BLOG

Career Planning

Cover Letter vs. Resume: How They Work Together to Get You the Job

March 28, 2024

In the job market, making a strong first impression is crucial, and your application package is your initial introduction to potential employers.

You’re probably familiar with the concept of a resume as a way to show your skills and employment history. You may be less sure how to handle when a job you’re interested in requires a cover letter as part of your application.

In this article, we’ll go over the differing formats and purposes of a resume and cover letter and explain how to write a basic cover letter that will maximize your chances of getting the job you want.

Cover Letter vs. Resume: Understanding the Differences

A resume and a cover letter should support each other to show the value you can bring to an employer’s organization, and they may reference some of the same things. However, they have very different structures and serve different purposes.

Content and Structure

Basically, a cover letter is a personalized one-page document that communicates your interest in the job and the company, showing why you are the ideal candidate.

A cover letter:

Narrates specific stories or examples that showcase your skills and achievements.
Offers the opportunity to explain how your experiences align with the job requirements.
It gives a snapshot of your personality, motivation, and enthusiasm, tailored to the specific job and company you’re applying for.

On the other hand, a resume is a concise, factual summary of your professional history, including work experience, skills, accomplishments, and education.

A resume:

Lists your professional experience, educational background, and skills in a structured format, often starting with your most recent job and moving backwards (although other formats exist).
Focuses on specific achievements and responsibilities held in past roles.

Purpose in the Application

A cover letter functions as a direct appeal to the hiring manager, explaining why you’re interested in the position and making a case for your candidacy by explaining how your skills and experience are a good fit.

Your resume serves as a reference document for employers to assess your qualifications and career background in more specific detail.

Composing a Basic Cover Letter

A basic cover letter is a personalized document that accompanies your resume and is your opportunity to introduce yourself and express your interest in a specific position.

A basic cover letter follows a simple structure:

Introduction: Open with a greeting to the hiring manager, if known, and state the position you’re applying for.
Body: This section should answer why you’re the perfect fit for the job. Outline your relevant experience, skills, and achievements that make you an ideal candidate. Make sure to align this with the job description.
Conclusion: Reiterate your interest in the position and how you’d be a valuable asset to the team. Close with a call to action, encouraging the employer to contact you for an interview.

While not all job postings require a cover letter, including one if you have the option can significantly boost your application. The cover letter breathes life into the structured data of your resume, allowing you to connect your factual achievements with the needs and values of the prospective employer.

Leverage ICT’s Lifetime Career Support Services

At Interactive College of Technology, we understand the importance of standing out in a competitive job market. That’s why we offer lifetime career support services for all of our program graduates, including resources for crafting impactful resumes and cover letters. We also provide personalized coaching, arrange interviews, and even help in negotiating job offers.