Solicited Cover Letters
A solicited cover letter is something you draft when you're applying for a posted job opening or responding
to an employment ad. Start off the letter by introducing yourself and stating why you're writing. For example,
"I'm writing in regard to the open marketing manager position posted on your website. In my enclosed
resume, you'll see I have 10 years’ experience in marketing and communications, and I've worked in a variety
of capacities for both large and medium-sized employers."
Unsolicited Cover Letters
Just because an employer hasn't asked you for your resume doesn't mean he won’t be interested in seeing it --
you just have to make the first move. An unsolicited cover letter is used to pitch yourself to a potential
employer, either for an existing job opening, or as a way of introducing yourself to a company you’d like to
work with. The former is known as "prospecting," and is used to let an employer know who you are and what
kind of job you're looking for. The letter should introduce you, highlight your skills and credentials, and
provide a brief explanation of why you're writing. Note why you think you're a good fit for the company,
either for an existing job or a future opening. “I've always admired your company’s customer service levels,
and I'm very interested in joining your stellar customer retention team."
DIFFERENCE
Definition
The main difference between a solicited application letter and an unsolicited one is whether a company
receiving the letter announced a job opening or not. If a company announced an opening, the letter is considered
solicited because it was requested. However, if a company had not asked for applications, the letter is
considered unsolicited.
Goal
The goal of a solicited application letter is to obtain an interview for a specific job position which the writer
mentions in the letter. For example, the writer states that she is applying for the accounts payable clerk position
that is open. When a person writes an unsolicited letter, she hopes that the company has any position, within a
certain area, available. This letter is more general and the writer states that she is applying, for example, to any
type of managerial position within the company.
Considerations
A person writing a solicited application letter often includes where he heard about the opening. A person
writing an unsolicited letter often states where he heard about the company. Both types of letters are used to
state details about the writer’s qualifications, background, and skill. An unsolicited letter should also include
some company information, such as an interesting fact or two the writer has learned about the company.
Details
When writing a solicited letter, address the main point of the letter immediately without spending too much time
on unnecessary details. An unsolicited letter must immediately catch the reader’s interest. Employers expect
solicited letters when a job opening was announced, however, if no opening was posted, employers generally
are not expecting to receive application letters. Therefore, an unsolicited letter must focus on benefiting the
reader and the company. An unsolicited letter must also take action by the writer stating his intentions to call the
company for a follow-up discussion regarding the application.
