{"id":356,"date":"2022-03-24T09:52:53","date_gmt":"2022-03-24T09:52:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/?p=356"},"modified":"2023-06-26T14:32:49","modified_gmt":"2023-06-26T14:32:49","slug":"letter-of-interest-vs-cover-letter","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/letter-of-interest-vs-cover-letter\/","title":{"rendered":"Letter of Interest vs. Cover Letter: Difference, Tips and Examples"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Applying for the job of your dreams can be stressful \u2014 but it doesn\u2019t have to be. With the right tools by your side, you will stay focused and composed even through the toughest application process.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But where do you start? We suggest you start at the beginning and <strong>build a strong application base<\/strong> \u2014 this includes a strong resume, cover letter and letter of intent. Below, we will look into the differences between a cover letter and a letter of interest and focus on the best practices for writing them both.<\/span><\/p>\n\n    <div class=\"builder-button\">  \n        <a href=\"\/goapp\/new-cover-letter\" class=\"builder-banner__a\">Create your cover letter<\/a>\n    <\/div><figure class=\"wp-block-post-featured-image\"><img width=\"768\" height=\"520\" src=\"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/letter-of-interest-vs-cover-letter.png\" class=\"attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"Letter of Interest vs. Cover Letter: Difference, Tips and Examples\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/letter-of-interest-vs-cover-letter.png 768w, https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/letter-of-interest-vs-cover-letter-300x203.png 300w, https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/letter-of-interest-vs-cover-letter-50x34.png 50w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_82_2 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-69deceb995498\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #2c1e39;color:#2c1e39\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #2c1e39;color:#2c1e39\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-69deceb995498\"  aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/letter-of-interest-vs-cover-letter\/#What_is_the_difference_between_a_cover_letter_and_a_letter_of_interest\" >What is the difference between a cover letter and a letter of interest?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/letter-of-interest-vs-cover-letter\/#Cover_letter_example\" >Cover letter example<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/letter-of-interest-vs-cover-letter\/#Letter_of_interest_example\" >Letter of interest example<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/letter-of-interest-vs-cover-letter\/#How_to_write_a_letter_of_interest\" >How to write a letter of interest?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/letter-of-interest-vs-cover-letter\/#Lets_see_how_to_best_structure_a_letter_of_interest\" >Let\u2019s see how to best structure a letter of interest<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/letter-of-interest-vs-cover-letter\/#First_paragraph_introduction\" >First paragraph: introduction<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/letter-of-interest-vs-cover-letter\/#Second_paragraph_work_experience\" >Second paragraph: work experience<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/letter-of-interest-vs-cover-letter\/#Third_paragraph_call_to_action\" >Third paragraph: call to action<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/letter-of-interest-vs-cover-letter\/#Tips_for_writing_a_letter_of_interest\" >Tips for writing a letter of interest<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/letter-of-interest-vs-cover-letter\/#Letter_of_intent_vs_letter_of_interest\" >Letter of intent vs letter of interest<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/letter-of-interest-vs-cover-letter\/#Summing_thins_up\" >Summing thins up<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_the_difference_between_a_cover_letter_and_a_letter_of_interest\"><\/span>What is the difference between a cover letter and a letter of interest?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The primary difference between a cover letter and a letter of interest is the purpose for which the letter is written.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A letter of interest is sent as an open offer and indicates that you are interested in working for a specific company in a potentially available role that matches your skillset and experience.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A cover letter, on the other hand, is typically sent out alongside your resume in response to a specific vacancy advertised by the company.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Basically, letters of interest focus on why you want to work for this company. Cover letters aim to explain why you are the best candidate for a specific job.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Cover_letter_example\"><\/span>Cover letter example<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Cover-latter-example-1-793x1024.png\" alt=\"cover letter example\" class=\"wp-image-2706\" width=\"800\" height=\"1033\" srcset=\"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Cover-latter-example-1-793x1024.png 793w, https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Cover-latter-example-1-232x300.png 232w, https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Cover-latter-example-1-39x50.png 39w, https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Cover-latter-example-1-768x992.png 768w, https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Cover-latter-example-1-1189x1536.png 1189w, https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Cover-latter-example-1-938x1212.png 938w, https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Cover-latter-example-1-1130x1460.png 1130w, https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Cover-latter-example-1.png 1512w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Letter_of_interest_example\"><\/span>Letter of interest example<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"http:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/Group-15-min-793x1024.png\" alt=\"Letter of interest example\" class=\"wp-image-393\" width=\"800\" height=\"1031\" srcset=\"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/Group-15-min-232x300.png 232w, https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/Group-15-min-39x50.png 39w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n    <div class=\"builder-banner-top\">\n        <div class=\"builder-banner-top__title\">\n            You'll Never Find a Good Job\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"builder-banner-top__text\">\n            It\u2019s a job hunter\u2019s common fear, but we can help boost your chances!\n        <\/div>    \n        <a href=\"\/goapp\/new-cover-letter\" class=\"builder-banner-top__a\">Click to build your cover letter<\/a>\n    <\/div><h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_write_a_letter_of_interest\"><\/span>How to write a letter of interest?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As we\u2019ve mentioned above, when you write a letter of interest, you are not applying for a specific position. Instead, you are expressing your interest in working for a particular company.&nbsp; Because of this, your job with the letter of interest is to emphasize that you have the overall skillset that would be beneficial to the company you are applying for. If there is a specific position you are aiming for, you can also try to tailor your letter of interest to that specific post and highlight relevant qualifications.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So, then what is the purpose of a cover letter?