What does enclosure mean on a cover letter?

While it may seem like overkill, the enclosure is a helpful tool to include in your cover letter. For most recruiters and hiring managers, their desks are full of resumes, cover letters, and who knows what else. It can be very easy for documents to get lost in the shuffle.

Utilizing the enclosure on your cover letter makes it clear to the recruiter that your application should also include a resume, letter of recommendation, and reference list. It also shows your ability to be professional and to submit a complete and organized application.

To include an enclosure with your cover letter, you should:

• Create a list of the documents that you want to include

• Find your name at the end of your cover letter and double space after it

• Type the word "Enclosure" if you are only including one document or "Enclosures" for two or more. You can also choose to use the word "Enclosed" instead.

• Skip a line and then begin to list your enclosures. Remember to put each enclosure on its own line. Use a bulleted list (not numbered)

For example:

Enclosures:

• Resume

• Application form

• Letter of recommendation

• Reference list