What to Put on a Cover Letter

A cover letter should be short, no longer than half a page, and to-the-point. If you have a job description, pick out up to three things they are asking for that you have.

Start by telling the reader why you are writing "I am interested in the part-time bookkeeping position you have advertised."

Then tell them about how you exactly match what they are looking for. "I have experience in X from my time at Y." etc...

Then wrap up by saying "Please review my resume for more details about my experience and I look forward to talking with you soon."

Sincerely,
Me

That's all! Good luck!

Include the short narrative that explains your resume (especially if there is a gap in your resume during the time you've been home). Show that you know something about the company and what they're looking for and mention why you would be a perfect fit. Take ten minutes to find out the name of the person you should actually address the letter to and do that (it shows that you are serious about THIS job, not just applying to every posting you see).

"It is with great enthusiasm that I express my interest in your open position for part time book keeper. In my __ years of experience as a book keeper for _____, and more recently as a full time mother, I have demonstrated skills in multitasking, organization, and attention to detail that will make me an valuable member of your team.

_____________ is an exciting company for me because your work with _________. I look forward to lending my skills to the good work you are already doing and doing my part to _____________.

I look forward to the opportunity to discuss this opportunity with you in detail.

Thank you for your time and consideration."

HTH
T.

If you want a short and concise one:

Dear ________:

I am writing regarding the bookkeeping position I saw advertised in the newspaper/online - wherever you saw the employment ad. I believe I have the skills necessary to fill the position and would be an excellent fit with your organization/company/business. Enclosed please find my resume. If you would like to set up an appointment to discuss the bookkeeping position, please feel free to contact me.

Sincerely,

Sue

I think you already pretty much summed it up.

You are applying for the position because it sounds like exactly what you have been looking for.
You have x, y, and z skills to offer, (mention some things they are asking for) and the position fits perfectly with your schedule.
You feel you are a worthy candidate as you would be an asset to them and look forward to hearing from them.
Thank them in advance for their consideration.

Sincerely.....

Keep the cover letter short and to the point.
Don't rehash everything on your resume.
Tailor it to what they are looking for and briefly explain why you'd be a great fit.

Very best wishes!

Edit: After reading a previous response, I just want to say that it's not always a bad thing to mention that something fits your schedule.
Many people have a standard cover letter that they send out to multiple employers.
If this position really seems like a perfect fit, I don't see the problem in mentioning it. It could be another plus for you.
Believe me, in HR and involved in hiring, it never fails...
You advertise a part time position from 1-4 on Tuesdays and Thursdays and you get 30 people who apply that can only work Noon-2 on Mondays and Wednesdays or every third Friday and they don't tell you that until the interview. They hope the job will change to their schedule, not the other way around.
Flexibility is very important. More so on the applicant's part, not the employer's, when you're trying to get a job.
If you are available the hours they specifically outline that they need someone, I don't see harm in letting them know up front that is not going to be a problem.

Again, just my opinion.

Short and sweet. Focus on the problems you can solve for them and why you would be of use to the position.

Dear Sir,
I am very interested in the position advertised in XYZ. I believe I would be a valuable member of your team. I offer a unique skill set of (brief description of skills here). I'm looking forward to discussing this opportunity.

Obviously, don't mention that it would be perfect for *your schedule*!

Updated

Short and sweet. Focus on the problems you can solve for them and why you would be of use to the position.

Dear Sir,
I am very interested in the position advertised in XYZ. I believe I would be a valuable member of your team. I offer a unique skill set of (brief description of skills here). I'm looking forward to discussing this opportunity.

Obviously, don't mention that it would be perfect for *your schedule*!

Hi there! I worked for many years as a recruiter and have to echo the prior advice you received about looking closely at what the job is asking for and what you have to offer. Often, the cover letter allows you to address items that you don't have the opportunity to address in your resume. Look at the ad closely and see what they are asking for with this position. If you have the opportunity, get your hands on a full job description. I would call the company and ask if they have one they might be willing to share. Once you have that in your hands, go back through your prior experience and address those things in your cover letter. HTH!

Great advice so far, just wanted to add my 2 cents. I've been doing professional resumes and cover letters for several years. I always suggest to put anything in the cover letter that isn't on your resume. So any past experiences at a job that would help with the current position, or any previous job experiences since your resume only has to have the last 3 jobs or 7 years of experience, there may be something previous to that that makes you qualified. You can also put a specific situation that you have dealt with or any job success stories. (Such as landing a big client, dealing with a stressful situation etc.)

Good luck!!

This won't help with specifics for book-keeping, but this is an example of a resume cover letter. Hope it helps!

http://www.writinghelp-central.com/cover-letter.html

I struggle with cover letters as well. I got a book on the subject "Killer Cover Letters," but haven't read it all the way through. I read elsewhere that you must ASK for an interview in the letter.

I also found that working with a temp agency (you can get temp-to-hire that way) or a recruiter/employment agency is best for me.

Good luck!

Re: the schedule thing, I have to agree with Denise. If you get an interview and they ask, you can mention then that the schedule is perfect for you. But I wouldn't include it in a cover letter. I think they assume that the schedule works for you if you're even bothering to apply. To bring it up otherwise could suggest that any deviation from the stated hours might pose a problem.