&nbsp; Compared to the letter of interest, a cover letter is typically sent alongside your resume (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/how-to-write-a-resume\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #e88768;\">here\u2019s how to write a resume<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">) and is used to apply for a specific position \u2014 you will typically send the resume and cover letter combo in reply to an advertised job offer. A cover letter is basically a collection of selling points that will get the recruiter interested in reading the rest of your application. Here\u2019s<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/how-to-write-a-cover-letter\/\"><span style=\"color: #e88768;\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">how to write a cover letter<\/span><\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Lets_see_how_to_best_structure_a_letter_of_interest\"><\/span>Let\u2019s see how to best structure a letter of interest<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"First_paragraph_introduction\"><\/span>First paragraph: introduction<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You should start off your letter of intent by introducing yourself and explaining what kind of work you do. This is also where you should explain why you are passionate about working for this company and what problems you can help them solve.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You can mention here that you know that they are not currently recruiting \u2014 but you may have the skillset and expertise that they wouldn&#8217;t want to miss out on.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Second_paragraph_work_experience\"><\/span>Second paragraph: work experience<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In this paragraph, you will need to pull out all the stunts to impress the recruiter with your experience and expertise. The goal is to make yourself as memorable as possible so that the recruiter will think of you the moment a position opens up.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In this part of your letter of interest, it\u2019s best to focus on concrete achievements you\u2019ve had in previous positions. You can mention the biggest projects you\u2019ve worked on and how they\u2019ve benefited the company, a crisis situation that you\u2019ve handled, the amount of new business you\u2019ve brought to the company \u2014 and more.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s also a good place to mention your most valued skills (foreign languages you speak, software you can use, personality traits that make you a good professional, etc.).<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Third_paragraph_call_to_action\"><\/span>Third paragraph: call to action<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Now it\u2019s time to ask the reader of your letter to act. Think of what kind of outcome you are expecting out of your letter. Do you want them to email you, invite you for an interview, offer feedback on your letter, etc.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Include your most reliable contact information. Even if you have your email and phone in the header of your letter, you can repeat them here.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Tips_for_writing_a_letter_of_interest\"><\/span>Tips for writing a letter of interest<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When reading your letter of interest, the hiring manager should feel your enthusiasm and passion for working for their company. The tips below can help you make sure your enthusiasm and passion come through in your application.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol><li><strong>Personalize your application<\/strong>. <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is one of the most important factors when it comes to the success of your application. Make sure you study the company you are applying for, learn about their mission and company culture. Then, do your best to make these elements come through in your letter of intent to illustrate that you are a good match for the in-company environment.<\/span><\/li><li><strong>Leverage your background<\/strong>. <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Include specific examples from your work experience that have allowed you to become a better professional. Avoid generalities and be as specific as possible \u2014 this will let the hiring professional see that you are genuinely passionate about your job and plan to bring all of your expertise to the new position.<\/span><\/li><li><strong>Explain your motivation<\/strong>. <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Another important piece of information to include is what has motivated you to write this letter and why you want to work for this specific company. This can include your career goals and how they align with the position you are applying for.<\/span><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Letter_of_intent_vs_letter_of_interest\"><\/span>Letter of intent vs letter of interest<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Even though these two terms are sometimes used interchangeably, there is actually a slight difference between the letter of interest and the letter of intent. This difference lies in the nature of commitment.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Basically, a letter of intent shows a higher degree of commitment compared to a letter of interest. It states your intentions to work for this particular company \u2014 and you may even have a particular role in mind. It\u2019s very similar to a letter of interest in the sense that you should focus on why you want to work for this specific company. However, a letter of intent is more \u201cserious\u201d than a letter of interest and signifies that this company is your first and sometimes only choice.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Summing_thins_up\"><\/span>Summing thins up<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A letter of interest is a letter that aims to express your interest in working for a particular company and inquire about potential employment opportunities.<\/span><\/li><li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A cover letter is a letter that you send together with your resume when applying for a specific position. It serves as a brief introduction of your best qualities and aims to \u201csell\u201d your application and get the recruiter interested.<\/span><\/li><li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A letter of intent is similar to the letter of interest but presupposes a stronger level of commitment.<\/span><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We hope that this has been helpful and you are now one step closer to landing the job of your dreams. Learn more about the application process in our blog. Here\u2019s the next read we suggest: <a href=\"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/cover-letter-vs-resume\/\"><span style=\"color: #e88768;\">Cover Letter vs. Resume: What&#8217;s the Difference<\/span><\/a>?<\/span><\/p>\n    <div class=\"builder-banner\">\n        <div class=\"builder-banner__title\">\n            Build your perfect resume in&nbsp;a&nbsp;snap\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"builder-banner__text\">\n            Use templates created by HR pros to make your resume and cover letter catch the recruiter's eye.\n        <\/div>    \n        <a href=\"\/goapp\/new-cover-letter\" class=\"builder-banner__a\">Create your cover letter<\/a>\n    <\/div><div style='text-align:left' class='yasr-auto-insert-visitor'><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Applying for the job of your dreams can be stressful \u2014 but it doesn\u2019t have to be. With the right tools by your side, you [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9,"featured_media":2707,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_mi_skip_tracking":false,"yasr_overall_rating":0,"yasr_post_is_review":"","yasr_auto_insert_disabled":"","yasr_review_type":""},"categories":[4,3],"tags":[],"table_tags":[],"yasr_visitor_votes":{"number_of_votes":0,"sum_votes":0,"stars_attributes":{"read_only":false,"span_bottom":false}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/356"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/9"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=356"}],"version-history":[{"count":20,"href":"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/356\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6357,"href":"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/356\/revisions\/6357"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2707"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=356"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=356"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=356"},{"taxonomy":"table_tags","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/table_tags?post=356"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}