Writing an effective resume is crucial to grabbing a job interview, but it actually is only half way towards that end. Good resumes must necessarily be complemented with trenchant cover letters to give the potential employer(s) a wholesome idea of your candidature. Most people mistake sending generic cover letters for every job they apply. Hang on! All jobs do not have the same demand, and therefore, your cover letters must also change in line with what or whom you're applying to.

A well-written resume must, at all times, be complemented with a focused cover letter such that this combo helps your profile to be picked up in the crowd. Why complement? It's because the cover letter is meant to detail the information in the resume. Look at it this way-if your resume is the framework, the skeleton of bare facts and data, the cover letter should be the flesh of further details and interpretation, adding a personal touch and giving a proper shape to your application. Remember, your cover letter is the first written communication with a potential employer and hence, it must create the best impression.

Cover letters are basically of three kinds-application letters (for available job openings), prospecting letters (for any near-future possibilities) and networking letters (for asking information and help). You should write the cover letter, based on these purposes. Good cover letters are those, which clearly express the applicants' reason for showing interest in the job/organization.

Generally, resume cover letters are approached in three stages:

1. Start the letter by mentioning your purpose of applying (whether you're internally referred by someone, or if you're responding to a job posting, or if you're looking for potential job openings, etc.)

2. In the following paragraph, advertise yourself. Highlight relevant skills that you have for the profile applied. In case of prospecting letters, learn about the company and its work before applying so that you can position your cover letter better. Talk about your skills and interests. These details shouldn't be a replica of what's mentioned in the resume. But, these should also not sound incoherent with your resume. All in all, the resume and the cover letter must complement each other to attract an interview with the employer.

3. The third step is to follow up. Mention that you'd follow up with a mail or a phone call soon. And please don't fail this time you promised. It's always a good idea to reach out to the organization. At least, you can check if they've received the application or not.

While you sign off, include some references in your resume cover letter or at least suggest that these are available on request. This creates a professional impression. So go ahead and give your best shot with the resume and its cover letter.