Application Letter Vs.Cover Letter
2013年11月20日
9:53
There are subtle differences between application letters and cover letters.However, the terms cover and application are sometimes used interchangeably.An application letter is often intended to stand on its own, whereas a cover letter generally can\'t be the applicant\'s only document submitted to expre interest in a job opening.
Introduction
Cover letters typically contain a brief introduction.The introduction for a cover letter consists of three to four sentences about the job seeker\'s work experiences, education, accomplishments and the type of organizations he feels are best suited for his qualifications.On the other hand, an
application letter might contain a more extensive introduction simply because this letter serves a purpose that\'s similar to the resume.
Work History
An application letter generally contains a brief description of the job seeker\'s work history or profeional experience.An application letter often can substitute for a resume and, therefore, requires that the job seeker include specific information about her work history and profeional
competencies.A cover letter shouldn\'t contain too much information about the job seeker\'s work history because it\'s merely an introduction to the resume.It\'s acceptable for a cover letter to reference the job seeker\'s work history in a sentence or two about her current or previous employer; however, it shouldn\'t contain details about profeional experience.
Completene
A cover letter is a teaser.Its intent is to capture the reader\'s attention enough to make the recruiter or hiring manager want to review the resume.The cover letter should contain just enough information that it doesn\'t give away everything about the applicant.An application letter, on the other hand, is a more complete document.It describes the applicant\'s educational background, certifications and licenses, and in some cases, salary history for job postings that require it.
Appropriatene
When an employer specifically requires a cover letter and resume, that\'s what the job seeker should submit.It\'s relatively rare than an employer will accept an application letter in lieu of a cover letter and resume.The two approaches are different and employers use application letters infrequently, when compared to how they use cover letters and resumes.An application letter is more appropriate for unsolicited interest, or when there isn\'t a job posting.For example, an application letter could be mailed to several employers that aren\'t advertising specific jobs vacancies as a way to provide a more extensive introduction to prospective employers.
Uses
A cover letter is almost always used to expre interest in employment.An application letter can be used for employment purposes; however, it can also
be used for applying for a place in an academic program or an internship program.Employers don\'t always require cover letter, but it\'s always a good idea to use a cover letter.On the other hand, an application letter might be the only requirement sought by schools or employers — with an application letter, it may not always be neceary to include a resume.
Although they are commonly thought of as the same thing, application letters and cover letters have significantly different purposes.While both documents accompany a résumé, understanding their differences will help you organize your documents during the job application proce.
1.Function
o As explained by the University of North Carolina Writing Center,
the function of an application letter is to “market your skills,
abilities and knowledge.” The application letter serves to
supplement your résumé and/or formal application.On the other hand, the cover letter simply acknowledges the transmiion of the
documents.
Focus
o When writing an application letter, the University of North
Carolina recommends three main areas of focus.You want to catch
the reader’s attention, provide a convincing argument that you are qualified for the job and request an interview for the position.
The focus of the cover letter is to simply identify yourself as the sender, along with the person to whom you are sending the
information and the reason for it being sent.
Content
o For the application letter, provide as many details about your
qualifications as poible.Include your overall objective,
previous work and leadership experience, educational background,
special skills and contact information.On the cover letter,
include contact information for yourself and the person to whom you are sending the documents.You should also add a brief explanation
of why you are sending the information.
Format
o An application letter should be one typed page including three
paragraphs.Introduce yourself and your objective in the first
paragraph, sell yourself in the second paragraph and ask for an
interview in the third paragraph.The cover letter should feature
the complete contact information for the person receiving the
documents, along with a few sentences explaining the material and
the sender’s name and contact information.
Importance
o The application letter should accompany a résumé in most situations.
A cover letter is not neceary if you are handing out a résumé
during a networking event (with no specific job intended) or hand-
delivering the résumé during a scheduled interview.A cover letter is typically only neceary when electronically delivering the documents, such as over fax or email.
