What is the purpose of a cover letter?

The purpose of a cover letter is to introduce yourself to potential employers and summarize your qualifications for the position you are applying for. This document serves as a personalized introduction that complements your resume. It allows you to highlight key skills, experiences, and attributes that make you a good fit for the job, while also conveying your enthusiasm for the position and the company.

In addition to summarizing qualifications, the cover letter can indicate how your background aligns with the specific requirements of the job, which helps the employer see you as a strong candidate. This thoughtful introduction can set the tone for your application, making it more engaging than simply relying on a resume alone.

The other options, while related to job applications, do not accurately represent the primary purpose of a cover letter. A detailed work history is typically included in a resume, references are generally provided on a separate document or upon request, and salary expectations are often addressed later in the hiring process, rather than in the initial introduction to a prospective employer.