Cover Letter vs Application Letter: What Employers Expect

Employers sometimes use “cover letter” and “application letter” for the same document. The instructions in the vacancy are the best guide to what you should send.

Understand the usual purpose

A cover letter usually introduces your CV and explains your fit. An application letter can do the same work in a more formal format, with the date, recipient and role in the subject. Both should use evidence and make the vacancy easy to identify.

Choose the document the employer requests

If the advert asks for an application letter and a CV, send those two documents. If the portal provides a cover-letter field, use that field and follow its word limit. If the employer requests both documents and does not explain the difference, ask through its official contact channel.

Avoid repeating the CV

Use the letter to interpret two relevant examples. A CV might list your responsibility for keeping a stock register. The letter can explain how the experience helps you meet the employer’s requirement for accurate monthly reporting.

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