resume vs cover letter what's the difference

Protect your data

This site uses cookies and related technologies for site operation, and analytics as described in our Privacy Policy . You may choose to consent to our use of these technologies, reject non-essential technologies, or further manage your preferences.

• Resume and Cover Letter
• Resume vs Cover Letter: How...

Resume vs Cover Letter: How They're Different

8 min read · Updated on January 25, 2024

Knowing how a resume and cover letter work together can increase your chances of standing out

A resume and cover letter are essential job marketing tools that allow you to grab the attention of prospective employers and make a solid first impression. Where a resume provides an objective and concise overview of your work history, knowledge, skills, and overall qualifications, a cover letter formally introduces you to the employer and summarizes your work experiences related to your resume. It also discusses why you're interested in the position and why you're a suitable candidate. 

These two complementary documents are similar in a few ways and very different in others. In this post, we'll cover the following to provide clarity around cover letters vs resumes:

Cover letter vs resume: what are the similarities?

Cover letter vs resume: what are the differences?

What can a cover letter convey that a resume can't?

What's the difference between a cover letter, a resume, and an application letter? 

Cover letter vs resume: what are the similarities? 

As noted, a cover letter and resume are both career marketing tools, provided to prospective employers, that give the opportunity to make a strong first impression. Here are a few additional similarities between the two:

Both are meant to sell your skills and experience to entice employers to bring you in for an interview

The heading and contact information provided in a cover letter should match what's provided in a resume

When both a cover letter and resume are submitted as part of a job application, they're submitted together

Each document should use a similar style in terms of colors, font type , and font size to provide a cohesive package

Both documents should be tailored to each job you apply to

Both your cover letter and resume should include keywords from the job description.

These few points are where the similarities between a cover letter and a resume end. 

When considering a cover letter vs resume, there are five significant differences between them. They are

Layout and structure

Tonality , tense and orientation.

A resume is a requirement and necessity for virtually all job applications. A cover letter, on the other hand, is highly recommended but isn't necessarily required unless the job application specifically requests the inclusion of a cover letter. It's also possible to come across some job postings that specifically ask you not to include a cover letter. If you come across such an instance, even if you're tempted, don't include it unless you want to risk immediately going into the “no” pile. 

Unless specifically asked not to, in most instances it's in your best interest to include a cover letter with your resume. It shows you care about the position and can help to make your application stand out from the competition. 

The purpose of a resume is to provide the employer with a concise overview of your relevant work history, skills, and other qualifications. It focuses on your past and how it applies to your potential to succeed in a new job. 

Your cover letter should focus only on the job you're applying to - it serves as an introduction to you and your resume. With your cover letter, you have the opportunity to showcase a bit of your personality, further summarize your resume, and emphasize why you're interested in, and the right fit for, the job. 

In a nutshell, a resume shows the employer how your experience fits the role and a cover letter tells them why it does. 

Another main difference between a cover letter vs resume is the layout and structure of each. A resume typically uses bullet points without paragraphs or large chunks of text. There are also standard resume formats to choose from. A cover letter is written in paragraph form, with a layout similar to any professional business letter you might write.

Resume layout and structure

A resume uses one of three resume formats - reverse chronological, functional, or hybrid - with specific sections that are required within each format. The most commonly used is the chronological format, which includes the following sections:

Contact Information

Resume Headline

Resume Summary

Core Competencies

Work Experience 

Additional optional sections sometimes included on a resume are IT Skills, Volunteer Experience, Special Projects, Certifications, Training, Awards, Publications, and Hobbies & Interests. 

For more tips on how to write an effective resume with several resume examples to review, refer to “ How to Make a Resume: Beginner's Writing Guide with Examples .”

Cover letter layout and structure

A cover letter ranges from 300 to 500 words and should be written using the same format as any professional business letter. The key sections of a cover letter include:

The header with the date, the employer's address, and your contact information

A salutation directed to a specific individual when possible

An introduction paragraph where you introduce yourself, share why you're interested, and emphasize why you're an ideal candidate

The body paragraphs - the most crucial section of your cover letter - where you summarize your qualifications and how they make you an ideal candidate to meet the job requirements and demands, in one to two paragraphs

A conclusion paragraph , where you'll conclude with appreciation and a call to action

The closing , with a professional closing salutation and your name

For more detailed information on how to write a cover letter with a cover letter example, refer to “ How to Write a Cover Letter (With Example) .” 

Your cover letter, unlike your resume, addresses the employer directly and with a tone that's more personable than a resume. The exact tone you go with for your cover letter should reflect the industry and organization to which you're applying, though it's still good to showcase some personality. When doing so, ensure you still keep it professional and don't be too personal to the point that it distracts from the letter's overall goal and ability to leave a positive impression. 

The tone of a resume is straightforward and objective. It offers the reader specific details about your past work history, key qualifications, and skills. 

A resume is mostly past-oriented, meaning that it focuses largely on your past work history and experiences. Much of a resume is written in the past tense, as well. 

A cover letter is written primarily in the present tense. The focus of a cover letter is more on the present and future, including mentioning current and future objectives. 

