statement and cover letter difference

Cover Letter vs Personal Statement [With Examples]

When it comes to applying for a job or a graduate program, you may come across two common requirements: a cover letter and a personal statement. While they may seem similar, there are key differences between the two that every applicant should be aware of. In this article, we'll explore what a personal statement and a cover letter are, when they are used, their similarities and differences, and provide examples of each.

What is a Personal Statement?

A personal statement is a brief essay that highlights your skills, experiences, and goals. It is usually required for graduate school applications, but it can also be requested by employers. The purpose of a personal statement is to demonstrate your fit for a program or a position by showcasing your unique qualifications and motivations.

A personal statement should be well-crafted and tailored to the specific program or position you are applying for. It should showcase your strengths and demonstrate your passion for your field. Your personal statement should also highlight any relevant experiences, such as research projects or internships, that have prepared you for the program or position you are applying for.

What is a Cover Letter?

A cover letter is a one-page document that accompanies your resume when applying for a job. It is a formal letter that introduces you to a potential employer and explains why you are interested in the job and how your skills and experiences make you a good fit for the position.

A cover letter should be personalized for each job application and should not simply restate your resume. It should highlight your skills and experiences that are most relevant to the job, and explain how you will add value to the organization. A well-crafted cover letter can help you stand out from other applicants and can increase your chances of getting an interview.

When is Each Used?

A personal statement is typically used for graduate school applications, while a cover letter is used for job applications. However, there may be some overlap in certain situations, such as when applying for a job in academia or research, where a personal statement may be requested instead of a cover letter.

Similarities

Both a personal statement and a cover letter are used to showcase your qualifications and explain why you are a good fit for a program or a position. They are both formal documents that require careful attention to detail and should be tailored to the specific program or position you are applying for.

Differences

The main difference between a personal statement and a cover letter is their purpose. A personal statement is meant to demonstrate your fit for a program and showcase your unique qualifications and motivations, while a cover letter is meant to introduce you to a potential employer and explain why you are interested in the job and how your skills and experiences make you a good fit for the position.

Another key difference is their length. A personal statement is typically longer than a cover letter and may be several pages, while a cover letter is usually one page or less.

Cover Letter Examples

Example 1: marketing coordinator cover letter.

Why this works: This cover letter is tailored to the specific job and company, highlighting the candidate's relevant experience and achievements. The tone is professional and enthusiastic, showing the candidate's passion for the industry and desire to contribute to the company's success.

Example 2: Sales Representative Cover Letter

Why this works: This cover letter focuses on the candidate's sales experience and achievements, emphasizing their ability to meet and exceed targets and build strong relationships with clients. The language is confident and persuasive, showing the candidate's ability to sell themselves and their skills.

Example 3: Human Resources Manager Cover Letter

Why this works: This cover letter highlights the candidate's extensive HR experience and achievements, showing their ability to lead and innovate in the field. The tone is professional and confident, demonstrating the candidate's ability to establish credibility and build relationships with stakeholders.

Example 4: Graphic Designer Cover Letter

Why this works: This cover letter showcases the candidate's design skills and experience, emphasizing their ability to create compelling visuals and drive user engagement. The tone is enthusiastic and passionate, conveying the candidate's love for design and eagerness to contribute to the company's creative vision.

Personal Statement Examples

Example 1: medical school personal statement.

Why this works: This personal statement is focused on the candidate's motivation and passion for medicine, demonstrating their commitment to the field and their desire to make a difference. The language is clear and concise, showing the candidate's ability to communicate their ideas effectively.

Example 2: Law School Personal Statement

Why this works: This personal statement is focused on the candidate's motivation and passion for law, demonstrating their commitment to social justice and their desire to use the law as a tool for positive change. The language is clear and persuasive, showing the candidate's ability to make a compelling argument.

Example 3: MBA Personal Statement

Why this works: This personal statement is focused on the candidate's professional experience and goals, demonstrating their commitment to business leadership and their desire to use the MBA program as a platform for growth and development. The language is clear and results-oriented, showing the candidate's ability to apply their skills and knowledge to real-world problems.

Example 4: Education Personal Statement

Why this works: This personal statement is focused on the candidate's experience and goals as an educator, showing their commitment to teaching, learning, and innovation. The language is clear and enthusiastic, demonstrating the candidate's ability to inspire and motivate both students and colleagues.

Personal Statement vs. Cover Letter: What’s the Difference?

When applying for a job or academic program, you may encounter requirements for both a personal statement and a cover letter. Although these documents might seem similar at first glance, they serve distinct purposes and require different approaches. Understanding the differences between a personal statement and a cover letter is crucial for crafting effective application materials that showcase your strengths and qualifications.

The Purpose of a Personal Statement

A personal statement is a narrative essay that provides insight into your background, experiences, goals, and motivations. This document is typically required for academic programs, scholarships, or specific job applications that seek a deeper understanding of the applicant’s personal and professional journey.

Key Components of a Personal Statement

Introduction:.

• Introduce yourself and provide a brief overview of your background.
• Highlight key experiences that have shaped your goals and aspirations.
• Discuss your academic achievements, professional experiences, and relevant skills.
• Explain your motivations for pursuing the specific program or position.
• Share personal anecdotes or stories that illustrate your dedication and passion.

Conclusion:

• Summarize your main points and restate your enthusiasm for the opportunity.
• Emphasize how the program or position aligns with your long-term goals.

A well-crafted personal statement should be reflective and introspective, offering a comprehensive view of who you are beyond your resume .

The Purpose of a Cover Letter

A cover letter , on the other hand, is a professional document that accompanies your resume when applying for a job. Its primary purpose is to introduce yourself to the employer, highlight your relevant qualifications, and express your interest in the position.

Key Components of a Cover Letter

• Include your contact information, the date, and the employer’s contact details.
• Use a formal salutation to address the hiring manager.
• Mention the position you are applying for and how you found out about it.
• Provide a brief overview of your background and relevant experience.
• Highlight specific skills, experiences, and accomplishments that make you a strong candidate for the position.
• Explain how your qualifications match the job requirements.
• Use concrete examples to demonstrate your achievements and contributions in previous roles.
• Reiterate your enthusiasm for the position and the company.
• Express your willingness to discuss your application further and provide contact information for follow-up.

A cover letter should be concise and focused, clearly linking your qualifications to the job requirements and demonstrating your understanding of the company’s needs.

Key Differences Between Personal Statements and Cover Letters

1. audience and purpose.

