Write a cover letter that will get you noticed in these five steps from career experts Richard Fein, author of Cover Letters! Cover Letters! Cover Letters!, Robin Ryan, career coach and author of Winning Cover Letters, and Camille Franklin, director of career development at American University.

Step One: The basics.

"A cover letter is a partner to your resume when applying for a job. It can strengthen your message to the employer," Fein says. "It's a formal business letter - be conservative."

Pick a good quality cotton fiber. Use a white paper, not bright neon. "The goal is to be interviewed, not noticed," Fein says.

Use a font type and size that's easily readable: 12 point in Arial or Times New Roman.

Include at the top of the letter:

Your name
Address
Phone number (Record a voicemail that's basic and professional.)
E-mail (Make sure it's a professional address, not cutiepi@silly.com. Don't use your work e-mail. Go to yahoo or hotmail and open an appropriate account.)

Date

Dear Ms. Hiring Manager (Use the actual person's name - not a generic title).

Step Two: Your introduction.

The introduction should be a couple sentences that lay out your skills that are relevant to the job you're applying for, Ryan says.

Include the job position you're writing about. For example, Ryan says if you're applying for a job that requires management and at least 5 years of training, try an opening like this:

"Fifteen years in corporate training and management for major U.S. employers is the background I'd bring to your trainer position."

The introduction also is the place to mention whether someone referred you to the job.

"Sally Carlise suggested I contact you about the administrative assistant job."

Step Three: The body.

"The cover letter is very tailored to the position and lets employers really know why you're the best for the job," Franklin says. "Use words they're using and know the jargon of the industry."

Show how your work skills fit the job. "Have the job description from the ad and address that specifically and clearly," Fein says.

Because employers will likely only scan your cover letter - and several hundred others - you need to make your skills stand out. Use bullets to highlight your background, Ryan says. This will draw employers to your work accomplishments.

For example, if the ad says the company is looking for an analyst with research skills, say: "I have what you need." Or "Highlights of my background include." Then, bullet three to four accomplishments from your resume.

"You're taking accomplishments from your resume and reframing those to fit the job you want," Fein says.

Next, explain in a short paragraph why you want the job and why you're right for the company. "I am particularly interested in xyz company because of your commitment to xyz." Research the company on the Web for information about its goals.

Make it as specific to the ad as you can.

Step Four: The closing.

End your letter with a couple sentences that reiterate your interest and the next steps. Include a way to contact you again.

"I'll call your office next week to see what the next step is."

"I'd like to discuss in detail the valuable contributions I can bring to you."

"If I don't hear from you by (a date about a week later), I'll follow up with you by telephone."

If you submit your resume to a Web site with no contact person, write: "I'll look forward to hearing from you about an interview."

Use a standard closing like "sincerely."

Sign the letter in blue or black ink.

Step Five: Edit, edit, edit.

After you finish your letter, review it.

"Employers aren't interested in reading a lot of resumes," Fein says. "They are interested in hiring an employee. Does your cover letter address those interests?"

Make sure your letter is no longer than one page; it should only be about four paragraphs. Triple-check your letter for spelling and grammatical errors. Sloppiness will land your letter in the trash.

Don't include salary requirements. "It's insulting. It says you only want a paycheck," Ryan says.

Once you've finished your letter, you can use the basic format as a template. However, be sure to customize each letter for the job you apply for.

"It requires more work to tailor your cover letter, but the results are much better," Franklin says.

Elizabeth McKinley is a freelance journalist who writes about careers and workplace issues. E-mail her at elizmckinley@yahoo.com