{"id":37925,"date":"2025-08-20T10:39:06","date_gmt":"2025-08-20T10:39:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/?p=37925"},"modified":"2025-08-20T10:41:46","modified_gmt":"2025-08-20T10:41:46","slug":"cv-vs-cover-letter-whats-the-difference-why-it-matters-for-interns","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/blog\/cv-vs-cover-letter-whats-the-difference-why-it-matters-for-interns\/","title":{"rendered":"CV vs. Cover Letter: What\u2019s the Difference &#038; Why it Matters for Interns"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_75 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/blog\/cv-vs-cover-letter-whats-the-difference-why-it-matters-for-interns\/#When_is_a_Cover_Letter_Necessary_vs_Just_a_CV\" >When is a Cover Letter Necessary vs. Just a CV?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/blog\/cv-vs-cover-letter-whats-the-difference-why-it-matters-for-interns\/#Whats_the_Difference_in_Purpose_Between_a_CV_and_Cover_Letter\" >What\u2019s the Difference in Purpose Between a CV and Cover Letter?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/blog\/cv-vs-cover-letter-whats-the-difference-why-it-matters-for-interns\/#Why_Does_a_Cover_Letter_Matter_When_Applying_for_an_Internship\" >Why Does a Cover Letter Matter When Applying for an Internship?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/blog\/cv-vs-cover-letter-whats-the-difference-why-it-matters-for-interns\/#How_Should_I_Tailor_My_Cover_Letter_Differently_from_My_CV\" >How Should I Tailor My Cover Letter Differently from My CV?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/blog\/cv-vs-cover-letter-whats-the-difference-why-it-matters-for-interns\/#What_Format_Should_a_CV_vs_Cover_Letter_Follow\" >What Format Should a CV vs Cover Letter Follow?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/blog\/cv-vs-cover-letter-whats-the-difference-why-it-matters-for-interns\/#The_Key_Differences_in_Purpose\" >The Key Differences in Purpose<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/blog\/cv-vs-cover-letter-whats-the-difference-why-it-matters-for-interns\/#Bringing_It_All_Together_For_a_Great_Application\" >Bringing It All Together For a Great Application<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You\u2019ve found it. The perfect media internship, your dream remote internship program, or that coveted opportunity tailored for communication students.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your finger hovers over the &#8220;Apply Now&#8221; button, but then it hits you. CV? Cover letter? Both? What? Cue the frantic Google searches and a mild existential crisis.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Take a deep breath.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Think of this blog as your friendly, comprehensive guide to understanding the difference between <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/blog\/perfect-cv\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">CVs<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and cover letters, as well as how to use them effectively to stand out when applying for internships.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whether you&#8217;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:<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"When_is_a_Cover_Letter_Necessary_vs_Just_a_CV\"><\/span>When is a Cover Letter Necessary vs. Just a CV?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whether you\u2019re 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\u2019s the difference?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>What is a CV?<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your CV (or Curriculum Vitae) is like a highlight reel of your professional life. It\u2019s a concise summary of your education, experience, and skills that gives employers a quick look at what you bring to the table.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Its purpose is to showcase your qualifications at a glance. Think of it as your professional snapshot. A few general notes on format:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bullet points and clear headings.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Information listed in reverse chronological order (most recent stuff comes first).\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Clean, simple layout. No Comic Sans, please.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whatever you do, make sure you <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.indeed.com\/career-advice\/resumes-cover-letters\/edit-resume\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">customize your CV for each application<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. If you\u2019re applying for a media internship, highlight your creative projects, digital storytelling skills, or teamwork on past campaigns.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>What is a Cover Letter?<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While your <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/writing.wisc.edu\/handbook\/cv\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">CV<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is a snapshot, your cover letter is the story. It\u2019s where you connect the dots, show off your personality, and explain why you\u2019re the perfect fit for the internship.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The goal of a cover letter is to tell your story and highlight how your unique skills and experience match the internship.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>The format might look like this:<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Intro, consisting of a strong opening that grabs attention.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Body paragraphs (two or three tightly written sections detailing your fit, skills, and passion).<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Closing that includes a wrap up with an enthusiastic call to action.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ultimately, your cover letter is where soft skills like communication, creativity, and collaboration shine. You can\u2019t fit those into neat bullet points on a CV, so use this space thoughtfully.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Whats_the_Difference_in_Purpose_Between_a_CV_and_Cover_Letter\"><\/span>What\u2019s the Difference in Purpose Between a CV and Cover Letter?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">CVs and cover letters are similar, but serve different purposes. A cover letter is a must when:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>The job posting asks for it<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. If the employer says, &#8220;submit a cover letter,&#8221; always, always submit one.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Competitive roles demand one<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. For top-tier opportunities like media internships or remote internship programs, a cover letter can be your secret weapon.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>You need to explain something<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Got a gap in your CV? Recently switched fields? The cover letter is where you give the \u201cwhy\u201d behind your application.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">At the end of the day, even if a cover letter is \u201coptional,\u201d submitting one can set you apart. Employers notice the extra effort.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When can you skip the cover letter? In general, if the role has an online form that doesn\u2019t request it, or if the job posting explicitly states, \u201cNo cover letter needed.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whatever you do, always read the instructions carefully. Missing a required document can sink your application faster than a typo in the hiring manager\u2019s name.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_Does_a_Cover_Letter_Matter_When_Applying_for_an_Internship\"><\/span>Why Does a Cover Letter Matter When Applying for an Internship?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You might be wondering why you need a cover letter\u2026or if it\u2019s just unnecessary busywork. Here are a few reasons why it counts and how to make a great presentation on paper:<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>It Shows Effort<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>It Demonstrates Fit<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A killer cover letter helps employers see exactly how you align with their needs.