difference between cv and resume and cover letter

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• Resume and Cover Letter
• Resume vs Cover Letter: How...

Resume vs Cover Letter: How They're Different

8 min read · Updated on January 25, 2024

Knowing how a resume and cover letter work together can increase your chances of standing out

A resume and cover letter are essential job marketing tools that allow you to grab the attention of prospective employers and make a solid first impression. Where a resume provides an objective and concise overview of your work history, knowledge, skills, and overall qualifications, a cover letter formally introduces you to the employer and summarizes your work experiences related to your resume. It also discusses why you're interested in the position and why you're a suitable candidate. 

These two complementary documents are similar in a few ways and very different in others. In this post, we'll cover the following to provide clarity around cover letters vs resumes:

Cover letter vs resume: what are the similarities?

Cover letter vs resume: what are the differences?

What can a cover letter convey that a resume can't?

What's the difference between a cover letter, a resume, and an application letter? 

Cover letter vs resume: what are the similarities? 

As noted, a cover letter and resume are both career marketing tools, provided to prospective employers, that give the opportunity to make a strong first impression. Here are a few additional similarities between the two:

Both are meant to sell your skills and experience to entice employers to bring you in for an interview

The heading and contact information provided in a cover letter should match what's provided in a resume

When both a cover letter and resume are submitted as part of a job application, they're submitted together

Each document should use a similar style in terms of colors, font type , and font size to provide a cohesive package

Both documents should be tailored to each job you apply to

Both your cover letter and resume should include keywords from the job description.

These few points are where the similarities between a cover letter and a resume end. 

When considering a cover letter vs resume, there are five significant differences between them. They are

Layout and structure

Tonality , tense and orientation.

A resume is a requirement and necessity for virtually all job applications. A cover letter, on the other hand, is highly recommended but isn't necessarily required unless the job application specifically requests the inclusion of a cover letter. It's also possible to come across some job postings that specifically ask you not to include a cover letter. If you come across such an instance, even if you're tempted, don't include it unless you want to risk immediately going into the “no” pile. 

Unless specifically asked not to, in most instances it's in your best interest to include a cover letter with your resume. It shows you care about the position and can help to make your application stand out from the competition. 

The purpose of a resume is to provide the employer with a concise overview of your relevant work history, skills, and other qualifications. It focuses on your past and how it applies to your potential to succeed in a new job. 

Your cover letter should focus only on the job you're applying to - it serves as an introduction to you and your resume. With your cover letter, you have the opportunity to showcase a bit of your personality, further summarize your resume, and emphasize why you're interested in, and the right fit for, the job. 

In a nutshell, a resume shows the employer how your experience fits the role and a cover letter tells them why it does. 

Another main difference between a cover letter vs resume is the layout and structure of each. A resume typically uses bullet points without paragraphs or large chunks of text. There are also standard resume formats to choose from. A cover letter is written in paragraph form, with a layout similar to any professional business letter you might write.

Resume layout and structure

A resume uses one of three resume formats - reverse chronological, functional, or hybrid - with specific sections that are required within each format. The most commonly used is the chronological format, which includes the following sections:

Contact Information

Resume Headline

Resume Summary

Core Competencies

Work Experience 

Additional optional sections sometimes included on a resume are IT Skills, Volunteer Experience, Special Projects, Certifications, Training, Awards, Publications, and Hobbies & Interests. 

For more tips on how to write an effective resume with several resume examples to review, refer to “ How to Make a Resume: Beginner's Writing Guide with Examples .”

Cover letter layout and structure

A cover letter ranges from 300 to 500 words and should be written using the same format as any professional business letter. The key sections of a cover letter include:

The header with the date, the employer's address, and your contact information

A salutation directed to a specific individual when possible

An introduction paragraph where you introduce yourself, share why you're interested, and emphasize why you're an ideal candidate

The body paragraphs - the most crucial section of your cover letter - where you summarize your qualifications and how they make you an ideal candidate to meet the job requirements and demands, in one to two paragraphs

A conclusion paragraph , where you'll conclude with appreciation and a call to action

The closing , with a professional closing salutation and your name

For more detailed information on how to write a cover letter with a cover letter example, refer to “ How to Write a Cover Letter (With Example) .” 

Your cover letter, unlike your resume, addresses the employer directly and with a tone that's more personable than a resume. The exact tone you go with for your cover letter should reflect the industry and organization to which you're applying, though it's still good to showcase some personality. When doing so, ensure you still keep it professional and don't be too personal to the point that it distracts from the letter's overall goal and ability to leave a positive impression. 

