Cover Letters Types and Styles

Determine what type of cover letter meets your business needs

Your cover letter provides a first impression to a potential customer or business partner. In a short, concise, well-written letter, you need to not only be sure to convey why you are contacting them, but do so tactfully. Business cover letters are slightly different then resume cover letters and are not one-size-fits-all, so it is important to know the various cover letters types and styles and when to use them appropriately. Searching through examples of cover letters can be a great way to choose the appropriate method of communication.

There are many reasons why you may need to contact a potential or current business partner. Whether you want to thank them for meeting with you or to propose a new business venture, it is essential you select the correct cover letter style to do so. Know the differences between the following when conducting business communication:

1. You can write a professional, yet personal, cover letter.

2. While there are many informal cover letters types and styles, that does not equal casual.

3. The electronic cover letter is the wave of the future.

 

Consider writing a professional, yet personal, business cover letter for a proposal

This type of cover letter is appropriate to use when you have not worked closely with the recipient. The tone of professional cover letters is complementary and personal, yet still professional. When you use this style to submit a proposal to a potential business associate, it can highlight not only why the proposed plan would be a good match for their company, but also why you, personally, will make a good business partner.
Try: The Seibert Group discusses how to write a professional, yet personal style cover letter and provides a sample cover letter. The Sales Letter Guru offers free sample cover letters that outline a more personal proposal cover letter.

Write an informal cover letter to a business partner you work with often

An informal cover letter can be used for writing cover letters to thank a client for meeting with you or as a cover letter sent with the additional information you promised. Examples of informal cover letters are not casual, just not as formal as a typical business cover letter.
Try: The Business Writing Institute outlines the differences between a formal and an informal business cover letter. Letter Writing Guide has a template for you to follow for sample cover letters.

Write an electronic cover letter

As technology becomes more advanced, the typical format for a cover letter is changing. Electronic cover letters are beginning to replace the hard copy cover letter. Although the majority of the rules are the same, the electronic cover letter will look slightly different. The subject line, for example, should be used wisely as it is the first thing the recipient will read and could ultimately determine whether or not the cover letter ever gets beyond the inbox.
Try: Quintessential Careers describes tips for an appropriate electronic cover letter. ABC Business Writing offers a checklist for your electronic cover letters.

 

• Use your cover letter to summarize your accompanying communication. For example, if your cover letter precedes a proposal, state all of the compelling details as a teaser - this will create a level of anticipation as well as set an expectation for what is to come.

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