• 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

Ronda Suder

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:

How to Write a Cover Letter (With Example)

Do Hiring Managers Actually Read Cover Letters?

How to Create a Resume With No Education

See how your resume stacks up.

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What Is the Difference Between a Resume and a Cover Letter?

what is different resume and cover letter

  • Resume vs. Cover Letter

What a Resume Includes

What a cover letter includes.

  • Use a Cover Letter to be Subjective

 Prostock-Studio / iStock / Getty Images Plus

What's the difference between a resume and a cover letter? Both a cover letter and a resume share the common purpose of proving that you have the right skills to excel at the job for which you are applying.

However, there are clear distinctions between the structure and intent of the two documents. Job seekers should view their cover letter and resume as a complementary but unique pair of documents. That is, your cover letter should be more than just bullet points regurgitated from the resume. 

Many employers require that a resume is submitted with a job application. 

A cover letter may not be required. But, including one when you apply for a job can help your chances of getting selected for an interview.

The Difference Between a Resume and a Cover Letter

You can think of your resume as a general summary of your work experience and your cover letter as a summary of your work experience as it relates to the job at hand. 

A resume is a document that itemizes your employment history. It summarizes the jobs you have held, the education you have attained, certifications, skills, and other quantifiable information about your background and work experience. 

The most common  resume format  is a list with your contact information, and experience section that includes job titles, position descriptions, dates of employment, an education section, and other relevant information.

Typically, a resume is written in the third person and uses as few words as possible to summarize the experience. So, instead of writing "I supervised the large buying team at XYZ company" a resume would have a bullet point that says, "Supervised 19-person buying team."

Whenever possible, you'll want to use numbers on your resume, such as the number of people you supervised, percent sales increased, the number of customers helped, etc.

A cover letter is written to highlight the qualifications you have for the job for which you are applying. It is used to provide the employer with additional information as to why you are a good candidate for the job. The main function of your cover letter is to show off how your qualification makes you a match for the job. 

A cover letter is written in a letter format including a salutation, several paragraphs, and a closing. Unlike a resume, you should use the first-person to write your cover letter . (That said, avoid using "I" too much.)

Your resume should provide employers with a detailed list of your work experience and education. The skills and accomplishments associated with each job you have held should be described in enough detail to show employers how you have added value in those specific roles.

Often, resumes provide information in bulleted lists; this helps make the document concise and allows recruiters to scan through it quickly. 

A cover letter is a short three or four paragraph document. It should be written with the assumption that employers will consult your resume to match it to the statement you are making in the letter about your qualifications.

A cover letter will help employers to interpret your background as represented on the resume and will help prove how your previous experiences qualify you for a job.

When you are writing a cover letter for a job, first review the job requirements that are detailed in the job posting. Use your cover letter to explain how you meet those criteria.

Use a Cover Letter to Convey Subjective Information

A resume states the facts – who, what, when, and how. In contrast, a cover letter provides an opportunity to explain why you are qualified for the job. This document adds a bit of color and personality and is intended to persuade employers that you're a good fit for the position at hand. 

A cover letter is a better vehicle than a resume to convey more subjective information like the basis of your interest in a position, how your values motivate you to pursue a job, or why the culture of a company appeals to you.

Your cover letters will help you sell your qualifications to prospective employers while your resume provides the details to back up the information included in your letters.

  • Cover Letter Tips

Cover Letter vs Resume – What’s The Difference?

Elizabeth Openshaw

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 .

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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.

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

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

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

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.

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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.

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Cover Letter Vs. Resume: Which Should You Use?

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  • Cover letter vs resume: what's the difference?

Three major differences between a cover letter and a resume

Resumes and cover letters go hand in hand, 3 expert tips on writing a cover letter vs. a resume, example resume and cover letter.

Applying for a job can be scary; trust us – we know.

But that doesn’t mean it needs to be confusing, too.

However, there’s this one uneasy thought that puzzles job-seekers, especially first-timers.

“Resumes? Cover letters? Aren’t they the same thing? How am I supposed to know what goes where?”

We get that a lot.

So, to help you cut down on confusion and get your job application right, we’re going to talk about cover letters vs resumes and settle on the difference once and for all.

In this guide, you’ll find out:

  • What the difference between a resume and a cover letter is;
  • What should be included in each document;
  • How to make sure your cover letter makes it to the top of the pile.

Let’s dive right in!

Cover letter vs resume: what's the difference?

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So, how are a resume and a cover letter different?

While the purpose of both is to prove to the hiring manager that you have what it takes to get the job, they do so in two very different ways.

Basically, you can consider your resume to be a summary of your work and education experience, while your cover letter focuses on how this experience relates to this specific job.

Have you heard that saying in the beauty community that says your eyebrows should be sisters, not twins?

You can apply that same logic to your cover letter and resume.

These two documents should complement each other, not copy each other exactly.

One big difference we can name right off the bat is that pretty much every employer requires a resume for a job application, but not a cover letter.

However, including one always boosts your chances of success (unless the posting specifies that you shouldn’t send one, of course).

Now then, to really understand what the difference between a cover letter and a resume is, we will take a quick look at what each of them is at its core.

What is a resume? What does a resume include?

In short, a resume summarizes your work experience and educational background.

It’s a detailed account of the jobs you’ve had, the schools you’ve attended and the degrees you got, any awards and certifications you might have, your skills, etc.

Most commonly, a resume is formatted as a list with bullet points. This makes the document easily scannable and eliminates fluff, which is perfect for a busy hiring manager.

Usually, you should write your resume in the third-person and be as clear and concise as possible, using few words and not going into too much unnecessary detail.

Enhancv Cover Letter Vs. Resume: Which Should You Use?

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So, here’s a list of what your resume should include:

  • Contact information
  • Summary, or objective
  • Work experience
  • Dates of employment
  • Additional information, such as certificates, spoken languages, etc.

But what about cover letters?

What is a cover letter? What does a cover letter include?

A cover letter adds relevant context to your resume.

It highlights what your qualifications are and how they relate to the particular job you’re applying for.

Basically, what a cover letter does is give the employer all the reasons why you are the best candidate for the position.

It shows off your skills and gives examples from your experiences to back them up.

You write a cover letter in a letter format, unsurprisingly. It consists of a greeting, three or four body paragraphs, and a closing. And, as opposed to the resume, you should use the first-person.

When writing your cover letter, keep in mind that employers are likely to refer to your resume to make the connection between the person and the job applicant.

So, seeing how they’re probably going to be reading them at the same time, don’t make your cover letter a carbon copy of your resume.

Rather, it should expand on the points you’ve made in your resume, giving real-life examples that showcase your skills and letting the employer know just how perfect you are for the job.

Enhancv Cover Letter Vs. Resume: Which Should You Use?

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But what should you include in your cover letter ?

  • Professional heading
  • Address section
  • Formal salutation
  • Show-stopping introduction
  • Your reasons for applying for this particular company and position
  • Your skills as they relate to the job
  • Closing words on your excitement to join the company
  • A call to action

Oh, and don’t forget to read the job offer carefully and include some keywords in your letter!

So, now you know what a cover letter and a resume are, and what they should include.

Let’s move on and cover the main differences between the two.

Knowing what each of these documents does is not always enough.

You need to understand how they differ.

So, in this section, we’ll go over three of the most important distinctions between a cover letter and a resume.

Resumes and cover letters differ in importance

We’ll make a wild guess here and say that you probably haven’t come across a position in your job search that didn’t require a resume.

