A cover letter should be attached to your resume when submitting it to a potential employer. The cover letter aims to accomplish the following 3 things:
*Explain the purpose of sending your resume
*Get the employer interested in your resume
*Target the resume to a specific position or career field
Effective cover letters are clear, to the point, and brief. In less than 3 to 4 paragraphs, it should accomplish its purpose. Paragraphs should be split into greetings, the opening, the body, and the closing.