• A personal statement is often used in academic contexts and focuses on your personal journey, goals, and motivations.
• A cover letter is used in professional contexts and focuses on your qualifications and fit for a specific job.

2. Content and Tone

• Personal statements are more narrative and introspective, offering a deeper insight into your character and aspirations.
• Cover letters are more formal and concise, emphasizing your professional achievements and skills.

3. Structure and Length

• Personal statements can be longer and more detailed, typically ranging from one to two pages.
• Cover letters are usually one page in length and follow a structured format with distinct sections.

4. Approach

• Personal statements allow for more creativity and storytelling, enabling you to share personal anecdotes and experiences.
• Cover letters require a direct and focused approach, highlighting your professional qualifications and how they align with the job.

Understanding the differences between a personal statement vs. cover letter is essential for creating compelling application materials. While both documents aim to present you in the best light, they serve different purposes and require distinct approaches. A personal statement delves into your personal and professional journey, offering a comprehensive view of your goals and motivations. In contrast, a cover letter highlights your relevant qualifications and demonstrates your fit for a specific job. By tailoring each document to its intended purpose, you can effectively showcase your strengths and increase your chances of success in both academic and professional pursuits.

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Personal Statements vs. Cover Letters: What’s the Difference?

The main difference between Personal Statements and Cover Letters is that Personal Statements focus on who you are, while Cover Letters emphasize why you’re a good fit for a specific job.

Before we move to more differences, let’s first understand Personal Statements and Cover Letters:

Major differences between Personal Statements and Cover Letters

You can see other “differences between…” posts by clicking here .

If you have a related query, kindly feel free to let me know in the comments below.

Important Differences Between a Personal Statement and a Cover Letter

One is personal, the other is professional. One is abstract, the other is concrete. A personal statement is a succinct essay where you tell your prospective employer about yourself. For example, you can say that you're a good worker. On the other hand, a cover letter highlights your professional experience. Also known as a letter of intent, a cover letter tells an employer that you are the best person for the job because you have this number of years of experience or you led that team to unprecedented success.

Another important difference is how you use these. Place your personal statement in a prominent space on your resumé. Tweak it according to the values and culture of the company you are submitting your resumé to. Conversely, submit your cover letter as a document separate from your resumé.

Both documents relay the value you can bring to a company. However, knowing the distinction between the two can be advantageous so you can use either or both to really show off your skills. Learn how to write a personal statement letter that can perfectly complement your cover letter. Let JobStreet show you how.

A personal statement focuses on you; a cover letter focuses on the job.

The main topic for your personal statement must be yourself in relation to the company you are pursuing. Write about how your educational background shaped you into who you are today. Share general experiences that will show your employer your values and skills Your goal is to show the employer who you are as a person and as a worker.

For example:

"Six months ago, I graduated with a degree in Communications. Now, I am eager to begin a career using what I've learned. In my senior year, I worked as our university paper's editor-in-chief, which we printed and also published online. My work there sharpened my writing, editing, and people skills."

Your cover letter, on the other hand, must focus on how well-suited you are to the position you are applying for. Specify which of your top-tier professional experiences make you the best candidate for the job.

"I am interested in the position of content writer for your company. Currently, I am a writer for Scidev.com; my tasks include monitoring the news daily in developing countries and submitting weekly story pitches to my editor. In just six months, I published 75 articles; 25 of those were shared widely on social media.

I believe this has prepared me to be an efficient and effective content writer."

Read: 5 Ways to Highlight Your Best Personal Qualities in Your Resumé

A personal statement is short; a cover letter, longer.

Keep your statement down to a concise paragraph of five or six sentences. Make sure you include the following:

• Where you currently stand in your career—" Currently, I am an IT professional specialising in cybersecurity. I began my career as a white hat hacker. I hold four certifications in ethical hacking."
• The value you'll bring to any company— "I conduct security assessments on different operating systems, cloud networks, computer systems, and wireless networks. My experience gives me a well-rounded knowledge of various platforms."
• Your career goals— "Looking for a career in cybersecurity where I can apply my skills, and learn more to also be able to develop security software."

Since your cover letter will talk about more specifics about your career goals and qualifications, it can be half a page to a page long; no more. Remember to mention the following:

• The position you are applying for— "I am interested in the position of pre-school English teacher, which you advertised for on JobStreet. "
• How your skills match the skills required by the position— "I hold a bachelor's degree in early childhood education. In the past two years, I have worked directly with toddlers at a pre-school. I adhere to an inquiry-based teaching method, and have excellent written and oral English communication skills."
• Why you are the best person for the job— "I believe my natural connection with children and desire for continuous learning along with them make me well-suited for this job."

Read: CV vs Resumé: Knowing Which One to Use Can Boost Your Chances

A personal statement concludes with a summary of your skills and goals; a cover letter wraps up with a note of thanks.

Let your statement begin and end with why you are an ideal candidate. Stay with this topic—do not introduce the story of a new passion in your conclusion.

"My two years working as an ER intern have not only sharpened my trauma skills. It has also trained me to be self-motivated, compassionate, and reliable. My goal is to use these skills and learn much more as an ER resident."

Conclude your cover letter by thanking your potential employer for their time and consideration. Then include a call to action.

"Thank you for taking the time to consider my application. Your trauma programme is above par, and I hope to be able to contribute to it as a member of your trauma team. My resumé is attached, and I would be happy to share with you any other information you may need."

A personal statement is inherently vague about any job applications since it focuses on you and your work. It gives any potential employers a peek into your persona. On the other hand, a cover letter mentions specifics, and it answers how you fit within the company.

Update your JobStreet profile today so you can begin composing your personal statement and cover letter. Put #WorkNow in your profile to let employers know you are ready to work. Then visit JobStreet's Career Resources Hub for more expert career advice.

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Statement of Purpose vs Cover Letter: What’s the Difference?

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December 10, 2023

When embarking on the path to higher education or stepping into the job market, understanding the “statement of purpose vs cover letter” distinction is not just beneficial—it’s essential. This article aims to demystify these two critical documents, highlighting their unique purposes and guiding you on how to craft each one effectively. While both are pivotal in their respective arenas—be it applying for a graduate program or a new job position—they serve different goals and address different audiences. The statement of purpose is your ticket to showcasing academic prowess and research aspirations to admissions committees. In contrast, the cover letter is your opportunity to demonstrate to a potential employer how your past experiences and skills make you the ideal candidate for a specific job opening. Navigating these distinctions can be the difference between a successful application and a missed opportunity.