Now, how many postings have you read that didn’t need a cover letter?

Enough to notice, we’re sure.

That’s because resumes and cover letters aren’t equally important.

The internet is rife with information about which one is more important with various arguments supporting both sides.

However, we think that, unless the job posting specifies that a cover letter is not to be submitted, you should absolutely include one in your application.

You can’t skip out on the resume, though.

Cover letters and resumes use different structures

As you may have already noticed, one of the main differences in the “cover letter vs resume” battle is the structure.

A resume is usually one or two pages long and contains specific sections, bullet points, and other graphs used to represent a candidate’s professional skills.

A cover letter, on the other hand, has 3-4 structured paragraphs, an introduction, and a closing paragraph, and is usually no more than 300-500 words.

The goal of a cover letter vs a resume is different

Another crucial difference between the two documents is their purpose.

A resume’s goal is to provide the hiring manager with lots of varying information, but in a brief format – just a page or two.

They’ll use your resume to quickly decide if you’re qualified for a particular job (at least on paper – the proof comes with your cover letter).

The purpose of a cover letter is to let you tell a story about yourself as a person, not just an employee.

It helps you expand on the points you made in your resume and give some much-needed context to the employer.

So, there you have it – these documents are different in many ways, however…

We already mentioned this above, but cover letters and resumes complement each other well, so they should be used accordingly.

While a resume is quickly scannable, a hiring manager might struggle to make sense of all the data you’re throwing at them, especially if your resume is on the longer side.

That’s why a cover letter is a good addition to a resume, as it helps translate that information into paragraphs, making it easier to read and take in.

But that’s not all – a cover letter and a resume, as different as they are, should stick to the same design .

There’s not a single recruiter out there that wants to spend their valuable time trying to match a resume to a cover letter like it’s a puzzle.

Cover letters are also a great way to make sure your resume doesn’t end up in the trash.

Lots of employers read the cover letter first to help them decide if the resume is worth reading at all.

So, boost your chances and type up that cover letter.

Are you struggling to separate your cover letter from your resume, wondering how to make them complementing, yet different, or you just want some tips on how to write a stellar cover letter?

Well, then read on!

We’ve got three pieces of advice for you, coming straight from the professionals.

Don't make your cover letter repetitive

We already said this before, but we’ll say it again – do not make your cover letter an exact copy of your resume!

Nobody wants to read the same thing twice.

You wouldn’t, so why should your employer?

Don’t be afraid to let loose a little bit and use a more conversational tone than you would on your resume.

Your cover letter should show the hiring manager your qualifications, but also your personality and your passion.

Don’t go into too much job or education detail. Mention them briefly and talk about how they shaped you into the perfect candidate and what you learned from the experience.

Keep it short and sweet

You wouldn’t want the recruiter to fall asleep halfway through your cover letter, would you?

So, keep it short, clear, and straight to the point. Leave all the unnecessary details out, talk about relevant experiences only, and most importantly, make it captivating.

As for the specific length, aim for three or four paragraphs and try not to fill more than 3/4 of a page.

Use a subjective tone

A cover letter allows you to talk about things you wouldn’t mention on a resume.

No resume contains a section about how you found the position, how passionate you are about it, or how each skill you’ve mentioned relates to the job.

Yet, these are all important aspects to a hiring manager.

So, you can afford to use more subjective information when writing a cover letter.

Let them know why you are certain you’d make a good fit. After all, you’re the one that knows what you can bring to the table, right?

And there you go – you’re now ready to craft that perfect resume and throw on a stellar cover letter for good measure.

If you’d like a little extra help, take a look at these great resume and cover letter examples .

Hopefully, they’ll help you get on the right track!

Enhancv Cover Letter Vs. Resume: Which Should You Use?

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And, if you’re looking for an even easier way out, take our resume builder for a spin and save yourself the headache.

Yes, a resume and a cover letter are two separate worlds. But they really are two sides of the same coin.

To summarize, here are the most important differences in the battle of cover letter vs resume:

  • A resume is always required for a job application, while a cover letter can be optional.
  • Resumes are formatted as a one or two-page document with bullets and sections, while a cover letter uses a letter format and has the standard introduction, 3-4 body paragraphs, and a closing.
  • Cover letters are often what helps resumes get read.
  • A resume and a cover letter should complement each other, while still being different.
  • A resume is written in the third-person and is more objective; a cover letter uses a subjective tone and is written in the first-person.
  • Resumes outline your work and educational background, achievements, certificates, and skills. Cover letters focus on how those skills and experiences relate to the job at hand.

Was this information helpful to you? Do you feel ready to tackle your resume and cover letter? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!

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Cover Letter vs Resume – What is the Difference?

A job-winning resume and cover letter can set you apart from other job candidates. However, it’s important to know that these two job documents are very different from one another. Learn the differences between the two to maximize your hireability.

Cover Letter vs Resume – What is the Difference?

At first, the answer to, “What’s the difference between a cover letter and a resume?” seems obvious. But once we get past the fact that a cover letter is clearly a letter – and a resume is not – most job seekers run out of ideas.

Is a cover letter just a resume, written like an essay?

Is it a personal statement about our feelings and beliefs?

Is it something I can skip entirely?

An applicant who doesn’t understand what a cover letter is, or how it differs from other job search materials, will struggle to write one successfully. And, since your cover letter will provide the first impression your prospective employer will have of your interests and abilities, you definitely want to get it right.

This article will explore how a cover letter differs from, and even enhances, other job search materials, such as resumes and CVs.

Equipped with this information, you will be on your way to making an excellent first impression, and landing the job interview you deserve.

To understand the difference between a cover letter and a resume, let’s look closely at what each document is designed to do, how it is created, and how it helps advance your job search.

Resumes vs. Cover Letters: What Do They Do?

What is a cover letter and what does it do.

Imagine that you are a hiring manager, sitting at a desk surrounded by stacks of resumes – impersonal, bullet-pointed documents listing the names of companies of which you may have never heard. Some may have more bullet points, some may have more color, but they all start to look the same.

Then, you pull a resume with a cover letter from the pile. It addresses you by name and outlines the personal journey of the candidate – their passion for the industry, their supporting experience, and the research they’ve done on your company.

Intrigued, you read their attached resume more carefully and, concluding that they are the type of go-getter your company needs, you add the candidate to the interview list, before returning to your stack of nearly identical resumes.

That story illustrates why a cover letter matters. More than just “a letter you include with your resume,” a cover letter lends depth and personality to your resume, by allowing you to sell your skills and enthusiasm, while making your resume stand out from the crowd.

To this end, a cover letter is a concise – often one page – introduction of who you are, your interest in the position, how your top skills and experiences have prepared you for the position, and a closing “call to action,” typically a politely-worded request for an interview.

What a Cover Letter Doesn’t Do:

A cover letter is not simply a retelling of your resume.

With that in mind, do not provide a long-winded overview of all the skills or positions listed on your resume, and refrain from repeating, “as you can see in my resume” before discussing your credentials.

Furthermore, if you have included any language pulled directly from your resume in your cover letter, such as a cut-and-paste of bullet points or of your objectives statement, remove it. Instead, think of what fresh clarity or perspective you could bring to that information to show your skills at their best.

Remember, even if you wrote your resume and cover letter days apart, your hiring manager will review them together, back-to-back. Any cutting and pasting you’ve done will make you look lazy or disinterested, not efficient.