The tone of a resume is straightforward and objective. It offers the reader specific details about your past work history, key qualifications, and skills. 

A resume is mostly past-oriented, meaning that it focuses largely on your past work history and experiences. Much of a resume is written in the past tense, as well. 

A cover letter is written primarily in the present tense. The focus of a cover letter is more on the present and future, including mentioning current and future objectives. 

What can a cover letter explain that a resume cannot?

As noted, where a resume shows how you're a good fit for the job, a cover letter can discuss why you're a good fit. Also, a cover letter can explain details about your resume that you might not have had space for on the resume. For example, if you listed a work experience bullet point with a great accomplishment, yet you weren't able to highlight the challenges you overcame for that significant achievement, that might be something to include in the cover letter if it adds value and is relevant. 

Cover letter vs resume vs application letter

In addition to a cover letter and resume being part of your arsenal of career marketing tools, you might also be wondering where an application letter fits in - especially since some confuse an application letter with a cover letter. 

What is the difference between a resume and an application letter?

As mentioned, a resume is a document required for job applications and provides a succinct overview of your work history and credentials. An application letter provides a detailed overview of your work history and credentials in a letter format and is typically not used in conjunction with a resume.

What is the difference between a cover letter and an application letter?

Though a cover letter and application letter share similar features, they're different in content and purpose. A cover letter complements a resume and provides an introduction to yourself and an overview as to why your qualifications make you a good fit for the job. It's sent with the resume as part of the application process. 

An application letter is more detailed and dives deeper into an applicant's work history and qualifications. It's common to send an application letter to an employer of interest, even if they don't have any job openings at the time. In other words, it's sent outside of the application process and often expresses interest in working for the organization. 

The structure is similar to a cover letter, because they're both professional business letters. However, since the intent of a cover letter and application letter differs, the content focus is different between the two. 

Cover letter vs resume: yes, you need both (with rare exceptions)

Now you know the similarities and differences between a cover letter vs resume and the purpose of each. You also know that, in most instances, it's best to submit a cover letter with your resume when applying for jobs. Including both helps you to set yourself apart from others in a tough job market and make a positive first impression on hiring teams! 

Wondering if your resume and cover letter complement each other the way they should? Our team of TopResume experts can help you to ensure that both showcase the correct elements to help you land the interviews you desire. You can even submit your resume for a free review   to get started!

Recommended reading: 

How to List Certifications on a Resume (with Examples)

How to Start a Cover Letter that Grabs Attention

How to Include Relevant Coursework on a Resume (with Examples)

Related Articles:

Do Hiring Managers Actually Read Cover Letters?

How to Create a Resume With No Education

Why You Lose When You Lie on Your Resume: Learning From Mina Chang

See how your resume stacks up.

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Cover Letter vs. CV

A CV (curriculum vitae) is different from a cover letter in that a cover letter is more concise and a CV is fairly detailed. While a CV includes detailed information about a person's educational background and work experience, a cover letter is a more concise document expressing interest in the job being applied to.

Comparison chart

Differences between a cv and cover letter.

A cover letter is an introduction to yourself with regard to the job opening you are applying for. Cover letters are generally one page at most in length, divided into a header, introduction, body, and closing.

Curriculum Vitae may include a cover letter along with other details which are important when applying for international jobs, fellowships, grants, research, scientific and academic positions. The CV is used to screen applicants, often followed by an interview, when seeking employment.

A cover letter includes general details about a person like name, contact information, educational and professional qualification, work experience and career goal or what a person is looking for in terms of a job profile. A cover letter should not be confused with a resume as it does not include all the details of a resume. The cover letter should have enough details so that it complements the Curriculum Vitae and also interests the person reading it.

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Resume vs. Cover Letter - What you need to know

If you’re in the job market or applying to go to college or university, you’ll have heard about resumes and cover letters ; they’re key to the process. They go hand in hand because what you include in one is likely to be mirrored in the other, but they are very much different beasts and need to be treated as such.

You need to know what the key differences between the documents are so that you can get both of them on point.

Things can get baffling real quick when you enter the job market for the first time or are applying for work after a long career break. Don’t worry, we’re here to answer the burning questions, like:

• What is a resume vs a cover letter?
• Should a resume or a cover letter go first?
• What are the resume and cover letter differences?
• What are the resume and the cover letter purposes?

