Cover Letters
Cover letters are sent out with your résumé, and they should complement, not duplicate, your résumé. A good cover letter will add a personal touch to your résumé and give you the opportunity to add any additional information you would like to share (e.g., start-date availability) or respond to any information requested in the job posting (e.g., salary requirement). Each cover letter you send out should be tailored to the specific job to which you are applying. Don’t create a form cover letter that you send out for every job application. Your cover letter should give the reasons for your interest in the position, why you are qualified for that position and any specific knowledge you have about it.
There are several types of cover letters:
- Application cover letter: submitted with an application for a posted open position
- Prospecting letter: inquires about possible open positions
- Networking letter: requests assistance in your job search
- Thank you letter: sent after an interview to thank the person you met with
- Acceptance letter: to accept a job offer
- Withdrawal letter: remove yourself from consideration after you have applied for a job
- Rejection letter: decline a job offer