What can a cover letter explain that a resume cannot?

As noted, where a resume shows how you're a good fit for the job, a cover letter can discuss why you're a good fit. Also, a cover letter can explain details about your resume that you might not have had space for on the resume. For example, if you listed a work experience bullet point with a great accomplishment, yet you weren't able to highlight the challenges you overcame for that significant achievement, that might be something to include in the cover letter if it adds value and is relevant. 

Cover letter vs resume vs application letter

In addition to a cover letter and resume being part of your arsenal of career marketing tools, you might also be wondering where an application letter fits in - especially since some confuse an application letter with a cover letter. 

What is the difference between a resume and an application letter?

As mentioned, a resume is a document required for job applications and provides a succinct overview of your work history and credentials. An application letter provides a detailed overview of your work history and credentials in a letter format and is typically not used in conjunction with a resume.

What is the difference between a cover letter and an application letter?

Though a cover letter and application letter share similar features, they're different in content and purpose. A cover letter complements a resume and provides an introduction to yourself and an overview as to why your qualifications make you a good fit for the job. It's sent with the resume as part of the application process. 

An application letter is more detailed and dives deeper into an applicant's work history and qualifications. It's common to send an application letter to an employer of interest, even if they don't have any job openings at the time. In other words, it's sent outside of the application process and often expresses interest in working for the organization. 

The structure is similar to a cover letter, because they're both professional business letters. However, since the intent of a cover letter and application letter differs, the content focus is different between the two. 

Cover letter vs resume: yes, you need both (with rare exceptions)

Now you know the similarities and differences between a cover letter vs resume and the purpose of each. You also know that, in most instances, it's best to submit a cover letter with your resume when applying for jobs. Including both helps you to set yourself apart from others in a tough job market and make a positive first impression on hiring teams! 

Wondering if your resume and cover letter complement each other the way they should? Our team of TopResume experts can help you to ensure that both showcase the correct elements to help you land the interviews you desire. You can even submit your resume for a free review   to get started!

Recommended reading: 

How to List Certifications on a Resume (with Examples)

How to Start a Cover Letter that Grabs Attention

How to Include Relevant Coursework on a Resume (with Examples)

Related Articles:

Do Hiring Managers Actually Read Cover Letters?

How to Create a Resume With No Education

Why You Lose When You Lie on Your Resume: Learning From Mina Chang

See how your resume stacks up.

Career Advice Newsletter

Our experts gather the best career & resume tips weekly. Delivered weekly, always free.

Thanks! Career advice is on its way.

Share this article:

Let's stay in touch.

Subscribe today to get job tips and career advice that will come in handy.

Your information is secure. Please read our privacy policy for more information.

Explore Jobs

• Jobs Near Me
• Remote Jobs
• Full Time Jobs
• Part Time Jobs
• Entry Level Jobs
• Work From Home Jobs

Find Specific Jobs

• $15 Per Hour Jobs
• $20 Per Hour Jobs
• Hiring Immediately Jobs
• High School Jobs
• H1b Visa Jobs

Explore Careers

• Business And Financial
• Architecture And Engineering
• Computer And Mathematical

Explore Professions

• What They Do
• Certifications
• Demographics

Best Companies

• Health Care
• Fortune 500

Explore Companies

• CEO And Executies
• Resume Builder
• Career Advice
• Explore Majors
• Questions And Answers
• Interview Questions

Cover Letter Vs. Resume: What’s The Difference?

• Intercompany vs. Intracompany
• Margin Account vs. Cash Account
• Boss vs. Leader
• Semi-monthly vs. Bi-weekly
• Tactical vs. Strategic
• Part-time vs. Full-time
• Not-for-profit vs. Nonprofit
• Stakeholder vs. Shareholder
• Elastic vs. Inelastic
• Amortization vs. Depreciation
• FIFO vs. LIFO
• Inbound vs. Outbound
• Public vs. Private Sector
• Stipend vs. Salary
• Formal vs. Informal Assessment
• Proceeds vs. Profits
• Co-op vs. Internship
• Transactional vs. Transformational Leadership
• Union vs. Non-union
• Revenue vs. Sales
• Vertical vs. Horizontal Integration
• Gross Sales vs. Net Sales
• Business Casual vs. Business Professional
• Absolute vs. Comparative Advantage
• Salary vs. Wage
• Income vs. Revenue
• Consumer vs. Customer
• Implicit vs. Explicit Costs
• Letter of Interest vs. Cover Letter
• Cover Letter vs. Resume

Find a Job You Really Want In

When applying for a new job, many employers require candidates to submit cover letters and resumes . These documents give you the opportunity to show off your personality, skills, qualifications, certifications, education, and experience. Your cover letter and resume are typically the first impressions an employer will get of who you are as a professional.

In order to submit a strong job application, you must understand how to write both a strong cover letter and a resume. Despite their similarities, the cover letter and resume serve two different purposes for candidates. In this article, we will discuss the difference between the two and what purpose each serves.

What Is a Cover Letter?

