Is a Covering Letter Different from a Cover Letter?

No, a covering letter is not different from a typical cover letter—they are the same thing. The term “cover letter” is more commonly used in American English, while “covering letter” is the preferred term in British English. Both refer to a letter of introduction that accompanies another document, such as a résumé or curriculum vitae (CV), to provide additional context and highlight your suitability for a role.

Other terms, such as motivation letter or letter of application, are sometimes used interchangeably, especially in academic or international contexts, but the purpose remains consistent: to introduce yourself, explain your qualifications, and make a case for why you are a strong candidate.

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Our editorial team has reviewed this article for compliance with Livecareer’s editorial guidelines. It’s to ensure that our expert advice and recommendations are consistent across all our career guides and align with current CV and cover letter writing standards and trends. We’re trusted by over 10 million job seekers, supporting them on their way to finding their dream job. Each article is preceded by research and scrutiny to ensure our content responds to current market trends and demand.