The Difference Between a Cover Letter & Letter of Interest

Even though the terms "cover letter" and "letter of interest" are sometimes used interchangeably, these are actually two distinct job search documents. Cover letters are also known as letters of application, while letters of interest are also referred to as inquiry or prospecting letters.

Function

Cover letters often accompany resumes that are submitted in application for specific jobs, whereas letters of interest are usually submitted with resumes as inquiries about employment possibilities, regardless of current job openings.

Format

Both cover letters and letters of interest commonly adhere to formatting standards for business letters and include a heading or sender address, date, recipient address, salutation or greeting, body, closing and signature block.

Focus

Cover letters focus on illustrating the sender's qualifications for the specific job, while letters of interest focus on the sender's interest in and potential to contribute to the targeted company or organization.

Content

Cover letters and letters of interest explain the purpose of the letter and the sender's professional qualifications. A cover letter also includes details relevant to the specific job opening.

Considerations

A cover letter usually closes with a request for an interview, while a letter of interest may instead close with the sender's plan to follow up by phone at a specific time and date with the letter's recipient.

References

• "Communicating at Work," Ronald B. Adler, Jeanne Marquardt Elmhorst, 2005.
• "The Business Writer's Companion," Gerald J. Alred, Charles T. Brusaw, Walter E. Oliu, 2005.

Resources

• The Owl at Purdue: Workplace Writers
• Letter Writing Guide: Writing a Letter of Interest
• Kansas State University: Letter of Interest Writing Tips