Enclosure on cover letter
Adding a cover letter enclosure to your next letter might seem like a small detail, but it can help your application stand out. An enclosure, cover letter, and supporting documents like resumes and certifications make up a powerful combination that can demonstrate what you bring to the table. So what does “enclosure” mean on a cover letter? Here’s everything you need to know.
What is a cover letter enclosure?
A cover letter enclosure is a notation at the end of your cover letter that indicates additional documents are included with your application. It lets the recipient know that they should expect to find other documents when reviewing your file. Your cover letter enclosure might look something like this:
Enclosures: resume, portfolio, certification of professional achievement
Why does this matter? Suppose that you submitted your cover letter via email. You attached a resume and portfolio, or at least you thought you did. Your email went through, but because of a technical glitch, your attachments didn’t make it to the hiring manager’s inbox.
If you didn’t have a cover letter enclosure, the hiring manager wouldn’t even realize that you intended to send additional documents. Instead, they may just mark your submission as incomplete and file it away.
However, if you include a cover letter enclosure and the hiring manager realizes documents are missing, they can reach out and let you know about the discrepancy.
When should you include an enclosure in your cover letter?
You should include a cover letter enclosure whenever you submit supporting documents as part of your job application. Carefully review the job description and hiring manager’s instructions to find out what they expect you to send and how they want to receive it. While sending supporting documents via email is common, some companies use their own document portals. Just make sure you follow the instructions.
Once you’ve found the supporting documents you are supposed to include, review the submission instructions and make a checklist for yourself. Before submitting your cover letter, ensure that you’ve included all of the required documents as an attachment and mentioned them in the enclosure section of your cover letter. You may be asked to send the following documents:
- Resume
- Transcripts
- Certifications
- Portfolio
- References
If you forget an important form, a hiring manager may simply put your file on hold until you submit the remaining documents. If the hiring process is especially competitive, you might miss out on the opportunity altogether.
Keep in mind that document requests could vary by industry. Here are some examples:
- Legal Professions: Enclose relevant case samples or legal writing examples
- Creative Roles: Include design portfolios or creative projects
- Healthcare Positions: Attach certifications or proof of medical credentials
Knowing what to include and how it positions you as a strong candidate can help you stand out from other applicants while also setting a great first impression.
How to format a cover letter enclosure section
Correct formatting ensures that your cover letter enclosure looks professional and consistent. Here’s how to do it:
Placement
Add the enclosure line at the bottom of your cover letter below your signature. If you are submitting your documents via email, you can use the word “attachment” rather than “enclosure.” Either is correct.
Spacing
Leave one blank line after your closing line before writing the enclosure line. The enclosure line should use the same spacing as the rest of your cover letter.
Alignment
Align the enclosure line to the left margin, keeping it consistent with the rest of your formatting. Try to keep the enclosure information to a single line within your letter.
Font and style
Use the same font and size as the body of your cover letter to maintain consistency. There is no need to do anything flashy to draw attention to this aspect of your letter.
Template
Here’s what your cover letter enclosure might look like:
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Enclosures: resume, references, portfolio
A good cover letter sample can show you how to structure your enclosure section. Make sure to review some industry-specific examples so you can structure your documents in a way that appeals to hiring managers in your field.
Expert Tip:
A well-organized enclosure section reflects your attention to detail and understanding of professional communication. Always ensure the enclosures you mention are actually attached to avoid confusion or frustration for hiring managers. Remember, you are trying to leave a great first impression, so all of your documents need to be as close to perfect as possible.
Examples of cover letter enclosures
A resume sample can help you craft your resume — one of the most common (and important) cover letter enclosures. Hiring managers expect to see your resume attached to any job application, but it’s still a good idea to mention in an enclosure section that you’ve included this critical document. Some other common enclosures you might want to mention include the following:
- References: Particularly useful for jobs that emphasize credibility or trust
- Certifications or Licenses: Relevant for technical or regulated industries like healthcare, IT, or engineering
- Portfolio Samples: Ideal for creative roles such as graphic design or writing
Don’t assume your enclosure has to include a set number of items. Just make this section relevant to your background and the job you are applying for. Suppose that you’ve recently graduated. In that case, your enclosure might read as follows:
Enclosures: resume, academic transcript, letters of recommendation
On the other hand, if you are a seasoned professional, you probably won’t include anything about your academic background. Instead, you’ll want to submit something like the following:
Enclosures: resume, certifications, portfolio of completed projects
By tailoring your enclosures to the job and your career stage, you can create a more compelling application package.
"Carefully review the job description and hiring manager’s instructions to find out what they expect you to send and how they want to receive it."
Common mistakes to avoid with cover letter enclosures
Now that you know the answer to the question, “What is an enclosure in a cover letter,” learn about some mistakes you need to watch out for:
- Forgetting to Mention Enclosures: Omitting an enclosure line can confuse the recipient, who might overlook your supporting documents
- Formatting the Enclosure Line Incorrectly: A misplaced or improperly formatted enclosure line can make your application appear rushed
- Sending Irrelevant Documents: Include only documents directly related to the role or those explicitly requested in the job description
Keep in mind that cover letter enclosures draw extra attention to the supporting documents you submit with your job application. Therefore, you need to ensure everything you submit is polished and professional. You can use a resume template to make sure your resume looks great and matches the style of your cover letter.
Industry-specific enclosure tips
Different industries value specific types of enclosures. Tailor your application to meet these expectations.
Creative industries
If you are applying for a creative role, include digital or print samples of your best work. Design mockups or writing samples are a few examples. Hiring managers probably aren’t too concerned about your references. They want to know that you’ve got the creative skills to add value to their team.
If you are going to submit a large portfolio, clearly label everything. You don’t want the recipient to overlook your best work just because it’s not labeled properly.
Corporate roles
Corporate hiring teams tend to care more about certifications or letters of recommendation that reinforce your qualifications. Include these types of enclosures to showcase that you can make an impact on the organization. If you are applying for a project management or marketing role, include a portfolio, too.
Healthcare jobs
Always attach required licenses and certifications, such as your nursing license or BLS certification. You can’t even be considered for these types of positions without the right license, so don’t leave any doubt about whether you are qualified.
Check out some cover letter templates for examples of how to format your documents when including an enclosure for these and other industries.
Should you include an enclosure on cover letters?
Absolutely! You should almost always include an enclosure on your cover letters. The rare exception is when you are applying for jobs where every document is supported via a digital portal. In this case, including an enclosure probably isn’t necessary. Otherwise, add an enclosure to your cover letter to ensure critical documents aren’t overlooked.