Instead, think of your resume like an appetizer – it should make the hiring manager hungry to read your resume and to meet you in person – not stuff them full of repetition and redundancy.

With that said, let’s look at the main course of your job application, your resume.

What is a Resume and What Does it Do?:

A resume is a document of 1-2 pages that provides a summary of your professional experience, relevant skills, education, and accomplishments. This document rarely extends back more than 10 – 15 years in the past, and often lists jobs in reverse chronological order, with the most recent opportunities presented first.

Formatted for clarity and simplicity, often using headers and bullet points, a resume is designed to provide an easy-to-scan comparison between you and other candidates, as well as your qualifications and those outlined in the position.

The goal of a resume is to present as much information related to relevant professional experience as possible, with a particular focus on specific responsibilities, measurable achievements and transferable skills.

Both the nuances of writing a resume and CV are hard to master. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, consider seeking professional help from resume writing services

What a Resume Doesn’t Do:

A resume is not intended to tell your life story.

In fact, the word resume derives from a French word meaning “summary” – and that is exactly what it is.

Resumes are not the place for dense blocks of text, inspirational quotes, or discussions of role models. Furthermore, while soft skills, such as communication and dependability can be listed in specific sections, resumes don’t usually allow much room to explain context.

Instead, a resume presents a concise overview of all the measurable reasons why you are prepared to excel at the position, with a focus on current and recent experiences. With this in mind, resumes rarely allow for a sense of the “whole person,” thereby requiring candidates to find another means by which to share that information.

Resumes vs. Cover Letters: How Are They Formatted?

Format of a cover letter.

First and foremost, a cover letter is a business letter, and you will want to follow those formatting conventions as much as possible.

While there are a number of cover letter templates available online, or through Microsoft Word, at no cost, there are still some basic formatting guidelines that will help you on your way:

  • Use one-inch margins on all sides of the document
  • Left-align all contents
  • Pick a standard business font, like Times New Roman or Calibri, in size 11 or 12
  • Use single spacing overall, and double spaces between paragraphs
  • Don’t indent your paragraphs
  • If possible, include an inserted image of your actual signature in your closing, creating the visual impression of a signed document
  • Save your cover letter as a PDF before submitting electronically. This preserves the layout, keeping a professional appearance regardless of the device on which the document is viewed

Taking these tips into consideration, it is still good to keep in mind that there is no “right” or “wrong” way to create a cover letter. The goal is simply to explore the story behind your resume through the vehicle of a professional document.

Format of a Resume

There are many different ways to format a resume, depending on the experience and skills you wish to highlight.

For example, a chronological resume presents a list of recently held job experiences in reverse chronological order.

While this format may be a great choice for candidates with relevant work history, candidates who are switching industries, or returning to work after a hiatus, may want to consider a functional resume, which emphasizes skills over positions held.

There is even a hybrid resume format that allows candidates to include the best parts of functional and chronological resumes – using both bullet-pointed skill lists and a chronological job listing.

With so many options, it can be challenging to provide guidelines specific to all formats. However, there are some pointers you should always consider when creating a professional resume, regardless of the specific template your choose:

  • Use single spacing, with an added space before and after each section heading
  • Left-align content, with the possible exception of your header section
  • Choose a tasteful resume header format for your contact information. A little color can be nice, but unless you’re in graphic design, don’t get too creative
  • Divide your resume into resume sections, including: Contact Information, Education, Work Experience, Skills, References, etc. But, remember, the order of the sections will depend on your overall goal for the document
  • Use bullet points to list specific job accomplishments and professional skills
  • Be consistent with your resume formatting
  • Consider adding a second page. Contrary to previous assumptions, research suggests that hiring managers are more likely to select resumes that present two pages of experience, as opposed to just one.

These formatting tips should help you create a clean, well-organized document. But the most important part of a resume is the skills and experiences it showcases, so don’t become so focused on formatting that you forget to let your talents shine.

Difference in Cover Letter Tone vs. Resume Tone

As previously discussed, resumes and cover letters are different, but complimentary documents. When used together, they enhance each other, with the cover letter providing depth and character to the list of experiences provided by a resume.

Taking this into consideration, the tone of the documents is different as well.

Examples of Resume Tone – Objective

Resumes typically adopt an objective, matter-of-fact tone, citing data and measurable achievements whenever possible.

This is because a resume is intended to be easily scanned visually, allowing for quick comparison between two competing resumes, or between a resume and a job description. Simple, objective wording makes it easier for a hiring manager to establish your skillset, and as a result recommend you for an interview.

Some examples of the objective resume tone are as follows:

Increased sales in the home furnishings division by 110% in year one Managed team of 12 sales associates Developed training program for new sales managers Exceeded customer retention goal by 45% in year two

Notice that resumes language also omits the use of pronouns. For instance, instead of saying, “I sold medical equipment to large physician practices,” you would simply say, “Sold medical equipment to large physician practices.”

Examples of Cover Letter Tone – Subjective

The strength of your cover letter is found in how it allows you to tell the story of your career, highlight your strengths and showcase your personality. In conjunction with your resume, this provides a sense of the “whole person,” behind the application, and makes a hiring manager eager to meet you.

While resumes focus on bullet points, data and objective, language, cover letters allow you to write subjectively, and in the first person.

Examples of the subjective cover letter tone are as follows:

Having researched your company’s culture, I’m inspired by X Corporation’s commitment to diversity and inclusion A first-generation college graduate, I believe I could contribute a unique perspective to W Brand’s employee mentorship program I have followed your social media content for years, and the excitement and humor you bring to your marketing is impressive Since I rescued my first stray kitten at the age of 8, I knew I wanted to be a veterinarian. And it’s my dream to fulfill that calling at the Ohio State University College of Veterinary Science.

It is important to remember that, even though a cover letter can be subjective, and may even contain quotes or brief personal stories, you should avoid hyperbole, dramatic language, or flowery speech as much as possible.

Since a cover letter is still a professional document, exaggerative statements like “giving 110%” or “your company is the most exciting business in the world,” will seem silly and immature.

Example of a Cover Letter

Now that we’ve discussed what a cover letter is, and how it differs from a resume, let’s look at an example:

June 16, 2020/ Stephanie Williams Sales Coordinator Y Brands 847-846-4201 [email protected] / Jamal Martin Hiring Manager Walters Communications [email protected] Dear Mr. Martin, With over 11 years of experience in high-level sales, I’m excited to apply for the position of Sales Manager for Walters Communications. Since I first began my career in sales, I have been promoted six times, receiving increased responsibility, exceeding sales goals, and spearheading new customer outreach initiatives. This advancement has strengthened my sales skills and prepared me for a leadership role with a fast-paced, consumer driven company. In my current role as Sales Coordinator, I helped plan the launch of three new product lines, developing sales and marketing strategies to ensure their success. With the support of my team of five sales associates, we attracted over 50 new corporate clients to our portfolio, and exceeded all sales goals associated with these new lines. Sales is my passion and connecting clients with exciting new products brings me joy. It is my dream to immerse myself in a company culture that is results-oriented and prioritizes cutting edge sales techniques. I’ve researched the culture of Walters Communications, and I know it is a company in which I could learn and grow. While I’m grateful for my current position, I believe that my experience has equipped me to excel in an opportunity with greater challenges, such as the chance to serve as the Sales Manager for Walters Communications. And the commitment I would bring would advance your company mission. I’m confident that I possess the skills required to succeed in this new role, and to help take the Sales Department to new heights. I appreciate your time and consideration and look forward to discussing this opportunity with you at your convenience. Sincerely, Stephanie Williams The fictional cover letter above is effective because it helps communicate the candidate’s enthusiasm and experience, while providing a glimpse into her personality. She concisely demonstrates that she has conducted research into her prospective company, and links her experience with the needs of the position. If a cover letter is effective, the hiring manager’s next step will be to read the candidate’s resume to learn more.

