The Difference Between a CV & a Cover Letter

A printed CV

Understanding the difference between a CV and a cover letter will make or break your prospects of finding a new job. The submission of a cover letter and a CV, or "curriculum vitae," is the standard method of applying for jobs. Formatting your CV and cover letter correctly is as important for your potential employer as the documents' actual content, because it reflects your organizational abilities.

Significance

While both documents are needed to apply for a job, they are very different. A cover letter is significant for employers because it showcases your interest in the job. It is important that your cover letter expresses your sincere interest in the position so the employer knows you are serious about your application. A CV is significant for employers because it is the tool they use to gauge your readiness for the job.

Function

The purpose of the cover letter is to show your potential employer your interest in the available position and shortly summarize why you think you are qualified to be employed in that position, given the requirements. It serves as an introduction to yourself and should entice the employer to read your CV. Your CV's purpose is to show concretely your work experience, educational background and skill set to your potential employer.

Features

A cover letter should include why you are interested in the job; why you are qualified, based on the job requirements; and your availability to start work. A CV should include a list of your former employers, the amount of time you worked at each and your job responsibilities there, your educational background, your skill set, your contact information and references. A CV layout is important, as unattractive ones are often tossed without much more than a glance.

Layout

Cover letter and CV layout differ greatly. A cover letter layout is written in a letter format. The first paragraph introduces yourself and declares your application for the position. The second paragraph briefly explains why you are qualified for the job, while the third paragraph explains why you are interested in the job. A CV layout is in a list format, with your former employers, education, skill set, contact information and references in separate sections.

Misconceptions

When creating a cover letter, remembering which information not to include is important, because the wrong kind of information will have your application removed from consideration. Things not to include in cover letter text are excessive personal details that are superfluous to the job, complaints about current or former employers and a demand for the offered salary as a prerequisite for an interview.

With your CV, be sure not to include your photo for any non-acting or modeling jobs in the United States, due to anti-discrimination laws.

Expert Insight

Typically cover letters and CVs are sent by email instead of regular mail, with the cover letter in the body text and the CV as an attached PDF. A recent trend for CVs is, instead of sending them as PDFs, creating an online CV and putting a direct link into the email.

If you are struggling with how to give your CV the right look, there are countless design choices for CVs, depending on your profession. Look for examples on the Internet.

References

• Trinity College: How to write a cover letter
• Directgov: Creating your first CV
• Rockport Institute: How to write a masterpiece of a resume

Resources

• CV Tips: CV Example Templates
• Virginia Tech: Cover letters--types and samples