A cover letter is a letter of introduction that is usually sent along with a resume or job application. Usually job seekers pay a lot of attention to their resume and ensuring that their resume is perfect, but they make a big mistake of neglecting the cover letter. A cover letter is just as important for a job seeker as is the resume.  A well written cover letter can make a lot of difference to a job seeker and can be the difference between getting a shot at an interview or having your resume thrown into the trash.  Job seekers also need to ensure that the cover letter that they send across is not a duplication or mirror of their resume; rather the cover letter needs to help the reader interpret the resume and should have information that is factual and data centric. The cover letter also helps give a personal touch to your resume. While a lot of job seekers feel that writing a cover letter is an uphill task that is far from true. A cover letter can be a very easy document to create if you know what is required and what needs to go in it.

Let’s take a look at the different types of cover letters that job seekers can use

There are three different types of cover letters that job seekers can user, these are:

  • The networking letter: This cover letter format asks for information and assistance with your job search.
  • The prospecting letter: This cover letter format is an inquiry into possible vacancies in a company.
  • The application letter: This cover letter format is sent along with a job application and resume for a job opening that you know about.

While applying for a position, or sending out your resume it is very important that you choose the suitable cover letter format that corresponds with the type of job application you are sending across. Many candidates make the mistake of having a cover letter drafted and using the same format for every job application that they apply for.  A cover letter should reflect and compliment the applicants resume and should be customized to suit each job application.