According to Webster’s Dictionary, to annotate means “to write explanatory notes or critical notes on or for (a book or document)." This is the case when it comes to understanding how to annotate an enclosure in a cover letter. An enclosure means any additional documents that you have included with your cover letter, such as a resume, letters of recommendation or transcripts proving that you have a college degree. While it may seem obvious that the recipient of your cover letter would figure out that there are additional documents in the envelope, annotating enclosures is a sign of professionalism.

Cover Letter Enclosures

Create a list of the enclosures you will be including with your cover letter.

List enclosures at the end of your cover letter after your signature.

Skip two lines after your typed name at the end of your cover letter.

Type the word “Enclosure:” on the third line after your name for a single enclosure. Use "Enclosures:" for two or more enclosures. Capitalize the word and follow it with a colon. Some people choose to abbreviate the word as "Encl." This is not the preferred or best way to accomplish the task.

Skip one line and begin your list of enclosures. Each item of your enclosure list should appear on its own line. So, if you have three enclosures, you will need three lines to list them. You should not list the number of pages instead of the individual titles of the enclosure(s). Nor should you try to save space by listing your enclosure(s) on one line.