by In today's job market hiring is highly competitive. You will need to present yourself in a professional manner and put your best foot forward to stand out to potential employers.
Most job-seekers focus on creating two documents: a cover letter vs a resume. These are two different tools but each plays a critical role in your job search.
However, many wonder "Is a cover letter and resume the same thing?"
In this article, we will discuss what is a cover letter and resume, similarities and differences between a cover letter and a resume, their individual roles, and give you tips on using them together and separately.
What is a resume?
A resume is a document that summarizes an applicant’s education, qualifications, skills, and experience.
It makes it easy for an employer to review an applicant’s background and decide if they merit an interview. This type of document is always one or two pages long and is a snapshot of your career.
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A well-structured resume contains several essential components.
Contact information
This information should be up-to-date and easy to find, to allow employers to reach out to you. Place it at the top of the page.
- What to include:
- Full name. Use a professional format, e.g., "John Doe".
- Phone number. Ensure it’s a reliable number where you can be reached.
- Email address. Write an email (e.g., john.doe@email.com).
- LinkedIn profile. If applicable, add a link to your LinkedIn profile.
- Location. You can specify your city and state.
Example:
Joyce Dennett
Phone: (555) 123-4567
Email: joycedennett@email.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/joycedennett
Location: San Francisco, CA
Professional summary or objective
A brief opening statement should summarize your professional background or highlight your career goals.
- Professional summary: Best for experienced candidates; focuses on skills and achievements.
Example: "Dynamic marketing professional with over 5 years of experience in digital marketing strategies and a proven track record of increasing online engagement by 40%."
- Objective statement: Best for entry-level candidates; outlines your career aspirations.
Example: "Recent college graduate with a degree in Business Administration seeking to leverage analytical skills and passion for data analysis in an entry-level marketing analyst position."
Work experience
This is perhaps the most important section of your resume.
List your work experience in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent position.
- Clearly state your position.
- Include the name of the organization where you worked.
- Specify the city and state (or country) where the company is located.
- Use the month and year format for the dates of employment (e.g., January 2020 – December 2022).
- Bullet points are great for listing the core tasks and responsibilities of a job, but don’t forget to address the outcome of your work.
- Begin each bullet point with powerful action verbs like "achieved," "developed," "led," "implemented," or "managed."
Example:
Retail Sales Consultant
Retail Mart, Austin, TX
May 2016 – May 2018
- Assist customers in product selection, leading to a 10% increase in sales during peak holiday seasons.
- Train new employees on sales techniques and customer service protocols, contributing to improved team performance.
- Manage inventory and restocked merchandise, reducing stock discrepancies by 20%.
- Develop and implement an in-store promotional campaign that increased foot traffic by 25% and boosted sales of featured products by 15%.
Customer Experience Associate
Fashion Hub, Dallas, TX
June 2015 – April 2016
- Provided personalized customer service that increased satisfaction ratings by 30% through positive interactions.
- Maintained visual merchandising standards, resulting in a more appealing shopping environment and a 15% increase in impulse purchases.
- Assisted in organizing store events, attracting over 200 attendees and generating additional sales revenue of $5,000.
Sales Support Specialist
Gadget World, Houston, TX
January 2014 – May 2015
- Supported daily store operations, including cash handling and inventory management, ensuring a smooth and efficient workflow.
- Educated customers about product features and benefits, leading to a 20% increase in average transaction value.
- Collaborated with team members to create eye-catching product displays, enhancing overall store aesthetics and boosting sales by 10%.
Education
This resume section is important because it will let a potential employer know about your academic background, credentials, and any training that supports your ability to perform the role.
It is especially important if you’re early in your career or if the job requires a certain level of education or special certifications.
Plus, successfully graduating from university or training program shows you are capable of and committed to following through on long-term commitments.
- List your highest degree first. If you have a Master's degree, put that before your Bachelor's diploma.
- Include the full name of the institution and its city and state (or country if outside the US).
- If you've graduated, write the date. If you're still pursuing the degree, use the expected graduation date.
- If applicable, add any academic honors such as cum laude, dean’s list, or scholarships.
- Put your coursework if it is directly related to the job and you are applying with little experience.
- Write GPA only if it is above 3.5 and you’re a recent graduate. It is less important for experienced professionals.
- Incorporate any professional certifications or licenses that are relevant to the position.
- If you completed a thesis, dissertation, or other major projects, mention them.
Example:
Master of Science in Computer Science
University of California, Berkeley, CA
Graduated: May 2023
- Relevant Coursework: Machine Learning, Advanced Algorithms, Data Mining, Cloud Computing
- Thesis: "Optimizing Neural Networks for Real-Time Image Processing"
- Honors: Graduated with Distinction
Bachelor of Science in Information Technology
University of Texas at Austin, TX
Graduated: May 2021
- GPA: 3.8/4.0
- Honors: Dean’s List (2019–2021)
- Study Abroad: Exchange program at University of Edinburgh, Scotland (Spring 2020)
Certifications:
- Google Cloud Professional Data Engineer (2023)
- AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate (2022)
Skills
The skills section helps to align your abilities with the employer’s needs, especially if they are looking for candidates with particular technical competencies.
