Need to write a cover letter to apply for a job? In most cases, the answer is yes. Your cover letter help can make the difference between getting a job interview or your resume ignored, so it makes sense to spend the time and effort required to write effective cover letters.

Here's all the information you need to write a cover letter that will make your application noticed. Review these tips on what to include in a cover letter, how to format it, and examples of many professionally written cover letters.

What Is a Cover Letter?

Before you start writing a cover letter, you should familiarize yourself with the purpose of the document. A cover letter is a document that is sent with your resume to provide additional information about your skills and experience.

The letter provides detailed information about why you are qualified for the job you are applying for. Don't just repeat what's on your resume, but include specific information about why it's a good choice for your employer's work requirements. Think of your cover letter as a sales argument that will market your credentials and help you get the interview. As such, you want to make sure that your cover letter gives the best impression to the person reviewing it.

Typically, a cover letter accompanies each resume you submit. Employers use cover letters as a way to select applicants for available jobs and to determine which candidates they would like to interview. If an employer requires a cover letter, it will be included in the publication of the work. Even if the company doesn't request one, you might want to include one anyway.

The Different Types of Cover Letters

There are three general types of cover letters. Choose a letter type that matches the reason for your drafting.

The letter of application that responds to a known job offer (see examples of cover letters)

The prospecting letter asking about possible positions (see examples of letters of inquiry)

The networking letter requesting information and assistance in your job search (see examples of networking letters)

When you apply for a job that has been published by a company you are hiring, you will use the "application letter" style.

What to Include in Your Cover Letter

A cover letter should complement, not duplicate, your resume. Its purpose is to interpret the data-oriented, factual resume and add a personal touch to your application for employment. Find out more about the differences between a resume and a cover letter to make sure you start writing your cover letter with the correct approach.

A cover letter is often your earliest written contact with a potential employer, creating a critical first impression. Something that might seem like a small error, like a typo, can get your application immediately knocked off the list. On the other hand, even if your cover letter is error-free and perfectly written, if it is generic (and makes no reference to the company, or to any specifics in the job description) it is also likely to be rejected by a hiring manager.

Effective cover letters explain the reasons for your interest in the specific organization and identify your most relevant skills or experiences. Determine relevance by carefully reading the job description, evaluating the skills required and matching them to your own skills.

Think of instances where you applied those skills, and how you would be effective in the position available.

What to Leave Off Your Cover Letter

There are some things that you don’t need to include in the cover letters you write. The letter is about your qualifications for the job, not about you personally. There is no need to share any personal information about yourself or your family in it. If you don’t have all the qualifications the employer is seeking, don’t mention it. Instead, focus on the credentials you have that are a match. Don’t mention salary unless the company asks for your salary requirements. If you have questions about the job, the salary, the schedule, or the benefits, it’s not appropriate to mention them in the letter.

One thing that’s very important is to not write too much. Keep your letter focused, concise, and a few paragraphs in length. It’s important to convey just enough information to entice the hiring manager to contact you for an interview.