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Resume and Cover Letter guide: Yes, You Can Write A Cover Letter
A well-written cover letter has many of the same elements as a well-written paper.  So, if you're a student or recent graduate, start by thinking about some of your written class assignments for which you had to develop a thesis statement, an outline, and then gather evidence and defend your thesis.  See how similar the two types of writing are:

Thesis Paper
(Important Elements)

Cover Letter
(Important Elements)
Designed for a particular audience and guided by a single controlling idea, the thesis. Uses an outline to rough out the sequence of ideas. The single controlling idea revolves around the particular job for which you are applying and that employer’s required qualifications or skill set. The skill set acts as the outline for the paper since you need to address those skills in your letter. Every point made in your letter is driven by the needs/self-interest of your audience (the specific employer and the specific job for which you are applying.) 
Clear thesis statement The thesis statement on a cover letter belongs in the first paragraph and presents a clear statement of why you’re writing to the individual. You should state that you’re applying for a position, name the position and summarize why you believe there’s a good fit between yourself and that job. If you were referred by a mutual third party be sure to mention that person right up front! Try to use an enthusiastic tone.
Supporting explanation and details The body of your letter should follow your outline—the skill set—to support your thesis statement. Address how you meet the job’s qualifications with evidence to prove each of your points. Remember that evidence can come from a variety of sources including work or internship experience, co-curricular life, volunteerism, and major class projects.
Logical transitions and language appropriate to the needs and interests of the audience  Follow the outline created by the job’s skill set so you know that you’re speaking to your potential employer’s values and priorities. Use the language of the industry to which you are applying to show that you understand the culture, in general, and the position, in particular.
Conclusion You initiated the contact so you need to bring it to a conclusion. You wrote because you want the employer to consider hiring you so wrap up by asking for an interview. State clearly if and when you will follow up (remember, unless you are specifically told not to, it is your responsibility to follow up your letter with a phone call to confirm that it was received and to find out what the next steps are).
Revisions aimed at perfection Re-read your letter out loud (does it make sense?). Give it to others to review and critique. Proof it carefully for content and typos. Don’t forget to sign it and keep a copy for yourself before sending it out!
Making sure the dog doesn’t eat it Ditto

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