letter and application letter difference

Are Cover Letter and Application Letter the Same?

While cover and application letters are usually used in the same contexts, every job seeker has to know the significant differences between these two documents.

Nowadays, application and cover letters are sent via email, so, it’s also important to familiarize oneself with the writing trends and standards of online documents.

So, What’s the Difference?

The main difference between applications and cover letters are:

• Application documents are considered to contain in-depth information about candidate skills and qualities while cover letters are merely used for submitting the documents.
• Cover letters carry out simpler functions and only define your professional capacity as a sender, a recipient, and the purpose of the letter. Application letters perform three main functions: to draw the attention of the potential recruiter, to reflect you as the perfect fit for the position, and to secure the interview.
• Application letters highlight qualifications, skills, strengths, and previous jobs to which this information should relate to the job applied. Done properly, it will showcase you as a good fit for the position. A cover letter can omit specific details, though it must include contact information and motivate why you’re applying for the position and why you’re good for it.
• Cover letters are shorter as they don’t include detailed information. Applicant documents shouldn’t exceed one page. In terms of improving career opportunities, wherever possible your letter should consist of three paragraphs in which you introduce yourself and your objective in the first paragraph. You should present your strengths in the second paragraph and propose an interview in the third paragraph.
• Cover letters aren’t considered the decisive element of an application package. Application letters usually accompany resumes in most cases, as they can offer more about your professional candidacy. Or you can always check some of the best companies that will help you with writing your cover letter on Linkedin .

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Application letter vs. cover letter: pros and cons, tips for job application scenarios

1) Application letter when there is no job opening

2) job application letter for academic programs, 3) longer application letter for internships, introduction, convey resume facts in letter form. , highlight your achievements alongside personality and context., signpost each part of the letter. , make sentences shorter and minimize descriptive language. , ensure the application letter is heavy on factual detail..

Application letter? Isn't that a cover letter, but twice the length? What is that you say? Some people use it to replace a resume and a cover letter? Why on earth would you want to do that? What is a letter of application vs cover letter?

Job search jargon can be difficult, especially when different words mean different things in various parts of the world. So let's take a look at the general differences and similarities between an application vs cover letter . They do have varying uses - so think about the right choice for you.

In this article we will explore:

What is an application letter?

• Three situations when you might choose to write an application letter
• What is the difference between an application letter and a cover letter?
• What is the purpose of a letter of application?
• An application letter example
• The format and structure of a job application letter
• How do I write an application letter?

An “application letter” is used in limited circumstances in a job search as a replacement for a resume and cover letter. 

These two pages have to encompass the highs and lows of your career as well as describe why you would be a great hire for a potential employer. Tough ask.

Many in human resources view this as recruitment heresy; but hear us out. The specific job application format, despite its unwieldy nature, has a reason to exist. The job application letter is vanishingly rare, but certain people do decide to use it. The argument of letter of application vs cover letter is clear cut. Combining a resume and cover letter into one longer application letter is no easy task.

Recruiter’s Note

It should be noted that the term “application letter” is often used to describe the traditional cover letter. In other words, sometimes the two terms mean exactly the same thing. Similarly, the words “CV” and “resume” sometimes (but not always) refer to the same thing, the only difference being that the term “CV” is much more popular outside North America. A cover letter may be referred to as an application letter simply because that's what it's called in that part of the world. This article deals with application letters as separate documents with their own specific set of goals.

A resume is a strictly formatted, factually based document, while a cover letter adds a personal touch to the application process. But with a single job application letter that does both jobs, where do you start to impress a recruiter?

Is there one occasion in a hundred when a job seeker might choose this option? Might it make a difference to you one day? 

By the way, there is an entertaining 7.5-minute video on cover letters vs. application letters at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p7i8I5wFYuk . It offers the same advice we do, although with a delightful African accent. It settles the application letter vs cover letter debate, once and for all.

When to use an application letter

Before we explore all the reasons why a resume + cover letter combo is usually better for job seekers than a single application letter, an examination of online recruitment wisdom does highlight a few occasions when a job application letter might prove a valid choice. So what are the three types of application letter?

