The Career Center
Colorado State University The Career Center

Cover Letters

Types of Cover Letters

Application Letter:

The purpose of this letter is to get your resume read by the prospective employer. Use this type of letter to respond to a specific job posting. Be sure to clearly demonstrate how your skills and experience match the qualifications of the position.
View a sample Application Letter.

Prospecting Letter:

The purpose of this letter is to discover possible job opportunities within an organization. Use this type of letter when you are interested in a particular company, but haven't seen any job postings that relate to your area. Address your letter to a specific person. Be sure to demonstrate your knowledge of the organization by describing how your qualifications and skills would contribute to their work environment.
View a sample Prospecting Letter.

Networking Letter:

The purpose of this letter is to generate an informational interview rather than a job interview. Use this type of letter to request an informational interview with a specific person, usually based upon a referral.
View a sample Networking Letter.

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