Cover Letter vs. Resume
What’s The Difference?
What is it?
Your cover letter is a subjective story connecting you to this position and company. It answers the question why you? Why this job? And how are you uniquely qualified?
How Long Should it Be?
Max 1 page
Format
Letter format
- Dear Hiring Manager (Bonus points if you get their name)
- Intro – start with a strong hook that makes them want to read more
- Body – connect your story to WHY you want this specific job and why YOU are uniquely qualified for it
- Finish off with a thank you and how they can reach you
- Signature
What Not To Include
You don’t want your cover letter to be a repetition of your resume. You will be writing it assuming that they will want to read your resume after.
What is it?
Your resume is an objective account of your work experiences, skills, and accomplishments. It is a document of the facts to back up your cover letter.
How Long Should it Be?
Max 1-2 pages
Format
Broken down by sections and subheadings:
- Contact info
- Summary – why you are uniquely qualified
- Skills – keywords that match the job posting
- Work Experience – this is not just tasks but what your accomplishments and the greater result for the company
- Education
What Not To Include
You do not need to include a lot of personal information on your resume. Any personal information that links you to the company or job position (like your values, vision, and mission) can be included in your cover letter.
Unfortunately, the way we have been taught (IF we were taught) how to write cover letters and resumes is no longer useful or relevant. It has changed a lot! For more info on writing a resume click here writing a resume click here for more info on writing a cover letter click here.
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