As you write an email cover letter, you should be sure to include any information you would provide in a standard cover letter while also ensuring you work within the confines of the email format. You should be sure to utilize language and communication in your cover letter that is professional, and include a salutation and closing that resembles any other type of letter. The actual content of your email cover letter may depend a great deal on the way in which the company or individual you are contacting asked for information, though you should be sure to use file formats that are requested of you.
An email cover letter is simply a type of cover letter sent via email, rather than traditional mail or fax transmission. This type of cover letter has become increasingly common and preferred as digital communication has become faster and less expensive than physical means of communication. The information you provide in an email cover letter typically depends on what files or other information you are providing with your email.
In general, however, you should maintain a professional tone throughout your email cover letter. Do not use emoticons or Internet slang; your cover letter should be made in much the same way you would format and create a hard copy letter. You should also consider various aspects of the email format prior to sending your letter, however. If you have a signature that is automatically incorporated into your letter, then you should consider removing it; you should also make sure the email address you are sending your letter from has a name that is professional in nature.
The company you are sending your email cover letter to should indicate to you what information is to be included in the letter. If you have attached a full cover letter as a separate file to your email, then the text of your cover letter can be fairly brief. In either case, you should try to determine the name of the person you are contacting via email and begin your cover letter with a salutation directly to that person.
You should be sure the body paragraphs of your email cover letter effectively convey any information that may be needed. This can include previous work experience, as well as specific information you may know about a company. If you are including a separate cover letter and résumé as attachments with your email, then you should mention those attachments in the body of the email. You should determine what file types to use for such attachments, and only send files that an employer can access. Conclude your email cover letter as you would a standard letter, with a close such as “Respectfully Yours” then your name.