Difference Between CV and Cover Letter

Many job seekers are confused with the difference between CV and Cover Letter. They both serve the same purpose of job application and the screening of candidates for a particular position, but they differ in a few ways. The two documents are of great importance for every applicant who want to get a job.

A CV and cover letter should be properly drafted and written as it represents the applicant before the employer or recruiter. It is commonly assumed that the two documents are the same, while they are not. In this article, we will spot out the differences between CV and Cover Letter.

Contents

What is Curriculum Vitae?

A Curriculum Vitae (CV) is a summary of the applicants educational and employment credential. It is just a highlight of the career history of the candidate, which is the primary phase in getting the attention of the recruiter or employer.

What is Cover Letter?

A Cover Letter, on the other hand, is a document that introduces the job seekers credentials with regards to the resume or curriculum vitae and job opening you are applying for.

Difference Between CV and Cover Letter

The major differences between a Curriculum Vitae and a Cover Letter are explained below.

1. A Curriculum Vitae (CV) is a detailed document that contains a person biography like qualifications, skills, achievements, competencies, etc. A Cover Letter is a letter which gives a short description of the applicant with regards to the position applied for.

2. A Curriculum Vitae (CV) is a detailed document, but a Cover Letter is a more concise document.

3. A CV contains the details about the educational and employment history of the applicant, while a Cover Letter expresses interest of the candidate in the applied job.

4. The Curriculum Vitae (CV) can exceed more than two pages. On the other hand, the length of the Cover Letter does not exceed one page.

5. A CV cannot be modified according to the job, it remains the same for all jobs. The cover letter, on the other hand, can be modified according to the job.

Conclusion

The Curriculum Vitae (CV) and Cover Letter are a complementary document. While the CV gives is a detailed document of a person’s qualifications and accomplishments, the cover letter describes the person’s attribute with regards to the position applied for. The content, format, and language of both documents have a great impact on the reader’s mind. It would be beneficial to write both documents to impress the reader.

Similar Posts