What’s the Difference Between a Cover Letter and a Letter of Interest?

The main difference between a cover letter and a letter of interest is:

• a cover letter is used to apply for a job opening
• a letter of interest is used to express interest in working at a company that isn’t necessarily hiring

Picking which type of letter to use is simple:

If you’re applying for an open job, use a cover letter. When writing, target the hiring manager’s needs listed in the company’s job advertisement, and explain how you can meet those needs if they hire you. Make sure to package it with your resume.

If you’re hoping to work at a company that isn’t hiring, use a letter of interest. Your letter should focus on your love or deep interest for the company, and explain why you think you’d make a good employee if given the chance to work there. You don’t need to send a resume with a letter of interest, but it might help.

While the letters are similar, there are some critical differences. Read on to learn how to write the letter you need.

Letter of Interest Writing Tips

A letter of interest is written similarly to a cover letter. However, there are some differences that you should bear in mind if you need to write one. Follow these tips to write an effective letter of interest.

Emphasize Your Interest in the Company Through Research

Although this is a common cover letter writing tip, it’s even more important for creating your letter of interest. Since the company isn’t actively looking for employees, you’ll need to show how the company’s goals tie in to your passions.

To do this, make it clear you’ve researched the company and understand its products, culture, and future ambitions to show the hiring manager you genuinely want to work there.

Also address your letter of interest directly to the hiring manager, preferably by their name. You can look for their name on LinkedIn or the company’s website. Otherwise, you can try calling the company to ask for the name of the hiring manager.

If you still can’t find their name, use their title (for example, “Dear Marketing Director”). Generic openers like “To Whom It May Concern,” and “Dear Sir/Madam,” show you haven’t taken the time to research who you’re writing to.

Offer to Send Your Resume to the Hiring Manager

You’re not required to submit a resume with your letter of interest. But if you choose not to attach your resume, you should at least offer to send it in later.

Write something near the end of your letter that lets the hiring manager know you’d be happy to send in your resume if they’re interested. Just make sure your resume is almost ready to go by the time you send out your letter of interest, so you don’t force the hiring manager to wait while you make one.

Request to Meet, or Speak by Phone

At the end of your letter of interest, request a chance to speak with the hiring manager by phone or meet them for a formal interview, informational interview, or casual coffee.

Giving the hiring manager several options allows them to pick the one that most suits their schedule, preferences, and workload. You’ll also come across as flexible, a quality hiring managers value.

Letter of Interest vs Cover Letter (Two s)

To get an idea about how a letter of interest is written differently than a cover letter, check out these two downloadable examples. We’ve provided text versions to help you write either type of professional letter.

Letter of Interest

Use a letter of interest to apply to companies that aren’t currently advertising roles.

Letter of Interest (Text Version)

August 31, 2020

[Hiring Manager’s Name]
47 Company Address
Minneapolis, MN 55447
(xxx) xxx-xxxx
hiring.manager@gmail.com

Dear [Mr./Mrs./Ms.] [Hiring Manager’s Name],

Over the past decade, I have had three primary sources of news: My current employer (The Pioneer Press), The New York Times, and [Target Company]. Your consistent level of journalistic excellence is informative and inspiring, and it is what led me to contact you to ask whether you have any journalist positions at the company.

I have 12 years of experience as a reporter and a wide portfolio of work on different subjects from sports to politics. I created a new column on local businesses at The Pioneer Press that has increased our brand awareness in the community by 13%. Additionally, I have served on the paper’s state politics board for 5 years where I contribute to choosing which candidates the paper endorses in state-wide races. However, my husband is relocating to [City Name] so our two children and I will be joining him by the end of the academic year.

The idea of continuing my career at [Target Company] is exciting, and I would love the opportunity to speak with you or a member of your team about how I can best assist the company. I am available over the phone anytime at [Your Phone Number] or we can set up a virtual conference via my email at [Your Email].

I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Cover Letter

This is an example of how to write an effective cover letter.

Cover Letter (Text Version)

August 31, 2020

[Hiring Manager’s Name]
47 Company Address
Providence, RI 02940
(xxx) xxx-xxxx

Dear [Mr./Mrs./Ms.] [Hiring Manager’s Name],

I was excited to see your job listing for the Lead Digital Marketing position at Westward Strategies on Indeed.com. As a dynamic email marketing specialist with over two years of professional experience executing market research, analyzing consumer data, and running A/B tests to drive successful marketing campaigns, I’m confident that I would be a valuable asset to the team at Westward.

Your job listing mentions a need for someone who is experienced in email segmentation and campaign development, both of which are areas I have extensive experience in. I’m currently employed at Marketed Inc., where I’ve honed my skills by running numerous successful email marketing campaigns. While employed here, I’ve spearheaded a digital promotion campaign for the company’s new line of sandals that successfully raised our total online engagement by an impressive 13% over the course of six months, contributing substantially to the department’s annual goals.

I look forward to discussing the Lead Digital Marketing position and my qualifications with you in more detail. I’m available to talk at your convenience. I’ll be in touch next week to follow up and to make sure you’ve received my application.

Thank you so much for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]