What Is an Enclosure in a Cover Letter? Understanding Professional Notation

In the realm of professional business correspondence, small details signal attention to convention and professionalism. Enclosure notation—that simple “Enclosure” or “Encl.” at the bottom of a cover letter—represents one such detail. While seemingly minor, understanding when and how to use enclosure notation reflects your familiarity with business writing standards and your commitment to polished communication.

This guide explains everything you need to know about enclosure notation in cover letters: what it means, when to use it, how to format it properly, and whether this traditional element remains relevant in today’s largely digital job application landscape.

What Is Enclosure Notation?

Enclosure notation is a formal indication that additional documents are included with your letter. Originating from traditional mail correspondence, this notation alerts recipients that the envelope contains more than just the letter itself.

Basic Definition

When you write “Enclosure” or “Enclosures” at the bottom of a letter, you’re formally noting that other documents accompany this correspondence. In the context of cover letters, this typically means:

• Your resume
• Portfolio samples
• Reference list
• Transcripts
• Certifications
• Work samples
• Any other requested documents

Historical Context

Enclosure notation developed during the era of paper-based business communication. When letters were sent via mail, recipients needed to know if additional documents should be in the envelope. Finding “Enclosure: Resume” at the bottom of a cover letter prompted the recipient to check that the resume was indeed present.

The notation served practical purposes:

• Alerting mailroom staff to handle envelopes carefully
• Reminding senders to actually include referenced documents
• Helping recipients verify complete receipt
• Creating documentation of what was sent

Modern Relevance

In today’s primarily digital application environment, enclosure notation serves different functions:

Professionalism Signal: Including enclosure notation demonstrates familiarity with business writing conventions, suggesting attention to detail.

Clarity: Even in digital applications, noting what’s attached helps recipients locate all materials.

Tradition Compliance: Some industries and organizations still expect traditional formatting, including enclosure notation.

Completeness Check: For you as a sender, writing enclosure notation prompts verification that you’ve included all intended documents.

When to Use Enclosure Notation

The appropriateness of enclosure notation depends on your application context:

Use Enclosure Notation When:

Submitting Physical Mail Applications: The traditional use case still applies. If mailing documents, enclosure notation remains appropriate and functional.

Applying to Traditional Industries: Finance, law, government, and some established corporations may expect traditional business letter formatting.

Submitting Formal Applications: When the application process emphasizes formality, enclosure notation adds appropriate polish.

Including Multiple Documents: When your application package includes several items beyond cover letter and resume, notation helps recipients track everything.

The Employer Seems Traditional: Company culture and communication style hints at whether formal conventions are expected.

Skip Enclosure Notation When:

Using Application Portals: Most online application systems handle document separation automatically. Enclosure notation becomes redundant when each document uploads separately.

Email Applications with Attachments: Email already distinguishes between the message body (your cover letter) and attachments (resume, etc.). Adding enclosure notation is optional.

Applying to Tech/Startup Companies: Less formal industries may view excessive formality as outdated or out of touch.

Character/Space Limits: If your cover letter faces length constraints, prioritize substantive content over optional notation.

The Application is Casual: If job postings use casual language or the company culture seems informal, enclosure notation may seem overly formal.

Proper Formatting of Enclosure Notation

When you do include enclosure notation, proper formatting matters:

Basic Formats

Single Enclosure:

Enclosure

or

Enclosure: Resume

or

Encl.

Multiple Enclosures:

Enclosures (2)

or

Enclosures:
- Resume
- Portfolio samples

or

Enclosures: Resume, Reference List

Placement

Enclosure notation appears at the very bottom of your cover letter, after:

1. Body paragraphs
2. Closing (Sincerely, Best regards, etc.)
3. Signature space
4. Your typed name

Example Layout:

[Body paragraphs]

Sincerely,

[Signature space]

Jane Smith

Enclosure: Resume

Spacing

Include one blank line between your typed name and the enclosure notation:

Best regards,

[Signature]

John Doe

Enclosure

Variations and Abbreviations

Several acceptable formats exist:

Full Word:

• Enclosure
• Enclosures

Abbreviations:

• Encl.
• Enc.

With Count:

• Enclosures (3)
• Enc. (2)

With List:

• Enclosure: Resume
• Enclosures: Resume, References, Writing Samples

All variations are acceptable; choose based on formality level and personal preference.

Common Types of Cover Letter Enclosures

Various documents might accompany your cover letter:

Resume (Most Common)

The primary enclosure for virtually all cover letters:

Enclosure: Resume

Reference List

When providing references with your application:

Enclosures: Resume, Reference List

Portfolio or Work Samples

For creative, writing, or design positions:

Enclosures:
- Resume
- Writing samples (3)
- Design portfolio

Transcripts

When academic records are requested:

Enclosures: Resume, Official Transcript

Certifications and Licenses

When credentials need documentation:

Enclosures: Resume, CPA License, CIA Certification

Application Forms

Some employers require specific forms:

Enclosures: Resume, Completed Application Form

Enclosure Notation in Different Application Methods

How you handle enclosure notation varies by submission method:

Physical Mail

Traditional enclosure notation is most relevant here:

• Include notation at letter’s bottom
• Verify enclosed documents before sealing
• Consider certified mail for important applications

Format:

Enclosures (2):
- Resume
- Reference List

Email Applications

Two approaches work for email:

Option 1: Include Notation If your cover letter is the email body or an attachment, you can include enclosure notation:

“Enclosure: Resume (attached)” or “Attachments: Resume, Portfolio”

Option 2: Reference in Text Alternatively, mention attachments within your letter body:

“I have attached my resume and portfolio for your review.”