A cover letter is a document that outlines who you are as a candidate, what you desire in a job, and how your specific skills will benefit the job opening. It can provide additional professional information, including skills and qualifications, that inform the hiring manager as to why you are applying for the job in the first place.

For the most part, cover letters are an optional addition to your application. Using a cover letter is a great way to show how eager you are for the potential job opportunity and can show employers you are willing to exceed expectations. In certain circumstances, this can set you apart from your competition.

A cover letter should not be longer than a single page , typically anywhere from three to four paragraphs or 300 to 500 words. You should consider including the following:

Professional heading. The heading of your cover letter is the first thing your hiring manager will see. You should include your full name, home address, phone number, email address, and, if relevant, your LinkedIn or other relevant social media handles. You may also want to include a job title if it’s relevant to the application.

Salutation. Begin your letter with a professional salutation. If you know the name of the recipient, use a title like Mr. or Dr. If there is no specification as to who the hiring manager is, don’t try and guess. Instead, use “Dear Hiring Manager” or “To Whom it May Concern.”

Compelling introduction. Because this is the first thing the hiring manager will read, you’ll want to capture them with your opening sentence. Introduce yourself and identify the job you’re applying for. If you have relevant experience, include this in the first line or two, and make sure you articulate your enthusiasm about the position.

Reason for applying. Determine what caught your eye about the job posting. Was it the specific job position or the company culture? Do you have a passion for the product or service they offer or a deep interest or relevant experience in the industry they operate in? Whatever the case, include this in your cover letter.

What you offer and a strong closing. Be sure to talk yourself up in the cover letter. Include any impressive accomplishments and any relevant statistics that can entice the hiring manager to take a further look at your resume and include you as a candidate for consideration. Close on a strong note, with a professional closing.

The structure of a cover letter will differ significantly from a resume. A cover letter is exactly what it sounds like — a letter. Be sure to structure this like a formal letter, with an introduction, body paragraphs that include the information listed above, and a closing paragraph with a professional sign-off.

Depending on the type of job you’re applying for, a cover letter can also give you the opportunity to let your personality shine. Be sure to evaluate the company and job carefully to match the formality of the target company and industry. If you’re applying for a job that encourages personality and playfulness, try to incorporate it into your cover letter.

What Is a Resume?

A resume is a detailed list of your work experience, accomplishments, education, and skills. Within this document, job seekers lay out their duties and specific achievements for each role they’ve worked in a way that shows the potential employer that they added value to that team and company.

Resumes are written in a format that itemizes your employment history. It lists your contact information and experience information with all of your previous places of employment, including job titles, position descriptions, and dates of employment. The resume also includes an education section with relevant information such as secondary education or certifications.

Resumes are typically written in the third person and use concise language to articulate the candidate’s time at that company. Depending on the job at hand and the industry for which the individual is applying, it may also include certain relevant qualifications, certifications, or professional memberships.

It’s recommended to keep your resume to at most two pages in a neatly formatted view for easy scanning by the hiring manager. You should include the following:

Contact information. In the header of your resume, be sure to include all the information your hiring manager may need to contact you about the position. This can include your full name, address, email address, phone number, and any relevant social media handles.

Objective or career summary. This section can be altered to fit whatever job you’re applying for. It lists the qualities, skills, and accomplishments you most want to highlight so that the hiring manager can see them first.

Education. The education section lists the basics of your education history. Typically, this includes the name and location of your school, the highest egress you earned there, your major and minor (if applicable), as well as any other additional relevant information such as associations, memberships, or GPA scores.

Work experience. Typically the largest section of the resume, your work experience section lists your previous job titles or positions. Start with your most recent job and work backward by listing the job title, name of the company, location, dates of employment, and three to five bullet points of your accomplishments and job duties.

Skills section. Your resume skills section is the place to list any relevant skills you feel may be beneficial to the job at hand. You may want to include both hard and soft skills to show you have a variety of skills that can benefit any company in different ways.

Resumes are typically a requirement when you apply for work. Depending on your industry or job title, there may be different recommended resume formats that can help you stand out from the competition. Resumes are straight to the point and should have an objective and neutral tone when read by the hiring manager.

Cover Letter vs. Resume FAQ

Are cover letters or resumes more important?

Both cover letters and resumes are important, but the resume is typically the required document for a job application. However, both documents can help employers in determining whether or not you are the right fit for a job opening.

Do I need to submit a cover letter with a resume?

Although it’s not always required, it is highly recommended to include a cover letter with your resume. This can be the thing that sets you apart from your competition.

Do employers read a resume or cover letter first?

Employers will typically read a cover letter before they read a resume.

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate it!

Average rating / 5. Vote count:

No votes so far! Be the first to rate this post.

Caitlin Mazur is a freelance writer at Zippia. Caitlin is passionate about helping Zippia’s readers land the jobs of their dreams by offering content that discusses job-seeking advice based on experience and extensive research. Caitlin holds a degree in English from Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, PA.

