I am currently applying for jobs in the Madison, Wisconsin, area. I have sent out several resumes and filled out more applications than I care to think of. However, I haven’t been including a cover letter. This is in part because I am not sure how to write a cover letter with proper formatting. In addition, I am not sure how formal to make my letter, or even whether I should put the date on the left side or the right side of the paper! What kind of companies want a cover letter and which ones would rather only see the paperwork they provide prospective employees to fill out?