Understanding the difference between a cover letter and a resume

In today's job market, sending a good cover letter and a great resume is important to get the job you want. However, some people are confused about what each document is for. To stand out from other job seekers, knowing the main differences between a cover letter and a resume is important. This way, you can show your skills and experiences in a focused way to potential employers.  

Let's see why understanding these differences is important for your working life. Explore what to put in your application documents, learn the difference between a cover letter and a resume, and look at an example of each. Here's what you'll find: 

• What is a cover letter?
• What is a resume? 
• Cover letter vs. resume 
• Cover letter example 
• Resume example 
• Cover letter tips 
• Resume tips 
• Common mistakes to avoid 
• Conclusion 
• FAQs 

What is a cover letter? 

A cover letter is a document that explains to the hiring managers why you want the job and how your skills are a good match for the role. It tells them you're interested, talks about who you are, and how your skills and experiences are a good fit for what they need. 

A cover letter includes the following sections: 

• Date and contact information: Add your name, phone number, address, the date, and the employer's contact information 
• Salutation: Start with a professional greeting, such as “Dear Hiring Manager” 
• Opening paragraph: State the job you're applying for and how you learned about it 
• Body paragraphs: Explain why you're a good fit for the job, mentioning specific skills and experiences 
• Closing paragraph: Summarize your interest, and express your eagerness for an interview 
• Closing and signature: End the letter politely and sign your name 

Make sure you follow a professional letter format with clear sections. Use a readable font and organize the document sensibly. Use cover letters when applying for jobs unless the hiring manager specifically says not to include one. It's a chance to share your exceptional qualities and show enthusiasm for the position. 

What is a resume? 

A resume is a short document that tells potential employers about your education, work experience, and skills to help them understand if you're a good fit for a job. The purpose of a resume is to show your qualifications quickly and clearly, helping employers decide if they want to consider you for an interview. 

A resume includes the following sections: 

• Contact information: List your name, address, phone number, and email. 
• Summary or objective statement: Give a brief overview of your career goals or what you can offer. 
• Professional history: Add your work experience in reverse chronological order. 
• Educational history: In the education section, include essential information such as degrees you earned and schools you attended. 
• Skills and abilities: Highlight your key skills to show what you're good at. 

Resumés typically have clearly defined sections. They use bullet points for easy reading and a clean, professional layout. Use resumés when applying for jobs or internships. They help employers quickly see if you have the right qualifications for the position. 

Cover letter vs. resume

Knowing the key differences between resumés and cover letters is important for a job search. A cover letter describes you, your qualifications, and your interest in the position. It consists of paragraphs and focuses on the job you're applying for. 

A resume, on the other hand, gives an overview of your education and work experience. It contains brief sections with bullet points and is usually one or two pages long. It acts like a summary of your skills, qualifications, and past jobs. Employers use it to quickly see if you are capable of the job. 

The purpose of a resume and cover letter is different. 

Cover letters can show the employer who you are and why you're interested in the job. It gives you a chance to talk about your personality and how you're a good match for the job. 

As highlighted by Jodi Glickman in the Harvard Business Review, the cover letter is your best chance to capture the attention of the HR person or hiring manager, setting you apart from other applicants. 

Both a resume and a cover letter are important when you apply for a job. Cover letters complement resumes, creating a persuasive submission that encourages the hiring manager to interview you for the position. 

Cover letter example 

Here's an example cover letter for your reference: 

Joseph Mallari 
22 Malvar Avenue, Brgy. San Jose 
Taytay, Rizal 1900 
Phone: (632) 8672-3301 
Email: [email protected] 

Date: January 11, 2024 

Mark Reyes 
XYZ Company 
32nd Street, Bonifacio Global City 
Taguig City 1630 

Dear Mark Reyes, 

I am writing to express my interest in the marketing coordinator position at XYZ Company, as advertised in the job opening on your website. With a bachelor's degree in marketing and three years of experience in digital marketing, I am confident in my ability to contribute to your dynamic team. 

