What is a Cover Letter Enclosure and How Do You Use It Correctly?

Indicating enclosures on your cover letter is a fundamental step to ensure a hiring manager reviews all the documents in your application, demonstrating your attention to detail and professional correspondence etiquette. Properly formatting this section guarantees your supporting materials, like your CV and references, are not overlooked.

What is a Cover Letter Enclosure?

A cover letter enclosure is any additional document you include with a job application beyond the cover letter itself. Common examples are your CV (Curriculum Vitae or resume), a list of references, letters of recommendation, or work portfolios. The term "enclosure" is traditionally used for physical, hard-copy letters. For digital applications, such as email, these additional files are referred to as attachments. By adding an "Enclosure" notation at the end of your cover letter, you formally signal to the hiring manager that other important documents are included for their review. This simple step, based on our assessment experience, significantly reduces the chance of parts of your application being misplaced or ignored.

Why is Properly Indicating Enclosures Important?

Why is this small detail so critical? The primary goal of your cover letter is to persuade the recruiter to examine your CV and other credentials. If those supporting documents are not correctly identified, their impact is lost. Clearly listing enclosures:

• Ensures Completeness: It confirms that the application package is whole and that the hiring manager has all the necessary information to assess your candidacy.
• Projects Professionalism: It shows you understand standard business letter formatting, which can set you apart from other applicants who may overlook this formality.
• Guides the Reader: It acts as a checklist for the recruiter, ensuring your carefully prepared documents receive the attention they deserve.

How to Write and Format Enclosures for a Cover Letter?

How do you correctly format the enclosure section? Following a precise, professional format is straightforward and highly effective. Here is a step-by-step guide:

1. Gather Your Documents: Collect all required and relevant supporting materials. This typically includes your CV, but may also encompass a portfolio, reference list, or certifications. Crucially, only include documents that are requested or directly enhance your application. Submitting an excessive number of irrelevant documents can overwhelm the reader and dilute the impact of your key qualifications.

2. Order by Relevance: Create a mental or physical list of your documents in order of importance. Your CV should almost always be first, followed by other critical items like references.

3. Write Your Cover Letter: Craft a compelling, one-page cover letter that highlights your fit for the role. The enclosure notation comes after you have completed the main body and your signature.

4. Add the Enclosure Notation: Left-align the text after your signature. If you are including one document, use the word "Enclosure." For two or more documents, use "Enclosures." This is a key detail that reflects precision.

5. List the Documents: On the line immediately below "Enclosure(s)," list each document by name, ideally in the order of relevance you established earlier. This creates a clear table of contents. Example for a single enclosure: Sincerely, [Your Signature] Jane Doe Enclosure: Curriculum Vitae

   Example for multiple enclosures: Sincerely, [Your Signature] John Smith Enclosures: Curriculum Vitae List of Professional References Portfolio Highlights

6. Assemble the Package: For a physical application, place the cover letter on top, followed by the enclosures in the order listed. Use a high-quality envelope to avoid folding the documents, presenting a pristine and professional package.

What Are Common Mistakes to Avoid with Cover Letter Enclosures?

What pitfalls should you avoid when dealing with enclosures? Even small errors can undermine your professionalism. Keep these tips in mind:

• Don't Overwhelm the Reader: Submitting every certificate you've ever earned is counterproductive. Be selective and include only what strengthens your case for the specific job.
• Keep the Cover Letter to One Page: The enclosure notation must appear on the same page as the cover letter. If your letter spills onto a second page, shorten it. A separate page for the enclosure list is easily missed.
• Double-Check for Digital Applications: When applying via email or an online portal, the term "enclosure" is not used. Instead, mention your "attachments" in the body of your email (e.g., "I have attached my CV for your review") and ensure all files are correctly attached and clearly named (e.g., JaneDoe_CV.pdf).

**To maximize the effectiveness of your job application, always remember to: boldly indicate your enclosures, list them in order of relevance, and strictly limit documents to those that are requested or highly impactful. This disciplined approach ensures your entire application is reviewed thoroughly and presents you as a meticulous and qualified candidate.

Please note that none of the companies, institutions or organisations mentioned in this article are affiliated with ok.com.