And finally, should you choose to use a resume, cover letter, or both?

Let’s get into this! We’ll start with a table that puts the basics together to keep things simple, read on the get to the full lowdown.

Want to get into specifics? Here we go…

Define a Resume

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

In your résumé, you need to include a detailed list of your past employers and what you did for them, as well as your education and qualifications. Point out the great stuff you achieved in your past roles, often this is the best tool to boast and show how you can add value in a role.

Pro-Tip Bulleted lists are a great way to keep your resume slick and concise, it also makes it more readable to potential employers - no sifting through long paragraphs. Feel like it’s going to take forever? In five minutes our resume builder will have you off to a flying start.

So Then, a Cover Letter is…?

Also, something that you use to help get a job, it’s a letter that you use to give your future employer more detailed information about yourself by way of an introduction. You normally attach it along with your resume, giving an overview of what’s in there that’s relevant to the role and giving them a reason to read the resume through.

It should only last three to four paragraphs, giving brief information so the employer can get to grips with your background and understand how you’d fit into the organization. Besides, you have to show your interest and motivation to work in this particular company.

Pro-Tip Make sure you pay attention to the job requirements for the role you’re applying for and tailor your cover letter to highlight your skills, qualifications, and experience that make you perfect for the job.

Resume and Cover Letter - Key Differences

Often, the easiest way to understand the difference between a resume and a cover letter is to get to grips with what you actually need them for:

A resume is a summary of your previous jobs, education, and training and shows the hiring manager reading it who you are as a professional. Think of it like the “product”.

A cover letter is the sales pitch for your resume, giving the recruiter reasons why what you’ve done in the past makes you a perfect hire for the role. Tell them why you want to work for them and how you’re going to help develop their business.

A resume is typically written in a formal style, using the third person and you should use as few words as you can to get your experience across, keep it short and simple. Most resumes you see will have: a list of contact deets; a collection of your past experience with your job title, your key responsibilities, and achievements, and the dates you worked in each role; a list of your education and professional qualifications; and any other relevant information like volunteering or professional association memberships.

Your cover letter is there to pull out exactly what is in your resume that will make you the perfect hire. You’re writing a letter rather than a factual list so format it properly, with an appropriate greeting - ideally with the name of the recruiter - using paragraphs and a polite sign-off. Your cover letter needs to be in the first person, but don’t overuse “I”, focus on the reader instead.

Pro-Tip When you’ve got facts to boast about, use them. Include details like how many people you supervised, how you raised the productivity levels, and how much you exceeded your targets; details give you credibility.

Are There Any Similarities Between Resumes and Cover Letters?

Absolutely! The main job of a resume and a cover letter is to help you get an interview invitation.

Reading this, you’re probably thinking whether a resume and cover letter need to be prepared and handled differently. As much as these documents have two very different functions, which are important to know about, there are things that are needed in both to get you ready to make it big in the role of your dreams.

Some of the main tips are: both of them need to be accurate, focus on the key activities and actions that you did, and of course, your spelling and grammar need to be on fleek.

Pro-Tip Both in your cover letter and your résumé, use definites when talking about you and your skills, rather than “I believe” and “I think” use assertive words like “I achieved”.

Key Takeaway

Look at your resume as an overall picture of your career until now and see your cover letter as a summary of why your experience is related to the job that you’re actually applying for. Here’s a rundown of the important bits you need to remember when looking at the differences between a cover letter and a resume:

• Your resume is a historical account of your work until now, using bullet points and broken down into sections.
• In your cover letter, you go into more detail, giving insight into your work history in a personalized letter.
• A resume is a list of qualifications and achievements - a cover letter describes them.
• Keep a resume formal and direct; make your cover letter personal to the reader.
• Cover letters are a complement to a resume and are standard practice to send out - hiring managers to expect them.

Hopefully, with the tips given above, we’ve helped you navigate your way through choosing the right document for the right purpose when you want to apply for a job and introduce yourself as a perfect candidate for the desired position. We’ve got classic resume templates for you to try out and make your curriculum vitae look professional, the perfect one is waiting for you!

Browse examples 🔎

Not sure whether you need a CV or a resume? Wondering are resumes and CVs the same thing? We’ve got a detailed guide and useful tips ready for you!

Need ideas for what to include in a resume? Go through our full guide, packed with pro-tips and insider tricks to get you into that job you’ve been dreaming about!

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What Is the Difference Between a Resume and a Cover Letter?