In my previous role at ABC Marketing Agency, I successfully executed digital campaigns that resulted in a 20% increase in online engagement for clients. My proficiency in social media management, content creation, and data analysis aligns well with the requirements of the marketing coordinator position at XYZ Company. 

I am impressed by XYZ Company's innovative approach to marketing, and I am eager to bring my skills and creativity to contribute to your continued success. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss further how my qualifications make me an ideal person for this role. 

Thank you for considering my job application. I look forward to scheduling an interview to discuss how my skills and experiences align with the needs of XYZ Company. 

Sincerely, 

Joseph Mallari 

Resume example 

Here's a sample resume that can inspire yours: 

Joseph Mallari 

22 Malvar Avenue, Brgy. San Jose| Taytay, Rizal 1900 

Phone: (632) 8672-3301| Email: [email protected] 

Summary: 

Dynamic and results-oriented marketing professional with a Bachelor of Science in Marketing and three years of experience executing successful digital marketing campaigns. Adept at social media management, content creation, and data analysis. Seeking the marketing coordinator position at XYZ Company to contribute to innovative marketing strategies and drive online engagement. 

Professional Experience: 

Digital Marketing Specialist | ABC Marketing Agency, Cainta, Rizal| May 2021–present 

• Execute and manage digital marketing campaigns for clients, resulting in a 20% increase in online engagement. 
• Conduct data analysis to assess campaign performance and make strategic adjustments for optimization. 
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure cohesive brand messaging across digital platforms. 

Marketing Assistant | Maze Solutions, Taytay, Rizal| July 2019–April 2021 

• Assisted customer service representatives in developing and implementing marketing strategies to promote products and services. 
• Coordinated events and promotional activities, enhancing brand visibility and customer engagement. 
• Created compelling content for social media platforms, increasing brand awareness. 

Education: 

Bachelor of Science in Marketing | University of Rizal System, Tanay, Rizal| May 2019 

Skills: 

• Digital Marketing 
• Social media management 
• Data analysis 
• Content creation 
• Brand promotion 

Professional Memberships: 

Member, Philippine Marketing Association 

Languages: 

Fluent in English and Spanish 

Cover letter tips 

Writing an effective cover letter is crucial when applying for a job. Use the tips below to create a compelling cover letter that highlights your qualifications and sets you apart from other applicants: 

Tailor it to the job 

Customizing your cover letter to match the specific job you're applying for is essential. Research the company and job description to understand their requirements. Highlight your relevant skills, experiences, and accomplishments that align with the position. This demonstrates genuine interest in the role and shows the employer that you've taken the time to tailor your entire application. 

Keep it to one page 

A cover letter should be concise. While including all your accomplishments is tempting, it's best to focus on the most relevant ones. Aim to keep your cover letters on a single page to maintain the reader's attention. Use a brief introductory paragraph, and separate important points to make it easy to read and understand. 

Address it to the right person 

Address your cover letter to a specific person, such as the hiring manager or recruiter, whenever possible. Avoid generic salutations like “To Whom It May Concern” or “Dear Sir or Madam.”  

Take an extra step by researching the company's website or online profile to find the correct recipient's name.  Addressing the cover letter to a specific individual demonstrates your initiative and attention to detail. 

Expand your resume 

Your resume tells the prospective employer about your professional skills and experience. But your cover letter is where you can talk more about what you've achieved and how it relates to the job. 

Use it to explain the reasons behind your successes and discuss any breaks or changes in your career. However, be mindful not to duplicate information already presented in your resume. 

Resume tips 

Creating an impactful resume is crucial for displaying your qualifications. Remember, your resume is a marketing tool designed to highlight your qualifications and secure a job interview. Here are some tips for writing an effective resume: 

Tailor it to the job 

Customize your resume for each job by highlighting the skills, experiences, and accomplishments that match the requirements of the job. Review key points in the job description and research the company to know what it wants in a job seeker. Adjust your resume accordingly to show how you meet the company's needs. 

Keep it to one page 

Keep your resume concise and limited to one page, except if you have extensive experience or are applying for an academic or research position. Employers usually have limited time to review resumés, so ensure the most important information is easily accessible and well-organized. 