Example of a Resume

Below is a sample resume for the fictional applicant from our previous example:

123 Adams Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90001

Home: (123) 456-7890 | Cell: (123) 456-7890

[email protected]

An MBA with over 11 years of experience in competitive sales environments, seeking the role of Sales Manager with Walters Communications with the goal of exceeding sales goals, and spearheading company initiatives.

  • Account Management
  • Written and Verbal Communication
  • Team Leadership
  • Strategic Planning
  • Client Retention
  • Recipient of the 2018 and 2019 Y Brands Top Sales Award
  • Launched three new product lines
  • Led a team of associates
  • Exceeded 2018 sales goal by 25%
  • Exceeded 2019 sales goal by 35%
  • Screened job applicants during the early stages of the hiring process
  • Answered, screened, and directed incoming phone calls while providing basic information as needed
  • Managed Corporate Sales Accounts $10,000 and above
  • Increased Client Portfolio by 15% in year three
  • Increased Client Portfolio by 30% in year four
  • Exceeded Customer Retention Goals by an average of 10% annually
  • Cold Called 35-45 Businesses Daily
  • Highest Call to Sale Conversion Rate for Three Consecutive Years
  • Organized XYZ Media’s 1st Client Recognition Day

Since resumes are usually data-driven, this document provides significant information about the candidate that wouldn’t necessary be included in a cover letter. While the cover letter highlights her enthusiasm and passion, her resume shows a measurable track record of high performance.

When the documents are reviewed together, it becomes clear that the candidate has both the drive, and the personality, required to succeed.

The Curriculum Vitae

Before we conclude with a summary of the differences between cover letters and resumes, there is one question left to address: “How does a curriculum vitae fit into the discussion?”

A curriculum vitae, also known as a CV, is a job application document that is often confused with a resume – though key differences exist.

While most resumes are position based, outlining the roles and skills related to the desired position, a curriculum vitae focuses more on education, research / publications, teaching experience, awards, professional affiliations, public presentations, conference attendance and credentials.

Given their concentration on educational attainment and scholarship, curriculum vitae often serve as a substitute for traditional resumes for those pursuing academic careers or medical careers.

Furthermore, considering the amount of information they convey, it is common for a CV to be significantly longer than a resume

With this in mind, employers in fields that frequently use CVs may request that a CV summary be included, or even sent in place of the full CV, for the initial round of consideration. This summary rarely exceeds two pages in length, and provides an overview of the major achievements outlines in the longer curriculum vitae.

It is important to note, however, that while a CV is a much longer document than a standard resume, this does not mean that a candidate should forgo the inclusion of a cover letter. Ultimately, just like a resume, a curriculum vitae is still a list of relevant qualifications. Though its focus may be different, it does not provide the “big picture” context that can be provided by an effective cover letter.

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

Cover letters and resumes, though very different, serve the same goal – to make the candidate stand out from a crowd. That said, they both accomplish this objective by drawing upon unique perspectives.

A resume is a summary of the work experience, education and skills that prepare a candidate to succeed in a position. It should be easy to read, and organized using a format that prioritizes the best the candidate has to offer.

The advantage of a resume is that, even with a glance, it can leave no question about a candidate’s experience and qualifications.

The disadvantage of a resume is that it doesn’t convey the humanity behind the information. No amount of bullet points can help a hiring manager understand why a candidate is determined to succeed, inspired by their industry or interested in the company. By itself, a resume can be dry, or even boring.

A cover letter can provide an applicant with a chance to tell their story – the background, humor, motivation, and journey that make them unique.

When paired effectively, these documents provide a big picture view into an applicant’s life, allowing a hiring manager to truly see them in the role.

At the end of the day, a hiring manager isn’t hiring a list of achievements, they are hiring you, and all of what you bring to the position.

Using a resume and cover letter together, you can showcase the full range of your abilities, and let your talent shine from all possible angles.

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Resume vs. Cover Letter - What you need to know

If you’re in the job market or applying to go to college or university, you’ll have heard about resumes and cover letters ; they’re key to the process. They go hand in hand because what you include in one is likely to be mirrored in the other, but they are very much different beasts and need to be treated as such.

You need to know what the key differences between the documents are so that you can get both of them on point.

Things can get baffling real quick when you enter the job market for the first time or are applying for work after a long career break. Don’t worry, we’re here to answer the burning questions, like:

  • What is a resume vs a cover letter?
  • Should a resume or a cover letter go first?
  • What are the resume and cover letter differences?
  • What are the resume and the cover letter purposes?

And finally, should you choose to use a resume, cover letter, or both?

Let’s get into this! We’ll start with a table that puts the basics together to keep things simple, read on the get to the full lowdown.

Want to get into specifics? Here we go…

Define a Resume

Resumes and CVs are quite the same things: a document that you write about yourself and your skills and experience that you send out when looking for a job in a company.

In your résumé, you need to include a detailed list of your past employers and what you did for them, as well as your education and qualifications. Point out the great stuff you achieved in your past roles, often this is the best tool to boast and show how you can add value in a role.

Pro-Tip Bulleted lists are a great way to keep your resume slick and concise, it also makes it more readable to potential employers - no sifting through long paragraphs. Feel like it’s going to take forever? In five minutes our resume builder will have you off to a flying start.

So Then, a Cover Letter is…?

Also, something that you use to help get a job, it’s a letter that you use to give your future employer more detailed information about yourself by way of an introduction. You normally attach it along with your resume, giving an overview of what’s in there that’s relevant to the role and giving them a reason to read the resume through.

It should only last three to four paragraphs, giving brief information so the employer can get to grips with your background and understand how you’d fit into the organization. Besides, you have to show your interest and motivation to work in this particular company.

Pro-Tip Make sure you pay attention to the job requirements for the role you’re applying for and tailor your cover letter to highlight your skills, qualifications, and experience that make you perfect for the job.

Resume and Cover Letter - Key Differences

Often, the easiest way to understand the difference between a resume and a cover letter is to get to grips with what you actually need them for:

A resume is a summary of your previous jobs, education, and training and shows the hiring manager reading it who you are as a professional. Think of it like the “product”.

A cover letter is the sales pitch for your resume, giving the recruiter reasons why what you’ve done in the past makes you a perfect hire for the role. Tell them why you want to work for them and how you’re going to help develop their business.

A resume is typically written in a formal style, using the third person and you should use as few words as you can to get your experience across, keep it short and simple. Most resumes you see will have: a list of contact deets; a collection of your past experience with your job title, your key responsibilities, and achievements, and the dates you worked in each role; a list of your education and professional qualifications; and any other relevant information like volunteering or professional association memberships.

Your cover letter is there to pull out exactly what is in your resume that will make you the perfect hire. You’re writing a letter rather than a factual list so format it properly, with an appropriate greeting - ideally with the name of the recruiter - using paragraphs and a polite sign-off. Your cover letter needs to be in the first person, but don’t overuse “I”, focus on the reader instead.