Understanding the Basics

What is a statement of purpose (sop).

An SOP is a formal document required for graduate school applications. It’s where you describe your academic journey. You highlight why you’re interested in a particular program. It’s your chance to showcase your passion for the subject. The SOP should reflect your research interests. It also shows how you can contribute to the program.

Role in Graduate Program Applications: The SOP is vital in grad school applications. It helps the admissions committee understand you better. They learn about your academic interests and goals. It’s more than just your grades and scores. The SOP paints a picture of you as a prospective student.

Emphasis on Academic Background and Research Interests: In the SOP, your academic history is crucial. You talk about key research projects you’ve been part of. Discuss how these experiences have shaped your career goals. The SOP should connect your past studies to your future plans.

What is a Cover Letter?

A cover letter is a professional letter used in job applications. It complements your resume. The cover letter gives a personal touch to your application. It’s where you connect your skills to the job requirements.

Usage in Job Applications: In job searches, a cover letter is often required. It’s your first direct communication with a potential employer. The cover letter can set you apart from other applicants. It’s a chance to show why you’re a good fit for the job.

Focus on Past Experiences and Relevance to the Specific Job Opening: In your cover letter, highlight your work experience. Link your skills to the job description. Show how your past roles have prepared you for this new position. It’s about making a clear connection between your abilities and the employer’s needs.

Key Differences between Statement of Purpose and Cover Letter

Purpose and Audience: Firstly, the Statement of Purpose (SOP) specifically targets admission committees. Students use it for graduate school applications. It’s a tool to showcase academic potential and research aspirations. On the other hand, a cover letter addresses potential employers or hiring managers. Its goal is to connect the applicant with a job opportunity.

Content and Structure: Furthermore, the SOP involves a detailed discussion. It delves into your academic and research projects, along with future plans. This document allows you to elaborate on your educational journey and aspirations. Conversely, the cover letter aligns your professional experience with the job’s requirements. It relates your past roles and skills to what the employer seeks.

Tone and Style: Additionally, the tone of an SOP is notably academic. It focuses on intellectual pursuits and academic achievements. This style suits the purpose of impressing an admissions committee. In contrast, a cover letter adopts a professional tone. It’s tailored to demonstrate how you’re a good fit for the company. The style is direct and geared towards convincing an employer of your suitability for the job.

Importance in Application Processes

Statement of Purpose (SOP): The Gatekeeper for Graduate School Applications Primarily, the SOP serves as a gatekeeper in the graduate school application process. It plays a crucial role in determining your admission. This document allows you to showcase your academic strengths and research interests. Importantly, it gives the admissions committee a glimpse into your potential as a graduate student. Essentially, the SOP can make or break your application. Therefore, crafting an impactful SOP is critical for aspiring graduate students.

Cover Letter: Essential for a Strong First Impression in Job Searches Similarly, in the realm of job searches, the cover letter holds immense importance. It acts as your first point of contact with a potential employer. The cover letter provides a unique opportunity to make a strong first impression. It enables you to highlight how your experiences align with the job requirements. Effectively, a well-crafted cover letter can set you apart from other candidates. As such, dedicating time to personalize and polish your cover letter is key to a successful job application.

How to Write an Effective Statement of Purpose

Discussing Career Goals, Motivation, and Relevant Experiences First and foremost, clearly articulate your career goals in your Statement of Purpose (SOP). Explain why you are passionate about the specific degree program. Additionally, connect these goals to your motivation for pursuing higher education. Moreover, don’t forget to include relevant experiences. These could be academic projects, internships, or relevant work experience. These details provide a solid foundation for your SOP.

Tips for Highlighting Particular Interests and Connections Furthermore, it’s beneficial to highlight your specific research interests. This approach shows the admissions committee that you have a clear direction. Also, if applicable, mention any connection with specific professors or schools. For instance, you might be interested in a particular professor’s research. Or, you might find a school’s program aligns perfectly with your interests. Importantly, such details make your SOP stand out. They demonstrate your commitment and thorough research about the program.

Personalizing Your SOP Lastly, personalize your SOP. It should reflect your unique journey and aspirations. Avoid generic statements. Instead, offer a compelling narrative about your academic pursuits. This personal touch can greatly enhance the impact of your SOP.

Crafting the Perfect Cover Letter

Matching Skills and Experiences with the Job Description Firstly, when crafting a cover letter, it’s crucial to align your skills and experiences with the job description. Carefully analyze the job posting. Identify the key skills and experiences the employer is seeking. Then, reflect these in your cover letter. For example, if the job emphasizes teamwork, include a relevant experience where you excelled in a team setting.

Addressing the Letter and Including Contact Information Moreover, the way you address your cover letter sets the tone. Use a professional greeting like “Dear Hiring Manager.” This approach is respectful and universally appropriate. Also, ensure your contact information is clearly visible. Typically, include this at the top of the letter. This makes it easy for potential employers to reach out to you.

Enhancing Your Cover Letter with Professional Help Additionally, for those seeking an extra edge, Simply Great Resumes offers an invaluable resource. Their all-in-one bundle includes four professional resume and matching cover letter templates. These templates provide a unified and polished look. Notably, they are ATS optimized. This means they are designed for maximum compatibility with Applicant Tracking Systems. Moreover, the templates offer user-friendly customization. This allows you to easily adapt them to showcase your unique skills and experiences. For a one-time purchase of $29.99, you gain immediate, lifetime access to all these templates. This is an excellent value for those looking to streamline their application process.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding Overlaps in Content between SOP and Cover Letter Firstly, a common mistake is overlapping content between your Statement of Purpose (SOP) and cover letter. Although they may seem similar, it’s crucial to differentiate the two. The SOP should focus on your academic interests and research goals. In contrast, your cover letter should align your professional experiences with the job you’re applying for. Therefore, tailor each document to its specific purpose to avoid redundancy.

Steering Clear of Generic Statements Moreover, generic statements are a pitfall in both SOPs and cover letters. They lack personalization and fail to engage the reader. Instead, customize your content to the specific position or graduate program. For a cover letter, relate directly to the job description and company culture. For an SOP, discuss specific aspects of the graduate program that excite you. This approach shows you’ve done your research and are genuinely interested.

Emphasizing Unique Personal and Professional Qualities Furthermore, it’s important to highlight what makes you unique. In your SOP, share personal stories or experiences that led you to your academic interests. In your cover letter, mention specific professional achievements that make you stand out. This personal touch can make a significant difference in catching the reader’s attention.

