The Difference Between a Cover Letter and Resume - ZipJob

The Difference Between a Cover Letter and Resume Spread the loveWhat exactly is the difference between a cover letter and resume? If youre in search of a job, then you need to have both. Although both should outline your experience, skills and  qualifications they should do so differently.  Well discuss exactly what the difference is and what to focus on in your resume vs. cover letter.The Major Difference Between a Resume and Cover LetterA resume is a more detailed overview of your work history which includes work experience, skills, education and other relevant information. A cover letter is a brief summary of who you are, how youre qualified and why youre a good fit for the position. Your cover letter is more of an introduction to your resume and should be written effectively to have a hiring manager look into your resume in more detail.(We wrote a good post on what a good cover letter looks like here)Another major difference between a resume and cover letter is the format. The cover letter is usually 3 4 paragraphs written in a more subjective and conversational tone.A resume should contain numerous  sections and bullet points rather than paragraphs.Whats Included in a Resume Vs. a Cover LetterThere is certain information thats included on a resume that shouldnt be on a cover letter:SummaryYour resume should include a well written summary that highlights some of your major skills, qualifications and achievements.Core Competencies and SkillsYou should list out relevant core competencies and skills on your resume. You shouldn’t list out all your competencies and skills on a cover letter but you can include some throughout.Detailed Work HistoryA resume should contain a relevant and detailed work history section. Remember to mention specific accomplishments throughout the resume rather than listing job duties. There could be hundreds of other candidates and you need to show the hiring manger why you’re the best fit. This is best done through showing quantifiable achievements and how you went above and b eyond expectation.A cover letter could mention one or two major achievements, but save the specific details for your resume.For example, on a cover letter, you could mention how you increased sales by x, but your resume would go into more detail on how you did that.EducationYour resume should contain a detailed  education section  where you list degrees, schools you attended and the dates. You could briefly mention  your degree and school on a  cover letter.4 Tips to Keep in Mind When Writing a Resume Vs. a Cover Letter#1 RepetitiveDon’t repeat your resume word for word on a cover letter. Use a more conversational tone and mix it up a bit. Your cover letter is about telling the employer who you are, how you’re qualified and why you’re the best fit. Save specific details for your resume.#2 Keep Your Cover Letter ShortYour cover letter should be 3 â€" 4 paragraphs long and never go past 3/4 of a page. Again, save the details for your resume and keep your cover letter short, co ncise and relevant.#3 Make a Good ImpressionThe cover letter may be the first impression you have on an employer. Make sure you utilize captivating language and speak in 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 invite for an interview.#4 SubjectiveThe cover letter should contain more subjective information than a resume. You could mention certain things that you simply couldn’t on a resume. You could mention how you found the position, why you’re passionate about that position or industry and a more subjective explanation of why you’d make a good fit.The cover letter is a good way to add a more human touch to the application. The cover letter allows you to tell a short story of why you deserve the job, where a resume is a more detailed and direct outline of your experience, skills and other information.Good luck with you r job search!