Pro-Tip When you’ve got facts to boast about, use them. Include details like how many people you supervised, how you raised the productivity levels, and how much you exceeded your targets; details give you credibility.

Are There Any Similarities Between Resumes and Cover Letters?

Absolutely! The main job of a resume and a cover letter is to help you get an interview invitation.

Reading this, you’re probably thinking whether a resume and cover letter need to be prepared and handled differently. As much as these documents have two very different functions, which are important to know about, there are things that are needed in both to get you ready to make it big in the role of your dreams.

Some of the main tips are: both of them need to be accurate, focus on the key activities and actions that you did, and of course, your spelling and grammar need to be on fleek.

Pro-Tip Both in your cover letter and your résumé, use definites when talking about you and your skills, rather than “I believe” and “I think” use assertive words like “I achieved”.

Key Takeaway

Look at your resume as an overall picture of your career until now and see your cover letter as a summary of why your experience is related to the job that you’re actually applying for. Here’s a rundown of the important bits you need to remember when looking at the differences between a cover letter and a resume:

  • Your resume is a historical account of your work until now, using bullet points and broken down into sections.
  • In your cover letter, you go into more detail, giving insight into your work history in a personalized letter.
  • A resume is a list of qualifications and achievements - a cover letter describes them.
  • Keep a resume formal and direct; make your cover letter personal to the reader.
  • Cover letters are a complement to a resume and are standard practice to send out - hiring managers to expect them.

Hopefully, with the tips given above, we’ve helped you navigate your way through choosing the right document for the right purpose when you want to apply for a job and introduce yourself as a perfect candidate for the desired position. We’ve got classic resume templates for you to try out and make your curriculum vitae look professional, the perfect one is waiting for you!

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Not sure whether you need a CV or a resume? Wondering are resumes and CVs the same thing? We’ve got a detailed guide and useful tips ready for you!

Need ideas for what to include in a resume? Go through our full guide, packed with pro-tips and insider tricks to get you into that job you’ve been dreaming about!

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Home » General » What is the Difference Between Resume and Cover Letter

What is the Difference Between Resume and Cover Letter

The main difference between resume and cover letter is that a resume is objective while a cover letter is subjective.

Job seekers usually send resumes and cover letters when they are applying for a particular job. A resume lists information about a job applicant’s education, qualifications , and experience, while a cover letter explains how the applicant can contribute to the company and why he is applying for a particular job opening.

Key Areas Covered

1.  What is a Resume       – Definition, Features  2.  What is a Cover Letter      – Definition, Features 3.  Difference Between Resume and Cover Letter      – Comparison of Key Differences

Cover Letter, Resume, CV

Difference Between Resume and Cover Letter - Comparison Summary

What is a Resume

A resume (also spelled as a résumé) is a document a job applicant uses to summarize his or her educational background, work experience, and special skills. Resumes are also known as CVs. Most modern resumes consist of only one or two pages.

Sections in a Resume

The information an applicant should include in a resume depends on the job they are applying. But generally, a resume has the following sections.

  • Contact Details – This section should include the job applicant’s first and last name, email address, mailing address, and phone number. It can also include details like LinkedIn account and portfolio links.
  • Introduction – This section should include a brief overview of the main qualifications and professional background of the applicant. Introduction can be in the form of a professional summary, resume objective, or resume summary.
  • Education – This section includes the basic details about education – names of the colleges, degrees earned, etc.
  • Experience – This section should include the title, the company, years worked, and a brief list of key responsibilities and notable achievements.
  • Skills – This section should include skills and other qualifications the applicant possesses relevant to the job position.

Resume and Cover Letter

What is a Cover Letter

A cover letter or a covering letter is a letter of introduction accompanying another document like a resume or a curriculum vitae. When a job seeker sends a cover letter along with a resume, the employer can learn more about the job seeker, his personality, what he wants from the job, and gain an insight into why he is applying. Generally, employers look for thoughtfully written and individualized cover letters as a method of screening out applicants. We can categorize cover letters into two main types according to their purpose: letters applying for a specific job opening and letters expressing an interest in a company when the applicant is uncertain whether there is a current opening.

Resume vs Cover Letter

A cover letter should typically include the job applicant’s personal details, including name, address, phone number, and email address. In addition, a cover letter typically also explains how the applicant found the vacancy, why he is suitable for the job, and what he can do for the company. At the end of the letter, the applicant should always thank the reader for their time and consideration. Furthermore, a good cover letter should be free of errors, up-to-date, and specific (specific to a particular job and company).

Difference Between Resume and Cover Letter

A resume is a document a job applicant uses to summarize his or her educational background, work experience, and special skills. A cover letter, on the other hand, is a letter of introduction accompanying a resume.

The main purpose of a resume is to summarize the educational background, work experience, and special skills, while the main purpose of a cover letter is to give details about the applicant and how he can contribute to the company.

Type of Information

A resume contains objective information, while a cover letter contains subjective information.

A resume has several specific sections, containing information in bullet form, while a cover letter consists of a few paragraphs of text, organized into an introduction, body, and conclusion.

A resume lists information about a job applicant’s education, qualifications, and experience, while a cover letter explains how the applicant can contribute to the company and why he is applying for a particular job opening. Therefore, a resume contains objective information while a cover letter contains subjective information. This is the main difference between resume and cover letter.

1. “ What Is a Cover Letter? ” Indeed Career Guide. 2. Benz, Conrad. “ What Is a Resume? Definition, Purpose, & Importance .” Resume Genius.

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How to Write a Cover Letter That Will Get You a Job

I ’ve read thousands, maybe tens of thousands, of cover letters in my career. If you’re thinking that sounds like really boring reading, you’re right. What I can tell you from enduring that experience is that most cover letters are terrible — and not only that, but squandered opportunities. When a cover letter is done well, it can significantly increase your chances of getting an interview, but the vast majority fail that test.

So let’s talk about how to do cover letters right.

First, understand the point of a cover letter.

The whole idea of a cover letter is that it can help the employer see you as more than just your résumé. Managers generally aren’t hiring based solely on your work history; your experience is crucial, yes, but they’re also looking for someone who will be easy to work with, shows good judgment, communicates well, possesses strong critical thinking skills and a drive to get things done, complements their current team, and all the other things you yourself probably want from your co-workers. It’s tough to learn much about those things from job history alone, and that’s where your cover letter comes in.

Because of that …

Whatever you do, don’t just summarize your résumé.

The No. 1 mistake people make with cover letters is that they simply use them to summarize their résumé. This makes no sense — hiring managers don’t need a summary of your résumé! It’s on the very next page! They’re about to see it as soon as they scroll down. And if you think about it, your entire application is only a few pages (in most cases, a one- or two-page résumé and a one-page cover letter) — why would you squander one of those pages by repeating the content of the others? And yet, probably 95 percent of the cover letters I see don’t add anything new beyond the résumé itself (and that’s a conservative estimate).

Instead, your cover letter should go beyond your work history to talk about things that make you especially well-suited for the job. For example, if you’re applying for an assistant job that requires being highly organized and you neurotically track your household finances in a detailed, color-coded spreadsheet, most hiring managers would love to know that because it says something about the kind of attention to detail you’d bring to the job. That’s not something you could put on your résumé, but it can go in your cover letter.

