covering letter
US /ˈkʌv.ər.ɪŋ ˌlet.ər/
UK /ˈkʌv.ər.ɪŋ ˌlet.ər/

1.
a letter sent with other documents, especially a CV, to provide additional information or to introduce them
:
•
Please attach your covering letter and CV to your application.
•
A well-written covering letter can make a great first impression.