What Is a Resume and Cover Letter?

You may know you need a resume and cover letter when applying for jobs, but you might still wonder what they are.

Simply put, a resume and cover letter both play a key role in determining the success of your job application.

Let's explore how!

What Are the Differences Between a Resume and Cover Letter?

A resume and a cover letter serve distinct purposes when applying for jobs. A resume provides a snapshot of your qualifications for the role by summarizing your professional experience, skills, education and accomplishments.

Meanwhile, a cover letter complements your resume by providing more detail about your most relevant skills and experience, as well as explaining how your interest in the job makes you a strong candidate.

In addition, there are other important differences between resumes and cover letters:

Resume

• Format: A resume is structured into sections such as a summary, work history, skills and education.
• Length: Though typically one page in length, some resumes can be up to two pages, especially if you have over 10 years of experience.
• Tone and content: Objective and straightforward, a resume focuses on factual information and highlights measurable achievements.
• Audience: Often used by hiring managers to quickly assess if you meet the role's requirements.

Cover letter

• Format: Written as a professional letter, with an introduction, body paragraphs and a conclusion.
• Length: A cover letter should be no more than one page and between 250 and 400 words long.
• Tone and content: Conversational but professional, a cover letter should be tailored to the employer so you can connect your experience to the specific role and company. It also allows you to address gaps or unique circumstances in your work history.
• Audience: Used to give hiring managers insight into your personality, motivation and cultural fit.

In short, a resume is a broad overview of your qualifications, while a cover letter is your opportunity to directly communicate why you're the right fit for a specific role.

When done right, your resume and cover letter should complement each other to present you as the best candidate for the job.

Do You Always Need Both a Resume and Cover Letter?

While a resume is almost always required, including a cover letter depends on the employer's instructions and the context of the application.

For example, if the job listing specifically requests a cover letter, you need to include one; otherwise, you might immediately disqualify yourself from consideration.

However, even if it isn't required, it can still set you apart from other candidates, especially if you provide a unique, in-depth explanation of your most relevant skills and enthusiasm for the position.

When in doubt, it is a good idea to include a cover letter if you are serious about getting the job.

That being said, if an employer explicitly requests no cover letters or they aren't the norm in your industry, you should omit yours.

Resume and Cover Letter Tips

Resumes and cover letters work together by providing a structured overview of your professional qualifications with a personalized narrative that directly connects your abilities to the job.

Consider the following tips to make the most out of your resume and cover:

• Tailor each document: Customize your resume and cover letter for each application to align with the job description and company culture. This will help you stand out with both hiring managers and applicant tracking systems (ATS).
• Highlight achievements: Use quantifiable metrics in your resume to showcase accomplishments and elaborate on these in your cover letter to provide context.
• Maintain consistent formatting: Ensure both documents have a cohesive look by using matching fonts and layouts.
• Proofread thoroughly: Check for grammatical errors and typos to maintain professionalism.

By thoughtfully preparing both your resume and cover letter, you present a comprehensive and compelling case to potential employers, increasing your chances of securing an interview.

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Conor McMahon, CPRW

Career Writer

Conor is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) and member of the Professional Association of Resume Writers & Career Coaches dedicated to helping job seekers excel in their careers.

Read more articles by Conor McMahon, CPRW