Or maybe your last boss told you that you were the most accurate data processor she’d ever seen, or came to rely on you as her go-to person whenever a lightning-fast rewrite was needed. Maybe your co-workers called you “the client whisperer” because of your skill in calming upset clients. Maybe you’re regularly sought out by more senior staff to help problem-solve, or you find immense satisfaction in bringing order to chaos. Those sorts of details illustrate what you bring to the job in a different way than your résumé does, and they belong in your cover letter.

If you’re still stumped, pretend you’re writing an email to a friend about why you’d be great at the job. You probably wouldn’t do that by stiffly reciting your work history, right? You’d talk about what you’re good at and how you’d approach the work. That’s what you want here.

You don’t need a creative opening line.

If you think you need to open the letter with something creative or catchy, I am here to tell you that you don’t. Just be simple and straightforward:

• “I’m writing to apply for your X position.”

• “I’d love to be considered for your X position.”

• “I’m interested in your X position because …”

• “I’m excited to apply for your X position.”

That’s it! Straightforward is fine — better, even, if the alternative is sounding like an aggressive salesperson.

Show, don’t tell.

A lot of cover letters assert that the person who wrote it would excel at the job or announce that the applicant is a skillful engineer or a great communicator or all sorts of other subjective superlatives. That’s wasted space — the hiring manager has no reason to believe it, and so many candidates claim those things about themselves that most managers ignore that sort of self-assessment entirely. So instead of simply declaring that you’re great at X (whatever X is), your letter should demonstrate that. And the way you do that is by describing accomplishments and experiences that illustrate it.

Here’s a concrete example taken from one extraordinarily effective cover-letter makeover that I saw. The candidate had originally written, “I offer exceptional attention to detail, highly developed communication skills, and a talent for managing complex projects with a demonstrated ability to prioritize and multitask.” That’s pretty boring and not especially convincing, right? (This is also exactly how most people’s cover letters read.)

In her revised version, she wrote this instead:

“In addition to being flexible and responsive, I’m also a fanatic for details — particularly when it comes to presentation. One of my recent projects involved coordinating a 200-page grant proposal: I proofed and edited the narratives provided by the division head, formatted spreadsheets, and generally made sure that every line was letter-perfect and that the entire finished product conformed to the specific guidelines of the RFP. (The result? A five-year, $1.5 million grant award.) I believe in applying this same level of attention to detail to tasks as visible as prepping the materials for a top-level meeting and as mundane as making sure the copier never runs out of paper.”

That second version is so much more compelling and interesting — and makes me believe that she really is great with details.

If there’s anything unusual or confusing about your candidacy, address it in the letter.

Your cover letter is your chance to provide context for things that otherwise might seem confusing or less than ideal to a hiring manager. For example, if you’re overqualified for the position but are excited about it anyway, or if you’re a bit underqualified but have reason to think you could excel at the job, address that up front. Or if your background is in a different field but you’re actively working to move into this one, say so, talk about why, and explain how your experience will translate. Or if you’re applying for a job across the country from where you live because you’re hoping to relocate to be closer to your family, let them know that.

If you don’t provide that kind of context, it’s too easy for a hiring manager to decide you’re the wrong fit or applying to everything you see or don’t understand the job description and put you in the “no” pile. A cover letter gives you a chance to say, “No, wait — here’s why this could be a good match.”

Keep the tone warm and conversational.

While there are some industries that prize formal-sounding cover letters — like law — in most fields, yours will stand out if it’s warm and conversational. Aim for the tone you’d use if you were writing to a co-worker whom you liked a lot but didn’t know especially well. It’s okay to show some personality or even use humor; as long as you don’t go overboard, your letter will be stronger for it.

Don’t use a form letter.

You don’t need to write every cover letter completely from scratch, but if you’re not customizing it to each job, you’re doing it wrong. Form letters tend to read like form letters, and they waste the chance to speak to the specifics of what this employer is looking for and what it will take to thrive in this particular job.

If you’re applying for a lot of similar jobs, of course you’ll end up reusing language from one letter to the next. But you shouldn’t have a single cover letter that you wrote once and then use every time you apply; whatever you send should sound like you wrote it with the nuances of this one job in mind.

A good litmus test is this: Could you imagine other applicants for this job sending in the same letter? If so, that’s a sign that you haven’t made it individualized enough to you and are probably leaning too heavily on reciting your work history.

No, you don’t need to hunt down the hiring manager’s name.

If you read much job-search advice, at some point you’ll come across the idea that you need to do Woodward and Bernstein–level research to hunt down the hiring manager’s name in order to open your letter with “Dear Matilda Jones.” You don’t need to do this; no reasonable hiring manager will care. If the name is easily available, by all means, feel free to use it, but otherwise “Dear Hiring Manager” is absolutely fine. Take the hour you just freed up and do something more enjoyable with it.

Keep it under one page.

If your cover letters are longer than a page, you’re writing too much, and you risk annoying hiring managers who are likely sifting through hundreds of applications and don’t have time to read lengthy tomes. On the other hand, if you only write one paragraph, it’s unlikely that you’re making a compelling case for yourself as a candidate — not impossible, but unlikely. For most people, something close to a page is about right.

Don’t agonize over the small details.

What matters most about your cover letter is its content. You should of course ensure that it’s well-written and thoroughly proofread, but many job seekers agonize over elements of the letter that really don’t matter. I get tons of  questions from job seekers  about whether they should attach their cover letter or put it in the body of the email (answer: No one cares, but attaching it makes it easier to share and will preserve your formatting), or what to name the file (again, no one really cares as long as it’s reasonably professional, but when people are dealing with hundreds of files named “resume,” it’s courteous to name it with your full name).

Approaching your cover letter like this can make a huge difference in your job search. It can be the thing that moves your application from the “maybe” pile (or even the “no” pile) to the “yes” pile. Of course, writing cover letters like this will take more time than sending out the same templated letter summarizing your résumé — but 10 personalized, compelling cover letters are likely to get you more  interview invitations  than 50 generic ones will.

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3 Ways an Undergraduate Resume is Different from a Graduate Resume + Key Tips

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what is different resume and cover letter

Students at every level often face fears or concerns regarding resumes. For undergraduate students, it is often how amazed they are at the time it takes to compose a resume. For graduate students, it is worrying about having their resumes extend beyond one page. 

As a trained career peer with the Career & Co-op Center , regardless of whether I meet with an undergraduate or graduate student, there are a few things that apply to both groups. First, that all students should set aside one day each year to review and update their resume for the rest of their professional lives. Second, I stress how important it is to start with a strong foundation for your resume. Starting with a strong resume set them up for future success and make it easier to add, update, or change materials as they advance in their education or career.  

That being said, there are other ways that graduate and undergraduate resumes (or CVs) can be different. This is a result of circumstances, work experiences, and other factors that commonly exist between these two groups. We say commonly because each resume should be constructed based on the lived experience of that individual, so there are no “hard and fast” rules to this type of document. What we can say is that there are suggested structural, detail, or organizational considerations between undergrads and graduate students that are highlighted below.   

Differences Between Graduate and Undergraduate Resumes  

The length of a resume  .

The length of your resume should be connected to your experience. Many undergraduate students are still early in their careers when they enter higher education, so a one-page resume is common. However, for non-traditional students who may have entered the workforce before coming to college, it may be more likely that you would have a two-page resume as a student. As a graduate student, you may have more experience, could be working in different roles while going back to school, etc., it is more common to see a two page resume among this group.    Unless otherwise specified by an employer or selection committee, two pages (or more, depending on how long you have been working) are expected so that you can fully describe your background and list your related experience.  