Additional Considerations

Incorporating Volunteer Work, Extracurricular Activities, and Relevant Skills Firstly, when crafting your Statement of Purpose or cover letter, consider including volunteer work and extracurricular activities. These experiences often demonstrate skills that are valuable in both academic and professional settings. Additionally, they can showcase your character and personal values. Moreover, don’t forget to highlight other relevant skills that may not be directly related to your field of study or work but still add value to your profile.

The Importance of Tailoring Each Document Furthermore, tailoring each document to a specific company, school, or program is crucial. For the SOP, research the particular school or program. Then, mention aspects of it that align with your academic goals. Also, show how you can contribute to their academic community. Similarly, for the cover letter, study the company and the job description. Subsequently, align your experiences and skills with what the company seeks. Tailoring documents in this way not only demonstrates your interest but also shows that you have put thought and effort into your application.

Reflecting a Well-Rounded Personality Lastly, it’s important to present a well-rounded image of yourself. Both in the SOP and the cover letter, balancing professional achievements with personal qualities is key. This holistic approach can significantly enhance the appeal of your application, making you more memorable to the committee or potential employer.

Final Thoughts: Sealing Your Academic and Professional Journey

In conclusion, understanding the distinctions between a Statement of Purpose (SOP) and a cover letter is crucial for your success, whether in academia or the job market. The SOP, targeting admissions committees, emphasizes your academic journey and research aspirations. It’s your platform to showcase intellectual curiosity and suitability for a graduate program. Conversely, the cover letter, aimed at potential employers, highlights how your experiences and skills align with a specific job’s requirements. It’s your chance to demonstrate professional fit and interest in a particular role.

The key differences in purpose, audience, content, structure, tone, and style between these two documents cannot be overstated. A well-crafted SOP can open doors to academic opportunities, while an effective cover letter can pave the way to your dream job. Therefore, investing time and effort into personalizing these documents is essential. Tailoring them to specific programs or job descriptions, and ensuring they reflect your unique skills and experiences, will significantly enhance your applications.

Remember, these documents are more than just formalities; they are opportunities to make a meaningful impression. So, take the time to craft them thoughtfully, making sure they authentically represent your ambitions and abilities. With the right approach, your SOP and cover letter can become powerful tools for achieving your academic and professional goals.

Additional Resources

Here are links to resources for further reading on crafting excellent Statements of Purpose:

• Purdue OWL’s Guide on Drafting Your Statement of Purpose : A comprehensive guide from Purdue University offering detailed advice on writing Statements of Purpose for graduate school applications. Access it here: Purdue OWL – Statements of Purpose: Drafting Your Statement .
• Northeastern University’s Guide on Writing a Statement of Purpose : This article from Northeastern University breaks down the SOP writing process into manageable steps, providing insights on how to impress admissions committees. You can find it here: Northeastern University – How to Write a Statement of Purpose for Graduate School .
• Scribbr’s Example and Guide for Statement of Purpose : Scribbr offers a detailed example of a successful Statement of Purpose for a Classical Archaeology program, highlighting key aspects to include in your SOP. Explore it here: Scribbr – How to Write a Statement of Purpose .

What is the difference between a supporting statement and a cover letter?

In this competitive job market, crafting a strong application is crucial for securing an interview. Employers often request written documents as part of your application, and you may find yourself asked to submit either a supporting statement or a cover letter. While these two documents share the common goal of showcasing your suitability for a position, they differ in a few important ways. In this post, we will delve into the key differences between supporting statements and cover letters, helping you understand the differences between them and how to maximise their impact.

Supporting statement vs. cover letter: the key differences

A supporting statement , also known as a personal statement, is a document that requires you to outline your suitability for the job by addressing how you meet the essential and desirable criteria listed in the person specification/job description. Its primary purpose is to highlight how your skills, experience and accomplishments make you a good fit for the role. While some employers may ask you to explain your motivations for applying, this is not the primary focus of the document. A supporting statement is often a standalone submission, and employers may not allow you to submit your CV with it, so it needs to speak for itself.

In contrast, a cover letter almost always accompanies your CV. For this reason, it provides an opportunity to express your motivations for applying for the role and to highlight a select number of aspects about your skills and experience (as evidenced in your CV), that you feel make you particularly well-suited to the position.

A supporting statement is a written statement, not a letter, and it is structured around the specific criteria or competencies that the employer is looking for. You should address each criterion individually and provide detailed evidence.

Cover letters, as the name suggests, are more like a formal letter. They begin with a formal greeting and introduction, followed by a brief paragraph explaining how you learned about the job and your interest in it. The body of the cover letter discusses your qualifications, experiences, and why you think you are a good fit for the job. It often includes a narrative about your career journey and what drives your passion for the industry or role. The letter concludes with a closing statement and a call to action. It will tend to be quite a bit shorter than a supporting statement.

When employers request a supporting statement , most will specify a maximum word or character limit that equates to about two sides of A4. If no word limit is provided, aiming for somewhere around this length is advisable, as it allows you enough space to fully address the competencies listed in the person specification.

Cover letters are typically shorter and, in most cases, should be limited to one page. This length is typically sufficient to introduce yourself, explain your interest in the job, and highlight your suitability for the role.

Writing a supporting statement will require you to take a methodical approach in order to address all of the competencies the employer is looking for. For each competency, you will need to provide specific examples and evidence to demonstrate that you have it. For advice on what to include read my other post How to write a supporting statement for a job application .

A cover letter has a broader focus and should aim to make a strong, persuasive case for your candidacy, without getting too deep into the specifics. This usually means focusing on 3 or 4 of the main requirements of the position. Read my How to write a great cover letter blog post for more in-depth advice on what to include.

5. Tailoring

Supporting statements are often tailored to a very specific job application. Since they are structured around the criteria for a particular role, you need to customise each supporting statement for the job you're applying to. This level of specificity is crucial in demonstrating your alignment with the job requirements. For this reason, it will usually take longer to write a compelling supporting statement than it will a cover letter.

While it's important to tailor your cover letters , they tend to be more versatile. You can create a template that outlines your general career story and qualifications, and then make specific modifications for each job application. However, it's essential to ensure that the modified sections still align with the company's values and the specific job description.