Recent Job Searches

• Registered Nurse Jobs Resume Location
• Truck Driver Jobs Resume Location
• Call Center Representative Jobs Resume Location
• Customer Service Representative Jobs Resume
• Delivery Driver Jobs Resume Location
• Warehouse Worker Jobs Resume Location
• Account Executive Jobs Resume Location
• Sales Associate Jobs Resume Location
• Licensed Practical Nurse Jobs Resume Location
• Company Driver Jobs Resume

Related posts

Computer Science Vs. Computer Engineering: What’s The Difference?

OLTP Vs. OLAP: What’s The Difference?

Interpolation Vs. Extrapolation: What’s The Difference?

Judging Vs. Perceiving: What’s The Difference?

• Career Advice >
• Business Terms >
• Cover Letter Vs Resume

• Resume Writing
• Resume Examples
• Cover Letter
• Remote Work
• Famous Resumes
• Try Kickresume

Cover Letter vs Resume: 7 Key Differences and the Art of Writing Them (+Examples)

• Nikoleta Kuhejda , 
• Updated November 10, 2023 7 min read

Here's an idea: the resume vs cover letter is a lot like salt vs pepper. Let me explain.

Your resume is like salt — it's a key ingredient required to prepare any dish. Or in this case, to score a job.

The cover letter, on the other hand, is like pepper — you use it to give your dish (your resume) a bit more flavor.

But in the end, salt and pepper work best when used together.  Because of that, it might seem a bit silly to compare the two. Let's do it anyway!

Let’s start with an infographic that shows the key differences between the two.  

What is a resume?

Resume is the most common career document that job seekers use. If you’re going to apply for a job, you'll be required to provide one.

In the simplest terms, the resume is  a concise summary of your education, work history, skills, credentials and achievements . It gives hiring managers a rough idea about who you are as a professional, what’s your work history and your key achievements.

It’s usually one page long and written in chronological order.

But in general, you have three options to choose from — besides chronological, there’s also functional or hybrid resume format . It’s up to you to figure out which one works the best for you.

What should a resume include?

• Contact information: Your resume should begin with your contact details. Add your full name, title, address (optional), email address and phone number. In some countries, it's also common to include birthdate, nationality and photo.
• Professional summary or resume objective : Describe yourself in three sentences. Open with your job title and highlight your key skills and qualifications.
• Work experience: The most important part of your resume. List relevant work history in reverse chronological order. Add 3-5 bullet points under each entry to describe your key achievements.
• Education: If you’re a seasoned professional, it’s enough for you to mention your highest degree and school name. If you’re a student or a fresh graduate, feel free to include more details like relevant coursework, grants, or extracurricular activities.
• Skills: Pick relevant skills and divide them into several subsections like computer skills, soft skills, languages, and others.
• Additional sections: Certifications, courses, awards, strengths, publications, conferences, hobbies, social media, references, etc. All of these are voluntary.

If you're not sure what to write in specific sections of your resume, you can just check our step-by-step resume guide .

But if you prefer watching videos to reading, you might also like this 5-minute video guide to writing the perfect resume. 

What is a cover letter?

Also something that you use to help you get a job… But!

Firstly, it's not always required.

Secondly, even if it is, it only provides additional information to your resume and should never repeat the same content.

I t allows you to explain other things that are impossible to express through the resume, such as :

• explanation why you’re applying for the position
• supporting evidence to why you’d make a good fit
• examples how you can be beneficial to the company
• details about employment gap or less work experience
• your personal story
• your motivation and ambitions

You normally attach it along with your resume and it serves as your introduction to a hiring manager. The ideal cover letter length is 3-4 paragraphs.

What should a cover letter include?

• Date and contact information: List your contact details such as full name, title, email, phone number, address (optional), and the date at the top of the page. Also, add company’s information such as name of the company, department and address.
• Headline: Use numbers, questions, or interesting adjectives. Something like "5 Ways I Can Help You Improve Your Company’s Marketing."
• Personalized greeting: Research the hiring manager's name online — LinkedIn is the perfect tool for this. If you fail to find it, use “ Dear Sir/Madam” .
• 1st Paragraph: Introduction: Use this space to introduce yourself in more detail and explain why this job is exciting to you.
• 2nd Paragraph: Why you’re a great fit: Write a short summary of your career and skills, and tailor it to fit the company's needs.
• 3rd Paragraph: Why the company is a great fit for you: Let them know why do they appeal to you. What excites you about working there? What do you want to learn?
• Closing paragraph: Finish strong and repeat why you’re a great fit (points 5 and 6). Also, explain how and when you’re going to contact them.
• Signature: Use a formal sign-off like " Yours faithfully" (US English) or " Yours sincerely"  (British English) + your full name.

Take the readers on an exciting journey, don't tell them what they already know! Just try to answer the basic questions: Why you? Why this company? Why this role? 

7 differences between the cover letter and resume

Type of document: When you’re applying for a job, you're normally asked to provide a resume. That’s a basic document hiring managers use to filter job candidates. On the other hand, cover letters, while often required, are sometimes optional. This depends on the requirements for the specific job.

Purpose: The purpose of your resume is to summarize your work history and qualifications. Whereas the main purpose of your cover letter is to sell those qualifications. It should introduce yourself to the hiring manager and show how your experience and skills make you a great match for the job.

