labels side-by-side and evenly spaced. For example:

Enclosure 1 Enclosure 2 Enclosure 3

For vertical alignment, stack the labels one on top of the other, aligned with the left margin. For example:

Enclosure 1 Enclosure 2 Enclosure 3

D. Placement of Enclosures in the Cover Letter

In the cover letter, mention the enclosed documents and briefly describe their contents. This will provide the recipient with an idea of what to expect and help them quickly locate the relevant information.

Place the enclosure label(s) after the closing and signature of the cover letter or email. This will ensure that the recipient sees the label(s) before they begin reviewing the enclosed documents.

Proper formatting and labeling of enclosures are essential in a cover letter. Use descriptive titles and consistent numbering, place the label at the top or bottom of the document, align multiple labels, and mention the enclosed documents in the cover letter. Following these guidelines will help ensure that the recipient can quickly and easily identify and review the enclosed documents.

Tips for Including Enclosures in a Cover Letter

When it comes to enclosing additional documents or materials with your cover letter, it’s important to follow some simple guidelines to ensure that you’re including the right information in the right way. Here are some key “do’s” and “don’ts” to keep in mind:

A. Do’s for Enclosing on Cover Letter

Keep It Relevant: Any materials you include with your cover letter should be directly related to the job you’re applying for. Whether it’s a writing sample, a project proposal, or a portfolio of your work, make sure that everything you include is relevant to the position and will help the hiring manager get a better sense of your skills and experience.
Label It Correctly: Make sure that any additional documents or materials you enclose are clearly labeled with a title or description that makes it clear what they are. This will help the hiring manager easily locate and review the materials as needed. Additionally, if you’re sending multiple documents, consider numbering them to help keep them organized.
Make It Easy to Access: Whether you’re submitting your materials electronically or physically, make sure that they’re easily accessible and available to the hiring manager. If you’re emailing your application, consider including links to your materials rather than attaching large files. If you’re sending a physical application, make sure the materials are neatly organized and easy to locate.

B. Don’ts for Enclosing on Cover Letter

Including Too Much Information: While it’s important to include any relevant materials that will help the hiring manager get a better sense of your skills and experience, you don’t want to overload them with unnecessary information. Stick to the most important and relevant materials, and avoid including anything that doesn’t directly support your application.
Forgetting to Label: It’s easy to get caught up in the process of assembling your application materials, but don’t forget to clearly label each document or material that you include. Without clear labeling, the hiring manager may not know what they’re looking at or how it relates to your application.
Including Unrelated Documents: Finally, make sure that any additional materials you include are directly related to the job you’re applying for. While your resume or cover letter might be tailored to multiple positions, any additional materials you include should be specific to the job at hand. Resist the temptation to include unrelated documents or materials that won’t help build your case for why you’re the best candidate for the position.

By following these simple guidelines for including enclosures with your cover letter, you’ll be able to present a clear and compelling case for your candidacy while making it easy for the hiring manager to review your application.

Common Mistakes to Avoid when Enclosing on Cover Letter

When creating a cover letter, it is important to avoid making common mistakes that can have a negative impact on your application. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when enclosing documents with your cover letter.

A. Wrong Document Type

One common mistake applicants make is enclosing the wrong type of document with their cover letter. For example, enclosing a resume when the employer only requested a cover letter can make you seem careless or unprofessional. Be sure to carefully read the job posting or application instructions to determine what documents are required.

B. Typos and Grammatical Errors

Another mistake to avoid when enclosing on your cover letter is having typos and grammatical errors. These mistakes can make you appear less credible and distract from the content of your application. Take time to proofread and edit your cover letter before submitting it.

C. Improper Formatting

Improper formatting is another mistake that applicants make on their cover letters. Using difficult to read fonts, too much bolding, or not enough white space can make your cover letter difficult to read. It is best to keep your cover letter simple, clean, and easy to read.

D. Not Including Contact Information

A final common mistake to avoid when enclosing documents with your cover letter is not including your contact information. This information should include your name, email address, phone number, and mailing address. You can include this information at the top of your cover letter or in the signature block. This allows the employer to easily contact you if they have any questions or want to schedule an interview.

By avoiding these common mistakes when enclosing your documents on your cover letter, you can increase your chances of making a positive impression with potential employers. Take the time to carefully review and edit your application materials to ensure that you are presenting yourself in the best possible light.

The Importance of Enclosure in a Cover Letter

A well-crafted cover letter is an essential part of any job application process. It serves as a marketing tool to showcase your qualifications, skills, and experience that make you the perfect candidate for the position. However, one aspect that is often overlooked by job seekers is the inclusion of enclosures in their cover letter. An enclosure refers to any additional documents that support your application, such as your resume or portfolio.

But why is the enclosure section so important, and what does it say about you as a candidate?

A. Shows Your Professionalism

First and foremost, the inclusion of an enclosure section in your cover letter displays professionalism. It shows the hiring manager that you are detail-oriented, organized, and have taken the time to provide them with all the necessary documents upfront. Remember, hiring managers receive hundreds of applications, and anything you can do to set yourself apart and make their lives easier will be greatly appreciated.

B. Provides Additional Information

Moreover, the enclosure section can provide employers with additional information that may not be readily apparent in your resume or cover letter. For example, if you are applying for a graphic design position, you could include samples of your work in the enclosure section to showcase your design skills. Similarly, if you are a recent graduate, you could include transcripts to demonstrate your academic abilities.

C. Demonstrates Attention to Detail

Lastly, the enclosure section is a great way to demonstrate attention to detail. It shows that you have carefully read and followed the application instructions, including any requests for additional documents. Employers want to hire candidates who pay attention to the details and take pride in their work.

Including an enclosure in your cover letter is crucial. It not only shows your professionalism, but it can also provide employers with additional information and demonstrate your attention to detail. So, make sure to take the time to gather all the necessary documents and present them in a clear, organized manner. Your effort will not go unnoticed by potential employers, and it may just be the thing that sets you apart from other candidates.

Example of Cover Letter Enclosure

A. Cover Letter Example

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am writing to apply for the [Position] role at [Company]. Enclosed, please find my resume, along with other supporting documents that I have included for your review.

As a skilled [Industry] professional with [Number] years of experience, I am confident in my ability to contribute positively to [Company] and hit the ground running in this position. My experience in [Skill 1], [Skill 2], and [Skill 3] have prepared me well for this role and I am excited about the opportunity to put my skills to use.

I am particularly drawn to [Company’s] focus on [Specific Aspect of Company], and the impact that your work has on [Customer, Industry, etc.]. I am motivated by a desire to be a part of this work and contribute to its continued success.

Thank you for considering my application. Please feel free to contact me if you need any additional information or to discuss my qualifications further.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

B. Enclosure Example

Enclosures:

Resume
Cover Letter
Professional References

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am writing to express my interest in the [Position] role at [Company]. Enclosed, please find my resume, cover letter, and professional references that I have included for your review.

As a qualified [Industry] professional with [Number] years of experience, I am confident in my ability to make a valuable contribution to [Company]. I am excited about this opportunity to use my skills in [Skill 1], [Skill 2], and [Skill 3] to support your team.

Thank you for taking the time to review my application. Please feel free to contact me if you need any additional information or to discuss my qualifications further.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]