• Resume vs. Cover Letter

What a Resume Includes

What a cover letter includes.

• Use a Cover Letter to be Subjective

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What's the difference between a resume and a cover letter? Both a cover letter and a resume share the common purpose of proving that you have the right skills to excel at the job for which you are applying.

However, there are clear distinctions between the structure and intent of the two documents. Job seekers should view their cover letter and resume as a complementary but unique pair of documents. That is, your cover letter should be more than just bullet points regurgitated from the resume. 

Many employers require that a resume is submitted with a job application. 

A cover letter may not be required. But, including one when you apply for a job can help your chances of getting selected for an interview.

The Difference Between a Resume and a Cover Letter

You can think of your resume as a general summary of your work experience and your cover letter as a summary of your work experience as it relates to the job at hand. 

A resume is a document that itemizes your employment history. It summarizes the jobs you have held, the education you have attained, certifications, skills, and other quantifiable information about your background and work experience. 

The most common  resume format  is a list with your contact information, and experience section that includes job titles, position descriptions, dates of employment, an education section, and other relevant information.

Typically, a resume is written in the third person and uses as few words as possible to summarize the experience. So, instead of writing "I supervised the large buying team at XYZ company" a resume would have a bullet point that says, "Supervised 19-person buying team."

Whenever possible, you'll want to use numbers on your resume, such as the number of people you supervised, percent sales increased, the number of customers helped, etc.

A cover letter is written to highlight the qualifications you have for the job for which you are applying. It is used to provide the employer with additional information as to why you are a good candidate for the job. The main function of your cover letter is to show off how your qualification makes you a match for the job. 

A cover letter is written in a letter format including a salutation, several paragraphs, and a closing. Unlike a resume, you should use the first-person to write your cover letter . (That said, avoid using "I" too much.)

Your resume should provide employers with a detailed list of your work experience and education. The skills and accomplishments associated with each job you have held should be described in enough detail to show employers how you have added value in those specific roles.

Often, resumes provide information in bulleted lists; this helps make the document concise and allows recruiters to scan through it quickly. 

A cover letter is a short three or four paragraph document. It should be written with the assumption that employers will consult your resume to match it to the statement you are making in the letter about your qualifications.

A cover letter will help employers to interpret your background as represented on the resume and will help prove how your previous experiences qualify you for a job.

When you are writing a cover letter for a job, first review the job requirements that are detailed in the job posting. Use your cover letter to explain how you meet those criteria.

Use a Cover Letter to Convey Subjective Information

A resume states the facts – who, what, when, and how. In contrast, a cover letter provides an opportunity to explain why you are qualified for the job. This document adds a bit of color and personality and is intended to persuade employers that you're a good fit for the position at hand. 

A cover letter is a better vehicle than a resume to convey more subjective information like the basis of your interest in a position, how your values motivate you to pursue a job, or why the culture of a company appeals to you.

Your cover letters will help you sell your qualifications to prospective employers while your resume provides the details to back up the information included in your letters.

CV vs Cover Letter: Differences, Similarities & Which One to Use

What is a CV?

What is a cover letter, cv vs cover letter – what do they have in common, cv vs cover letter – what are the differences.

You are ready to go for your dream job, and you plan to nail it in no time.

But to do so, you need some really strong application documents, as the competition for all jobs is increasing by the minute.

To do so, you need to understand the difference between your CV and cover letter, and use them to the full extent.

At first glance, it may seem like they are the same document, as they both have the goal to present you as the best candidate for the job.

But that’s not actually true.

In this article, we are going to find out:

• What are the similarities between a CV and cover letter?
• What are the differences between a CV and cover letter?

To get a better understanding of both documents, and perfect your own, you should learn how to create a killer cover letter , and use our CV Builder to create an eye-catching CV .

But if you are ready to learn what are CV and cover letter, and what differentiates them, stick around.

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That question may be a little more complicated than you might think. What a CV is actually depends on what part of the world are you at.

In the US, a CV is a very detailed document that presents all your experience, skills, and educations, along with any other academic achievements. It is mainly used for academic or federal jobs, and it is usually 2-3 pages long.

On the other hand, in anywhere else in the world, a CV is a one-page document (or at most a two-pager, if you have lots of work experience in the field you are applying for ) that has the structure of the US resume.

Either way, your CV must absolutely include:

• Contact information
• Work experience

And you can also compliment it with sections like:

• Awards and honors
• Publications

You can also list any other sections that seem relevant and would increase your chances of getting the job.

