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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