Image: Person writing a cover letter or at a desk with laptop — replace with actual photo
CV vs Cover Letter — What's the Difference?
They work as a pair, but they do different jobs. Understanding this will help you write each one with the right focus.
Your CV
- Work history
- Qualifications
- Skills & experience
- Referees
Think of it as your career summary.
Your Cover Letter
- Why you want THIS job
- Why you want THIS company
- Why YOU are the right fit
Think of it as your personal sales pitch.
| Aspect | CV | Cover Letter |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Broad overview of your background | Tailored to one specific role |
| Length | Usually 1–2 pages | Maximum 1 page — 2 good paragraphs is better |
| Style | Bullet points, quick facts, easy to skim | Full sentences, more personal, more conversational |
What To Include in a Cover Letter
Image: Example cover letter layout or professional writing — replace with actual photo
1. Contact Information
At the top include your name, phone number, email, address, date, and the company address.
2. Opening Paragraph
Keep it personal, clear, and short. Address the hiring manager by name, mention the job title, and say where you saw the job.
Example:
"I am applying for the Office Manager role advertised online."
Avoid:
"To whom it may concern" — even "Hi OnPoint Talent" is better than this.
3. Why You Want To Work There
Employers want to know why you chose their company. Keep it genuine.
Good things to mention:
- Company values
- Reputation
- Growth opportunities
- Industry interest
4. Why They Should Hire You
This is the most important section. Match your experience to the job ad and use real examples.
Instead of:
"Good communication skills"
Say:
"Managed customer relationships and increased repeat business by 15%."
Bullet points work well here. Keep them short and relevant:
- Managed a team of 6 staff
- Increased sales by 10%
- Trained new employees
- Improved customer satisfaction
5. Finishing Your Cover Letter
Finish confidently and professionally. Thank them for their time and invite them to contact you.
Example:
"I would welcome the opportunity to discuss my application further."
Cover Letter Formatting Tips
Keep It Short
Under 1 page. Two good paragraphs are better than a wall of text about how wonderful you think you are.
Match Your CV Font
Use the same font as your CV — Arial, Tahoma, or Times New Roman — for a consistent, professional look.
Break Up Your Text
Use short paragraphs, spacing, and a clear structure. Avoid huge blocks of text.
Proofread Everything
Check spelling, grammar, names, contact details, and the job title. Then get someone else to check it too.
Before You Send
- Check spelling
- Check grammar
- Confirm the hiring manager's name is correct
- Confirm the job title is correct
- Save it as a PDF
- Read it one more time
Need help with your CV first?
Read our guide on what to include, how to format it, and what to leave out.