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For example, you might write, <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cDuring my coursework, I created a presentation that increased our team\u2019s class project grade by 20%, a skill that aligns with the presentation-heavy focus of your internship.\u201d<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>It Adds Personality<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A CV is all facts; a cover letter is where your personality gets to shine. It\u2019s your chance to feel more human and less like a list of bullet points.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Remember to use a conversational tone, but keep it professional. Balance warmth with competence.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Should_I_Tailor_My_Cover_Letter_Differently_from_My_CV\"><\/span>How Should I Tailor My Cover Letter Differently from My CV?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here are a few more tips to help you style your cover letter a bit differently from your CV:<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>1. Focus on the \u201cWhy\u201d<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your CV says <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">what<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> you\u2019ve done; your cover letter explains <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">why<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> you did it and why it matters to this internship.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Example opening line for a cover letter targeting a remote internship program:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&#8220;I\u2019ve always believed storytelling connects people, and your company\u2019s global approach to media aligns with my vision of amplifying real voices through creative content.&#8221;<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>2. Highlight Soft Skills<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Use examples to bring soft skills to life. Your teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving abilities are crucial for internships, but they don\u2019t always fit easily into a CV.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Example:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&#8220;Collaborating on a virtual media campaign taught me to communicate effectively across different time zones and deliver results under tight deadlines.&#8221;<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>3. Avoid Repetition<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Don\u2019t copy and paste from your CV. Instead, zoom in on one or two experiences and give the juicy backstory. Employers don\u2019t just want to know what you\u2019ve done. They want to know how it shaped you.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Format_Should_a_CV_vs_Cover_Letter_Follow\"><\/span>What Format Should a CV vs Cover Letter Follow?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The format for CVs and cover letters differs, too. For formatting a CV:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Length<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Stick to 1-2 pages.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Headings<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Use clear categories like \u201cEducation,\u201d \u201cExperience,\u201d and \u201cSkills.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Bullet Points<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Lead with action verbs like <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">designed, created, managed.<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Customization<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Edit your CV for every application to focus on the most relevant information.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In general, less is more. A cluttered CV makes it harder for recruiters to find the good stuff.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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\u2019t hire a robot (irony noted).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For the structure, you\u2019ll want to include the following:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Opening: Why you\u2019re excited about the internship.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Body paragraphs: Showcase your skills, with specific examples.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Close with confidence and a call to action.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Again, always address the hiring manager by name, if possible. It\u2019s a simple but effective way to show you care enough to do your homework.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Key_Differences_in_Purpose\"><\/span>The Key Differences in Purpose<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To recap: with a CV, you\u2019re creating a professional highlight reel. It\u2019s a neat, compact summary of your qualifications. It emphasizes what you\u2019ve done and what you bring to the table.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The cover letter, on the other hand, is your <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/blog\/how-to-write-the-perfect-resume-for-internships-a-complete-guide\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">personal pitch<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, a chance to connect the dots between your experiences, skills, and why the role excites you. It\u2019s all about the \u201cwhy\u201d and the \u201cwho\u201d behind your professional snapshot.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It may be more helpful to think of your <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/blog\/how-to-write-an-absolutely-amazing-cv-or-resume\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">CV and cover letter<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> as a dynamic duo. Separately, they\u2019re solid, but together, they\u2019re unstoppable.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Bringing_It_All_Together_For_a_Great_Application\"><\/span>Bringing It All Together For a Great Application<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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, &#8220;Hey, this is why I\u2019m perfect for this.&#8221; For internships, whether in media, communication, or remote opportunities, taking the time to craft both goes a long way.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The takeaway? Always tailor your CV and cover letter to the role, customize them thoughtfully, and never underestimate the power of a strong application.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pumped to land that dream internship? <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/blog\/online-internships-easy\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Start applying<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for exciting global opportunities with <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Absolute Internship<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> today! Click<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/info.absoluteinternship.com\/apply-now\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">here<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to get started. Your future self will thank you.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>You\u2019ve found it. The perfect media internship, your dream remote internship program, or that coveted opportunity tailored for communication students.\u00a0 Your finger hovers over the &#8220;Apply Now&#8221; button, but then&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6168,"featured_media":37926,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"content-type":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[920],"tags":[1137,1136],"table_tags":[],"class_list":["post-37925","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-international-internship","tag-internship-for-communication-students","tag-tips-and-advice-for-job-interview"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/37925","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6168"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=37925"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/37925\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/37926"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=37925"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=37925"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=37925"},{"taxonomy":"table_tags","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/table_tags?post=37925"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}