In summary, a cover letter and a supporting statement serve distinct roles in a job application. A cover letter is a more general introduction that highlights your motivation and fit for the job, while a supporting statement is a much more specific document that provides evidence of your suitability for the role, by directly addressing each of the competencies listed in the person specification. Tailoring each document to the job you're applying for is crucial for a successful application.

If you would like to take your applications to the next level, check out my application review services, including both cover letters and supporting statements .

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Motivation Letter vs Cover Letter: What Are the Key Differences? (+Examples)

• Klara Cervenanska , 
• Updated May 10, 2023 4 min read

If you've ever found yourself scratching your head and wondering about the difference between a motivation letter vs. cover letter, you're not alone. 

These two documents, while similar, have distinct uses and contexts that set them apart. 

In a nutshell, the main difference between cover letter and a motivational letter lies in the fact that a cover letter is typically used in career settings , while a motivation letter is more common in academic settings .

In this article, we'll dive into the specifics of each document and provide examples to help guide you on when to use which.

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Motivation letter vs. cover letter 

What is a cover letter, how to write a cover letter, cover letter example, what is a motivation letter, how to write a motivation letter, motivation letter example, motivation letter vs. cover letter our final piece of advice.

What's the difference between a cover letter and a motivation letter?

Let's sum it up:

Now, let's have a closer look at each of these documents, together with an example of both a cover letter and a motivation letter.

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A cover letter is a document that serves as your introduction to a potential employer, showcasing your background and explaining why you would be a good fit for the position they're offering. 

It should accompany your resume and should complement the information in it.

In essence, it's your chance to present yourself, let your personality shine through, and provide additional details that might not fit within the limited space of your resume. 

Even if you lack previous experience in the field, a well-crafted cover letter can help you stand out by highlighting your enthusiasm and positive qualities. 

When it comes to writing a cover letter, the structure is just as important as the content. Here's a simple breakdown of the key components to include:

• Opening paragraph : Start with a brief introduction, saying who you are and the position you're applying for. This is your opportunity to grab the reader's attention and encourage them to read on.
• Body paragraphs: Use this section to showcase your relevant skills, experiences, and achievements. Be sure to provide concrete examples and explain how they directly relate to the job you're applying for. This is your chance to demonstrate why you're the ideal candidate for the position and how your background aligns with the company's needs and values.
• Closing paragraphs : In your closing paragraphs, restate your interest in the position and summarize your qualifications. This is also an excellent opportunity to express your enthusiasm and eagerness to contribute to the company's success. Don't forget to thank the reader for considering your application and provide any necessary contact information.

Now that you have a better understanding of what a cover letter entails and how to write one, let's take a look at an example to help illustrate the key concepts.

Marketing and Brand Manager Cover Letter Sample

This cover letter sample was provided by a real person who got hired with Kickresume’s help.

While cover letters are designed for job applications, motivation letters serve a different purpose. 

Motivation letter is typically used when applying for academic opportunities such as scholarships, internships, or postgraduate programs, but also when applying for a non-profit organization or voluntary work.

A motivation letter aims to convey your passion for the subject, your personal goals , and how the program or opportunity aligns with those aspirations. 

It's an opportunity to showcase your drive, commitment, and enthusiasm for the field, setting you apart from other applicants. 

When crafting a motivation letter, it's essential to convey your genuine interest in the program or opportunity and provide a clear explanation of your motivations. 

Here's a simple outline to follow:

• Opening paragraph: Begin with an introduction, stating who you are and expressing your interest in the program or opportunity. This is the perfect chance to capture the reader's curiosity and set the tone for the rest of the letter.
• Body paragraphs: In this section, delve into your motivation for pursuing this opportunity, your long-term goals, and how the program aligns with those objectives. Be specific and provide examples, such as relevant experiences or accomplishments, that demonstrate your commitment to the field.
• Closing paragraphs: Wrap up your motivation letter by reiterating your interest in the program or opportunity and expressing your enthusiasm for the potential it offers. Thank the reader for considering your application and provide your contact information.

Now that we've covered the purpose and structure of a motivation letter, let's take a look at an example to help bring these concepts to life. 

This sample motivation letter will demonstrate how to effectively introduce yourself, share your motivations and goals, and express your enthusiasm for the academic opportunity:

University Motivation Letter Example

Throughout this article, we've explored the key differences between motivation letters and cover letters.

In a nutshell, a cover letter focuses on your qualifications and suitability for a specific job, while a motivation letter expresses your enthusiasm and reasons for pursuing a particular opportunity, often in educational or volunteering contexts.

Furthermore:

• Cover letter typically includes your contact information, addresses the hiring manager, and is tailored to a specific job posting or company.
• Motivation letter is more general, often used for educational or volunteer programs, and emphasizes your passion, personal goals, and reasons for choosing the opportunity.

By understanding these distinctions, you can confidently craft the right document for your specific needs, be it an academic opportunity or a job application.

Klara graduated from the University of St Andrews in Scotland. After having written resumes for many of her fellow students, she began writing full-time for Kickresume. Klara is our go-to person for all things related to student or 'no experience resumes'. At the same time, she has written some of the most popular resume advice articles on this blog. Her pieces were featured in multiple CNBC articles. When she's not writing, you'll probably find her chasing dogs or people-watching while sipping on a cup of coffee.

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What’s a Letter of Interest and How’s It Different From a Cover Letter?

As if the job search needed more confusing terms and jargon, it turns out there are multiple kinds of letters you might need to write. There are cover letters and letters of interest?

Yes, yes there are. They’re both letters you’d send to companies you’re interested in working for, but otherwise there are some key differences.

Read on to learn what those differences are and how to write each kind—with examples.

Letter of interest vs. cover letter

So what’s the difference between a letter of interest and the probably-more-familiar cover letter?

Basically, a cover letter targets a specific job opening and a letter of interest (sometimes called a letter of intent ) expresses a desire to work for a specific company even though you haven’t seen a job posting that would be right for you.

A cover letter:

• Is written to apply to a known open position
• Expresses enthusiasm for the open job
• Focuses on what you’d bring to a specific role
• Talks about how your skills and experience line up with the job
• Usually accompanies a resume and/or other application materials

A letter of interest:

• Is not in response to a specific job posting or opening
• Expresses a desire to work for the company more broadly
• Focuses how you can contribute to the organization
• Talks about your skills and experiences and how you might be able to help the company
• Does not always include your resume

So if there’s a company you’d love to work for and you think your skills would be valuable to them, you don’t necessarily need to wait around for the perfect job opening. You can send a letter of interest. But if said company has posted a job that lines up with your qualifications, a cover letter is the way to go.

