Cover letter, can i get opinions on mine?

To Whom it May Concern:
My name is ------------. I am a full-time student at --------, working towards a transfer to ---------- University. I am planning on pursing graphic design. I saw an ad in the daily paper for a part-time administrative position. This caught my attention as I have been searching for a part time job that I could do in the mornings and afternoons since my classes are all in the evenings.
I have been using all aspects of MS Office since my middle school years. I have also taken computer and MS Office courses in high school as well. I use this program daily for academic purposes as well as personal and feel I am very familiar with it. The job description also states that internet access is vital. We have DSL installed in our home and if by any chance i would have a problem with it, there is a library two blocks away from my where I can also have free internet access. So whether or not this will be a virtual office position, I feel

like I am well equipped technologically and knowledgeably.
I believe I am a good candidate for this position. I like to think that I work to the best of my ability to make sure I do things right. My thoughts are that it is important to follow directions and do them with a good attitude. In this way, it makes the enviroment better for everyone. I took a two year course in drafting at --------------------. I feel that although I did not choose to continue in this field it has taught me that accuracy and precision are important. My work goals include getting a job I enjoy waking up to each morning, to always be reliable, prompt and cooperative, and to make a valuable contribution to a workplace.

Your cover letter says too much. Your resume should speak for you. All of the experience and skill sets you describe should be -summarized- in your resume. Don't bother re-stating them in your cover letter. Resumes and cover letters should both be brief and to the point.

Many people don't even read the cover letter. You do want it to be professional, but edit, edit, edit. If you're too wordy in the cover letter or resume, both will go in the trash.

If you're really interested in the job, and if the location is close, take the letter/resume personally instead of mailing it. Sometimes you get lucky and you actually get to meet a few of the people you might be working with. In the impersonal world of the Internet, text messaging, IM, etc,, personal contact still works. You'll stand out because they actually know who you are.

Even though the job description says "Internet access is vital," you don't know why it's vital. In your cover letter you only need to say that you have DSL installed. You shouldn't describe options in case your DSL has problems in the cover letter. You only need to address problems if you get the job and you actually have a problem with your DSL.

Bottom line - the cover letter should basically only say:

I'm so-and-so. I'm applying for <name-that-job>. Under cover of this letter, I'm submitting my resume for your consideration. I'm looking forward to meeting you to discuss . . . .

Btw, after having said all this, I have to admit that my husband writes the most ridiculous job application letters and pretty much always gets a callback and hired. But he's a really special case and his personality sparks in his writing. If you can write a creative and charismatic cover letter, then ignore everything I just said and go for it. Otherwise, stick to the "short and sweet."

Good luck with your job hunt!