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Cover Letter Types
The type
of cover letter you send to prospective employers is dependent on
your circumstances. There are several formats you should be aware of,
including targeted cover letter, referral cover letter, cold contact
cover letter, and email cover letter.
Targeted
Cover Letter
A letter that is
specific to a particular job opening is known as a targeted cover
letter, ad-response letter, job-specific cover letter, or
application cover letter. This is the easiest letter to write
because you can adapt the information to the hiring organization.
For example, let's say you are a nurse and the job posting states
"searching for health educators for patients and their
families." You can address your experience in that specific
area with the following statement: Held well-received workshops to
patients and their families on topics ranging from hypoglycemia,
diabetic diets, and glucose monitoring.
Referral
Cover Letter
When someone refers
you to a company, you should write a referral cover letter. The
referral cover letter is the same as a regular cover letter with one
distinction: someone you know referred you to the position. From the
get go, address the fact you were referred. For example:
"Marcia Stern from ABC Publications suggested I submit my
resume for your review." A referral letter is also known as
networking letter or sponsor letter.
Cold
Contact Cover Letter
A cold contact
cover letter is one that is sent when you don't know if there is an
opening at a company,
and
you are introducing your skills and experience just in case a
position opens up. A cold contact cover letter is also known
as an introductory or broadcast letter.
Email
Cover Letter
An email
cover letter can be a targeted, referral, and cold contact
cover letter. The only difference is that an email cover
letter is shorter because that is the nature of email
correspondences. The messages should be short and to the
point.
Letter
Format and Writing Tips
Regardless of
a which cover letter you write, each should have the
following: unique content, accomplishments and successes, and
relevant experience. The letters should be typed, not
handwritten. Lastly, don't include personal information. Keep
the letter professional.
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