We must stress that in 99% of cases, this advice and the following application letter sample is definitely not the norm, but if you have tried everything else in your job search toolbox, it might just be worth a try.

When the job market is tight, potential hiring managers and recruiters will have even less time to consider job applications, especially if there is no job posting. 

If job applicants have a genuinely compelling story to tell, some candidates might decide to send over their sales pitch in application letter form (as an attachment in an email or in a forum like LinkedIn), because they know that someone won’t spend the time digging through their formal resume for the relevant details. Our application letter sample at the end of this chapter offers a flavor of how it might be worded. 

Sending a formal resume might be presumptuous if there is no role available, but a short cover letter does not offer enough space to sell your career story. Enter the longer, chunkier application letter (that is pretending to be a cover letter and not a resume).

Another type of letter sent when no open position is advertised is called a letter of interest, letter of intent or statement of interest. A letter of interest is very similar to a cover letter, but it’s written when no open position is advertised. The usual advice for a letter of interest is to hold it to one page and include a resume. This is different from the so-called application letter, which is generally supposed to be two pages and is sent without a resume.  

For example, if you teach English as a second language (ESL) and you live in Spain, you may become aware of a school that teaches ESL. Even though it’s not advertising any jobs for new teachers, you want the school to know that you would be interested in working there and you have the skills to do so. In such a case, you might send a letter of interest and a resume. For more info, see our blog on “ Letter of Interest vs. Cover Letter .”

Job application letters will never match the factual accuracy and coverage of a resume, but a small number of candidates do decide to use them as a tactic to get their foot through the door.

One consideration with a job application letter is that it will be read in its entirety. The format of a resume makes it easier to dip in and out, so writing a longer letter may be a way of getting every argument across?

When there is a requirement to describe depth of academic experience , a longer-form letter is sometimes employed in academic circles instead of a resume. Here, the letter of application vs cover letter argument is won in favor of academic rigor. Outlining the importance of your academic work is difficult in a short cover letter.

Again, this is a rare occurrence, but for an academic who is looking to connect with a like-minded faculty manager (outside of the confines of HR oversight), an application letter gives them the opportunity express why they would be a fit for that new job. Many academics are used to reading long pieces of content, so a two-page application letter will not seem overly onerous.

Many in academia would expect an academic resume with a wealth of information about past research papers and qualifications, but for areas of expertise which require more depth of explanation, an application letter may be a useful format.

There is genuine merit for an intern to view the following example of application letter with a little more interest. 

Interns will not have the experience to flesh out a two-page resume , but a one-page resume may not be enough space to describe the passion that they have for their desired role. As social media has brought interns ever closer to potential future bosses, a less formal job application letter might be able to do the job of both a cover letter and a resume. 

The free-flowing nature of a letter allows them to explore their potential from a professional and personal perspective. 400 words is not enough on a cover letter when you desperately want to take that first rung on the career ladder.

If the application progresses onto a more formal footing, interns will still need a resume for an internal recruiter, but a longer initial letter could make a difference. Not every application is standard, so if you feel that you are able to divert from the norm and risk sending a longer application letter, take the plunge.

Application letter sample

Meet Lana. She is writing a speculative application letter to get a job at a new retail outlet that is opening up. She doesn't know when they might be hiring, so this one-shot application letter sample is her best shot of getting on their radar early on. They are unlikely to read both a cover letter and her resume at such a stage. 

We had to dig deep into various professional cases to come up with the best example, but with our desire to provide the most comprehensive set of resources for job seekers, we felt that sharing an example of a job application letter was worth doing. This really does include the best of both worlds.

The following job application letter sample is a good attempt at what such a letter might look like, but it will quickly become obvious that the format is far from ideal. You have to have a really good story to keep a hiring manager reading beyond the second paragraph. Make sure that you hit them with what matters to them early on.

If you start to understand that this format is not for you - you might be far happier and better off checking out our cover letter templates , writing guide and profession-specific letter examples .

