What is the Difference Between Cover Letter and Letter of Interest?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The main difference between a cover letter and a letter of interest lies in their purpose. Here are the key distinctions between the two:
Cover Letter:
- Written to apply for a known open position.
- Expresses enthusiasm for the open job.
- Focuses on what you would bring to a specific role.
- Talks about how your skills and experience line up with the job.
- Usually accompanies a resume and/or other application materials.
Letter of Interest:
- Not in response to a specific job posting or opening.
- Expresses a desire to work for the company more broadly.
- Focuses on how you can contribute to the organization.
- Talks about your skills and experiences and how you might be able to help the company.
- Does not always include your resume.
In summary, a cover letter is used to apply for a specific job opening, while a letter of interest is used to express interest in working at a company that isn't necessarily advertising any open roles at the moment.
Comparative Table: Cover Letter vs Letter of Interest
Here is a table comparing the differences between a cover letter and a letter of interest:
Feature | Cover Letter | Letter of Interest |
---|---|---|
Purpose | Applying for a specific job opening | Exploring potential opportunities within a company, even if no specific job is advertised |
Timing | Sent during an active job posting | Sent to express interest in the company, regardless of whether there is an open position |
Format | Typically tailored to the requirements of the specific job opening | Generic and less tailored to a specific job, focusing more on the company as a whole |
Content | Highlights skills and experiences relevant to the specific job | Highlights general skills and experiences that could be beneficial to the company, without referring to a specific position |
Both cover letters and letters of interest aim to showcase your skills and enthusiasm for a job or company, but their purposes and timing differ. A cover letter is specific to a job opening, while a letter of interest is more general and focuses on expressing interest in a company regardless of currently available positions.
- Cover Letter vs Covering Letter
- Cover Letter vs Resume
- Formal vs Informal Letter
- Resume vs LinkedIn Profile
- CV (Curriculum vitae) vs Resume
- Bill of Exchange vs Letter of Credit
- Interest vs Passion
- Editorial vs Letter to the Editor
- Relieving Letter vs Experience Letter
- Hobby vs Interest
- Executive Summary vs Introduction
- Offer vs Invitation
- Biodata vs Resume
- Portfolio vs Resume
- Applicant vs Candidate
- Job Description vs Job Specification
- Job Description vs Position Description
- Preface vs Introduction
- Letter of Credit vs Documentary Credit