Content: Your resume should contain key information about your work history and professional background. A cover letter should help the hiring manager to interpret that information. For instance, you may have an employment gap on your resume and in your cover letter, you can explain why.

Information:  Any resume is mostly about facts. In contrast, your cover letter should contain more subjective information, such as reasons for applying for that job, why you’re passionate about your industry or why you’d make a good fit. It’s a place where you can show a bit of your personality.

Format: A resume is divided into multiple sections like Work history , Education , Skills , etc. and should use bullet points under each section. On the other hand, a cover letter is written in a letter format and consists of 3-4 full paragraphs. It includes heading, salutation, introduction, body content, conclusion, and your signature.

Tone: Resumes have more professional and formal tone. In your cover letter, you can use a more conversational tone and give it a more personal touch. This goes hand in hand with the fact that resumes are rather objective and cover letters subjective.

Length: Your resume should be one page long. This of course, depends on where you are in your career. But your cover letter should never go past 3/4 of a page (no matter what your career level is).

Christy's word of advice

Even if the cover letter is not always read, it’s still considered a courtesy to include one, particular by smaller companies who are more likely to manually review each application. Some online applications only allow you to upload one document, so in that case you can either merge your cover letter and resume into one file, or just submit the resume (avoid merging both into one file otherwise, as they serve different purposes and are weighted differently by ATS). If the ad just asks for a resume, you can probably get away with no cover letter.

Christy Morgan, Resident HR Expert

How cover letter and resume complement each other

Although there are multiple differences between the two, they complement each other.

Simply put —  think of your resume as an outline for your cover letter story.

Along the similar lines, you can also think of your  cover letter  as a handbook to your resume. It allows you to translate raw data from your resume into an easy-to-read letter demonstrating your key skills and abilities. Ultimately, the purpose of your cover letter is to get your resume read.

They should also complement each other in the terms of design. Make sure your cover letter template matches the resume template you chose. It makes you look more professional. (For instance, Kickresume allows you to do that.)

In the end, both documents will give you a chance to deliver your “elevator pitch” and help you score a job interview.

Cover letter and resume examples

Let’s now take a look at how it should be done in practice. Below you can find a resume and cover letter example written by a real job seeker who scored a real job in a real company (it's all very real, true story). 

These examples can teach you a bit about content and style of your resume and cover letter. You can even use them as your first drafts to help you get started.

Marketing and Brand Manager at American Eagle Outfitters (Resume Example)

This resume sample was contributed by a real person who got hired with Kickresume’s help.

Marketing and Brand Manager at American Eagle Outfitters (Cover Letter Example)

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

Still need some more inspiration? Visit our resume examples and cover letter examples libraries.

Resumes? Cover letters?

Our AI writer can do it all.

You can even transform your LinkedIn profile into a polished, professional resume . Our tool streamlines the process, helping you create a compelling document that perfectly showcases your skills and experience.

A journalist by trade, a writer by fate. Nikoleta went from writing for media outlets to exploring the world of content creation with Kickresume and helping people get closer to the job of their dreams. Her insights and career guides have been published by The Female Lead, College Recruiter, and ISIC, among others. Nikoleta holds a Master's degree in Journalism from the Comenius University in Bratislava. When she’s not writing or (enthusiastically) pestering people with questions, you can find her traveling or sipping on a cup of coffee.

Related Posts

Resume cheat sheet: 222 action verbs to use in your new resume, cover letter analysis: junior product manager hired by ibm, share this article, join our newsletter.

Every month, we’ll send you resume advice, job search tips, career hacks and more in pithy, bite-sized chunks. Sounds good?

Cover Letter VS. Resume –What's The Difference?

What is a cover letter?

• Cover letters vs. resumes - what's the difference?

Now that you know

In today’s ultra-competitive job market, one major way to get employers’ attention is by building an exemplary resume and cover letter. You must learn how to craft each document without any disqualifying errors.

In this article, you will learn the difference between a cover letter and a resume. These include the differences between the two in:

Upload & Check Your Resume

Drop your resume here or choose a file . PDF & DOCX only. Max 2MB file size.

A cover letter (also known as a letter of motivation) is a document sent alongside your resume. It provides additional information that you did not or could not include in your resume and gives you the opportunity to show more of your credentials to employers.

Cover letters vs. resumes - what's the difference?

A cover letter is an additional document, first and foremost. Unlike a resume, it is often optional, though some applications require an attached cover letter. It is a letter in which you provide detailed descriptions of your skills and previous work experience and explain why they make you the perfect fit for the position.

A resume is a primary document you will send to potential employers. It is a one to two-page list of your previous work experience, skills, accomplishments, education, etc.

It is advisable to customize your resume and cover letter to fit the requirements of each specific job description: in short, no form letters.

Cover letters have a different format

Formatting a cover letter correctly is vital. It is not just a list but a letter to a potential employer, with greetings, an introductory paragraph, one to two body paragraphs, a conclusion, and a signature. It is typically only one page.

