Writing a cover letter can seem confusing and challenging when it’s a “special situation” or outside the scope of directly applying to a clear-cut advertised position.
Let’s look at other types of cover letters to consider in your job search and career management.
Cold Letters.
You can directly contact potential employers without a referral or previous correspondence. Job-seekers most commonly use this type of letter to advertise their ability to hiring managers or human resources. You should have compiled a list of the top employers you would like to work for and gathered basic company information for each.
Broadcast Letters.
With a broadcast letter, well-qualified candidates can advertise their availability to top-level professionals in a particular field. The candidate aims to entice the potential employer to consider his or her qualifications for available positions. Although the broadcast letter discusses a candidate’s background in detail, a resume is usually included. Since this type of letter is used primarily by seasoned executives, its tone should reflect the candidate’s experience, knowledge, and confidence in his or her capabilities.
Employment Agency Letters.
When searching for a job, some candidates seek help from employment agencies. These letters should focus on who you are, what type of position you are looking for and in what specific industry, and some of your strongest skills related to that field. For the agency to place you in an appropriate position, mention personal preferences, including geographic and salary requirements.
Executive Search Firm Letters.
Although these firms don’t actively recruit candidates (their clients are the employers), don’t let this discourage you from writing. A well-crafted cover letter can alert an otherwise unknowing recruiter to your availability. Highlight your most impressive accomplishments and attributes, and briefly summarize all relevant experience. If you have preferences, like geographical location, travel, and salary, mention them in your letter.
Networking Letters.
These pertain largely to a third-party industry contact to garner the reader’s attention and induce him or her to assist you in your job search. It’s important to achieve the right tone in your networking letters. Unless you’re familiar with a contact, word your correspondence in a businesslike manner. Don’t use your addressee’s first name or rely on an overly casual writing style. If you have been in contact with this person recently, it could be useful to remind him or her, “It was great seeing you at the ABC Convention last month” or “It’s been several months since we bumped into each other on the plane to New York. How are you?” Many networking letters are written to someone whom the candidate has not met but has been referred to by a mutual acquaintance. In this case, immediately state the name of the person who referred you, such as “John Doe suggested I contact you.” Ask for assistance with information and names of people to contact. Don’t ask for a job!
Thank You Letters.
Your correspondence doesn’t end with cover letters. Other types of letters, such as thank you letters are often appropriate, even obligatory. It’s acceptable to handwrite them on a generic-blank note card. Make sure they’re neat and legible. If in doubt, type or email the letter. If you met with several people, it’s fine to send each an individual letter. Call the company if you need to check the correct spelling of names. Keep the letters short and send them promptly. Here are some of the situations where a thank you letter is appropriate:
- After a job interview. Always send a thank you letter after an interview, ideally within 24 hours. Express thanks for the employer’s time and emphasize your continued interest in the position. Mention something specific from the interview and restate your interest. Avoid catchphrase and be careful the letter doesn’t come across sounding canned. Make it no more than a page or even a few sentences.
- For a good reference. In your job search, it might be necessary to call upon personal and professional references to support your credentials. These people are doing you a favor and deserve your written thanks. They also keep your contacts current. You may want to remind the person why you needed the reference and mention the outcome of his or her efforts. Keep your comments brief and your tone polite.
- For a letter of recommendation. Potential employers sometimes require letters of recommendation. These may be written by previous employers or, for those with little professional experience, by college professors or others who know your work ethic.
- For a referral. Many jobs are found with the assistance of a networking contact or referrals. Throughout your job search, keep track of all your referrals and send each one a personalized thank you note. Briefly express sincere gratitude for help on your behalf. If the person’s’ efforts directly led to a positive outcome for you, let him or her know. Offer your return assistance if that is within your power.
- After an informational interview. Everyone who assists you in any way during your job search deserves written thanks. This is true for any informational interview. Although you’re not asking for a job, you’ve taken a person’s time. Consider the case of my client Nancy, who wrote a timely thank you to an industry executive with whom she met in an informational interview. The executive, impressed by her considerate attention to detail, heard about an appropriate employment opportunity several weeks later and recommended her for the job!
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