Different Types of Cover Letters

When you are job hunting, it's important to choose a type of cover letter that is appropriate for how you are applying for a job or requesting job search assistance.

There are three different types of cover letters including application letters, letters of interest, and networking letters. The cover letter you use will be determined by whether you are applying directly for a job or seeking job search help.
General Types of Cover Letters
Application Letter. An application letter is written to apply for a specific job opening. (sample cover letters)
Referral Cover Letter. A referral cover letter mentions the name of a person who referred you to a job (sample referral cover letters)
Letter of Interest. A letter of interest, also known as a prospecting letter, inquires about possible job openings at a company. (sample letters of interest)
Networking Letter. Networking letters request job search advice and assistance. (sample networking letters)

More specifically, your cover letters should be targeted to the jobs you are applying for and you should choose a different type of cover letter if you are requesting a meeting, applying for more than one job, or sending a cover letter to a company that has not advertised job openings.

Here are examples of the different types of cover letters you'll need to use, depending on how you are applying for a job.

Different Types of Cover Letters Examples

Job Application Letter
Sample Letter of Application
Customized Cover Letter Example
Sample Targeted Cover Letter
Sample Targeted Cover Letter
Targeted Cover Letter Example
Cold Contact Cover Letter
Sample Cover Letter Requesting a Meeting
Cover Letter Applying for More Than One Job
Letter of Interest / Prospecting Letter Example
Letter of Interest Example
Cover Letter for a Job Promotion Example
Cover Letter Example for Unadvertised Openings
Networking Letters
By Alison Doyle, About.com