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Application
Cover Letter
or Inquiry Cover Letter?
An application cover letter is
one of two primary categories of cover
letters; the other being inquiry cover letter.
Here are some general
differences between the two:
Letter of
Application
- This is the most often used type of cover
letter.
- Use this when applying for a specific job
opening.
- When writing a cover letter in this category,
you will often say
something like, "I look forward to hearing from you."
- In other words, you are interested in
"applying" for something...and
anticipating a response.
Letter of
Inquiry
- Use this when you are inquiring about a
potential job opening.
- Never assume the employer will reply or return
your call.
- Always state something to the effect, "I will
contact you in two
weeks to learn more about potential employment opportunities within
your organization."
- Make sure you follow up with what you said
you'd do. (e.g. make the
call)
- The difference between this and the Application
Letter is, "you"
will follow up with the employer...not wait for them to respond to you.
My advice is to follow up with an employer whenever possible.
This is
always better than just posting a cover letter and resume to cyberspace
and hope someone will look at it.
If you have a phone number for the hiring POC, you may want to take the
initiative and follow-up with a phone call.
But use common sense. If
the job announcement specifically states, "no calls please", then do
not call.
Use precise terms such as "I will contact you in the next two weeks to
see if you require any additional information regarding my
qualifications." And then make sure you do that.
In addition to the application
cover letter advice here, check out the
additional cover
letter help topics to include: resume
cover letter, fax
cover letter and free
cover
letter sections of this website.
You may also want to visit what other job seekers say about writing a
cover letter in career
information section.
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