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Difference between CV and Cover Letter

Is cover letter part of CV:

Cover letter is considered to be attached along with the  CV but is not always required by the employer. If it's mentioned to provide the cover letter with CV then attach one. But if it's not mentioned, it's up to you if you want to provide it or not. But I suggest you that you should attach one as it delivers your first impression on the employer.  Providing a CV is a must when you apply for a job. CV is also called as the resume.  Both the resume and cover letter describe who you really are and you can win the employer's heart if you know what to mention on the resume and cover letter according to the job you are applying for. 

also check, 6 signs that you should break from search job

difference between cv and cover letter

What is the difference between cover letter and CV:

There is a much difference between a CV and cover letter. In CV you have to provide the details of your previous work and academic background. It is more detailed. While the cover letter is concise and it includes the information you want to share about your skills according to the job. Following table is illustrating the comparison between the cover letter and CV:

 

 

Cover letter

CV

Length

It is composed of one page only. Two to three paragraphs are enough.

It is composed of two or three pages. It includes all the previous documents.

What to include

In the cover letter, you just have to tell the employer about your skills related to the job and why should they hire you. Tell them about the job and benefits they can have by choosing you for that job.

In CV, you tell the employer all about your previous work, experience and the projects you had handled. You provide information about the academic background and the degree you have. You mention the achievements and the detail of your participation in different activities.

 

Cover letter:

In the cover letter you don't have to mix up things which are in your resume already. You have to be more concise and to the point in your cover letter. In writing your cover letter, focus on the following points:

  1. Start with your contact information. Mention your name, address, email and the date.

  2. Greet the employer and mention his name if you know it. If you don't know the name you can say; 'to whom it may concern'. Greeting the employer is a good point on your side  and is a formal way of writing a letter.

  3. You should tell the employer about your qualifications according to the job. Tell them the skills you have. For this, read the job description consciously. According to the description of the job, tell them how your skills can benefit their company.

  4. Telling the benefit of hiring you for the job is the most important thing. It shows you are not applying to make money or just to get a job. It shows that you are concerned about the company's future and it's aims. 

  5. You have to tell the employer how you found that job. Mention the site, article or post if you found it there. It will show your effort and enthusiasm for the job. 

  6. Read the company's mission statement and tell them about how you can contribute in their mission. Try to tell them how passionate you are to get the job done. 

  7. You have to be more straight-forward and keep it simple. Don't forget to appreciate their efforts. 

  8. Conclude the letter by thanking them to consider you for the job. It's a good idea if you show a positive attitude by saying 'hope to hear you back from you soon'. It's another point on your side and the employer will be impressed.

  9. Add your signatures at the end.

It's the best ever idea to mention all the things I've told you in the above tips. It will get you hired for sure.

check out; how to find your dream job in 2020.

difference between cv and cover letter

Curriculum vitae (CV):

A CV or resume is a detailed information about your previous education,work and experience. Following are the sections you must mention in your CV:

  1. First of all, tell them about your academic background. If you are graduated from an accredited institution, it will tell the employer most about your knowledge. List your degrees and mention the one which is more relevant to the job. 

  2. Write about the skills you have to handle the job. Skills are mentioned according to the type of the job. Mention the software program skills or typing speed if it's required in the job. 

  3. If you have worked anywhere before, do mention it. Your experience in the job and if you got any achievements there, then you must mention in your CV. It will tell a lot if you can handle the job you are applying for or not. 

  4. List all the societies and clubs you are a member of. 

So, your CV is more detailed and above mentioned information must be provided in your CV.

check out; 9 ways to build self confidence at work.

difference between cv and cover letter

What is purpose of CV:

The purpose of the CV is to provide the detailed information about your previous work. It includes all of your academic background, qualifications and experience information. It must be provided to the employer when applying for the job.

What is purpose of cover letter:

The purpose of the cover letter is to provide a brief information about yourself. You tell the employer about your skills related to the job and how you can benefit the company. It tells about your interest and passion. The employer usually judges you by taking a glimpse at your cover letter.

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