What do you call a personal letter sent with a resume during a job application?

The correct term for a personal letter sent alongside a resume during a job application process is a cover letter. A cover letter serves as an introduction to the resume, allowing the applicant to demonstrate their interest in the position, highlight key experiences and skills relevant to the job, and explain how they can contribute to the employer's needs.

This document is crucial because it gives the candidate the opportunity to address the hiring manager personally, making a more compelling case than a resume alone might. It can showcase personality and enthusiasm, which can be significant factors in the hiring process. Additionally, a cover letter allows for the discussion of specific experiences in a narrative form, giving context that a resume, with its bullet points and structured format, cannot provide.

On the other hand, an application letter, while similar, often refers specifically to a letter requesting employment rather than serving as a personalization of the resume. A recommendation letter is typically written by someone else to endorse the candidate's qualifications. Lastly, a follow-up letter is sent after an interview or application submission to express continued interest or to thank the interviewer, rather than sent alongside the resume.