Having said all that, here is an example of an application letter:

Job application letter format and structure

The format of an application letter is difficult to define. While we have created advice guides for all sorts of cover letters, the bloated nature of the application letter format means that almost anything goes. Just make sure that you use bullets and the odd list to break up the text - white space matters in an application letter, too.

We would like to compare and contrast the structure of the two formats.

After starting the header of the letter with your contact information, the greeting section needs to be addressed to the correct person and begin the letter with a personal connection. Everyone likes being called by their name. 

Additionally, make sure that you use the correct form of address. “ Dear Mr. / Mrs. / Ms. Surname ” is the safest option to get the letter off to a solid start. ”To Whom It May Concern” is never acceptable, though if you can't find out the name of the hiring manager, you can opt for a more generic greeting like “Dear XYZ Hiring Team.” This advice applies to both cover letters and application letter.

Take your career growth to a new level with these 10 expert tips to writing and formatting the best cover letter.

The introduction of a cover letter should be a short opening paragraph to grab the attention and focus on one standout aspect of the candidate’s experience. It is the one sentence that you want to remain in the hiring manager’s mind for the rest of the recruitment process.

The introduction for the application letter format has to work a bit harder. Because there is no factual resume to fall back on, the application letter introduction should be more practically oriented, leaving the reader in no doubt as to the suitability of the candidate.

Where a hiring manager has the option to find a candidate's value in the depths of a resume, candidates have to be mind-readers to work out exactly what to highlight in their application letter intro. It is a really tough ask and very easy to miss the mark.

The body of the perfect cover letter should contain a couple of brief insights into the personal qualities and professional achievements of a candidate, outlining why they are a fit for the role and backing that up with quantifiable numbers. It is eminently possible to create a lasting impression in the space of two or three paragraphs. In communication skills terms, brevity is the soul of wit.

Conversely, it is difficult to know where to start in suggesting how to structure the body of an application letter.

First, the job application format should ideally retain an aspect of the chronological nature of a resume . You don’t want the reader jumping back and forth through your career timeline as they read it and you should include dates of employment where possible. 

Elements of personality and culture fit can also be sprinkled throughout the writing. Try to lead with your most relevant characteristics, with the most recent examples at the beginning of the letter.

After a couple of sections about work experience, the job application letter offers an opportunity to expand at greater length on how you understand the role and why you think you would be a fit. 

Anticipate the interview questions and show that you are the right person for the job. This is something that is not always possible in either a resume or a cover letter, so it is ideally suited to a persuasive piece of writing that may well be speculative in nature. Go into significant detail around how exactly you see yourself fitting in.

For a cover letter, the conclusion is a one-paragraph call to action, intended to persuade the employer to invite you to an interview. It's the cherry on top of your job application. 

The length of the application letter format means that such a pithy closing paragraph might seem a little apologetic. In this case, it is worth reminding the potential employer of the key aspects of your candidacy. They may be a bit lost in such a long letter, and repetition can be an effective device (if you are repeating the right things, that is).

Is an application letter the same as a cover letter? 

The industry standard of a personality-led cover letter is intended to complement the factual formality of a resume. As such, the cover letter is often used as a compelling conversation-starter that might entice a hiring manager to read the resume in a little more depth. 

Cover letters hint at the threads of a candidate’s career that are worth exploring further during an interview process . 

Application letters, on the other hand, need to communicate both factual experience and a sense of personality. In terms of comparing and contrasting a cover letter and an application letter format, the basic approaches are similar, but the application letter format is more cumbersome.

Tips for writing a great application letter for a job vacancy 

If you are determined to write an application letter, or if someone has asked you to put down your thoughts on your suitability for the role in an email (for example), here are five suggestions for making the most of an imperfect format. Here is how the letter of application vs cover letter thought process plays out. 

Weaving the facts of your resume into the broader narrative of an application letter for employment is crucial to getting your work experience across. 

Factual details are far easier to pick out on a resume, so they risk getting a little lost in the depths of an application letter. But if you put the more important facts toward the beginning of paragraphs, hiring managers will be more likely to notice. Numbers and percentages are automatically more visible, so quantify and add context.

