A cover letter is an important part of ones introduction to the company; it is accompanied by a resume and usually stapled on top of the resume. In case of email job applications, the cover letter should preferably be written in the email writing area and resume can be sent as an attachment.

A cover letter gives the potential employer a brief about ones personality, qualifications, ones suitability to the job applied for and major achievements. Overall, the cover letter shall represent a summarized view of ones resume.

The most important aspect of a cover letter format is the inclusion of details concerning the job available and your skills that match the criteria of the employer for that particular job.

The relevance of cover letter to a potential employer is mixed. Most employers give importance to a cover letter while some may not want them at all. However, it is in the best interests of the job applicant to include a cover letter along with ones resume.

By attaching a cover letter to ones resume whether or not the prospective employer requires it shows that the job applicant is serious about his/her career, is professional in dealing with official tasks and also an effective communicator.

A cover letter along with ones resume is the basis on which the prospective employer decides whether to shortlist ones name for the interview or not.