The Resume

A resume is the document you can use to highlight your education/training, skills, experiences, and accomplishments that look good or relate to your future employment/career goals. Resumes are usually very structured and specific, and writers often spend a lot of time refining and revising the information they wish to include. 

The main purpose/goal of a resume is to convince an employer to give you an interview -- it is not meant to explain everything about you that would get you the job. If your resume does its job, you'll be able to share more information at the time you meet the employer face-to-face. — Summarized from Writing Resumes and Cover Letters

The Cover Letter

Cover letters can be printed or emailed, and they are oftentimes the first impression an employer has of you (it's often presented with that resume, and it's read first). This is the document that gives a narrative introduction to your ability to communicate your interest in applying, your knowledge about the job you want/company, and what you know about the particular field. This is a very brief and professional (formal) document, and it's often a piece of writing folks spend a lot of time revising — making sure it has all the most convincing information. After all, first impressions mean a lot to future employers. — Summarized from Writing Resumes and Cover Letters

Learn More

1. Academic Cover Letter Shape
2. Email Etiquette
3. Personal Statements
4. Professional Letter Shape
5. Revision Strategies
6. Writing Resumes and Cover Letters