An introduction letter and a cover letter are somehow identical to each other. Many of you find both of them confusing, and which one you should use for your resume or application for a visa.
Here is an article to tell you what are their differences and purposes.
Differences Between Letter of Introduction and Cover Letter
Since the Introduction letter and cover letter have almost the same format and confusing wordings to use in them, here is the list of their differences and their significant purposes:
Letter Of Introduction
- When you are looking for a new job or client, the first step is to send a letter of introduction to introduce yourself.
- You may ask your last company or manager to make a letter of introduction that will refer you to the desired company you want to apply to.
- You may send this letter even though there are no hiring ads posted in the company.
- It can be written via email or LinkedIn message.
- It’s a letter letting the recipient know you are interested in working in the company as opportunities arise.
- Sending a letter of introduction is like “cold calling” to the management to introduce yourself.
- It can be an introductory letter on behalf of someone else or on behalf of yourself.
- It is not attached to your resume.
Cover Letter
- A cover letter is typically written in response to a specific job or internship posting.
- This letter is meant to give managers an idea of why they should hire you.
- You may also send this letter via sites, blogs, newspapers, articles, or LinkedIn, depending on where you got the job posting.
- You only send a cover letter when a job or internship is posted.
- This letter highlights your interest in the position and the skills and experiences that make you the best for the position.
- It is written for a specific recipient like HR or a manager.
- Your cover letter’s main purpose is to get your resume read by the management. So you should attach it to your resume.
Do Cover Letters Need A Letter of Introduction?
No one like scouring through online job listings, spiffing up your resume, and prepping for grueling interviews, and then you will end up not getting the job. One way to make your life easier in getting a job is to write a letter of introduction first. But we all know that sending this letter is not enough to get a job.
That is why you also need to send your cover letter with your resume when an opportunity arises. This will make you more professional and dedicated to the position and to your career.
Letter of Introduction Sample
Writing a letter of introduction might be hard for you, so here is the basic format:
- Opening
- Paragraph 1
- Paragraph 2
- Paragraph 3
- Conclusion
You may use this template and edit your own introduction letter.
Template
[Your name]
[Street Address]
[City, St. Zip]
[Optional – Your Email Address]
[Date]
[Name of recipient]
[Title]
[Company]
[Address]
[City, St. Zip]
Dear [Name of the receiver],
[First, greet and introduce yourself. Send it to the recipient.]
[Write the email’s purpose here. Be clear with your purpose.]
[Provide your contact information.]
[Thank them and use a proper valediction.]
[Your Signature]
[Typed Name]
Cover Letter Sample
Writing a cover letter is somehow a more professional-looking letter. Here is the basic format of a cover letter that you might want to use:
- Header
- Greeting
- First Paragraph
- Second Paragraph
- Third Paragraph
- Signature
Template
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your City, State and Zip Code]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email]
[Date]
Dear [Hiring Manager Name or Title],
[Provide the basic details about who you are and why you want the job.]
[Write your history and qualifications. And explain how your work may improve both your future and the demands of your potential employer.]
[Thank the hiring manager for reviewing your application and indicating interest in the job or interview.]
[Closing phrase],
[Your Name and Signature]
Related Types of Letters
There are other letters that will benefit you in getting a job. These letters are similar to the introduction and cover letter from above.
- Letter of Intent
A letter of intent is a formal introduction you write to potential employers. You may send a letter of intent to hiring managers or recruiters at a firm that does not have any opportunities that match your abilities.
It is a formal business letter introducing potential workers to a company that has yet to publish a job opportunity. Its objective is to highlight your skill, experience, and credentials as an application.
It is a written reference that offers information about your character and work ethic. These letters are frequently written by previous employers, professors, colleagues, customers, or instructors. They discuss the candidate’s credentials for a job, promotion, salary increase, scholarship, college, or graduate school.
Related Article: The Power Of Persuasion: How To Use A Recommendation Letter And A Cover Letter To Sell Yourself
Letter of Introduction For Different Scenarios
- Letter of Introduction: Everything You Need To Know
- Letter of Introduction for a Job
- Letter of Introduction for Student
- Letter of Introduction for Visa
- Letter of Introduction for Opening Bank Account
- Letter of Introduction vs Cover Letter
Key Takeaways
- An introduction letter and a cover letter are identical to each other format-wise.
- An introduction letter is sent without a prior job opening.
- An introductory letter can be written on behalf of someone else.
- A letter of introduction is not attached to your resume.
- A cover letter is a response to a specific job or internship posting.
- You can only send a cover letter when there’s a job listing.
- A cover letter is written for a specific recipient.
- The main purpose of a cover letter is to get your resume read by the management.
- To make your job application effective, send a letter of introduction first. And when the opportunity arises, send your cover letter with your resume.