DECODING THE ART OF PROFESSIONAL COMMUNICATION: RESUME VS COVER LETTER

        A resume and a cover letter are the predominant factors while applying for a job and that’s our basal format of communication to the recruiter. The word “Professional” is gaining much attention nowadays in this capricious society in the field of career development. Hence, it's our responsibility to prove it and gain the attention we expect. For job seekers, it is very important to maintain a professional cover letter and resume. As a stepping stone towards that, it is crucial to distinguish between a cover letter and a resume. Both are unique and different. 

RESUME

A resume is a basic information holder that comprises your primary information from your contact details, educational qualifications, certifications, and the experiences you have gained from your previous firms. It should be in a specific format that begins with your contact details. Here is the list of details that need to be included in a resume. 

• Contact details 

The basic details include your name, email ID, phone number, and address. 

• Introduction 

A summary or note of description includes your key skills that apply to the job, also want the recruiter to read more and process to the next stage of the selection process.   

• Work experience 

After the introduction, it’s better to include the work experience you gained and this is one of the crucial elements in a resume. Listing from the most recent details to the previous ones. It should include the job title, year, and name of the company. 

• Skills 

After work experience your skills come as the next part since it can include the details that you acquired from your previous company and that should be relevant to the job applied. The more the skills the more to get attention hence it's important to acquire more skills. 

• Education 

The education details also should be from the most relevant one you completed to the previous ones. This section should include details like, the name of the college/school, year passed, and CGPA/percentage of marks you obtained during the academics. 

• Awards 

This section is completely for listing down the awards/ achievements that you received during your academics or from the previously worked firms. This is like an add-on bonus to your resume and it will help you catch the attention of the recruiter. 

COVER LETTER 

Irrespective of a resume that includes your academic and professional details, a cover letter is more a kind of formal letter that summarizes what qualifies you to be apt for that job and how well-versed you are in the respective field. A cover letter can be split into the following parts which are mentioned as follows: 

• Header 

A section that is primarily for your name, contact number, and email id. 

• Salutation 

Always remember to give a salutation before addressing someone which is an add-on profit for you. You can begin by addressing them as Dear [ Mr./Ms./Mrs.] [Hiring Manager's name]. This will help them to understand that you have done clear research about the company and it will help to get a first impression of you. 

• Introduction paragraph

Utilize this space to give details on the following hints which include, the source of the job which is like where you get the information on this job opening, how experienced are you, and why you need this job. You can also include the achievements/ awards in this space. It can be modified, whether in bullet points or paragraphs according to the requirements. 

• Conclusion 

This space decides whether you will be called for the interview or not, hence making the recruiters understand that you are very passionate about this role and how interested you are in joining the firm. 

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DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A RESUME AND A COVER LETTER

There is always confusion about whether a resume and a cover letter are the same but both serve entirely different purposes. A resume is all about details of your primary information which include contact details, academics, and achievements in a precise manner. It will be mostly in bullet points.

A cover letter is an elaborate manner of a resume and includes some additional details too. Mainly resumes are asked for the job application process but including a cover letter is never harmful rather it improves your chances of getting selected. It is also important to maintain a standard and professional resume and cover letter for a noticeable impression on you which is always a benefit for you.