A resume’s format is narrower. Resumes are a concise record of your background and qualifications, containing only essential information. Its presentation and visual appeal are especially important. It is typically one to two pages.

the tone of voice is different

A cover letter is you directly addressing your future employer. Unlike in your resume, in which you are clinically listing off your background and qualifications, you can feel free to inject more of your personality into a cover letter.

This helps the employer get to know you as well as your skills before you ever meet face to face. Imagine you are speaking to them at your job interview already: be friendly and confident, but remain professional as well.

Cover letters complement your resume.

If you have constructed it correctly, a finished resume can technically be all you need to apply to a job. However, you want to show potential employers that you will go the extra mile for them and ensure that they know just how better suited you are to the position than your competition.

A cover letter expands on the most important information provided in your resume and strengthens it. If your resume already has a strong layout , it is a good outline for your cover letter.

The most important information to keep in mind is the purpose of each document. A resume is an essential document that concisely lists your background and qualifications. A cover letter is an additional document that complements your resume by providing detailed explanations of the most relevant parts of your resume.

• Cover Letter Guides

How to Research a Company for an Interview in 6 Easy Steps

How to land a job in faang / maang company: resume tips and examples, navigating salary negotiations: how to ask for more money in a job offer, making the call: will calling after a job application give you a better chance, busting ats myths: comprehensive testing of popular resume builders in 2024, are optional cover letters really optional.

• Create Resume
• Terms of Service
• Privacy Policy
• Cookie Preferences
• Resume Examples
• Resume Templates
• AI Resume Builder
• Resume Summary Generator
• Resume Formats
• Resume Checker
• Resume Skills
• How to Write a Resume
• Modern Resume Templates
• Simple Resume Templates
• Cover Letter Builder
• Cover Letter Examples
• Cover Letter Templates
• Cover Letter Formats
• How to Write a Cover Letter
• Resume Guides
• Job Interview Guides
• Job Interview Questions
• Career Resources
• Meet our customers
• Career resources
• English (UK)
• French (FR)
• German (DE)
• Spanish (ES)
• Swedish (SE)

© 2024 . All rights reserved.

Made with love by people who care.

• Cover Letter Tips

Cover Letter vs Resume – What’s The Difference?

Ever wondered what the difference is with a cover letter vs resume? If you are on the lookout for a new job, then you need to be aware of both, and the true functions of each. Although both a resume and cover letter should outline your experience, skills, and professional qualifications--they should do so differently. In this article, we will discuss exactly what the difference is, and what to focus on in the cover letter vs resume debate.

The major difference of a cover letter vs resume

Cover Letter

This gives a brief introduction to who you are, the position you are applying for, and why you would be a good fit for that specific role. It should contain between 3 and 4 paragraphs and be written in a more subjective and friendly tone while still projecting an air of professionalism.

This is a detailed overview of your work history, including your career experience, hard and soft skills, education, and other relevant information, such as your prowess in languages , if appropriate, or your technical skills. If you have any recent awards and honors , add them in their own separate section as well.

In essence, your resume should explain how you are qualified for the job, while your cover letter is more of an introduction, and should be written so effectively that it encourages the hiring manager to look into your resume in more detail.

For more detail on what a good cover letter looks like , dip into this recently updated article for further hints and tips.

 Another major difference between a cover letter vs resume is the formatting .

A cover letter is written in paragraphs and takes on a more subjective and conversational tone.

On the other hand, a resume should contain numerous sections and be filled with bullet points rather than paragraphs , as the bulleted areas will stand out more and be easier to read and digest.

What is included in a cover letter vs a resume

There is certain information that is included on a resume, but should not be in a cover letter. Let’s take a look at what those are.

A resume summary

Your resume should include a well-written professional summary that brings attention to your major skills, qualifications, and achievements. It also gives an overall view of you as a professional, and is normally between 4 and 5 sentences long, in paragraph style.

For example:

A proactive, reliable and personable Childcare Assistant with a wealth of transferable talents acquired during recent academic achievements and an impeccable career in childcare. Applies exceptional listening and communication skills to all tasks. Thrives with minimal supervision combined with the ability to flourish in stressful situations. Strives to deliver a positive working environment for colleagues while paying close attention to detail.

Core competencies and skills

You should list relevant core competencies and skills on your resume that relate to the role you are after. There is no need to list out all your competencies and skills on a cover letter, though it’s worth drawing attention to the major ones throughout the letter.

A detailed work history

A resume should contain a relevant and detailed work experience section. Remember to mention specific accomplishments throughout the resume, rather than just listing job duties and responsibilities. There could be hundreds of other candidates gunning for the role, so you need to stand apart, showing the hiring manager why you are the best fit and should be the one called for an interview. This is best done through showing quantifiable achievements, and how you went above and beyond expectations.

You can mention one or two major achievements within your cover letter, written in a different way, but save the specific details for your resume.

For example, on a cover letter, you could mention how you increased sales by X in a snappy bullet point, but your resume should go into more detail about how you managed that.