As an application letter is a mix of fact and personality, you can mix up your factual achievements with descriptive adjectives and more context than a resume typically contains. 

Much is discussed about storytelling in the recruitment process and if you can manage to merge these factors, your story has a chance of being finished. However, two pages of solid text is a lot of story to take in.

A resume has distinct sections for each part of your experience, and a cover letter usually has a set format to add the extra details. It is therefore essential for job applicants to signpost the content of every paragraph in the first sentence of an application letter.

Some people might decide to use mini-titles, but this often comes across as being too simplistic and may break up the flow of the story. Try to make the first sentence of each paragraph short and direct.

Two pages might seem a lot for an application letter, but when you consider that it has to be written in full sentences and with acceptable English, suddenly the simplicity and brevity of skills lists on a resume (for example) seem very appealing. 

Keep your sentences as short and impactful as possible. Otherwise you might find yourself not having enough space for some of your achievements and experiences. Having said this, don't include too many lists with lots of commas - the application letter needs to be legible.

While the purpose of a cover letter is to weave a more emotionally appealing story because the resume has covered the factual bases, the limitations of the job application letter format mean that it should contain as much factual detail as possible. 

Devices such as bullet-pointed lists are a great way of getting fact-heavy accomplishments across. Put simply, make sure that you don't waffle. The tone should be conversational - it should be a conversation packed with achievement.

The differences between an application letter and a cover letter

To summarize, while the application letter is a mash-up of a resume and a cover letter, it is a little more than that. Essentially candidates use it as an extended conversation starter in certain specific situations.

The application letter allows them to set out their arguments exactly the way that they would like a hiring manager to hear them. With a letter, there is no ambiguity. It is written how it is meant to be received. It is important that the candidate understands which arguments will be effective as this is their "one shot." 

While a hiring manager can dip in and out of a resume where they see fit, an application letter leaves them no choice. If it doesn't hit the mark, chances will reduce significantly.

But what if I decide to write a cover letter after all?

We recently shared 9,000+ words of career advice in our blog on cover letter writing and many of the suggestions in that piece will also be relevant to writing an application letter, should you choose to do so. 

Do your research on the employer, choose the right tone for the letter and immerse yourself into the culture to imagine what sort of employee they are looking for. 

The best cover letters are a wonderful medium to complement a resume, yet their impact is often overlooked. A perfectly targeted cover letter can genuinely make the difference between a first interview for that dream job and another rejection. We have a wide range of guides and cover letter samples for multiple professions that bring the reality of the letter to life. 

If you compare the cover letter examples with the application letter example, you will see why most employers would prefer the cover letter plus a resume to create the ideal first impression. In the letter of application vs cover letter argument, there is usually only one winner.

At the end of the day, you should choose what fits you best. If the situation warrants a more free-form and non-traditional document like the application letter, go for it! 

But if you decide to stick with the tried-and-true combo accepted by recruiters worldwide, make sure to check out our online resume tools for resumes and cover letters (complete with pre-generated phrases, a grammar checker and more).  

Save your time, avoid stress and uncertainty. There’s no reason not to empower your job search with convenient solutions!

Difference Between Cover Letter and Application Letter

• Career Advice

• Posted On: 2024-08-20
• Posted By: Shacara

What is a Cover Letter?

Key characteristics of a cover letter:.

• Personalized and tailored: A cover letter should be customized for each job application, addressing the specific company and role you are applying for.
• Concise and focused: Typically, a cover letter is one page long and focuses on the most relevant qualifications and experiences.
• Expresses enthusiasm: A cover letter conveys your passion for the role and the company, explaining why you are a good fit.
• Addresses the employer: A cover letter usually starts with a formal greeting, ideally addressing the hiring manager by name.

What is an Application Letter?

Key characteristics of an application letter:.

• Formal tone: An application letter tends to be more formal and structured than a cover letter.
• Detailed introduction: It includes a more comprehensive introduction, outlining your qualifications and reasons for applying.
• Standalone document: Unlike a cover letter, which accompanies a resume, an application letter can be a standalone document.
• Focuses on the request: The main goal of an application letter is to formally request consideration for a job opening.

