Cover Letter vs. Resume: What Are The Main Differences

Before your job search,

Two documents often take center stage: the cover letter and the resume.

These dynamic duos of the professional world play distinct but equally crucial roles in landing your dream job. But what sets them apart? 

Learn the main differences between the cover letter and resume and craft an application that leaves a lasting impression.

What is a Cover Letter?

Ah, the elusive cover letter! 

You’ve heard about it, but you might need a clearer idea of what it is.

A cover letter introduces potential employers, highlighting your qualifications, skills, and enthusiasm for the position. 

A well-crafted cover letter can make a significant difference in getting noticed and securing that coveted interview especially in Singapore.

Cover Letter Sample

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What A Cover Letter Includes

When writing a cover letter, it’s essential to include specific elements to make it effective and engaging.

Here are 6 essential components that a cover letter should have:

1. Application Title: Given that all cover letters these days are transmitted digitally, there’s no need to include things like address, date etc. 

Instead, add a clear title, like:

“Application for role of Regional Sales Director at Raffles Software”

2. Salutation: Begin your cover letter by addressing the hiring manager. It’s the virtual handshake of your cover letter. If you don’t have a name, use a generic greeting like “Dear Hiring Manager.” 

3. Introduction: Start strong with a captivating sentence. Mention the specific job you are applying for and explain how you learned about the position. Briefly express your enthusiasm for the role and the company.

4. Body Paragraphs: Highlight your relevant skills, experience, and accomplishments. Focus on what you can bring to the organization. Show, don’t just tell, how you can contribute to the company’s success.

5. Closing Paragraph: Finish strong by reiterating your enthusiasm for the position and expressing your desire for an interview. Be confident but not pushy. 

6. Signature: Sign off with a courteous farewell and follow it up with your name. (Sincerely, Best Regards, etc.) Leave space for your handwritten signature if you are submitting a hard copy.

What is a Resume?

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

Along with your schooling and credentials, your resume must also include a thorough summary of your previous employers and the tasks you performed for them. 

Crafting an effective resume is a crucial step in the job application process, as it provides a snapshot of your professional history and capabilities.

Resume Sample

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What A Resume Includes

When writing a resume, you should include these specific elements:

1. Contact Information: Your resume should begin with your name, phone number, email address and LinkedIn URL. Including your address or current city is optional. 

2. Objective or Summary Statement: A brief overview of your career goals and what you can bring. Think of this as the movie trailer for your career. Summarize your professional life in a few lines.

3. Education: This section includes details about your academic background, such as the names of institutions attended, degrees earned, majors or fields of study, graduation dates, and academic achievements.

4. Work Experience: List your previous job positions in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent. Make sure to Include:

• The names of employers
• Job titles
• Dates of employment
• Concise description of your responsibilities
• Accomplishments in each role

5. Skills: Highlight technical and soft skills relevant to the job you’re applying for. These could range from programming languages and software proficiency to communication and leadership skills.

6. Achievements and Awards: If you’ve received any honors, awards, or recognitions in your academic or professional life, this is the place to showcase them. Include details such as the award’s name, the organisation or institution presenting it, and the date.

7. Certifications and Training: Mention any relevant certificates, licenses, or specialised training that demonstrate your qualifications for the job.

8. Languages: If you are proficient in languages other than your native tongue, especially if it’s relevant to the job, list them here, along with your level of proficiency.

9. References: While it is only sometimes necessary to include on the resume, you can indicate that references are available upon request.

Cover Letter vs Resume Differences

Navigating the job hunt can feel like exploring uncharted territory. And two essential tools in this adventure are your resume and cover letter. 

We’ll walk you through the distinct purposes, formats, and when to use each so you can confidently set sail in your job search journey. 

Let’s dive in!

Different Purposes

Employers use resumes to swiftly assess your talents and determine whether you are qualified for a position. 

You can present a complete picture of who you are as a person and a candidate in your cover letter. 

To understand the difference between a cover letter and a resume, consider their functions:

• A resume summarises your work history and qualifications, giving the hiring manager a factual overview of your professional background.
• A cover letter on the other hand, lends a voice to your application. It’s a personal statement that allows you to make a case for your candidacy, such as why you want to work for this company and how you can contribute.

Format

Correctly formatting a cover letter is crucial. 

It’s more than just a list; it’s a formal letter to a potential employer and typically fits on one page.

In contrast, a resume has a narrower format. 

It concisely summarises your background and qualifications, containing only essential information. 

Its presentation and visual appeal are vital. A resume is typically one to two pages long.

Resumes and cover letters adhere to distinct structures and formatting guidelines:

• A resume is a structured document comprising segmented sections, presenting data through concise bullet points. 
• A cover letter typically has three or four paragraphs. Optionally, you can include a “PS” line beneath your signature.

Tone

Cover letters have a personalised approach that helps employers better understand you and your abilities before an in-person meeting. It addresses your future employer directly.

Imagine it as a preview of your job interview: be friendly and confident while maintaining professionalism.

• Resumes generally adopt a more formal tone, often written in the third person, for added objectivity. 
• A cover letter is your professional narrative, and it’s expected to be written in the first person, using “I.”

Most companies use an initial screening process: Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).

They are used to scan resumes before they reach human recruiters, making resumes better suited for a machine’s understanding. 

A resume is straightforward, with you listing off your background and qualifications.

On the other hand, cover letters are explicitly crafted for human readers, offering a personal touch that sets you apart.

Resumes use a professional tone, while cover letters are more conversational.

Content

A resume gives a thorough picture of your educational and professional background. 

List most or all relevant skills and work experiences that apply to your current job search. 

A cover letter should focus specifically on the job you’re applying to. It should also focus more on present and future objectives.

Your cover letter allows you to introduce yourself, share your passions, and demonstrate how you can contribute to the company, making your job application more personal and engaging.

Although some details may be found in both papers, a cover letter often focuses more on present and future goals, while a resume lists previous employment and achievements.

A Cover Letter Complements Your Resume

A well-crafted resume can suffice for job applications, but enhancing it with a cover letter demonstrates your commitment and superiority for the role. 

A cover letter expands on the most important information provided in your resume and strengthens it. 

The differences across resumes are more subtle. However, cover letters draw greater attention. Good ones stand out. 

It can improve your overall application and help the recruiters make their hiring decision.

More importantly, many recruiters prioritise candidates who submit cover letters. 

Hiring managers say cover letters make them more likely to pay attention to an application.

The extra effort needed to submit a cover letter hints to the recruiter that this candidate is serious about the role.

When it comes to cover letter vs resume, always have a cover letter to complement your resume.

Now you’re ready to send out your job application! Be prepared for your job interviews and learn the secrets hiring managers won’t tell you about getting a job in Singapore.