An electronic cover letter should be

An electronic cover letter should be concise, professionally formatted, and tailored to the job you are applying for. Here are some key elements to consider when creating your electronic cover letter:

1. Subject Line: Make sure it clearly states the purpose of the email. For example, "Application for [Job Title] - [Your Full Name]".

2. Professional Email Address: Use a professional email address, typically some variation of your full name.

3. Appropriate Salutation: Use a formal greeting such as "Dear [Hiring Manager's Name]" if known, otherwise, "Dear Hiring Manager".

4. Introduction: Clearly state the job you are applying for and where you found the listing.

5. Body: Highlight key experiences and skills that make you a suitable candidate for the job. Use specific examples whenever possible.

6. Matching Qualifications: Make a connection between your qualifications and the job requirements. Explain how you could contribute to the company.

7. Closing: End with a call to action, expressing your enthusiasm for an interview and stating your availability.

8. Signature: Include a professional sign-off with your full name, contact information, and any relevant professional profile links or additional documents.

9. Length: Keep it to one page, which is typically about three to four paragraphs. Employers often go through many applications, and brevity is appreciated.

10. Attachment: If asked to attach your resume or any other documents, mention the attachments in the email.

11. Proofreading: Review the cover letter for spelling, grammar, and punctuation mistakes. Also, ensure all the information is current and accurate.

12. Formatting: Use a clean, professional font and format. If the cover letter is in the body of an email, ensure it's easily readable in an email format. If it’s an attachment, save it as a PDF to preserve the formatting.