A cover letter is the first thing an employer will see so it has to catch his/her eye right away.
Using an impressive looking, quality paper will help do that. Choose a quality white, off white or even a light beige or grey is very impressive looking.
Mine may be a bit different than the way some would do them but there are many styles as I learned in taking a course on resumes and cover letters.
My name and address, phone number, and e-mail address would be at the top center in a print that stands out.
Each section would have a heading and that would also be in bold print. This makes it easy for some one to skim through to the parts that interest them the most.
Be sure and date your cover letter also.
Here is where you will want to point out your strengths that pertain to the job you are applying for so each job that you apply for may have a different cover letter.
I never make copies. I do an original for each job which shows you took the time to do that and not just run off a copy. People do notice these things.
Make sure it is typed neatly, check your spelling and grammar and check again until you are sure it is perfect.
Read it out loud to yourself, look at it through the eyes of an employer and ask yourself if it would catch your eye.
You should include personal details about yourself also. For example if the job requires meeting the public, talk about how you enjoy meeting new people and add that into your interests.
Make sure you mention how you would be an asset to the company and why you feel you should be considered for the job.
When you have finished place it on top of your resume but do not staple them together.
Place them in a large manilla envelope that does not require you to fold them and mail it in or take it in that way.
Do not make your cover letter too long but say all that needs to be said. You may want to write a rough draft and then find a way you can say as much in a condensed form. People are busy and may just skim through so be as brief as you can but make sure you get your point across.
Sometimes what you say on your cover letter is more important than the resume. If the cover does not catch their attention your resume may just get tossed in a pile so do your very best with it.
By all means remember to put your signature at the bottom.