No matter which kind of CV you are writing , its main purpose is to clearly present your qualifications to the hiring manager, and make you stand out in front of the crowd of candidates.

Usually, when you are sending your CV out, you would want to include some short paragraphs to complement it and make your desire for the job even stronger in the eyes of the hiring manager.

For that purpose, we have the cover letter, which is the second most important document in your application, after the CV.

What it should include is :

• Introduction
• A paragraph that underlines your experience and skills
• A paragraph that shows why you’re a great fit for the company and the role you are applying for
• A call to action
• Professional sign-off

To do this right, you need to make sure you have provided clear and concise answers for the following questions:

• What position are you applying for and why?
• What are your most impressive, relevant skills and experience?
• Why do these skills benefit your potential employer?

A CV and cover letter can be described as two sides of the same coin.

Your primary document is your CV that shows all your experience and skills, all in one place, while the cover letter proves all the essential parts of your CV, using compelling examples.

And even though they serve a different purpose in presenting you, they have one great similarity – together they show you in the best possible light in the eyes of the hiring manager.

Now that you understand what CVs and cover letters have in common, let’s dig a little deeper into their differences, as it is crucial to understand them to get the best results.

The main difference between a CV and a cover letter are:

• CV is an extensive document that outlines the applicant’s career – their experience, qualifications, skills, competences, achievements, etc. Meanwhile, a cover letter provides only a short description of the applicant, and compliments all the important parts of the CV, using examples
• CV is a detailed document that consists of great deal of information, while the cover letter is short and to the point
• CV usually uses sections and bullet lists for all its content, but a cover letter is usually categorized into sentences and paragraphs
• CV can often not be tailored for the job position you are applying for, while your cover letter should always be modified, as it is a much more personal document that describes your interest in particular job offer and company
• CV can be spread out into more than one page, but your cover letter should never exceed one page

We are all done, now you understand what differentiates CV and cover letter, and how to use each best in your advantage.

Let’s just recap their main purposes one last time:

• CV is an extensive document that shows all your experience, qualifications, skills, and any other relevant information for the job you are applying for
• A cover letter is a much more personal document that is used to introduce yourself to the hiring manager, prove all the important parts from your CV using compelling examples, and show your great interest in the job you are applying for

They work great together, so make sure you create the best possible team for your application documents.

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• CV and Cover Letter
• The difference between CVs...

The difference between CVs and cover letters

10 min read · Updated on November 14, 2023

Is a CV a cover letter? While a CV and a cover letter share a purpose, they are different

So you're wondering, is a CV a cover letter? It's not surprising if you believe them to be similar - both documents share the purpose of showing that you're a good match for a vacancy by highlighting your experience and achievements. However, whilst they share the same aim and strongly complement each other, they are different in both format and content.

For many employers, a CV is an absolutely essential piece of kit when applying for a job, but cover letters can be optional. That said, including a cover letter with your application can dramatically strengthen your chances of success in securing an interview. According to a recent LinkedIn survey , “ 49% of hiring managers admitted that a strong cover letter convinced them to interview a candidate who had submitted a relatively weak CV.” And with “only 6% of hiring managers thinking that a cover letter is unnecessary for a job application,” in the same survey, it might be time to rethink your approach to job applications.

This CV versus cover letter article, which covers the question, “Is a CV a cover letter?” will go over all the points you should look out for when developing each. Empower yourself by using the following information, so that you can write your CV and create an impactful cover letter for use during your job search. 

Is a CV a cover letter?

The short answer to this is “no.” While they may seem similar, knowing the difference between a curriculum vitae (CV) and a cover letter is crucial in order to get the best results while you're navigating your journey of finding a new position.

To put it succinctly, your CV is a summary of your qualifications, skills, and experience from the last 10 to 15 years. It offers a short-yet-targeted overview of your career highlights that prove you're a great candidate for the job you're applying for. To do this, each piece of information on your CV should be tailored to that particular role.

CVs are commonly split into distinct sections: a professional profile, your skills, a summary of your career, and a section on your education and qualifications. Details are usually presented in snappy bullet points, led by powerful verbs, and bolstered with concrete statistics, to show off your skill set and talent.

CVs can be directly compared to the American resume. They contain the same information and serve the same function of introducing you to the HR Manager.

Cover letters are a bit different. They are primarily used to expand on your CV, to add more context, and to further explain your value. Ultimately, your cover letter is sweet-talking the HR Manager as you supply them with further evidence that proves you're an applicant who's worthy of an interview.

