Most of the time, your resume and cover letter make up your application for an internship or job. But sometimes, a company may ask for a recommendation or a reference letter. Format-wise, both of them are almost the same, but their purpose is completely different.
It’s quite difficult to distinguish which one to use for your job application. Here is an article to learn more about recommendations and cover letters.
Differences Between Recommendation Letter And Cover Letter
When applying for a job, you should do anything to stand out from the other applicants. And that is the reason you have these two letters for your job application.
But before writing one, let’s look at the most important things and the differences between these two kinds of letters.
Recommendation Letter
- You usually require a recommendation letter when applying for an internship or graduate school.
- A recommendation letter describes a person’s credentials, talents, and how they relate to the job or opportunity in great detail.
- Professors, advisers, employees, or supervisors who know you well and clearly understand what you can accomplish, should write strong recommendation letters. Family members are not recommended.
- A recommendation letter is necessary as part of the documentation for college entrance and certain employment applications.
- A recommendation letter is utilized to discuss your professional performance and academic achievements.
Cover Letter
- Typically, a cover letter is submitted in response to a job or internship ad.
- A cover letter is intended to persuade hiring managers to employ you.
- Depending on where you saw the job opening, you may send this letter through sites, blogs, newspapers, journals, or LinkedIn.
- A cover letter emphasizes your interest in the position and the abilities and experiences that make you the ideal candidate.
- It is addressed to a specified recipient, such as HR or a manager.
- The primary goal of your cover letter is to encourage management to view your CV. As a result, you should include it on your resume.
Can Cover Letters And Recommendation Letters Be Sent Together?
A cover letter will set you apart from other candidates for a job process. However, a personal recommendation letter will give the employer more reasons why they should hire you.
Sending a recommendation letter is a great way to get hired, especially if the letter comes from a former boss at the same company or a mutual friend who can vouch for your strengths as an employee.
Employers often ask for references or to check up on your work history. If you give them a detailed, relevant recommendation along with your cover letter, you save them time and give them a better understanding of the qualities you highlight in your letter and CV.
If you have a recommendation, provide it in your cover letter. Send the letter of recommendation in a sealed envelope with your letter. You can also email your cover letter as an attachment. Before sending emails with attachments, make sure the company will accept emails with attachments.
Recommendation Letter Sample
A powerful letter of recommendation relies on the writer’s professional delivery. In general, this is how it should go:
- Salutation
- First Paragraph
- Second Paragraph
- Closing Statement
- Signature
You may use the simple sample letter of recommendation below and edit it for your own purposes.
(First Name, Last Name)
(Your address, Contact number, Email)
(Today’s Date)
(Hiring Manager or Supervisor’s Name)
(Title)
(Company Name)
(Company Address)
(Company City/State/ZIP)
Dear (To Whom it May Concern/Mr./Mrs./Ms.),
I am writing to recommend (complete name of the person you recommend) for (whatever you are proposing).
I’ve known (the person you’re suggesting) since (date) in the capacity of (capacity in which you’ve known the person).
I’ve always known (the person you’re suggesting) to be (characteristics such as “honest,” “loyal,” or “hardworking”).
Based on our shared perceptions, I can safely suggest (the person you’re recommending) for (whatever you’re recommending).
Sincerely,
(Your Name + Signature + Job Position)
Cover Letter Sample
There is an air of professionalism about a letter that has a cover. This is the standard layout for a cover letter, which you may use if you like:
- Header
- Greeting
- First Paragraph
- Second Paragraph
- Third Paragraph
- Signature
You may edit the sample cover letter template below.
[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]
Wrap Up
- You need to send a cover letter with a recommendation letter to stand out from the other applicants.
- A recommendation letter when applying for an internship or graduate school.
- A recommendation letter is necessary as part of the documentation for college entrance and certain employment applications.
- A cover letter is sent in response to a job or internship posting.
- A cover letter emphasizes your interest in the position and the abilities and experiences that make you the ideal candidate.
Letter of Recommendation For Different Scenarios
- Letter of Recommendation: Everything You Need To Know
- Letter of Recommendation for Employee
- Letter of Recommendation for Student
- Letter of Recommendation for Promotion
- Letter of Recommendation for Salary Increase
- Letter of Recommendation for Scholarship
- Letter of Recommendation vs Reference Letter
- Letter of Recommendation vs Cover Letter