Sample Cover Letters Key Terms

We are submitting a list of cover letter key terms for your review

By Lori Carver

You can use sample cover letters to find the correct format and heading for the job of your interest. In general, cover letters are an opportunity to share information that might be included on your resume. For example, you can use a cover letter to highlight an important life experience or express why you are interested in the position.

Cover letter key terms can help guide you through the process of writing one that is appropriate for your field. For instance, it is of vital importance that you know what an academic cover letter is and when to use one.

Academic cover letters

Academic cover letters are sample cover letters that require a bit more attention to detail than your average job search. Use these when applying for educational positions and referencing your teaching goals.
Try: Claremont Graduate University offers information on academic cover letters and provides an example of one.

Format

A sample cover letter's format is the way in which the header, footer, body, etc. are presented. The font, indentation and alignment are all format elements. You can use the format of a sample cover letter when putting together your own.
Try: Virginia Tech provides detailed information on cover letter format with numerous examples of the various formats one can use.

Referral cover letter

Referral cover letters are sent by those seeking informational interviews, perhaps to make a contact. They are so-called because the writer is usually referred to the recipient by a mutual contact. The elements of a good referral letter differ somewhat from that of a cover letter written to pursue a job opening.
Try: About.com has a sample referral cover letter.

Cover letter headings, headers or letterheads

Cover letter headings appear first (at the top) as the name implies. The header should contain your name, address, phone number and perhaps other contact information, such as your email address.
Try: Writing Cover Letters has a sample heading

Email cover letter

Email cover letters differ from a regular sample cover letters, in that they are sent via email. Follow the rules of regular cover letters before attempting the email cover letter.
Try: Quint Careers offers detailed information about email cover letters and provides an example of one.

Blanket vs. targeted cover letters

A targeted cover letter is written for a specific job opening, unlike a blanket cover letter which the applicant simply attaches to all the resumes she sends out. To "target" the content, the applicant looks at the qualifications the employer seeks and explains how you fit the criteria.
Try: Your Career Change has a sample of a cover letter that targets a specific position.