Cover Letter vs Letter of Interest

As a job seeker, both a cover letter and a letter of interest are valuable tools at your disposal to find the job you want. What is the difference between these two types of letters, however? This article will help explain.

Definitions

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A cover letter is a letter attached to a job application that introduces the applicant and the applicant’s interest in the posting to which they are applying, briefly summarizes his or her qualifications and experience, and gives the employer a way to contact the applicant should they be selected for an interview. A cover letter accompanies a resume or curriculum vitae (CV) which further highlight the applicant’s qualifications. Cover letters are written specifically for postings in which an applicant is interested. Writing a cover letter is like saying, in a much more formal way of course, “Hello, here is an introduction of who I am, here’s the position I am applying for, here are some of the reasons I am a good candidate for this position, here is how I can be contacted, and here is my resume/CV for further information.” It is good practice to thank the recipient for reading the letter in its conclusion.

A letter of interest is a letter sent to a company or organization indicating a job seeker’s interest in working for that company. Letters of interest are not sent for particular positions, but to a company as a whole, expressing interest in working for that company, and inquiring as to whether or not there are positions available at said company. Letters of interest also highlight the qualifications and experience that the job seeker believes will indicate his suitability at a certain company. Writing a letter of interest is like saying, “Hello, here is an introduction of who I am; here is why I am interested in working for you. Here are some reasons why I believe I would make a good employee at your company, and I am wondering if there are any positions available that my skills would be suitable for. If so, here is how to contact me.” Letters of interest can be sent on their own and do not need to be accompanied by a resume or CV, though it is good practice to accompany a letter of interest with a resume or CV.

Comparison chart

Cover Letter vs Letter of Interest

What are the differences between a cover letter and a letter of interest? The main differences are:

• The thing to which interest is being indicated
• Whether or not a resume or CV needs to be attached

Cover letters express interest in a specific job posting. A cover letter will indicate the specific job posting to which the job seeker is applying, the seeker’s interest therein, and the job seeker’s skills and qualifications relevant for this position. A letter of interest, however, does not apply to a specific job posting. It instead seeks interest in working for a specific company.

Cover letters always need a resume or CV attached, because they are introducing an application to a job. Letters of interest can have resumes or CVs attached, but they can also be sent alone. It is not necessary to attach a resume to a letter of interest, though it is more appropriate to do so.

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