In-Depth Tips from Dr English

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:

You would then go on to list your experience and relevant qualifications:

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:

You might then close the letter with the following formula.

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:

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.