The Job Front: Letters and the job search

Most job seekers use multiple types of letters during their search campaigns. Here’s an outline of your best options:
Traditional cover letters are written in response to job ads and postings, sent directly to hiring managers or forwarded to HR professionals. They are generally uploaded when applying online or attached to an email as a separate document with your résumé.
E-notes are modern and shorter cover letters used as the actual content of your email messages. E-notes are my No. 1 recommendation for most job seekers when contacting potential employers via email.
Recruiter letters are written as cover letters or e-notes, but often include additional information (e.g., salary requirements, geographic preferences) that you would not typically share at the onset with a prospective employer.
Thank-you letters are a must after every interview to ensure that you stay “front of mind.” Few people actually send these letters, so give yourself a competitive edge.
Networking letters make connections with direct network contacts and referrals, and are generally not written in response to specific job opportunities.
Job proposal letters propose a specific job opportunity with a specific company to meet a specific need. You’d be surprised by the results these letters can generate when you contact the right companies that look for candidates with your qualifications.

Wendy Enelow is co-author of “Modernize Your Résumé: Get Noticed ... Get Hired” and “Expert Résumés for Military-to-Civilian Transitions.”