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:
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:
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.
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:
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.
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.
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
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
Marketing Assistant | Maze Solutions, Taytay, Rizal| July 2019–April 2021
Education:
Bachelor of Science in Marketing | University of Rizal System, Tanay, Rizal| May 2019
Skills:
Professional Memberships:
Member, Philippine Marketing Association
Languages:
Fluent in English and Spanish
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:
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.
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 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.
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.
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:
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 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 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.
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.
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:
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!