Although the task of writing a cover letter can seem overwhelming, it is easily accomplished if you focus on each step individually instead of the job as a whole. Your resume is most often the first written introduction that any future employer will have of you, so do your best to make it impressive, informative, and easy to read.
There are several types of cover letters that are written for different reasons, and each is unique for its own purpose. Their differences aside, every cover letter will contain the following format:
Contact Information
Name
Address
City, State, Zip
Phone number
Email address
Salutation
Dear ________: (disregard if you do not have a contact)
Body
This is the part that will change with the different types of cover letters. You want to make sure that you sound professional and sure of your past accomplishments and qualifications.
Complimenting Close
Sincerely, Respectfully Yours, etc.
Signature
Hand written for mailed resumes, typed for digital copies and emails.
Different types of cover letters
Application letter – your response to a job opening
The point in writing an application letter is to let a company know that you are aware of their job opening and that you believe yourself to be qualified to fill it. In the body of the letter, you want to let the reader know why you wrote the letter, why you are qualified for the job, and how your past experiences would be an asset to their company.
Prospecting letter – an inquisition regarding possible job openings
Sometimes, a job opening isn’t posted publicly and you might not know if it is genuine. In this case, you want to write a prospective letter that is basically asking the employer if there is in fact a job opening. In the body of the letter you want to let the reader know briefly of your past experiences so that, in the case that there is a job opening, they will feel compelled to contact you and if there is not, leave them wanting to keep your resume for future reference.
Networking letter – a written request for information and assistance in your search for a job
This type of letter is very much unlike the other two. This is a request for help, not an informative letter concerning a job opening. In the body of this type of letter, you want to get straight to the point, let the company know why you are needing help, your past experiences that will assist you in finding a job, and what you are currently doing to search for a job.
No matter what type of cover letter you are needing to write, make sure you keep yourself sounding professional and write the letter in a way that is easy to read and will encourage any potential employer to contact you for an interview, to keep your resume for future reference, or to send you the information you are requesting from them.