How to write a cover letter

If you’ve decided to go with a cover letter, here are a few basic steps:

• Write a strong, relevant-to-the-job, cover letter opening that will hook your reader and tell them why you’re applying for this position and/or are interested in this organization.
• Identify three to five key qualifications . Read over the job description and look for skills , experiences, or other qualifications that you possess. Choose the ones that most show that you’d be great at this job to highlight in your cover letter.
• Write about these qualifications . Demonstrate your abilities and knowledge with brief examples from your career. Don’t forget to include the results of your work and as many numbers as possible to show the reader what you can do for their company.
• Wrap up with a strong conclusion that reiterates your excitement for the role and key qualifications.

Read More: Your Complete Guide to Writing a Cover Letter (Plus Bonus Tips and Examples)

Cover letter example

Here’s a sample of what your cover letter might look like.

Hello Connie,

When I saw the posting for the Program Manager position at Vaxx America, I was immediately drawn to your mission of increasing vaccination rates and public health knowledge. Vaxx America’s two-pronged approach of combatting disinformation while creating easy opportunities to get vaccinated is exactly what our society needs right now. As someone from a small town with dismal COVID vaccination rates, I’ve seen many old friends and family members buy into disinformation and end up seriously ill. I’d love to bring my experience as an event coordinator for health-focused nonprofits and passion for this cause to your company.

For the past two years, I’ve worked as an event coordinator for SexEdU, where I booked spaces for events on over 100 college campuses; coordinated communications between the organization and different schools; and planned, managed, and coordinated all logistics for education, health screening, vaccination, and other events offered through the organization. I worked on a total of 130 events in two years that provided services for over 100,000 attendees.

Recently, I filled in for a program manager who oversees the org’s free on-campus health screening program while they were out for surgery, and successfully ran the marketing campaigns for their upcoming event and drew in over 200 students for free STD testing—and booked a follow-up event on the spot. Through these experiences, I worked closely with the program managers and saw what goes into their jobs day-to-day and I’d love to take the next step in my career at your organization.

We need Vaxx America right now, and I’d love to be part of the organization’s invaluable efforts. I’d be honored to bring my event coordination and program management experience to your team.

How to write a letter of interest

• Address your letter to the likely hiring manager for the department you’d most want to join.
• Open strong. Start with what stands out most to you about the company and why you’d like to work with them. Show that you’ve done your research by bringing in specific details about their story, their products, their strategies, or anything they’ve been in the news or on social media for.
• Briefly introduce yourself as a professional . Highlight the skills and experiences that would be most valuable to the company.
• Write about a few ways you can help the organization. Connect your skills to things that the company is working on or struggling with.
• Close with an invitation to talk more about what you can bring to their company.
• Include a link to your LinkedIn profile and/or a personal website or portfolio so they can learn more about you.

Read More: Ever Heard of a Letter of Interest? It Could Score You a Job at Your Dream Company

Letter of interest example

Dear Connie,

As an experienced nonprofit event coordinator and someone from a severely under-vaccinated hometown, I’ve been following Vaxx America from its beginnings. (I was even your Twitter account’s 200th follower!) Your founder’s heartbreaking story about losing a parent to COVID-19 when the vaccine was readily available hit close to home. I unfortunately lost several childhood and family friends the same way. What you all are doing to combat disinformation and make vaccination easy is exactly what the country needs right now—and I’d love to be part of it.

I’m Allan Peng, a versatile event planner for a public-health nonprofit who would love to make the transition into program management. I’ve coordinated more than a hundred health-related events, including some that offered on-site healthcare screenings and HPV vaccinations. I’ve also successfully marketed these events.

I know the ins and outs of pitching, coordinating, and running events on college campuses—which I saw was a key area of interest at Vaxx America. I have contacts in the student health, athletics, and other departments at over 100 schools from my previous work, and I can help you through the process of bringing healthcare providers to a college campus.

I’m also interested in contributing to your content and marketing team. I’ve spent a lot of time speaking with loved ones and acquaintances about vaccine hesitancy and I’m familiar with the underlying reasons and the sources of disinformation they turn to. I think my insight would be valuable as you create informational materials for this group of people—particularly those in religious communities.

I’d love to have an opportunity to learn more about your organization, as well as your short- and long-term goals and challenges. I can also share some more specifics on how I can help you branch out onto college campuses.

Thank you for your time, and please let me know if there’s any additional information I can provide for you.

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Cover letter v/s statement of research interests

I saw a postdoctoral position advertisement in engineering field, which has asked applicants to submit a cover letter and a statement of research interest . If these two are not explicitly asked, then I usually prepare single document mostly containing my research interest along with a CV.

I would like to know what should be the content of the two different documents, means what should go where?

• application-cover-letter

• 1 For me, the cover letter is about who you are (and why do you fit to the position). The research statement is what you want to do (and have done before). –  Oleg Lobachev Commented Sep 1, 2018 at 20:57

Statement of research interest seems to deal specifically with you potential future research. Though, you can obviously base your future project describing your proved past record. The cover letter seems to be a general info, something that you are XYZ who completer PhD in ABC university, has the following background and you are interested in this position. In the cover letter I would briefly mention your research interests and refer for more details to the statement of research interest.

I think that there is nothing special about this two-letters format, but it is just some bureaucratic requirement of the university. May be worth asking them how long should be research statement - because you can potentially write one page or 15 pages like a full grant.

• one page of statement of research –  pkj Commented Sep 1, 2018 at 17:54

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VFW Admonishes Former President for Medal of Honor Remarks

The following is a message from vfw national commander al lipphardt.

WASHINGTON — “On Thursday, former President Donald Trump spoke at an event where he made some flippant remarks about the Medal of Honor and the heroes who have received it. In the video that has circulated online and in the media , the former president was recognizing Miriam Adelson in the audience who he awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom during his time in office. As he described the medal as the civilian version of the Medal of Honor, he went on to opine that the Medal of Freedom was “much better” than the military’s top award, because those awarded the latter are, in his words, “ … either in very bad shape because they’ve been hit so many times by bullets or they’re dead.” He continued by comparing Miriam to MoH recipients saying, “She gets it and she’s a healthy beautiful woman. They are rated equal.”

These asinine comments not only diminish the significance of our nation’s highest award for valor, but also crassly characterizes the sacrifices of those who have risked their lives above and beyond the call of duty.