Structural Differences: Cover Letter vs. Application Letter

Structure of a cover letter, structure of an application letter, when to use a cover letter vs. an application letter.

• Cover Letter: Use a cover letter when you’re submitting a resume or CV as part of a job application. It is commonly required in most job applications, especially when applying through job boards, company websites, or recruitment agencies. A cover letter provides a personalized introduction and a chance to highlight specific qualifications that match the job description.
• Application Letter: An application letter is often used when applying directly to a company, especially in cases where no formal job posting exists. It may also be used when applying for jobs that require a more formal introduction, such as government positions, academic roles, or international jobs. An application letter is more comprehensive and can stand alone without a resume, although attaching a resume is always recommended.

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Application Letter Vs. Cover Letter

There are subtle differences between application letters and cover letters. However, the terms cover and application are sometimes used interchangeably. An application letter is often intended to stand on its own, whereas a cover letter generally can't be the applicant's only document submitted to express interest in a job opening.

Cover Letter Versus Application Letter Introductions

Cover letters typically contain a brief introduction. The introduction in a cover letter consists of three to four sentences about the job seeker's work experiences, education, accomplishments and the type of organizations he feels are best suited for his qualifications. On the other hand, an application letter might contain a more extensive introduction simply because this letter serves a purpose that's similar to the resume.

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Dear (Hiring Executive),

Please accept my enclosed application for the position of executive assistant to your Vice President of Operations. I'm pleased to say that my qualifications match your job requirements perfectly. In my current role with Genex Engineering, I handle all of the same duties and much more as executive assistant to the president and CEO for the past four years. My experience, education (bachelor's degree), strong communication skills and ability to manage complex tasks and solve problems makes me an ideal candidate for your position.

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An application letter generally contains a brief description of the job seeker's work history or professional experience. An application letter often can substitute for a resume and, therefore, requires that the job seeker include specific information about her work history and professional competencies. A cover letter shouldn't contain too much information about the job seeker's work history because it's merely an introduction to the resume. It's acceptable for a cover letter to reference the job seeker's work history in a sentence or two about her current or previous employer; however, it shouldn't contain details about any professional experience.

Example of Cover Letter Work History:

Prior to working at Genex Engineering, I was executive secretary to the COO at Boomer Industrial Hose Inc. and started my career as a receptionist/ secretary for the Sales Manager at Geny Oil Corp. 10 years ago in Texas.

No need to add more to your work history in a cover letter as it is thoroughly covered in the accompanying resume.

Example of Application Letter Work History:

At Genex Engineering, I handle all of the duties required of your position and much more as executive assistant to the president and CEO for the past four years. In addition to providing secretarial and administrative support to the president, I train other secretaries to support other high-level executives and regularly speak at conventions and manage trade shows. My responsibilities also include creating presentations and proposals, arranging travel for all the executives, generating reports and taking responsibility for confidential company documents. I spearheaded modifications in IT that generated increased profitability for Genex and implemented a variety of upgrades in our accounting procedures dramatically cutting costs in that department.

After describing your duties in your present position, you would then briefly describe your duties in your two previous junior-intermediate level jobs at Boomer and Geny Oil.

Cover Letter Versus Application Letter Content

A cover letter is a teaser. Its intent is to capture the reader's attention enough to make the recruiter or hiring manager want to review the resume. The cover letter should contain just enough information that it doesn't give away everything about the applicant. An application letter, on the other hand, is a more comprehensive document. It describes the applicant's educational background, certifications and licenses, and in some cases, salary history for job postings that require it.

When to Use an Application Letter

When an employer specifically requires a cover letter and resume, that's what the job seeker should submit. It's relatively rare that an employer will accept an application letter in lieu of a cover letter and resume. The two approaches are different and employers use application letters infrequently when compared to how they use cover letters and resumes. An application letter is more appropriate for unsolicited interest, or when there isn't a job posting. For example, an application letter could be mailed to several employers that aren't advertising specific jobs vacancies as a way to provide a more extensive introduction to prospective employers.