Key Tip: Highlight and include skills about the job you are applying for (especially ones posted in a job listing that are relevant). 

How to Organize Your Resume  

Where you list information in a resume or CV is driven by many factors. For a curriculum vitae (CV), you may want to have your education towards the top of the document, especially if you are looking to apply for academic roles. If you are still in school or newly graduated, it is good to keep your education towards the top of the document as well.  If it has been more than five years since you graduated with an undergraduate degree, it is fine to not list your education on the first page.  

For some fields and undergraduate roles, an “Objective” section is not necessarily included. This statement is more common with graduate resumes applying for roles in academia. If you are seeking a professional job outside of academia, whether you have an undergraduate or graduate degree, it is more typical to have a “Qualifications Summary”— or an “in-a-nutshell” articulation of your relevant skills, at the top of your resume. You can think of this section as a “mini-cover letter” summarizing everything you have to offer to an employer. 

Key Tip: Make sure to look up the proper title of your institution when including it on a resume or CV. This can be found on the “branding guides” of most institutional websites.  

What Details to Include on Your Resume  

For both graduate student and undergraduate resumes, you are expected to expand on work-related experience. List the specifics of your work and interpret how it was useful to your employer.  If you are applying to roles in research-oriented fields, do not shy away from jargon or specialized detail. Your goal is to portray yourself as an insider to those with a technical, specialized understanding matching or surpassing yours. This is particularly true for graduate students applying for academic roles.  

Key Tip : Students who recently graduated with an undergraduate degree or current graduate students should prioritize internships, education and training, and transferrable skills in their resumes/CVs. Undergraduate students should prioritize academic projects, education and their GPA (if 3.0 or above), and technical skills that pertain to their major. 

No matter where you are in your academic or professional career, it is always important to start from the basics when writing or editing a resume or a CV. Include the relevant information about the job you are applying to. If you are ever worries about page limit, structure, or what details I recommend creating a resume with all your relevant information in a Word Document, stop by the Career & Co-op Center , and one of the Career Peers will support you in editing, discussing, and revising your materials. 

Key Tip : Undergraduate students can come for 15-minute drop-ins (no appointment needed) to meet with a career peer and get advice for their resume on the spot. Available in UCC 450, O’Leary 105 as well as virtually.  

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NCC's Career Leadership Experience is a free course designed to develop skills that will give you the   EDGE   in the workplace.

The Career Leadership Experience prepares students for life after NCC through:

  • Career exploration activities to learn more about yourself, your interests, values, personality, and skills and careers that are potential fits.
  • Development of professional documents for your job search including a resume, cover letter; a LinkedIn profile; strong interview skills, networking, and job search skills.
  • Setting career goals - short term and long term.
  • Acquiring experience through experiential learning opportunities - informational interviews, job shadows, internships; involvement in college clubs/organizations, community organizations.

Students will develop career readiness skills that ALL employers look for in their employees and that all students, regardless of major, need to take their career or academic aspirations to the next level. The program includes videos, articles, and assignments designed to give you practical professional tools and employability skills. It’s divided over two semesters; both Level 1 and Level 2 are offered every semester, so they can be completed consecutively or with semester breaks in-between. Modules and assignments are self-paced.

Throughout the experience, students will have opportunities to engage with employers and practice their career skills. Students who complete the program will be awarded Certificates of Completion, a letter of recommendation, and priority job shadow selection.

Career Leadership Experience Flyer and Outline   (PDF)

For more information, fill out this   interest form   and a member of the Career Development team will follow up with you.

Ready to enroll?   Register here .

First Impressions Clothing Boutique

Need professional attire? Schedule an appointment at NCC’s First Impressions Boutique for FREE new and gently used professional clothing. Contact Fran Maiatico at 610-861-5481 or email:   [email protected]

Bethlehem Campus - College Center 101 Monroe Campus - Kapp Hall, Room 020N.1

Interested in donating clothing? We gladly accept appropriate donations of business clothing, including:

  • Coordinated skirt and pant suits less than three years old
  • Blouses, dress shirts and shells
  • Interview and work appropriate separates, such as blazers, jackets, shirts, pants and skirts
  • Unopened hosiery
  • Jewelry, scarves, ties and other accessories
  • Briefcases and professional looking handbags

Alumni Services

Get lifetime access to career development resources.

Alumni are encouraged to continue taking advantage of our services and resources. Refine your career goals, sharpen your resume, and pursue job opportunities.

  • Programs and Events
  • Job Listings
  • Resume and Cover Letter Critique
  • FOCUS 2 - an easy-to-use online career self-assessment system that can help you explore your values, interests, personality, and skills and their relation to possible majors/programs and careers.
  • The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) - Alumni must complete the assessment at their own expense. A Career Counselor will meet with the alumnus and interpret and advise.

Faculty Resources

Have to be off campus? Don't cancel class!

Faculty members who need to miss class can contact Career Development to request a presentation. Our staff will come to your class and facilitate a presentation on topics including:

  • An Overview of Career Development Services and Resources
  • Developing Attention Getting Resumes/Cover Letters
  • Successful Interview Skills
  • Using Social Media in the Job Search

Complete and submit   this form  at least 2 weeks before your class, if possible.

Career Services on Blackboard

Career Services has created a space on our Blackboard community page for faculty! Find resources on core competencies (soft skills), career exploration, and professional development to incorporate into your curriculums. To access resources, you can self-enroll in the community page using the following instructions:

  • Click here .
  • If prompted, log in to Blackboard using your normal credentials.
  • After logging in, the page will refresh. Click the "submit" button.
  • Click "ok" to be redirected to the Career Services Blackboard page.
  • Next time you log in to Blackboard, the “Career Services” link will be listed under "My Communities".

Services for Employers

Ready to hire?

NCC's Center for Career Development can help connect you with qualified prospective employees and build a recruitment pipeline of talented students. Our services for employers include:

  • Free job postings via   Handshake  for internships and full and part-time employment.
  • Job Fairs including fall and spring job fairs at both the Monroe Campus and Bethlehem Campus.
  • Information Tables/Sessions - Schedule an information table to distribute company information and meet casually with students. Or consider scheduling an information session to promote your employment openings and increase the visibility of your company.
  • Individual Interviews - Supply us with a job description and required qualifications, and we will collect resumes from qualified students and alumni. We can also schedule individual interviews for you on campus.
  • On Campus Recruiting - Contact us to schedule an on-campus recruitment visit.
  • Career Development Events- Engage with students at one of our many events including career panels, mock interviews, and networking events.

Employer Resources

  • Best Practices for Online Job Postings
  • National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE)   Principles of Professional Practice
  • Join   Handshake

On Campus Recruiting Policy

Failure to follow the below guidelines may result in NCC recruitment privileges being revoked:

  • All on-campus employment recruiting tables must be coordinated through the Career Services office.
  • Employers are asked to remain at the recruiting table and not to aggressively approach students. A maximum of two representatives at the recruiting table.
  • Scheduling table space must be completed at least two (2) weeks in advance.
  • We do not allow organizations that promote positions with commission-only compensation.
  • Companies that promote fee-based opportunities or those that require initial investments to be paid by student to gain employment is prohibited.
  • No third-party recruiting agencies that do not disclose the hiring entities that they represent.
  • Multi-level marketing opportunities are not to be promoted on campus.
  • Selling any type of product, merchandise or services is prohibited.
  • Job posting is without verifiable email addresses. This includes organization emails that do not correspond with their website or from generic email services, such as gmail, yahoo, etc.
  • Employer does not have a working website.
  • The opportunity involves unauthorized solicitation, posting of materials, or sale of products and services.
  • The job requires payment or an investment fee.