When a candidate to serve as our military’s commander-in-chief so brazenly dismisses the valor and reverence symbolized by the Medal of Honor and those who have earned it, I must question whether they would discharge their responsibilities to our men and women in uniform with the seriousness and discernment necessary for such a powerful position. It is even more disappointing when these comments come from a man who already served in this noble office and should frankly already know better.

While the Presidential Medal of Freedom maybe our nation’s highest civilian award, the Medal of Honor is more sacred as it represents the gallantry and intrepidity of courageous and selfless service members, often at the cost of grievous wounds and even their lives. It’s because of our Medal of Honor recipients that great Americans like Miriam Adelson have the freedom to live to their fullest potential and make such lasting contributions to our great nation.

We would like to remind Mr. Trump that the 12 times he had the honor of awarding the Medal of Honor as president of the United States, those were heroes not of his own choosing. He bestowed those medals on behalf of Congress, representing all Americans of a grateful nation. We hold the donation of their lives in service to our country in the highest esteem, and so should he.”

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Trump belittles Medal of Honor award in campaign speech

Former President Donald Trump on Thursday said the Presidential Medal of Freedom is a “better” award than the Defense Department’s Medal of Honor because service members have to sacrifice their lives or health to receive the military’s highest honor, the latest in a series of controversial campaign comments from the Republican presidential candidate .

In a campaign event in New Jersey billed as a speech against antisemitism , the former president was introduced by Miriam Adelson, a Republican donor who received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from Trump in 2018.

Trump praised Adelson as “a committed member of the American Jewish community” and compared the civilian medal to the Medal of Honor, the highest military award for battlefield valor, which has been awarded to just 3,517 troops out of the 41 million who have served their nation.

“It’s the equivalent of the congressional Medal of Honor,” Trump said of the Presidential Medal of Freedom. “But the civilian version, it’s actually much better because everyone that gets the Congressional Medal of Honor, they’re soldiers.”

“They’re either in very bad shape because they’ve been hit so many times by bullets or they’re dead,” he said. “[Adelson] gets it, and she’s a healthy, beautiful woman, and they’re rated equal, but she got the Presidential Medal of Freedom.”

According to Defense Department rules, the Medal of Honor is awarded to servicemembers who distinguish themselves “through conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty.”

That list includes Sgt. 1st Class Alwyn Cashe, awarded the honor in posthumously in 2021. Cashe died from burn wounds suffered in 2005 attempting to save six fellow soldiers trapped in a burning vehicle following a roadside bomb attack in Iraq.

Army Sgt. 1st Class Leroy Petry received the honor in 2011 for valor in Afghanistan. He lost his hand in a enemy grenade blast after picking up the explosive and hurling it away from two fellow soldiers, saving their lives.

Individuals recognized for honor often have to wait years for military reviews and reports to validate their bravery. Since the start of the Vietnam War, 264 individuals have received the honor for battlefield valor. Only 60 are still living.

The Presidential Medal of Freedom is awarded at the commander-in-chief’s discretion to “individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the security or national interests of America, to world peace, or to cultural or other significant public or private endeavors.”

Since it was created in 1963, 652 individuals have received the honor, including numerous celebrities and athletes. Earlier this year, President Joe Biden bestowed the honor on Olympic swimmer Katie Ledecky and former talk show host Phil Donahue, among others. The year that Adelson received the honor, Trump also gave posthumous honors to singer Elvis Presley and Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia.

Trump’s campaign comments drew immediate rebuke from the former president’s critics.

Sarafina Chitika, spokesperson for the Vice President Kamala Harris’s presidential campaign, said the comments show that “Donald Trump knows nothing about service to anyone or anything but himself.”

Similarly, Alexander Vindman, a former soldier on the National Security Council who testified against Trump at his first impeachment trial, said on social media that the comments show Trump “dishonors Medal of Honor recipients, our nation’s highest military award for distinguished acts of valor. He deserves nothing but disdain and disqualifies himself from public office.”

In recent weeks, Trump campaign officials have offered their own criticism of Democratic Vice Presidential candidate Tim Walz for his public comments on military service, calling them disrespectful to troops serving around the globe.

That has included a 2018 speech where Walz referred to “weapons of war, that I carried in war” despite never serving in a combat zone.

But Trump has frequently drawn criticism for exaggerations and misstatements during his public appearances, including in 2016 when he made fun of former Sen. John McCain for being captured by enemy forces during the Vietnam war.

In addition, former White House Chief of Staff John Kelly said that Trump referred to troops buried at a military cemetery as “losers and suckers” for sacrificing their lives on behalf of the country. Trump has denied making those statements.

The Trump campaign did not immediately respond to request for comment on the speech.

Leo covers Congress, Veterans Affairs and the White House for Military Times. He has covered Washington, D.C. since 2004, focusing on military personnel and veterans policies. His work has earned numerous honors, including a 2009 Polk award, a 2010 National Headliner Award, the IAVA Leadership in Journalism award and the VFW News Media award.

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Vets’ PACT Act claims continue to rise, two years after law’s passage

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Soldier indicted for lying about involvement in insurrectionist groups

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An outside watchdog estimates the benefits adjustment will be less than 3% in 2025..

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Releases 07 Aug 2024

WADA statement on Reuters story exposing USADA scheme in contravention of World Anti-Doping Code

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) responds to a Reuters story of 7 August 2024 exposing a scheme whereby the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) allowed athletes who had doped, to compete for years, in at least one case without ever publishing or sanctioning their anti-doping rule violations, in direct contravention of the World Anti-Doping Code and USADA’s own rules. 

This USADA scheme threatened the integrity of sporting competition, which the Code seeks to protect. By operating it, USADA was in clear breach of the rules. Contrary to the claims made by USADA, WADA did not sign off on this practice of permitting drug cheats to compete for years on the promise that they would try to obtain incriminating evidence against others. 

Within the Code there is a provision whereby an athlete who provides substantial assistance can subsequently apply to have a proportion of their period of ineligibility suspended. However, there is a clear process for that, which does not involve allowing those who have cheated to continue to compete while they may or may not gather incriminating evidence against others and while they could retain a performance-enhancement effect from the substances they took. When WADA eventually found out about this non-compliant practice in 2021, many years after it had started, it immediately instructed USADA to desist. 

WADA is now aware of at least three cases where athletes who had committed serious anti-doping rule violations were allowed to continue to compete for years while they acted as undercover agents for USADA, without it notifying WADA and without there being any provision allowing such a practice under the Code or USADA’s own rules. 