It also serves as an introduction. If a hiring manager reads, and likes, your cover letter, they will be more inclined to follow up by reading your CV. If your cover letter is sloppily written, doesn't offer much context, or isn't bringing anything to the table in order to encourage someone to read further, then the likelihood is that those who matter in recruitment are probably not going to seek out your CV for further investigation. This could end up being disastrous, leaving you languishing in the “no” pile before you've even got started or been given a fighting chance.

What does a CV include?

Your CV should cover four main sections, including:

Name, professional title, and contact information 

It's essential that these details are accurate and properly formatted, to ensure that the HR Manager can identify you easily and get in touch. Learn more here about how to add contact information to your CV in this article .

Personal profile

Your personal profile , located just under the contact details and at the top of the first page of your CV, should detail who you are, what you can offer the company, and your career goals, all in one tidy paragraph of about four or five sentences. CVs are written in the third person, without pronouns. This might sound a bit odd at first, writing about yourself in the third person, but it avoids the constant, “I did this,” and “I performed this” way of writing.

For example, you could write, “A versatile, tenacious, and confident Store Manager who flourishes with increased responsibility while engaging with customers at all levels.”

Experience and employment history

Your work experience should explain what you've done in your current role and your previous roles, going back to cover the last 10 to 12 years. Most importantly, it should then be expanded to feature any key accomplishments, demonstrating the value you could bring to your new role.

Education and qualifications

Your education and qualifications section simply adds finer details to prove that you're a qualified expert in certain areas, all adding up to an impressive professional skill set.

We have seen that CVs are formatted with clear headings and bullet points to keep them concise and easy to read for time-poor recruiters, who are typically swamped with hundreds of applications at a time.

What does a cover letter include?

A cover letter is different. Usually, it's a one page document, running to three or four paragraphs, that complements your CV. It normally focuses on four key elements:

What position are you applying for and why?

What are your most impressive, relevant skills, and experiences?

How will these skills benefit your prospective employer or a hiring manager?

A request for an interview

It's formatted similarly to a traditional letter, with a salutation , paragraphs, maybe some bullet points to break up the paragraphs, and a closing sentence.

However, in this digital age that we live in, where many CVs are sent directly to employers via email, the rules for cover letters are changing. If you're emailing your CV, treat the message in your email as your cover letter, rather than attaching it separately.

Email cover letters are typically more concise and can be anywhere from between 100 to 400 words long. They still tap into the four main talking points mentioned above though.

The similarities between a CV and a cover letter

We've taken a look at the differences in whether a CV is a cover letter, so let's look at the similarities.

Just like strawberries and cream or fish and chips, a CV and cover letter go well together. They detail out your achievements and experience, with the CV listing them in an easy-to-read way and the cover letter embellishing on key points, drawing attention to your brilliance. Overall, it creates a holistic view of the type of worker you are and how you might fit into the business that you're keen to get into.

Top tip: When applying for a role, make sure your CV and cover letter are two separate documents. It's not a good idea to have them running into each other within one document.

Hints on how to write a covering letter

If it's time for you to apply yourself to compiling an informative cover letter for an application, take a look at some TopCV tips on how to go about it.

Identify who to send the letter to

Writing “Dear Sir / Madam,” is so old school. Leave that where it should be… in the classroom. It shows you're proactive and willing to go that little bit further if you've found out the name of the person you need to address the letter to. OK, so it might be easy and staring out at you in black and white if the name appears on the job advert. But if it doesn't, seek out the name by either ringing the company and explaining what you're after, or tracking them down on the company website or LinkedIn.

Draft a compelling introduction paragraph

We all know that first impressions count .

Don't let a great CV be let down by a poorly written cover letter. This means you've got to wow the reader from the start. Detail how the job you're applying for fits in with your ethos, or how eager you are to work for the organisation.

Highlight specifics within your CV

Drawing attention to great results and achievements within your CV will encourage the recruitment manager to reach for that document. The beauty of a cover letter is that you can go into more detail about something, without being restricted by the writing style of a CV. You can use your own voice to convey how well you fit the role.

Match up your skills with those in the job advert

Make it clear how well your strengths and experience marry perfectly with the position in hand. Honing in on a particular detail, and relating it to your own experience, will definitely get you brownie points - and hopefully a call for an interview!