The education section

Your resume should contain a detailed education section , the space where you list degrees, the schools you attended, and the dates–as long as they are within the last 10 years. You could briefly mention your degree and school on a cover letter, but only if you are a recent graduate or your degree is more relevant to the role than your career experience. This might be because you are wanting to change careers and have just completed a relevant course.

5 tips to keep in mind when writing a cover letter vs resume

1. keep your cover letter short.

Your cover letter should be 3 to 4 paragraphs long and never dribble over onto a second page. Again, save the juicy details for your resume by keeping your cover letter short, concise, and relevant, but tempting enough for a prospective employer to reach for your resume. Think of the cover letter like a starter, getting the juices flowing for the main course.

2. Avoid being repetitive

Steer clear of the trap of regurgitating your resume word for word onto the cover letter. No one wants to read the same thing twice, especially a busy recruiter! Adopt a more conversational tone, and mix it up a bit. Your cover letter is telling the potential employer or hiring manager who you are, how you’re qualified, and why you are the best fit. Save specific details for your resume, but re-word some special highlights to incorporate into the cover letter.

3. Make a good impression

The cover letter may be the first impression an employer or hiring manager has of you. So make it an impressive one! Make sure you utilize captivating language and use a friendly tone. Mention the position you’re applying to, how you’re qualified, major achievements from previous positions, and a call to action. The call to action in this situation would be an invitation for an interview.

4. Be subjective

The cover letter can contain more subjective information than a resume. While a well-written resume is hampered by a specific style and includes particular elements, you can mention certain things on a cover letter that you simply cannot on a resume. You could elaborate on how you found the position, why you are so passionate about that position or particular industry, and a deeper explanation of why you would make a good fit for the role and within the company culture.

5. Show your worth

While a resume gives an overview of your skills and achievements, a cover letter can dig deeper by showing how you will contribute to and fit into the organization. Demonstrating how your goals dovetail with the organization’s ethos and mission statement illustrates that you have done some background research and will certainly go in your favor towards securing an interview.

Overview of a cover letter vs resume

The cover letter is a good way to add a more human touch to your job application, as it allows you to tell a short story of why you deserve the job. A resume, on the other hand, is a more detailed document, directly outlining your experience, skills, and any other relevant information. Most job adverts will require a cover letter, so pay as much attention to this document as you do to your resume. Remember, first impressions count!

The best of luck with your ongoing job search.

If you are still not sure about the cover letter vs resume debate, then let the professionals at ZipJob handle it for you. It is easy with the free resume review because all you need to do is feed your resume into the system, and you will receive an honest and forthright explanation of how you can improve the document. ZipJob writers also draft the perfect cover letter as well!

Recommended Reading:

The 12 Best Resume Builders For 2023 (All Industries)

How to Write a Cover Letter When Changing Careers

Proofreading Your Resume: 10 Tips You Need to Know to Get it Right

Elizabeth Openshaw, Editor & Content Writer, Elizabeth Openshaw, Editor & Content Writer

Elizabeth Openshaw is an Elite CV Consultant with over 12 years of experience based in Brighton, UK, with an English degree and an addiction to Wordle! She is a former Journalist of 17 years with the claim to fame that she interviewed three times Grand Slam winner and former World No.1 tennis player, Andy Murray, when he was just 14 years old. You can connect with her at Elizabeth Openshaw | LinkedIn .

Our resume services get results.

We’ve helped change over 30,000 careers.

Get a free resume review today

Our experts will review your resume’s grammar, layout, and ability to pass ATS — all free and delivered straight to your inbox.

PROTECT YOUR DATA

This site uses cookies and related technologies for site operation, and analytics as described in our   Privacy Policy. You may choose to consent to our use of these technologies, reject non-essential technologies, or further manage your preferences.

Resume builder

Cover Letter vs. Resume: What’s the Difference?

There are many steps to getting the perfect job — and creating a compelling job application is one of them. Having a well-written resume and an eye-catching cover letter can take a lot of stress and uncertainty out of the job-hunting process.

Today, we are looking into the differences between a resume and cover letter and exploring some of the key practices for making these documents the best they can be.

Table of Contents

Cover letter vs. resume: what’s the difference?

A resume and cover letter typically come hand in hand. You need both these documents to successfully apply for a job. So, what is the difference between a cover letter and a resume and what information should you include in each one?

A resume is a document that summarizes your professional experience as a job candidate. The word “resume” actually comes from the French “résumé” and means “summary”. It focuses on your qualifications (work experience, skills, accomplishments, etc.) and helps showcase your abilities to convince the hiring manager that you are the right person for the job.

A typical resume includes five main parts

• Contact details : this is where you list the best ways to get in touch with you. This section generally includes your full name and professional credentials, email and phone number and, possibly, a link to your professional social media or portfolio.
• Summary : here, you can focus on your knowledge and experience and include your most valued skills that are relevant to the position you are applying for.
• Professional experience : in this section, you will need to list your previously held positions: starting with your latest job.
•   Educational background : this part of your resume explains your academic qualifications: degrees, professional certificates, awards, etc.
• Additional information : here, you can include any other relevant information that doesn’t fit into the sections above. A lot of HR professionals suggest using this section for references, professional achievements and awards.

