Cover Letter vs Application Letter: What’s the Difference?
- LetterLab
- Oct 16, 2025
- 4 min read
Understanding the two most common job letters in the UK — and when to use each
If you’re applying for a job in the UK, you’ve probably come across both terms — cover letter and application letter — and wondered if they mean the same thing. Many jobseekers use them interchangeably, but while they share some similarities, they serve slightly different purposes in professional communication.
Knowing the distinction can make your application stand out for the right reasons. Here’s everything you need to know about cover letter vs application letter, along with examples and tips from the UK’s trusted experts in letter writing for jobs.
What Is a Cover Letter?
A cover letter is a concise, one-page document that accompanies your CV or job application. Its goal is to highlight your suitability for the position — giving the recruiter a quick sense of your personality, motivation, and most relevant achievements.
Think of it as your elevator pitch: short, persuasive, and designed to make the employer want to read your CV.
A good cover letter typically includes:
An introduction stating which role you’re applying for and where you found it.
Why you’re suitable — matching your experience and skills to the job description.
What you bring to the organisation — your enthusiasm and value.
A call to action inviting them to read your CV or schedule an interview.
According to Prospects.ac.uk, a strong cover letter should be under one page and customised for every role.
Example (Cover Letter Opening):
“Dear Hiring Manager, I am writing to apply for the Marketing Assistant role at GreenWave Communications. With two years of experience supporting digital campaigns and managing client communications, I’m confident I can contribute effectively to your growing team.”
What Is an Application Letter?
An application letter, sometimes called a “letter of application,” is a more detailed document that can stand alone — it acts as both a personal introduction and a formal request for employment.
In some cases, particularly in traditional or public-sector recruitment, an application letter replaces a CV entirely. It provides the hiring manager with a full overview of your education, work history, and reasons for applying.
An effective application letter usually includes:
A formal introduction addressing the recipient by name.
Background details — experience, qualifications, and key achievements.
Reasons for applying — what drew you to the organisation or role.
A closing statement requesting consideration or an interview.
The National Careers Service recommends tailoring your tone and structure to match the employer’s expectations, especially if the role specifically requests a letter of application.
Example (Application Letter Opening):
“Dear Mr Thompson, I am writing to express my interest in the position of Office Administrator at Hampshire County Council. With over five years of administrative experience in local government, I have developed strong organisational and communication skills that align with your department’s needs.”
The Key Differences: Cover Letter vs Application Letter
1. Purpose
Cover letter: Summarises your CV and expresses enthusiasm for a specific job.
Application letter: Acts as a formal employment request, sometimes replacing the CV entirely.
2. Length
Cover letter: Around half to one page.
Application letter: One to two pages with more depth.
3. Tone
Cover letter: Conversational yet professional.
Application letter: Formal, detailed, and comprehensive.
4. When to Use Each
Use a cover letter for private-sector roles, graduate schemes, or jobs requiring a CV upload.
Use an application letter for government, education, or charity roles — or when instructed to “submit a letter of application.”
To ensure clarity, always follow instructions in the job advert. For academic or public-sector clarity, see the University of Oxford Careers Service guide.
How to Write an Effective Cover or Application Letter
No matter which one you’re writing, both rely on the same foundations:
Start with structure — clear paragraphs and professional formatting.
Use the employer’s name — personalisation builds rapport.
Match the job description — mirror relevant skills and phrases.
Avoid repetition — your letter complements your CV.
End confidently — thank the reader and suggest next steps.
For further writing refinement, the Harvard Business Review confirms that polished writing boosts professional credibility.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even seasoned applicants stumble on these:
Sending one generic letter for every job.
Copying their CV instead of complementing it.
Using over-formal or outdated language.
Forgetting key contact details.
Ending abruptly without a polite sign-off.
For tone and etiquette, read ACAS – Job Applications and Interviews.
Which One Should You Use?
If you’re unsure, remember:
If the advert mentions attaching a CV → write a cover letter.
If it requests a “letter of application” → write an application letter.
When in doubt, a concise, tailored cover letter usually performs best — especially in private-sector or online applications.
Why Professional Letter Writing Matters
Most jobseekers lose opportunities not because they’re unqualified, but because their letters fail to connect. A strong, well-structured letter can make the difference between landing an interview and being overlooked.
That’s where LetterLab can help. As a professional UK letter writing service, we specialise in writing letters for jobs — including bespoke cover letters, application letters, and personal statements crafted to impress UK employers.
Try your first 250 words free and see the difference a professional rewrite makes.
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