Use action verbs 

Use strong action verbs to start each bullet point. Words such as “achieved,” “implemented,” or “managed” show that you are proactive and take initiative. This creates a dynamic and engaging resume that showcases your capabilities. 

Quantify data 

Use quantifiable data to demonstrate your accomplishments whenever possible. This adds credibility and helps employers understand your impact in previous roles.  

For example, instead of saying “increased sales,” specify “increased sales by 20% in six months.” Numbers provide a clear context for your achievements and demonstrate your effectiveness. 

Common mistakes to avoid 

Avoiding common mistakes can improve the overall quality and impact of your cover letter and resume. This can maximize your chances of securing interviews and job offers. Here are some things to watch out for: 

• Only submitting one document: Sending only a resume or cover letter is a mistake. Send both to provide a complete view of your candidacy. 
• Not personalizing to the job: Tailor your cover letter and resume to the specific job you're applying for. This helps you distinguish yourself as a strong applicant. 
• Not proofreading: Spelling, grammar, and formatting errors can undermine professionalism. Always proofread the two documents or ask someone else to do so. 
• Repeating information on both documents: Avoid duplicating information. Use the cover letter to provide context for your resume. 
• Ignoring keywords and job requirements: Use relevant keywords from the job description in your application. This helps you get past applicant tracking systems. 

Conclusion 

Knowing the difference between a cover letter vs. resume is important when looking for a job. Your resume gives details about your skills, experience, and qualifications. A cover letter helps you introduce yourself, show interest in the job, and give context to your resume. 

Remember to check for mistakes in both your cover letter and resume. Don't repeat information. Highlight your achievements and give numbers whenever you can. Also, use keywords to help your application get through applicant tracking systems that many companies use. Good luck! 

FAQs 

1. Is a cover letter better than a resume? 
   ⁠A cover letter isn't necessarily better than a resume; they serve different purposes. A resume summarizes your skills, experiences, and qualifications, while a cover letter introduces you, explains why you're interested in the job, and highlights relevant aspects of your resume. Both are important for job applications, and it's generally best to submit both when applying for a position. 
   ⁠
2. When should I use a cover letter versus a resume? 
   ⁠A resume and cover letter are important when applying for a job, but they serve different purposes. Use a resume to show all the important information about your work history, skills, and education. It serves as a snapshot of your qualifications, giving employers a quick overview of your background. 
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   ⁠Use a cover letter when you want to introduce yourself to the employer and explain why you're interested in the job. It is a tailored document that goes beyond your resume, providing more insight into your qualifications and explaining why you would be a great fit for the position. 
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3. Is a cover letter separate from a resume? 
   ⁠Yes, a cover letter is separate from a resume.  
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   ⁠A cover letter is a letter you write to introduce yourself to a company and explain why you're interested in the job. It helps you explain your qualifications and why the employer should hire you.  
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   ⁠A resume, on the other hand, is a document that lists your education, work experience, skills, and other important information about you. It's like a summary of your qualifications and experiences. 
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   ⁠When applying for a job, it's common to send both a resume and a cover letter. However, a curriculum vitae (CV) does not include a cover letter, as these are separate documents. 
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4. Do you need a resume summary if you have a cover letter? 
   ⁠A resume summary is a short introduction at the beginning of your resume that highlights your skills and professional background. It gives hiring managers a quick overview of what you can bring to the job. A cover letter, on the other hand, is a letter where you explain in more detail why you want the job and why you're a good fit. 
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   ⁠It's a good idea to have both a resume summary and a cover letter. The resume summary gives a quick snapshot of your qualifications, while the cover letter lets you explain more about yourself and why you'd be great for the job.  
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   ⁠So, a cover letter complements resumes, and using both can help you make a strong impression and give prospective employers a better understanding of your skills and interests. 
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5. What is the difference between a resume and an application letter? 
   ⁠A resume documents your work experience, skills, and education. It summarizes your qualifications and helps a hiring manager understand if you're right for a job. 
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   ⁠An application letter is a letter you write to apply for a specific job. In it, you introduce yourself, explain your interest in the job, and relate your qualifications to the employer's expectations.