20 Aug CV vs. Cover Letter: What’s the Difference & Why it Matters for Interns
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You’ve found it. The perfect media internship, your dream remote internship program, or that coveted opportunity tailored for communication students.
Your finger hovers over the “Apply Now” button, but then it hits you. CV? Cover letter? Both? What? Cue the frantic Google searches and a mild existential crisis.
Take a deep breath.
Think of this blog as your friendly, comprehensive guide to understanding the difference between CVs and cover letters, as well as how to use them effectively to stand out when applying for internships.
Whether you’re aiming for a media role, honing your presentation skills, or exploring remote opportunities, knowing how to master these documents is your game-changer. If you read no other tips and advice for job interviews, make sure you give this piece a read:
When is a Cover Letter Necessary vs. Just a CV?
Whether you’re applying for an internship for communication students, one for finance majors, or something else entirely, one thing all these applications have in common is that they will likely ask for a CV, a cover letter, or both. So what’s the difference?
What is a CV?
Your CV (or Curriculum Vitae) is like a highlight reel of your professional life. It’s a concise summary of your education, experience, and skills that gives employers a quick look at what you bring to the table.
Its purpose is to showcase your qualifications at a glance. Think of it as your professional snapshot. A few general notes on format:
- Bullet points and clear headings.
- Information listed in reverse chronological order (most recent stuff comes first).
- Clean, simple layout. No Comic Sans, please.
Whatever you do, make sure you customize your CV for each application. If you’re applying for a media internship, highlight your creative projects, digital storytelling skills, or teamwork on past campaigns.
What is a Cover Letter?
While your CV is a snapshot, your cover letter is the story. It’s where you connect the dots, show off your personality, and explain why you’re the perfect fit for the internship.
The goal of a cover letter is to tell your story and highlight how your unique skills and experience match the internship.
The format might look like this:
- Intro, consisting of a strong opening that grabs attention.
- Body paragraphs (two or three tightly written sections detailing your fit, skills, and passion).
- Closing that includes a wrap up with an enthusiastic call to action.
Ultimately, your cover letter is where soft skills like communication, creativity, and collaboration shine. You can’t fit those into neat bullet points on a CV, so use this space thoughtfully.
What’s the Difference in Purpose Between a CV and Cover Letter?
CVs and cover letters are similar, but serve different purposes. A cover letter is a must when:
The job posting asks for it. If the employer says, “submit a cover letter,” always, always submit one.
Competitive roles demand one. For top-tier opportunities like media internships or remote internship programs, a cover letter can be your secret weapon.
You need to explain something. Got a gap in your CV? Recently switched fields? The cover letter is where you give the “why” behind your application.
At the end of the day, even if a cover letter is “optional,” submitting one can set you apart. Employers notice the extra effort.
When can you skip the cover letter? In general, if the role has an online form that doesn’t request it, or if the job posting explicitly states, “No cover letter needed.”
Whatever you do, always read the instructions carefully. Missing a required document can sink your application faster than a typo in the hiring manager’s name.
Why Does a Cover Letter Matter When Applying for an Internship?
You might be wondering why you need a cover letter…or if it’s just unnecessary busywork. Here are a few reasons why it counts and how to make a great presentation on paper:
It Shows Effort
Employers love candidates who go the extra mile. Taking the time to craft a thoughtful cover letter shows not just interest but commitment. This is especially important for internships for communication students or high-demand positions like media roles.
It Demonstrates Fit
A killer cover letter helps employers see exactly how you align with their needs.
For example, you might write, “During my coursework, I created a presentation that increased our team’s class project grade by 20%, a skill that aligns with the presentation-heavy focus of your internship.”
It Adds Personality
A CV is all facts; a cover letter is where your personality gets to shine. It’s your chance to feel more human and less like a list of bullet points.
Remember to use a conversational tone, but keep it professional. Balance warmth with competence.
How Should I Tailor My Cover Letter Differently from My CV?
Here are a few more tips to help you style your cover letter a bit differently from your CV:
1. Focus on the “Why”
Your CV says what you’ve done; your cover letter explains why you did it and why it matters to this internship.
Example opening line for a cover letter targeting a remote internship program:
“I’ve always believed storytelling connects people, and your company’s global approach to media aligns with my vision of amplifying real voices through creative content.”
2. Highlight Soft Skills
Use examples to bring soft skills to life. Your teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving abilities are crucial for internships, but they don’t always fit easily into a CV.
Example:
“Collaborating on a virtual media campaign taught me to communicate effectively across different time zones and deliver results under tight deadlines.”
3. Avoid Repetition
Don’t copy and paste from your CV. Instead, zoom in on one or two experiences and give the juicy backstory. Employers don’t just want to know what you’ve done. They want to know how it shaped you.
What Format Should a CV vs Cover Letter Follow?
The format for CVs and cover letters differs, too. For formatting a CV:
- Length: Stick to 1-2 pages.
- Headings: Use clear categories like “Education,” “Experience,” and “Skills.”
- Bullet Points: Lead with action verbs like designed, created, managed.
- Customization: Edit your CV for every application to focus on the most relevant information.
In general, less is more. A cluttered CV makes it harder for recruiters to find the good stuff.
For formatting a cover letter, it should be one page, max. Remember, hiring managers have limited patience. The tone should be professional yet conversational. Sounds like you put effort in but didn’t hire a robot (irony noted).
For the structure, you’ll want to include the following:
- Opening: Why you’re excited about the internship.
- Body paragraphs: Showcase your skills, with specific examples.
- Close with confidence and a call to action.
Again, always address the hiring manager by name, if possible. It’s a simple but effective way to show you care enough to do your homework.
The Key Differences in Purpose
To recap: with a CV, you’re creating a professional highlight reel. It’s a neat, compact summary of your qualifications. It emphasizes what you’ve done and what you bring to the table.
The cover letter, on the other hand, is your personal pitch, a chance to connect the dots between your experiences, skills, and why the role excites you. It’s all about the “why” and the “who” behind your professional snapshot.
It may be more helpful to think of your CV and cover letter as a dynamic duo. Separately, they’re solid, but together, they’re unstoppable.
Bringing It All Together For a Great Application
Your CV and cover letter each have a unique role to play. The CV is your overview, while the cover letter is your chance to say, “Hey, this is why I’m perfect for this.” For internships, whether in media, communication, or remote opportunities, taking the time to craft both goes a long way.
The takeaway? Always tailor your CV and cover letter to the role, customize them thoughtfully, and never underestimate the power of a strong application.
Pumped to land that dream internship? Start applying for exciting global opportunities with Absolute Internship today! Click here to get started. Your future self will thank you.
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