Hi
If you don't know the difference between the two letters, you may find this article useful, especially when you're applying for your next job!
Job Application Letter
If you are responding to a job advertisement you may be asked to write a job application letter . This is the letter which lists all your work experience and qualifications and should also explain why you want the job. Begin your letter by telling the reader where you saw the advertisement:
I am writing to apply for the post of Boutique Shop Manager advertised in the 'Rochester Times' of 14 May 20xx.
You would then go on to list your experience and relevant qualifications:
I have worked in the retail industry for a total of eight years, first as a sales assistant in a department store and for the last three years as a Supervisor and Deputy Manager at Delaps.
You might then go on to say why you are particularly interested in this job and mention the particular abilities and skills that you have.
I am applying for this position as I am looking to progress from junior to senior management. I have always been interested in the latest fashion trends and developments and I believe your organisation is a well-run quality fashion business. I would very much like to work for your company.
I believe I have all the skills, knowledge and expertise that you are looking for. I have lots of retail initiative, can schedule and prioritise tasks and can work to strict deadlines. I also work particularly well with people and would enjoy leading the team and working with clients and customers.
You might then close the letter with the following formula.
I look forward to hearing from you and hope that you will be able to invite me for an interview.
Job Covering Letter
Many employers will ask you to write to them or phone them for an application form and further details when they advertise jobs. Sometimes you will be asked to send your CV or resume.
Your CV or curriculum vitae lists your educational and career history and is a useful summary for an employer of all your educational and employment achievements up to the present time. You must always ensure that it is up to date.
A job covering letter may then be very useful because you can enclose it with your CV or a completed application form. In your job covering letter you can draw attention to particular information which you wish to highlight. Such a job covering letter might look like this:
Dear Ms Bland
Boutique Shop Manager
I have enclosed my completed application form for the above position.
As you will see from my form, I have ten years experience with Bedenhams as a Fashion Shop Manager.
I look forward to hearing from you and hope that you will be able to invite me for an interview. I can be contacted at any time by phone, fax or email at work or at home. I would very much welcome an opportunity to discuss my application in greater detail and convince you that I am the right person for the job.
Yours sincerely
Grace Fenton
If you have filled in an application form you do not need to send a CV because all the relevant information should be on your form.
