Types of Job Search Letters With Examples

Are you starting a job search? To job search effectively, you'll need to use a variety of communications. Whether it's writing a cover letter to send with your resume, inquiring if an employer you'd love to work for is hiring, or sending a quick email or LinkedIn message to a networking content, it's easier to start with an example or template than it is to write a brand new letter from scratch.

Review the most frequently used job search and career-related letters, including application letters, cover letters, inquiry letters, referral cover letters, prospecting letters, and other types of letters used to apply for jobs or inquire about jobs, plus examples of each type of letter and when to use them.

Career Networking Letters

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Networking letters are used to request job search advice and assistance from your business or personal connections. These include introductions, referrals, meeting requests, and requests for career advice. These letters can be sent to people you know or to people to whom you were referred. They may be sent by mail, email, or via networking sites such as LinkedIn.

Cover Letters

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Cover letters typically provide detailed information on why are you are qualified for the job you are applying for. Effective cover letters explain the reasons for your interest in the specific organization and identify your most relevant skills or experiences.  Cover letters are sent or uploaded with a resume when applying for jobs. Use these examples of professionally written cover letters to get ideas for your job search correspondence.

Email Cover Letters

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When you're sending an email cover letter, it's important to follow the employer's instructions on how to submit your cover letter and resume and to make sure that your email cover letters are written as well as any other correspondence you send. 

Inquiry Letters

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An inquiry letter is sent to companies that may be hiring, but haven't advertised job openings. Inquiry letters should contain information on why the company interests you and why your skills and experience would be an asset to the company. Also, provide information on how you will follow-up and your contact information.

Job Application Letters

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An application letter is sent or uploaded with your resume when applying for jobs. The job application letters you send explain to the employer why you are qualified for the position and why you should be selected for an interview. Writing a letter with your job application is a way to highlight your most relevant qualifications for the job and bring them to the attention of the hiring manager.

Letters Asking for Job Search Assistance

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Your friends, family, former colleagues, alumni from your alma mater, and your professional and personal connections can all help with a job search. Here are examples of letters to ask for job search help, including letters announcing a job search, networking letters and letters to request assistance with a job hun

Letters of Interest / Prospecting Letters

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A letter of interest, also known as a prospecting letter, is sent to companies to let them know you are interested in jobs that may be currently open or become available in the future. Sending one is an excellent way to reach out to companies you have an interest in working for but haven't advertised job openings.

This is one type of letter that may make more of an impact if it's printed and mailed than if it's sent as an email which may never get read.

LinkedIn Invitations and Messages

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LinkedIn makes it very easy to invite people to connect with you and to message your connections to request job or career advice, or to ask them to write you a recommendation. Even though it's simple to do, your LinkedIn communications should be polished and professional, so you leave the reader with the best possible impression.

Referral Cover Letters

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When you are applying for jobs, a referral can go a long way. Hiring managers and recruiters are more likely to take a closer look at candidates who were referred by someone they know. When you mention a referral in your cover letter, be sure to mention the individual who referred you by name and also indicates your connection with the person. 

Summer Job / Internship Cover Letters

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When you're writing a cover letter for a summer job or internship, your cover letters should reflect why you are qualified and interested in the position. It's also a good idea to mention your availability if the job posting mentions a start and end date for the position.

Select the Right Type of Cover Letter

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Be sure to choose a type of cover letter that reflects how you are applying for the job or the type of job search assistance you are requesting. Your cover letter should be designed specifically for the purpose you are writing and customized for each position you seek.

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