Services for the Community

We're here for you too!

Even if you aren't an NCC student or alum, you can still benefit from the expertise and guidance of our professional career counseling staff. We offer the following services to the public at affordable prices:

  • Career testing and counseling
  • Myers Briggs Personality Type Indicator (MBTI)
  • Job search strategies
  • Resume consultation
  • Workshops on career development topics

For more information, contact us at 610.861.5344.

NCC Career Resources

Take advantage of all of our resources we have available to assist with  career exploration and planning, searching for jobs and internships, building your resume and more. Our team will make sure you're prepared to land the job you want and have the skills to be successful.

what is different resume and cover letter

With 120+ high-quality programs at a highly affordable cost, you can build specialized skills to advance in your career path — fast. And with flexible class formats and convenient locations, it's never been easier to join us.

  • Schedule a Visit
  • Virtual Tour
  • Request Info

Northampton Community College 3835 Green Pond Road Bethlehem PA 18020 610.861.5300

© Northampton Community College

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COMMENTS

  1. Resume vs. Cover Letter: What's the Difference?

    Image description What is a cover letter? A cover letter is a detailed document that shows hiring managers your desire for a particular job. It is an opportunity to demonstrate more of your personality than you can on your resume.

  2. Cover Letter vs. Resume: How Are They Different?

    A. Header List your contact details (name, phone number, email address) in your cover letter header. B. Salutation The best cover letter opening is Dear [Mr./Ms./Mx] [Hiring Manager's Name]. Using the hiring manager's name is an easy way to make a good immediate first impression and show that you've done your research.

  3. Resume vs Cover Letter: How They're Different

    Necessity 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.

  4. What's the Difference Between a Cover Letter vs a Resume?

    Table of Contents What's the difference between a cover letter and a resume? A resume is factual and brief. Think of it as a list of your professional skills and experience. A cover letter, on the other hand, is more detailed. It lets you tell employers why you're the best person for the job.

  5. The Difference Between a Cover Letter and a Resume

    A cover letter is written in a letter format including a salutation, several paragraphs, and a closing. Unlike a resume, you should use the first-person to write your cover letter. (That said, avoid using "I" too much.) What a Resume Includes Your resume should provide employers with a detailed list of your work experience and education.

  6. Cover Letter Vs Resume: Here Are The Key Differences

    Here are the key differences: 1 - Structure of a resume vs cover letter The most obvious difference is that the cover letter looks different than the resume.

  7. A Resume vs Cover Letter: Differences and Examples

    Remote jobs Urgently hiring jobs View more jobs on Indeed Resume vs cover letter To help you understand the differences between the two and the components to include in each document, here are the definitions of a resume vs cover letter: What is a resume? A resume is a brief document that summarises who you are as a professional.

  8. Resume vs. Cover Letter: Definitions and Key Differences

    Here's the difference in definitions for a resume vs. cover letter: Resume definition A resume is a document that summarizes a candidate's professional qualifications. Typically in one page, the candidate describes their previous employment history, educational background, skills, certifications, and professional goals.

  9. Cover Letter vs Resume

    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 ...

  10. Cover Letter VS. Resume -What's The Difference?

    TABLE OF CONTENTS 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.

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    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 ...

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  13. What Is a Cover Letter? (And What To Include in One)

    1. Application cover letter This is the most common type of cover letter that candidates use to apply for a job. This traditional style includes details about your professional experience that are relevant to the requirements of the job post.

  14. Cover Letter Vs. Resume: Which Should You Use?

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  15. Cover Letter vs Resume

    As previously discussed, resumes and cover letters are different, but complimentary documents. When used together, they enhance each other, with the cover letter providing depth and character to the list of experiences provided by a resume. Taking this into consideration, the tone of the documents is different as well.

  16. What is a Cover Letter? Definition & Examples

    Written By Conrad Benz Reviewed By Emily Crowley Most jobs require you to submit a cover letter with your application. But what exactly is a cover letter? Read on to learn what a cover letter is, what you need to include in yours, and all about the different types of cover letters. August 2, 2023 Build My Cover Letter Now As featured in *

  17. Cover Letter vs. CV: Definitions, Differences and Tips

    One page vs. multiple pages A cover letter comprises one page. Writing a short cover allows a candidate to remain direct and precise in their wording choices. A hiring manager may appreciate this as they scan a document for relevant qualifications.

  18. Resume vs. Cover Letter

    A resume is a document with information about your education, work experience, achievements, hobbies, and contact details. In your résumé, you need to include a detailed list of your past employers and what you did for them, as well as your education and qualifications.

  19. What is the Difference Between Resume and Cover Letter

    by Hasa. 4 min read. The main difference between resume and cover letter is that a resume is objective while a cover letter is subjective. Job seekers usually send resumes and cover letters when they are applying for a particular job. A resume lists information about a job applicant's education, qualifications, and experience, while a cover ...

  20. CV vs Cover Letter: What's the Difference?

    Table of Contents When applying for a job, you have a couple of opportunities to show the recruiter your best side. Those two chances are your cover letter and your CV. Needless to say, you need to hit a bullseye with both of them.

  21. CV vs Cover Letter: What Are The Differences?

    1. Purpose Have a look below at the differences between a CV and a cover letter's purpose: Purpose of a CV A CV's purpose is to provide the recruiter with an overview of your skills, experience, and educational background. A CV should summarize your entire career.

  22. How to Write a Cover Letter That Will Get You a Job

    Approaching your cover letter like this can make a huge difference in your job search. It can be the thing that moves your application from the "maybe" pile (or even the "no" pile) to the ...

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    Select a template that catches your eye and use our Resume Builder to add ready-made content from certified professional resume writers.. Ultimately, a well-designed resume is easier to read, appealing to recruiters and more likely to survive applicant tracking systems (ATS).. We recommend scanning your resume with our free ATS resume checker to receive instant feedback on opportunities for ...

  24. 3 Ways an Undergraduate Resume is Different from a Graduate Resume

    You can think of this section as a "mini-cover letter" summarizing everything you have to offer to an employer. Key Tip: Make sure to look up the proper title of your institution when including it on a resume or CV. This can be found on the "branding guides" of most institutional websites. What Details to Include on Your Resume

  25. Center For Career Development

    Developing Attention Getting Resumes/Cover Letters; Successful Interview Skills; Using Social Media in the Job Search Complete and submit this form at least 2 weeks before your class, if possible. Career Services on Blackboard. Career Services has created a space on our Blackboard community page for faculty!

  26. Health Care Cover Letter Examples and Templates for 2024

    How To Write a Health Care Cover Letter. A great health care cover letter has five main elements: 1. Heading. Use a professional template to enhance the style and presentation of your cover letter. Be sure your heading includes: Your name, title, and contact info; The current date; The addressee's details; 2. Salutation.

  27. Executive Assistant Cover Letter Examples and Templates for 2024

    How To Write an Executive Assistant Cover Letter. In most cases, your cover letter should have five sections in this order: 1. Heading. At the top of the page, include: Your name and contact information; The date; The addressee's name, title, company, and contact information