Stuff the letter full of facts and figures

Nothing pops off the page quite like a large number or a piece of tangible data, as it shows concrete evidence that you've got what it takes to fly high.

Use cover letters to demonstrate subjective, personable details

A CV is used to state the facts, giving a succinct overview of your relevant experience and achievements. A cover letter, on the other hand, provides the opportunity to elaborate on your selling points and explain your qualities and potential in more detail. It gives you that little bit of freedom, where CVs can be more narrow.

For example, if you have information you want to impart that doesn't fit into any of the sections of a CV, then you can use the cover letter to perform that duty. This could include information on your work status, when you're available to start, or if you want to disclose personal information that you feel needs to be talked about, such as if you have a disability .

But it doesn't stop there. Your cover letter offers the chance for recruiters to get to know you. Subjective details such as your writing style, your tone of voice, interest in the position, and your own values and motivations add colour to your application and help recruiters warm up to the real you.

Cover letters aren't always listed as an essential requirement on a job application. However, with a CV that proves your talent and ability, plus a cover letter that supports and sells your story, you will greatly increase your chances of impressing a prospective employer. 

The writers at TopCV certainly know their way around both CVs and cover letters. Learn more about working with an expert writer to find more success with your job-search documents, or undertake a free CV review to see how your CV stacks up. This article was originally written by Laura Slingo and has been updated by Elizabeth Openshaw.

Recommended reading:

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How long should a CV be?

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• Key Differences

Know the Differences & Comparisons

Difference Between CV and Cover Letter

The two documents are of great importance, for every candidate who wants to get a job, in the world of extreme competition. A CV and a cover letter presents the applicant, before the employer and so it must be properly drafted and written. Most people assume that the two are one and the same thing, while they are not. Just take a read of this article to know about the differences between CV and cover letter.

Content: CV Vs Cover Letter

Comparison chart, definition of curriculum vitae (cv).

A written snapshot of a person’s educational qualification, work experience, and some personal details is known as a Curriculum Vitae (CV). It is mainly used by the prospective employers to draw the career sketch of the job seekers and shortlist the deserving candidates before calling them for an interview. It contains the qualifications, skills, hobbies, experience, achievements, projects, awards, publications, extracurricular activities.

The term Curriculum Vitae is derived from a Latin word, which simply means ‘course of life’. It is used while applying for specific purposes like fellowships, advanced research, grants and so on.

Definition of Cover Letter

A letter which is attached to or sent with another document (i.e. CV or resume) and contains the summary of another document is known as Cover Letter. The cover letter is used while applying for the jobs. It complements the main document by outlining eligibility criteria fulfilled by the applicant. The document is of utmost importance; that decides whether the candidate will get a chance to meet personally or get an interview call for the said position.

Cover Letter gives a short introduction about the candidate qualifications, experience and accomplishments and interest that are required for the post applied.

Cover Letter contains the arguments that why the candidate is the best man for the job. It can be customized according to the job. It contains the details about name, contact details, educational qualifications, professional experience, prospects and so on.

Key Differences Between CV and Cover Letter

The major differences between CV and Cover Letter are explained below:

• Curriculum Vitae is a biography of a person’s career like his qualifications, skills, competencies, achievements, etc. Cover Letter is a letter which gives a short description of the applicant to the potential employer.
• CV is a detailed document, but Cover Letter is ‘to the point’ document.
• A CV includes the details about the educational and employment history of the applicant. Conversely, the cover letter expresses the interest of the candidate in the job applied.
• Normally, the size of CV is two or more than two pages. On the other hand, the length of a cover letter does not exceed one page.
• A CV cannot modify according to the job, it remains same for all jobs, whereas a cover letter can be modified according to the job.

CV and Cover Letter are complementary documents. Cover Letter gives an overview of the person’s accomplishments and shows the skills, competencies, experience and qualifications that fulfill the recruiter’s criteria. CV is the well-organized document which gives each and every detail about the background and skills of an individual. The content, format, and language used, in the two documents have a great impact on the reader’s mind. So, it would be beneficial, if the sender prepares the two documents in such a way that will impress the reader.

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Arshid says

September 1, 2017 at 6:50 am

Really helpful

February 22, 2020 at 6:49 pm

very well described and helpful. tnx

Gholam Reza Mirzaie says

September 13, 2022 at 2:08 am

Thanks a lot

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Difference between Resume, CV and Cover Letter

Resumé, CV, and cover letter are essential papers in a job search because they will prove your level of understanding and qualities to a prospective employer. However, some people are taking CV for resumé and also cover letters to be the same thing, not knowing that they all have their distinctions.