Uses of Cover Letters and Application Letters

A cover letter is almost always used to express interest in employment. An application letter can be used for employment purposes; however, it can also be used for applying for a place in an academic program or an internship program. Employers don't always require a cover letter, but it's always a good idea to use a cover letter. On the other hand, an application letter might be the only requirement sought by schools or employers – with an application letter, it may not always be necessary to include a resume.

Ruth Mayhew has been writing since the mid-1980s, and she has been an HR subject matter expert since 1995. Her work appears in "The Multi-Generational Workforce in the Health Care Industry," and she has been cited in numerous publications, including journals and textbooks that focus on human resources management practices. She holds a Master of Arts in sociology from the University of Missouri-Kansas City. Ruth resides in the nation's capital, Washington, D.C.

Application Letter vs Cover Letter

Although both terms can be used interchangeably, an application letter and a cover letter aren’t the same things. Is a letter of application the same as a cover letter? We get this question often, which is not surprising.

It is not only enough to show interest in a particular job opening; you need these documents to prove you have the qualifications for it. Like David Ciccarelli, CEO at Voice, said, “I continue to find cover letters to be an effective tool for the candidate to express themselves and their enthusiasm for the position.”

It is important that you get these right the first time, and to do that, you have to know the difference between an application letter and a cover letter. If this sounds like something you are curious to learn, you are in the right place. Also, for those interested in help writing a cover letter, c heck this post on Linkedin with the list of the best cover letter writing services.

This article will extensively discuss the subtle differences and similarities between these two and give examples of how they work.

Although some employers prefer to peruse your social media accounts, especially LinkedIn, to see if you are a suitable candidate based on your profile and collections, it is still good to know the difference between these documents.

If you have questions on how to use bullet points on LinkedIn or go about LinkedIn formatting , we have articles on our blog that can help you with that.

What is a Cover Letter?

A cover letter is typically a one-page document submitted alongside your resume during a job application. Every job application requires a cover letter for so many reasons.

When you find a job opening, you best believe that thousands of other applicants are vying for that same job. The competition is high, and HR will have to go through so many resumes to choose a candidate.

When the resumes are too much, they tend to skip some, especially when it doesn’t look interesting. A cover letter is what graphs their attention. Your resume might be great, but HR won’t know if they don’t see it.

Writing an application letter or a cover letter can be tricky. As you learn to navigate these differences, also consider how to add covid-19 experience to resume . This unique experience could set you apart from other candidates.

When HR reads this cover letter, they become interested, making them want to read the entire resume. On the other hand, if your cover letter is bad, you know exactly where this would lead to, probably the paper shredder.

So many applicants make the mistake of just copying whatever is in their resume and pasting it on the cover. This is wrong and one of the fastest ways to put the reviewer off.

A cover letter is not your resume and should not be used to replace this in any way.

It is an essential supplement and should contain details and information that is separate from what you have in your resume. If you are still struggling with writing a CV, there is an article about top resume writers on our page, and you can check that out for more information .

What is a Letter of Application?

To fully understand the cover letter vs application letter discussion, we must explain what an application letter is. We already wrote extensively about the cover letter in the paragraph above.

When writing your application, you want to take note of a few things. Make sure to talk about your professional goals and aspirations. This is to enable you to get the attention of the hiring manager. Show your familiarity with the company, especially in the greeting section.

Make sure you do a little digging to discover the name of the hiring manager. This would show passion. Like Heather Huhman, a career expert, said, “You shouldn’t just say that you want the job or love your industry. You have to show your passion.” Given the importance of this letter, you should not blow it. Neither should you mistake it for a cover letter.

It is easy for applicants to gloss over this document since they believe they have everything written in the resume. However, you should stand out from the rest and create an application letter and resume that will hold their interest long enough to make sure they review you for the job.

For adequate punctuation and grammatical corrections, check out the article on our page about how many bullet points per job on a resume should be used. It will help you write a CV better.