Many companies use ATS software to screen resumes for specific keywords. If your application includes the right terms, it’s more likely to make it through to the hiring manager.
Employers don’t have time to read line by line about your job history, so this part is a quick summary of your credentials without them having to examine your entire document.
- Hard skills are job-specific, technical, and quantifiable knowledge needed to perform a job. They are typically learned through formal education, training, or on-the-job experience.
- Soft skills are more general abilities related to how you interact with other people and manage your work. They are harder to quantify but just as important as they impact how well you can work within a team or solve problems in the workplace.
Hard skills:
- Data Analysis
- Programming (Python, Java)
- Project Management (PMP)
- SEO/SEM Optimization
- Graphic Design (Adobe Photoshop)
- Accounting and Financial Reporting
- Web Development (HTML, CSS, JavaScript)
- CRM Software (Salesforce)
- CAD Design
- Cloud Computing (AWS, Azure)
Soft skills:
- Communication
- Leadership
- Problem-Solving
- Time Management
- Adaptability
- Teamwork
- Conflict Resolution
- Creativity
- Critical Thinking
- Emotional Intelligence
Additional sections
| Section | Purpose | When to Include |
|---|---|---|
| Certifications | Highlights professional certifications relevant to the job. | When you have job-specific credentials (e.g., CPA, AWS Certified). |
| Volunteer Experience | Showcases unpaid work that demonstrates skills or passion. | If you’ve done significant volunteer work, especially related to the field. |
| Awards & Honors | Shows achievements and recognition. | When you’ve received awards, scholarships, or honors worth noting. |
| Publications | Records articles, papers, or books you’ve authored or co-authored. | If you’ve published relevant content (e.g., in academic or industry journals). |
| Languages | Outlines proficiency in foreign languages. | When you’re fluent or have working proficiency in multiple languages. |
| Projects | Highlights specific projects that demonstrate skills. | When you’ve worked on relevant projects outside of your job or education. |
| Professional Affiliations | Details memberships in industry groups or associations. | If you belong to industry-specific organizations or groups (e.g., IEEE, AMA). |
| Conferences & Workshops | Demonstrates ongoing learning and participation in your field. | When you’ve attended or presented at relevant events. |
| Technical Skills | Lists specialized tools, software, or technologies you know. | If the role requires advanced technical expertise (e.g., software development, engineering). |
| Hobbies & Interests | Shows personality and cultural fit. | Only if relevant or helps demonstrate soft skills like teamwork or creativity. |
Resume examples
Johnathan Miller
Chicago, IL | (312) 555-7890 | john.miller@email.com
Professional Summary
Results-oriented marketing professional with 10+ years of experience in digital marketing, brand management, and customer analytics. Adept at leading cross-functional teams, driving campaigns, and improving brand engagement.
Professional Experience
Digital Marketing Manager
Spark Digital Solutions – Chicago, IL
January 2020 – Present
- Lead a team of 8 marketing professionals to create and execute digital strategies across social media, SEO, SEM, and email marketing channels.
- Increase website traffic by 35% and improved lead conversion rates by 22% through targeted campaigns and optimization of user experience.
- Spearhead the launch of a new product line, managing a $500,000 budget and driving a 40% increase in quarterly revenue.
- Analyze customer data and market trends to refine marketing efforts, resulting in a 25% boost in engagement across social platforms.
Marketing Specialist
BlueWave Technologies – Chicago, IL
June 2016 – December 2019
- Developed and managed marketing campaigns for B2B and B2C clients, focusing on brand awareness and customer acquisition.
- Collaborated with the sales team to create targeted content, resulting in a 15% increase in qualified leads.
- Utilized Google Analytics and CRM software to measure and report on campaign performance, optimizing strategies to reduce cost per acquisition by 18%.
- Assisted in organizing company-sponsored events, increasing attendance by 30% and generating positive media coverage.
Marketing Coordinator
Lakeview Marketing Solutions – Evanston, IL
January 2014 – May 2016
- Coordinated and executed multi-channel marketing initiatives, including email campaigns, social media content, and direct mail.
- Conducted market research and competitor analysis to identify growth opportunities for clients.
- Managed relationships with vendors, designers, and external agencies to ensure timely delivery of marketing collateral.
- Supported the planning and execution of community outreach events, increasing brand visibility in the local market.
Education
Bachelor of Science in Marketing
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign – Urbana, IL
Graduated: May 2013
Skills
- Digital Marketing Strategy
- Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
- Pay-Per-Click (PPC) Advertising
- Google Analytics & AdWords
- Social Media Marketing
- Email Marketing Automation
- Content Creation & Copywriting
- Customer Relationship Management (CRM)
- Data Analysis & Reporting
Certifications
- Google Ads Certification – Google (Issued: July 2024)
- Certified Digital Marketing Professional (CDMP) – Digital Marketing Institute (Issued: March 2023)
- HubSpot Content Marketing Certification – HubSpot (Issued: August 2021)
Awards & Achievements
- Top Marketer of the Year (2023) – Awarded by Spark Digital Solutions for exceptional performance in driving revenue growth.