Resume example

Learn more about how to write a resume .

A cover letter is a document that you send together with your resume that aims to introduce you to the hiring manager and briefly summarize your most important skills and professional experience. A good cover letter will get the HR professional interested in the rest of your application and make you stand out among other applicants.

A typical cover letter is about one page long and includes the following sections

• Header : this is where you include your contact details including your full name and professional credentials, phone number and email and links to your professional special networks or portfolio (optional)
• Introduction : here, you should get the HR professional “hooked” and make them interested in you as a job candidate. Mention your most relevant qualifications and skills and explain (briefly) why you see yourself as the best candidate for the job.
• Main body : after a condensed introduction highlighting your key skills, you can get into a bit more detail about your expertise in the main body of the cover letter. Here, you can go on to mention that you are aware of all the responsibilities that come with the job and have the capacity to handle them excellently.
• Conclusion : a cover letter should generally end with a call to action. You can mention when you will be able to start the new job and say that you are waiting for feedback on your application. Don’t forget to thank the hiring manager for their time for reading your letter.

Cover letter example

Learn more about how to write a cover letter .

Is it OK to send a resume without a cover letter?

While a cover letter is often looked at as an optional addition to the resume, it’s not quite the case. In fact, most job ads these days require a cover letter — and a failure to include one will probably result in your application being rejected. Even if it’s not specifically stated in the job ad that a cover letter is needed, you should definitely include one with your application. Not having a cover letter is simply a missed opportunity as it gives you extra “space” to make your case that you are the best candidate for the job.

Do you put a resume or cover letter first?

Most employers will scan your resume first. They will do so to make sure you have the relevant skills and experience for the position you are applying for. This is especially true for fields that require a specific set of hard skills like IT and engineering. While they may look at your resume first, a cover letter can help them fill in the blanks and get a more comprehensive picture of who you are as a professional. It can also be what makes you stand out among other candidates and actually gets you the job.

Is the cover letter part of the resume?

As we’ve mentioned above, a cover letter is a one-page document that goes alongside your resume — not inside of it or instead of it. You shouldn’t insert your cover letter into your resume and it should always go as a separate document with its own title. A typical cover letter is 250 to 400 words long.

Do you still need a cover letter in 2023?

Yes, cover letters are still important. Even if the employer doesn’t open your cover letter, they will still appreciate it being attached to your application. A cover letter is a good way to highlight that you are really serious about the job you are applying for. And, as we’ve mentioned earlier, it gives you an extra opportunity for self-presentation.

Letter of interest vs. cover letter

Quite often, when you read about cover letters, you may also come across the term “letter of interest”. While these are sometimes used interchangeably, there are actually quite a few differences between the two.

A letter of interest is sent to a company and indicates that you are interested in working for them. It doesn’t have to be sent to an open job offer — in fact, there may actually be no open positions at the company at the time. A letter of interest, true to its name, expresses your interest in a company.

A cover letter, on the other hand, is typically sent out together with your resume in response to a specific job offer advertised by the company. It’s an essential part of your job application.

To learn more about cover letters and letters of interest, take a look at this article: Letter of Interest vs. Cover Letter: Difference, Tips and Examples .

Tips for writing your resume and cover letter

Here are a few quick tips for writing a good cover letter and resume.

Tips for writing a resume

• Use the keywords from the job ad. These days, a lot of companies use resume-filtering software before going through the applications by hand. To make sure your resume doesn’t get blocked by such programs, use the same key phrases that are used in the job description if they are in line with your expertise and background.
• Highlight key points. Hiring managers are generally very busy people that have to look at tens or even hundreds of resumes every day. Make their job easier by formatting your resume in a way that highlights your most relevant skills and experience.
• Be strategic. Think what information to include in your resume and make sure it’s relevant to the position you are applying for. It’s best to keep your resume as concise as possible and list work experience that best matches the expertise required for the new job.

Tips for writing a cover letter

• Customize your cover letter for the job you are applying for. One of the biggest mistakes you can make is making a “one-size-fits-all” cover letter and sending it out to all the companies you are applying to. What is the purpose of a cover letter? The main purpose of a cover letter is to make a positive impression on the hiring manager — and the only way to do that is by writing a letter that is targeted for the position you are applying for.
• Don’t be vague. Your cover letter is a document that needs to impress your potential employer. This means that it’s best not to use general phrases and instead focus on specifics. Include examples, achievements from your previous jobs, numbers and more.
• Keep it brief. A cover letter should be a one-page document and acts as a concentrated introduction of your best professional qualities. Make sure to only include the most important and relevant information. Read over your cover letter before you send it out and remove any non-essential text. 

Cover letter vs Resume. Summing things up

Both a resume and a cover letter are essential elements of a successful job application. A resume is a summary of your professional life, while a cover letter is an introduction of your skills and qualities that best match the position you are applying for.

Even if the job description doesn’t specifically mention that you need to include a cover letter with your application, it’s best to have one ready and send it out together with your resume. It will demonstrate to the employees the seriousness of your intent and give you the opportunity to explain why you are the best choice for this position.