There are lots of different types of cover letters but, generally speaking, each one should include the following points to enhance your chances of employment:

A general or all purpose cover letter is a basic adaptable letter that you can use to accompany your resume when applying for job positions or tentatively sending your resume to companies in order for them to consider you for any upcoming positions. These letters are great when used as a base to apply for specific job roles where you can re-visit the letter and personalise it to show how you are an ideal candidate for the position. This will help you save time when applying for several jobs in quick succession. A general cover letter template is also very useful when sending your resume into companies that are not currently advertising for staff where you can ask that your resume be considered when a future position becomes available.

A cover letter is a document designed to accompany a resume when presented to an employer. The purpose of a cover letter is to give an opportunity for an applicant to introduce themselves and their credentials.

Most job seekers decide to send their resume without the benefit of a strong resume cover letter, which is a costly mistake. It shows a distinct lack of effort to send a resume bare and will put you at an immediate disadvantage when applying for a job. Employers like to see that you have taken time to analyse the position and formulate some ideas on why you’re the perfect candidate.

Cover letters express your personality and enthusiasm for the position, and provide support for your candidacy that is not covered by your resume. Writing a cover letter can be a challenging and time-consuming task, especially when you must customize it towards each organization.