Are cover letters or resumes more important?

Both cover letters and resumes hold significance, but the resume is generally the mandatory document when applying for jobs. Each document can help employers assess your fit for a role.

Do I need to submit a cover letter with a resume?

Although not always required, including a cover letter with your resume is strongly recommended. It could be the distinguishing factor that sets you apart from competitors.

Do employers read a resume or cover letter first?

Employers typically review a cover letter before a resume.

Cover Letter Vs. Resume: What’s The Difference?

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Cover Letter vs. Resume: What’s the Difference?

When applying for a job in 2026, most employers expect candidates to submit both cover letters and resumes. These documents are your chance to showcase your personality, skills, qualifications, certifications, education, and experience. They form the first impression an employer will have of you as a professional.

To create a compelling job application, it’s essential to know how to craft both an impactful cover letter and a resume. While both serve critical roles in your application, they have distinct purposes. This article explores the differences between the two and the unique function each serves.

Cover Letter	Resume
Often recommended to enhance your application, though not always mandatory. A strong cover letter can differentiate you from other applicants.	Usually a required document when applying for jobs.
Emphasizes your motivation for the job and the unique skills you bring to the table.	Focuses on detailing your qualifications, including work experience, education, skills, and achievements.
Structured like a formal letter addressed to your potential manager.	Organized into distinct sections with headers for easy navigation.

What Is a Cover Letter?

A cover letter is a personalized document that outlines who you are as a candidate, what you seek in a job, and how your specific skills align with the position. It allows you to provide further context about your qualifications and express your enthusiasm for the role.

While cover letters are often optional, submitting one demonstrates your eagerness for the opportunity and can set you apart from other candidates. In certain cases, a well-crafted cover letter can be the deciding factor in securing an interview.

Ideally, a cover letter should not exceed one page, typically three to four paragraphs or 300 to 500 words. Here are some key elements to include:

Professional heading. Start with your full name, address, phone number, email address, and, if relevant, your LinkedIn profile or other professional social media handles.
Salutation. Use a professional greeting. If you know the hiring manager’s name, address them accordingly. If not, opt for “Dear Hiring Manager” or “To Whom It May Concern.”
Compelling introduction. Grab attention right away by introducing yourself and specifying the job you’re applying for. Mention any relevant experience early to convey your enthusiasm.
Reason for applying. Share what attracted you to the job posting, whether it’s the position itself, the company culture, or your passion for their products or services.
What you offer and a strong closing. Highlight your accomplishments and relevant statistics that might entice the hiring manager to look deeper into your resume. End with a professional sign-off.

The structure of a cover letter differs from that of a resume. It resembles a formal letter, with an introduction, body paragraphs containing the information listed above, and a closing paragraph.

Depending on the job, your cover letter can also reflect your personality. Tailor your tone to suit the company culture—if the organization values creativity and personal expression, feel free to incorporate that into your writing.

What Is a Resume?

A resume is a comprehensive document that details your work experience, achievements, education, and skills. It outlines your responsibilities and accomplishments in past roles, demonstrating the value you brought to previous employers.

Resumes are formatted to present your employment history clearly. They typically include your contact information, a list of job titles along with descriptions of your duties, and the dates of employment. Additionally, a section on education highlights your academic background and any relevant certifications.

Resumes are usually written in the third person and employ concise language to convey your professional journey. Depending on the industry and role, you might also include relevant qualifications, certifications, or professional memberships.

To keep your resume effective, it’s best to limit it to two pages, ensuring it’s neatly formatted for easy scanning by hiring managers. Key sections to include are:

Contact information. Ensure your header contains all necessary details for the hiring manager to reach you, including full name, address, email, phone number, and relevant social media profiles.
Objective or career summary. Tailor this section for the specific job you’re applying for, highlighting your key qualities, skills, and accomplishments that you want to stand out.
Education. Include your educational background, listing the institution’s name and location, the highest degree earned, your major and minor (if applicable), and any relevant extracurricular activities or honors.
Work experience. This is typically the most substantial section of your resume. List your job titles in reverse chronological order, along with the company name, location, employment dates, and bullet points outlining your responsibilities and achievements.
Skills section. Highlight both hard and soft skills that are relevant to the position, showcasing your versatility and ability to contribute in various ways.

Resumes are often a prerequisite for job applications. Depending on your industry, different formats may help you stand out. Keep your tone straightforward and professional to ensure clarity for hiring managers.

Cover Letter vs. Resume FAQ

Are cover letters or resumes more important?

Both cover letters and resumes hold significance, but the resume is generally the mandatory document when applying for jobs. Each document can help employers assess your fit for a role.
Do I need to submit a cover letter with a resume?

Although not always required, including a cover letter with your resume is strongly recommended. It could be the distinguishing factor that sets you apart from competitors.
Do employers read a resume or cover letter first?

Employers typically review a cover letter before a resume.

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Author

Caitlin Mazur

Caitlin Mazur is a freelance writer at Zippia. Caitlin is passionate about helping Zippia’s readers land the jobs of their dreams by offering content that discusses job-seeking advice based on experience and extensive research. Caitlin holds a degree in English from Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, PA.

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