Cover Letter vs. Motivation Letter: What's the Difference?
Applying for a new job can be nerve-wracking. Sending a cover letter and a letter of motivation can help convince your future employer that you’re the perfect candidate. But what makes these two letters different? And is there actually a difference? We’re happy to explain it to you in this article.
Reading time: 5 minutes
At their core, a cover letter and a letter of motivation are similar. However, they serve different purposes.
Cover Letter
Let’s start with the cover letter. In the cover letter, you elaborate on your resume. Here, you provide more details about your work experience, what you’ve learned, your education, and your skills. Keep in mind that a cover letter isn’t just a repetition of your resume—it’s an opportunity to provide more detail. A cover letter is your chance to share your experience, knowledge, and skills, and to show how well they align with the Function. The purpose of a cover letter is to catch the employer’s attention and convince them to invite you for an interview. Don’t make your cover letter too long—one page is enough.
Cover Letter
All right, now for the cover letter. A cover letter delves deeper into your personal motivation and why you’re interested in the job. In your cover letter, you explain why you’ve chosen this job and this employer. The purpose of a cover letter is to show that you’re enthusiastic about the job. Keep your cover letter to no more than one A4 page.
Tips for Writing a Good Cover Letter
You've seen a job opening that's perfect for you. Time to write your cover letter. But how do you actually go about it? Here are some tips:
- Make sure your cover letter has a strong opening sentence. A strong opening sentence will make the reader curious to read on.
- Explain what motivates you to want to work for the company and why the Function appeals Function . Make the letter personal and avoid clichés.
- Make sure you don't end up sending a cover letter full of spelling mistakes. Read through your letter carefully yourself, and ask someone else to proofread it for you.
- End the letter with a strong closing sentence in which you once Function clearly express your enthusiasm for the Function .
Key Differences
In short, a cover letter highlights your experience and skills, while a letter of motivation focuses on your personal motivation and interest in the job. A cover letter is usually written in a businesslike tone, whereas a letter of motivation can be a bit more personal.
If a cover letter isn’t required but you’d still like to include one, you can! In the letter, explain why you applied, why you’d like to work at that company, and why you think you’re a good fit for the Function. The most important thing is to write a letter that clearly explains why you’re the perfect candidate for the job.
Are you having trouble writing your cover letter? UBN can help you with that.
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