It is very important to understand the different cover letter types and when to use them. You would use a different cover letter type for a response to a job opening ad than you would for a letter to a recruiter. Here are nine types of cover letters. Make sure you understand which type of them to include in your career marketing package.

1) Broadcast Cover Letter: This is a ‘generic’ cover letter that you might use when you want to send out hundreds of resumes at a time. It is not usually a very successful type of cover letter because of its generic nature.

2) Company Ad Response: This type of cover letter is a direct response to a company applying for a job that they have advertised. If you take the time to get the name and address correct, this type of cover letter is very successful.

3) Recruiter Ad Response: When you write to a recruiter, you need to save them time. List the job requirements and then tell them exactly how you fulfill and exceed these requirements.

4) E-Mail Cover Letter: When you find a job opening online, many times you will have to craft an email response. These should be as short and to the point as possible.

5) Cold Call to Company: Let’s say that you want to work for Company X. Well, you need to create a compelling cover letter that tells them why they should hire you, even if they don’t have an ad out for any positions at the moment.

6) Cold Call to a Recruiter: If you want a specialist recruiter to keep your resume on file, you should write a cover letter outlining your qualifications.

7) Referral Letter: If one of your peers or friends tells you about a job opening at their company, you have a leg up on the other people applying for that same job. You can mention to the hiring manager that your friend, Mr. X, told you about this job and thought you would make a perfect candidate.

8) Follow-Up Letter: Once you have sent out your career marketing documents, you will want to double check with the person to keep your name at the forefront of their mind.

9) Reference Letter: After a job interview, you will need to send a thank you letter with your references listed for them. This will show them that you have great initiative and follow-through.