Letter of Application vs. Cover Letter

As we mentioned before, there are so many similarities between these two documents that many job applicants mistake one for the other. However, there are still certain differences between them that sets them apart.

The reasons why applicants send these letters are different so you can’t send one in place of the other. When applying for a job, the cover letter is sent as part of your resume.

It is an attachment that gets to the HR office together with your resume, proof of qualifications, and every other document you might feel the need to attach. In about 350 words, the cover letter will introduce the entire content of the resume to give the hiring manager an idea of what they will find in the resume.

An application letter can and usually stands alone. When you find a job opening, you can quickly craft an application letter and send it to their table before you start writing a resume. It is a letter to show your open interest.

Unlike the cover letter, this one provides a deeper insight into your professional strength and proves that you’re the best candidate for the job.

Introduction

Another major feature in the letter of application vs. cover letter discussion is the introduction. Their formats are quite different, and this difference should be respected and adequately followed.

In a cover letter, your intro should only be a few sentences long. Don’t forget it will only be about 400 words, so make every word count. The introduction should express your interest in the job and highlight why you are applying.

While you only touch on these details in the cover letter, you must expatiate on this in the application letter. Your introduction must cover all the reasons you think you qualify for this job. You have permission to toot your horn and brag about your skills here—all in about five sentences.

Examples of how this can be done will be shown in subsequent paragraphs.

Work Experience

You should already notice that there is a certain trend to this. In a cover letter, you briefly state. In an application letter, you describe. The same goes for work experience too. In a cover letter, simply mention all the relevant job experience you have that makes you qualify for the job.

In an application letter , you need to divulge a little more. State the name of the company, your job position, duration of employment, responsibilities, and every other necessary information.

Length and Attachments

A cover letter is usually about half a page or a full page. It is a concise document containing only useful information about yourself while you refer the hiring manager to the other attachments in the application. This would include your resume and other essential files.

Application letters are longer. It can stand alone, so you want to make sure you write all the necessities highlighting all the important details in your professional and personal background.

Now that we have discussed the difference between a cover letter and an application letter, we will show you practical examples of these differences based on the major points above.

Let’s get into it:

Example 1: Introduction

Cover Letter

My name is Edmund Hutcher, and I’m applying for the role of Chief Storage Officer. I have seven years of working as a Chief Security in my previous job, and I am positive that the experience is enough to make me suitable for this role.

Application Letter

My name is Edmund Hutcher, and I would like to show my interest in the Chief Storage officer role vacancy. I have always had an avid interest in safety and security, which made me actively pursue this service for about seven years. I believe I am the best candidate for the job, not because I have the qualifications and licenses to prove it, but because I have the passion and resilience necessary to excel.

Example 2: Work Experience

From January 2014 to September 2021, I worked as Chief Security Officer at Lead City Holdings. I was in charge of the entire storage facility during my time there. I was responsible for ensuring all the goods were kept safe and in great condition.

I worked from January 2014 to September 2021 as a Chief Security Officer at Lead City Holdings. While I was there, I was in charge of a few camping blocks and, majorly, the storage facility. My responsibilities included making sure the workers were properly dressed in the appropriate gear for production.

With a little help from the professional services, understanding the difference between an application letter and a cover letter becomes a lot simpler. For those wondering how much does TopResume cost , we’ve got just the article that dives into every aspect of its pricing. The piece brings valuable insights into choosing the right service for your job search.

Is an application letter the same as a cover letter?

Although they are similar and interchangeable, they are not the same. They are entirely two different documents with two other purposes and intents. You must learn when to use either of these documents because, in this era, recruiters are looking out for minor loopholes like this. Ensure you make the best choice between a cover letter vs. a letter of application.

What is the difference between an application letter and a cover letter?

There are so many differences between these two documents. One major one is their purpose. The application letter expresses intent, while the cover letter supplements your resume. Your application letter has to be comprehensive, as this will help the recruiters decide whether you are the right candidate.

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One of our team members is Alina Burakova. She has vast experience in reviewing career and education-related websites. Being a little shy, Alina dislikes writing about herself too much, so here is her short bio. In 2010, she graduated from ...

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