To comprehend the disparity between a résumé, CV, and cover letter, you will need to stay on this page. This article will show you the distinctions that exist between the three documents. The next time you are looking for work, you will know the correct document to present.

However, before we get to the point, we will briefly look at the CV, a resume, and a cover letter. It will serve as a foundation and guide for our discussion. Have a great time with us.

What a Résumé is

A resume is a standard paper that provides a summary of the applicant’s proficient credentials concerning a position. This includes your aptitudes, applicable work experience, remarkable achievements, and academic attainment. To convince employers the more, you can pair your résumé with a cover letter to elaborate your special skills.

In addition, a good resume should contain the following elements and format: contact details, introduction, training, employment chronology, and applicable competencies. Before you go ahead, it will be crucial you know that there are four main types of resumes. They consist of chronological resume, functional resume, targeted resume, and join resume.

What a CV Is the

CV stands for “Curriculum Vitae”. It’s a paper that contains a precise explanation of the course of your academic and skilled attainments. To create a good CV, you must incorporate your private details, schooling certificates, job history, honors and awards, skills, publication and manifestations, membership of experienced bodies, and so on.

More so, a CV is usually lengthy and comprehensive than a Resume, because the employer needs to verify the applicant’s profile based on the aforementioned reservations.  Most of them range from three pages or more. Some CVs can be up to 10 pages long.

Cover Letter

A cover letter is a motivational paper that is either attached with a CV or résumé. Such a letter covers certain vital areas in your knowledge and skills as described in your CV or resume. The aim is to exhibit to your employers your strong desire for the post and the right nominee as well. As such, you may shed more light on how your skills will fit their requirements.

However, you must be aware that cover letters are not mandatory when submitting a CV or résumé. This is an indication that you are genuinely prying to work with the establishment as we said earlier. However, this kind of paper is very significant.

At least you have fully understood what a resume, CV, and cover letter are. We will immediately look at their respective contrasts to broaden your understanding.

Variation between Resume and CV

To comprehend the distinction between a resume and a CV, we will review them in terms of length, area of importance, and amendment.

• Length of Document

A resume is shorter than the CV, as it will only include your pertinent aptitudes and qualification for a specific position. At least a page or two is enough to prepare a good resume. But on the other hand, a CV is more extensive than a resume. This is because you will provide detailed data and a description of your course work, publications, expressions, and a lot more. As we said earlier, a CV can go from 3 to 10 pages or even more.

• Area of Importance

The time and place to use a CV vary considerably. Resumes are papers that you can use to apply for jobs in the industry, either in the private sector or in the public sector. While the CV is used to look for academic roles, grants, research, or teaching posts. Individuals with a CV are primarily applicants or graduates of master’s or Ph.D. programs, researchers, or professors at a university institution.

• Modification

A CV does not change. So you can use that to apply to all sorts of jobs. But a resume is subject to modification relying on the type of job you are looking for.

Variation between a Cover Letter and Resume

The contrasts between a cover letter and resume fall into three categories: format, content, and subject matter.

Cover letters are structured into full paragraphs since they only obscure the key points of your credentials. However, a resume is structured into factions and bullets to describe specific actualities regarding your credentials. Take, for example, dates of employment.

Cover letters concentrate particularly on the position you are applying for. Therefore, this relates to your current and forthcoming goals. But a resume provides an overview of your academic achievements and your employment story. This means that you can identify your previous work and attainments in your résumé.

As we said earlier, a resume is brief facts about your knacks, although it conveys a wide range of details. It is up to the employer to promptly check if you are a suitable prospect. But a cover letter is a medium that will enable you to describe yourself as a person as well as a requester.

Variation between a CV and Cover Letter

As we said earlier, a CV is a piece of detailed facts regarding your capabilities. As it is generally long when it comes to the job you are seeking. But on the other hand, cover letters are possibilities to elaborate on your qualities. These are usually short, at least one or two pages is sufficient. But it will include your name, academic and skilled background, contact details, etc.

In addition, the CV has a different format than a cover letter. CV is usually written with bullet points because you are to list all your credentials and proficient background as mentioned earlier. But when it comes to cover letters, they just write paragraphs.

A resume, CV, and cover letter are all used to obtain employment. But each has its objective. However, for you to reach this point, it means that you have seen the contrasts between these three documents. The next time you want to search for work, you will know the correct document to present.