What is the primary purpose of a cover letter?

The primary purpose of a cover letter is to introduce yourself to employers and explain why you are a good fit for the job. A cover letter serves as your first opportunity to make a personal connection with the hiring manager and to convey your enthusiasm for the position. It allows you to articulate your strengths, highlight relevant experiences, and explain how your skills align with the specific requirements of the role.

This personalized approach is crucial because it provides context to your resume, showcasing not only what you have done in previous positions but also how those experiences make you an ideal candidate for the job at hand. By communicating directly why you are interested in the role and how you can contribute to the company, you create a compelling case that can set you apart from other applicants.

The other choices focus on functions that, while relevant, do not align with the cover letter's main purpose. For example, summarizing past job experiences or providing a detailed job history are elements typically found in a resume. Listing references is also not a cover letter's role; such information is usually included in a separate section of the resume or provided upon request. Thus, the cover letter's key function remains the introduction and justification of your candidacy for a specific job opportunity.