Interview Tips >5 Types of Cover Letters
Most college graduates have had experience writing at least one cover letter. Basic cover letters are a major part of a job application. Designed to complement your resume, cover letters are your only chance to write in a more conversational format and help convince hiring managers that you are worthy of the job.
There is more than one type of cover letter. Knowing each type of cover letter is not only useful for sending in your application; it may also give you ideas on how to find jobs in today’s economy.
Cover Letter Types
- Standard Application Letter
This is the type of cover letter most graduates are familiar with. Application letters are written to hiring managers for a specific job. Usually they are directed at a specific individual.
- Cold Contact Cover Letter
There are some companies that appear to be amazing places to work. Yet if you search job boards it can appear they are not hiring for a position that matches your skills. You have two choices. You can either wait until a position opens, or you can send a cold contact cover letter (along with a resume) requesting consideration for an open position that meets your qualifications. Cold contact letters are a great way to apply to a company, rather than a specific job.
- Cover Letters to Recruiters
Professional recruiters are hired by companies to find people that will best suit their needs. When you send your resume to a recruiter, you should write a cover letter that explains the type of roles you are qualified to fit and how your skills will translate into success for a company.
- Referral Cover Letters
If you have friends, family, or professional acquaintances that have recommended you work with them at their company, you will benefit from a referral cover letter. Referral cover letters are cover letters sent to companies before a job has opened. These cover letters mention the employee that recommended you apply to the company and the type of work you can do.
- Network Cover Letters
Network cover letters are the opposite of referral cover letters. Rather than send your resume to a company that an employee recommended, you send a resume and cover letter to an acquaintance and hope that they recommend you to the company.
Open Up New Job Search Channels
Your resume may not change, but your cover letter should change for every type of job search strategy you employ. Cover letters are designed to make your resume better by bringing out what truly makes you a standout candidate. By utilizing the types of cover letters listed above, you will vastly improve your ability to find a job.
Take Away Tips
- There is more than one type of cover letter.
- Cover letters are one of the keys to getting called back for a job interview.
See Also
- Basic Cover Letter Design Tips
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