In one case, an elite level athlete, who competed at Olympic qualifier and international events in the United States, admitted to taking steroids and EPO yet was permitted to continue competing all the way up to retirement. Their case was never published, results never disqualified, prize money never returned, and no suspension ever served. The athlete was allowed to line up against their unknowing competitors as if they had never cheated. In that case, when USADA eventually admitted to WADA what had been going on, it advised that any publication of consequences or disqualification of results would put the athlete’s security at risk and asked WADA to agree to non-publication. Being put in this impossible position, WADA had no choice but to agree (after verifying with its Intelligence and Investigations Department that the security threat was credible). The athlete’s doping was therefore never made public. 

In another case of a high-level athlete, USADA never notified WADA of its decision to lift an athlete’s provisional suspension, which is an appealable decision, despite being required to do so under the Code. Had WADA been notified, it would never have allowed this. 

How must other athletes feel knowing they were competing in good faith against those who were known by USADA to have cheated? It is ironic and hypocritical that USADA cries foul when it suspects other Anti-Doping Organizations are not following the rules to the letter while it did not announce doping cases for years and allowed cheats to carry on competing, on the off chance they might help them catch other possible violators. WADA wonders if the USADA Board of Directors, which governs USADA, or U.S. Congress, which funds it, knew about this non-compliant practice that not only undermined the integrity of sporting competition but also put the co-operating athletes’ security at risk.  

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Negotiating for Lower Drug Prices Works, Saves Billions

Biden-Harris Administration delivers on promise to lower prescription drug costs for Americans

In a historic moment that will help lower prescription drug prices for millions of people across America, the Biden-Harris Administration announced that it has reached agreements for new, lower prices for all 10 drugs selected for negotiations. These negotiated drugs are some of the most expensive and most frequently dispensed drugs in the Medicare program and are used to treat conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. The new prices will go into effect for people with Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage beginning January 1, 2026. 

If the new prices had been in effect last year, Medicare would have saved an estimated $6 billion, or approximately 22 percent, across the 10 selected drugs. These negotiated prices range from 38 to 79 percent discounts off of list prices. About nine million people with Medicare use at least one of the 10 drugs selected for negotiation. People with Medicare prescription drug coverage are expected to see aggregated estimated savings of $1.5 billion in their personal out-of-pocket costs in 2026. For more detailed information about the negotiated prices please see the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Negotiated Prices Fact Sheet .  

“Americans pay too much for their prescription drugs. That makes today’s announcement historic. For the first time ever, Medicare negotiated directly with drug companies and the American people are better off for it,” said U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra. “Congressional budget estimators (Congressional Budget Office) predicted about $100 billion savings over 10 years from drug negotiations, and a $3.7 billion savings in the first year alone. Today we’re announcing that in our first year of negotiations we are saving Medicare an estimated $6 billion and Americans who pay out of pocket will be saving another $1.5 billion moving forward. Empowering Medicare to negotiate prices not only strengthens the program for generations to come, but also puts a check on skyrocketing drug prices.”

“CMS is proud to have negotiated drug prices for people with Medicare for the first time. These negotiations will not only lower the prices of critically important medications for cancer, diabetes, heart failure, and more, but will also save billions of dollars,” said CMS Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure. “Medicare drug price negotiation and the lower prices announced today demonstrate the commitment of CMS and the Biden-Harris Administration to lower health care and prescription drug costs for Americans. We made a promise to the American people, and today, we are thrilled to share that we have fulfilled that promise.”

As a hypothetical example, a senior with Medicare who takes Stelara pays a 25% coinsurance on the drug which may amount to about $3,400 today for a 30-day supply. When the negotiated price goes into effect in 2026, that same 25% coinsurance would cost the beneficiary about $1,100 before the person reaches the catastrophic cap, after which the beneficiary will pay no more out of pocket on their prescription drugs. A beneficiary’s actual costs will depend on their plan’s benefit design.

In August 2023, HHS announced the first 10 drugs covered under Medicare Part D selected for the first cycle of negotiations.

The selected drugs accounted for $56.2 billion in total Medicare spending, or about 20 percent of total Part D gross spending in 2023. Overall, total Part D gross spending for the 10 selected drugs more than doubled from 2018 to 2022, from about $20 billion to about $46 billion, an increase of 134 percent. Medicare enrollees paid a total of $3.4 billion in out-of-pocket costs in 2022 for these drugs.

“CMS negotiated in good faith on behalf of the millions of people who rely on these 10 drugs for their health and well-being. The new negotiated prices will bring much needed financial relief, affordability, and access,” said Meena Seshamani, MD, PhD, CMS Deputy Administrator and Director of the Center for Medicare. “Throughout the process, we remained true to our commitment to be thoughtful and transparent, meeting publicly with patients, providers, health plans, pharmacies, drug companies and others to help inform the process. We will continue to do so for future cycles. Our team is actively working on the next cycle of negotiations where we will combine what we have learned from this first cycle and apply it in negotiating prices for the next round of up to 15 selected drugs.”

The Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation (ASPE) also released new data today detailing historic pricing trends of the 10 drugs selected for the first cycle of the negotiation program. The report finds that from 2018 to 2023, list prices increased as much as 55 percent.

CMS will select up to 15 more drugs covered under Part D for negotiation for 2027 by February 1, 2025. CMS will select up to 15 more drugs covered by Part B or Part D for 2028, and up to 20 more Part B or Part D drugs for each year after that, as required by the Inflation Reduction Act.

In addition to these newly negotiated prices, people with Medicare are already experiencing lower drug costs thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act. And, next year, all Medicare Part D enrollees will benefit from a $2,000 out-of-pocket cap on their prescription drug costs, further making prescription drugs more affordable for seniors and people with disabilities.

View the CMS Negotiated Prices Fact Sheet at https://www.cms.gov/files/document/fact-sheet-negotiated-prices-initial-price-applicability-year-2026.pdf

View the Historic Trends Fact Sheet from the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation (ASPE) at https://aspe.hhs.gov/reports/medicare-drug-price-negotiation-program-comparing-drug-price

View a CMS Plain Language infographic at https://www.cms.gov/files/document/infographic-negotiated-prices-maximum-fair-prices.pdf

For more information about the Inflation Reduction Act, including plain language materials, please visit LowerDrugCosts.gov .  For more information available in Spanish, please visit MedicamentosBajoPrecio.gov .

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