- Employee of the Month (March 2019) – BlueWave Technologies, recognized for launching a successful lead generation campaign.
What is a cover letter?
A cover letter is a written document that is usually submitted along with a resume when applying for a job.
Its purpose is to introduce you to a prospective employer and explain how your skills, qualifications, and experiences make you a good candidate for the job.
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Build My Cover LetterHere’s a more detailed breakdown of each part of a cover letter, including formatting tips and what to add there.
Header
It should be formatted like a formal letter and include your contact information followed by the date and the employer’s data.
Your contact information:
- Name
- Address
- Phone number
- Email address
- LinkedIn profile (optional)
Employer’s contact information:
- Hiring manager's name
- Company name
- Company address
Salutation
The salutation is the formal opening of your letter to the prospective employer.
If possible, you should always address the letter to a specific person and not use "To Whom It May Concern" or "Dear Sir or Madam". If you do not know the name, just write "Dear Hiring Manager".
Introduction
In the first paragraph, you should grab the reader’s attention. Clearly state what position you are applying for and where you heard about the job (e.g., from the job board, a company website, or a referral).
Tips:
- Keep it brief (2-3 sentences).
- Make a connection to the company or position.
I am writing to express my interest in the Marketing Coordinator position at JumboSports, as advertised on your careers page. With a Bachelor’s degree and over three years of experience in digital marketing, I believe I am a strong candidate for this role.
Body
The body of your cover letter is usually one to two paragraphs that contain the specifics of your qualifications and why they are a good match for the job.
Highlight specific experiences or accomplishments that align with the job description.
Use quantifiable achievements when possible.
Discuss any additional skills or experiences that would benefit the employer. You might also address why you want to work for the company or what you admire about it.
Example:
In my previous position at Olson's Corporation, I successfully managed social media campaigns that increased engagement by 30% and led a project that resulted in a 15% increase in website traffic.
My skills in content creation and analytics would be a great asset to your team, especially in developing innovative marketing strategies. I admire your company’s commitment to sustainability and would be excited to contribute to such impactful initiatives.
Closing
In the last paragraph, restate your enthusiasm for the position and express your desire for an interview. This is also a good place to thank the employer for their consideration.
Example:
I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to your company and am eager to talk about how my background, skills, and enthusiasms align with the goals of your team. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of discussing my candidacy further.
Signature
The closing should include a formal sign-off, followed by your name.
- If you are sending a physical letter, leave space for your signature above your typed name.
- If it’s an email, a typed name is sufficient.
Sincerely,
Kyra Ferguson
Cover letter examples
Difference between resume and cover letter
Cover letter vs resume summary:
| Aspect | Resume | Cover Letter |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Summarizes work experience, education, skills, and qualifications. | Introduces yourself, explains your interest in the position, and highlights relevant experiences. |
| Length | Typically 1-2 pages long. | Usually 1 page long. |
| Content | Lists experiences, education, skills, and certifications in bullet points. | Written in paragraph form, detailing your motivations and fit for the role. |
| Tone | Formal and straightforward, focused on facts. | More personal and narrative, often expressing enthusiasm and personality. |
| Customization | Tailored to highlight relevant skills and experiences for each job application. | Specifically customized for each position, explaining why you are a good fit. |
| Structure | Organized with clear sections (e.g., Objective, Work Experience, Education). | Typically includes an introduction, body, and closing paragraph. |
| Visuals | May include bullet points, bold text, and headings for clarity. | Generally formatted as a standard letter with paragraphs. |
| Focus | Emphasizes qualifications and achievements. | Emphasizes motivation, cultural fit, and personal connection to the company. |
| Review Process | Often reviewed first by ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). | Reviewed by hiring managers or recruiters for personal insight into the candidate. |
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Build My Cover LetterWhen to use resume vs cover letter?
Resume
- Job applications. Always include it when applying for a position, whether through job boards, company websites, or in-person submissions.
- Networking events. Bring copies of your resume to job fairs or networking events to hand out to potential employers or contacts.
- LinkedIn profile. Your resume can serve as a basis for your LinkedIn profile, highlighting the same skills and experiences.
Cover letter
- Job applications. Always use it when the posting specifically requests one. Even if it’s not required, submitting a cover letter can set you apart from other candidates.
- Unique circumstances. If you’re changing careers, addressing gaps in your employment, or if you have a compelling story that connects you to the role or company, an accompanying letter is a good place to explain that.
- Direct applications. When applying directly to a company, especially if you have a contact there, a cover letter can help you make a personal connection.
For most cases, it’s best to use both to provide a comprehensive view of your qualifications. However, don't forget to check the job listing for specific application instructions.
Conclusion
Understanding the difference between a cover letter and a resume is important for any job seeker.
A resume is a short summary of your professional history, while a cover letter is a chance for you to detail your qualifications and make a personal connection with employers.
Both resume vs cover letter can come together to make you unique in a sea of candidates. If you understand cover letter and resume difference, you could be the one who makes an impression and gets an interview.
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