A cover letter is a letter sent with other documents to explain more fully or provide an inside information about the other enclosed documents.

Cover Letter generally falls into the following categories:

• Letter of application - used for applying to a specific advertised opening.
  
• Letter of inquiry - used to expressing interest in an organization, but you are not certain if there are current openings.

The cover letter to any job application can be sent as an attachment with a soft copy or a hard copy. The difference in sending either type of Cover Letters lies in your signature block including your address, phone number, mobile or an e-mail ID. The block goes below the name at the end if the Cover Letter is sent via e-mail, while if the hard copy is sent than the address and other information goes at the top of the page.

This is because signature cannot be copied to cover letter that is drafted digitally or sent as soft copy.

A cover letter is the document that briefs the recruiter about your profile and job, without actually skimming through your résumé.

A covering letter is your first impression to the recruiter. And first impression is the last impression. It should include the following:

• mention Job Code/Job Reference Number' if any;
  
  
• Indicate your address and date of mailing on the top right hand corner;
  
  
• Indicate the address, name and designation of person to whom the mail is directed at top left side;
  
  
• Use the salutations such as Dear Mr. William or Dear Sir/Madam, incase name initials are not provided;
  
  
• Enter a catchy subject line in bold, example, Résumé for Content Writer Position/Application for PHP Programmer Position;
  
  
• Begin your letter by writing the phrase:" With reference to your Job advertisement in National Daily, dated...";
  
  
• Put your digital signatures at the end of the draft.
  

Dear Miss Flowery,

With regard to advertisement in., on., please find attached a copy of detailed résumé in word/rtf/html format for the position of Software Developer.

I'm available for an interview as per your discretion and allotted time schedule.

I'm open to/not looking for relocation anywhere.

Yours sincerely,