In today’s competitive job market, it’s important to have a well-crafted resume and cover letter to stand out from the competition. But for many job seekers, the question remains: which should come first – the resume or the cover letter?
The answer isn’t as simple as it may seem. The answer depends on the job you’re applying for, the company you’re applying to, and the industry you’re targeting. In some cases, the cover letter may be more important than the resume, while in others the resume may be more important. It’s important to understand the differences between the two and how they can be used to your advantage in the job search.
Contents:
Which is First Resume or Cover Letter?
| Situation | Which is First? |
|---|---|
| Traditional Job Search | Resume |
| Networking for Referrals | Cover Letter |
| Informational Interviews | Cover Letter |
| Highly Competitive Jobs | Resume |
| Applying to a Recruiter | Resume |
| Applying to a Company Directly | Resume |
| Applying to a Company Online | Resume + Cover Letter |
What is a Resume?
A resume is a document that provides a summary of your professional experience, education, and skills. It is usually the first document that employers look at when considering job applicants. It should be concise, well-written, and tailored to the job you’re applying for. A resume should include contact information, work history, education, and any applicable certifications or awards.
What is a Cover Letter?
A cover letter is a short letter that accompanies your resume when applying for a job. It is usually the first document an employer sees and should be tailored to the specific job you’re applying for. A cover letter should include an introduction, a brief description of yourself and your qualifications, and a conclusion. It should also explain why you’re a good fit for the position and encourage the employer to read your resume.
When Should You Use a Resume?
A resume should be used when applying for a traditional job search. This includes applying to job postings online, attending job fairs, and submitting your resume to recruiters. A resume should be tailored to the job you’re applying for and highlight your relevant experience, education, and skills. It should also include your contact information and any awards or certifications you may have.
When Should You Use a Cover Letter?
A cover letter should be used when networking for referrals, attending informational interviews, and when applying to a company directly. A cover letter should be tailored to the specific job you’re applying for and should explain why you’re a good fit for the position. It should also explain why you’re interested in the company and encourage the employer to read your resume.
When Should You Use Both a Resume and Cover Letter?
When applying for highly competitive jobs or applying to a company online, it’s important to include both a resume and a cover letter. A resume should be tailored to the job you’re applying for and include your contact information, work history, education, and any applicable certifications or awards. A cover letter should be tailored to the specific job you’re applying for and should explain why you’re a good fit for the position. It should also explain why you’re interested in the company and encourage the employer to read your resume.
When it comes to deciding which should come first – the resume or the cover letter – the answer isn’t always clear cut. It depends on the job you’re applying for, the company you’re applying to, and the industry you’re targeting. In some cases, the cover letter may be more important than the resume, while in others the resume may be more important. It’s important to understand the differences between the two and how they can be used to your advantage in the job search.