This natural language approach may feel less formal than notation.

Online Application Portals

Most portals don’t require enclosure notation because:

• Documents upload separately
• The system tracks submissions
• Traditional letter formatting doesn’t apply

However, if you’re uploading a formatted cover letter document, including enclosure notation remains optional and acceptable.

PDF Submissions

When combining documents into a single PDF or submitting multiple files:

Single PDF: No enclosure needed since everything is in one document

Multiple PDFs: Optional—you might note: “Please see attached resume in separate document.”

Enclosure Notation and Modern Job Applications

Understanding how this traditional element fits modern applications helps you make informed choices:

Arguments for Including

Professionalism: Demonstrates knowledge of business correspondence conventions.

Completeness Signal: Explicitly indicates your application is complete with specified documents.

Traditional Employer Appeal: Some hiring managers appreciate and expect formal touches.

Cover Letter Polish: Adds a finishing element that signals attention to detail.

Arguments for Omitting

Redundancy: Email attachments and application portals already indicate enclosed/attached documents.

Formality Mismatch: In casual company cultures, excessive formality might seem outdated.

Space Conservation: When length matters, substantive content takes priority.

Modern Norms: Many contemporary applications don’t include enclosure notation without negative consequence.

Best Practice

Consider your audience. When in doubt:

• Include for traditional industries (law, finance, government, academia)
• Include for formal applications and senior positions
• Optional for corporate environments
• Skip for startups and tech companies unless the culture suggests otherwise

Professional tools like 0portfolio.com can help you create properly formatted cover letters with appropriate professional touches for your target industry.

Related Professional Notations

Enclosure notation is one of several traditional business letter elements:

CC Notation (Carbon Copy)

Indicates the letter is being sent to additional recipients:

Sincerely,

John Doe

cc: Jane Smith, HR Director

Use in Cover Letters: Rarely applicable. Occasionally used when sending copies to multiple contacts at an organization.

BCC (Blind Carbon Copy)

Recipients not disclosed to other readers. Typically not noted on the letter itself. More common in email than traditional mail.

Use in Cover Letters: Not applicable.

Attachment vs. Enclosure

Enclosure: Used for physical mail—documents enclosed in the envelope.

Attachment: Used for digital submissions—files attached to email.

Some consider these interchangeable in modern digital contexts; others maintain the distinction. Either works in most situations.

Regarding/Subject Line

Sometimes included in very formal business letters:

RE: Marketing Manager Position - Job ID 12345

Use in Cover Letters: Optional. Can help recipients identify the position quickly, especially for unsolicited applications.

Complete Cover Letter Example with Enclosure

Here’s how enclosure notation fits into a complete cover letter:

Jane Smith
123 Main Street
Chicago, IL 60601
[email protected]
(555) 123-4567

October 15, 2024

Mr. Robert Johnson
Director of Human Resources
ABC Corporation
456 Business Avenue
Chicago, IL 60602

Dear Mr. Johnson:

I am writing to express my strong interest in the Marketing Manager position advertised on your company website. With seven years of progressive marketing experience and a proven track record of developing successful campaigns, I am confident in my ability to contribute to ABC Corporation's continued growth.

In my current role at XYZ Company, I have led marketing initiatives that increased brand awareness by 40% and generated $2M in new revenue. My experience managing cross-functional teams and developing data-driven strategies aligns well with the requirements outlined in your job posting.

I am particularly drawn to ABC Corporation's commitment to innovation and your recent expansion into digital markets. I would welcome the opportunity to bring my expertise in digital marketing and team leadership to your organization.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my experience and skills would benefit your team.

Sincerely,

[Signature]

Jane Smith

Enclosures: Resume, Reference List

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I always include enclosure notation?

No. It’s optional in most digital applications and depends on industry, company culture, and submission method.

What if I forget to include the enclosure notation?

It’s not a disqualifying error. The actual documents matter more than the notation. For digital applications, the omission is particularly minor.

Should I list each enclosure or just note “Enclosures”?

Either works. Listing provides clarity; simple notation is more concise. For multiple documents, listing helps recipients verify completeness.

Is “Attachment” or “Enclosure” correct for email?

Both are acceptable. “Attachment” is technically more accurate for digital files; “Enclosure” is traditional. Neither is wrong.

Do I need to repeat enclosure notation if it’s in my cover letter and on the envelope?

No. One notation, typically in the cover letter, suffices.

What’s the difference between Encl. and Enc.?

Both are abbreviations for Enclosure. Either is acceptable. “Encl.” is slightly more common.

Conclusion

Enclosure notation represents a small but meaningful element of professional correspondence. Understanding when and how to use it demonstrates your familiarity with business writing conventions and attention to detail—qualities employers value.

In today’s largely digital application landscape, enclosure notation has become optional in many contexts. The documents themselves matter far more than noting their presence. However, in formal applications, traditional industries, or when submitting physical materials, proper enclosure notation adds a polished finishing touch.

Make your decision based on context: the submission method, industry norms, company culture, and your personal style. Whether you include “Enclosure: Resume” or omit it entirely, ensure your actual application materials—cover letter, resume, and any additional documents—present your qualifications compellingly. That substantive content determines your application’s success far more than any formatting notation.

The goal is always clear, professional communication. Enclosure notation is one tool for achieving that goal—use it when it adds value, and don’t worry when it doesn’t apply.