Understanding the difference between a cover letter and a resume

In today's Malaysian job market, sending a good cover letter and a great resume is important to get the dream job you want. However, some people are confused about what each document is for. To stand out from other candidates, it is important to know the main differences between a cover letter and a resume. This way, you can show your skills and experiences in a focused way to potential employers.  

In this article, let us understand why it is important to know the difference between a cover letter and a resume. We will discuss what to include in your application documents, distinguish between a cover letter and a resume, and examine examples of both. 

Here is what you will find:

• What is a cover letter?
• What is a resume?
• Cover letter vs. resume
• Cover letter example
• Resume example
• Cover letter tips
• Resume tips
• Common mistakes to avoid
• Conclusion
• FAQs 

What is a cover letter? 

A cover letter is a detailed document that tells hiring managers why you want a specific job and how your skills match what they want. It shows your interest in the job opening, expresses your personality, and explains how you fit the job requirements. 

Here are the common sections of a cover letter:

• Date and contact information: Add your name, phone number, address, the date, and the employer's contact information.
• Salutation: Start with a professional greeting, such as “Dear Hiring Manager.”
• Opening paragraph: State the job you're applying for and how you learned about it.
• Body paragraphs: In the second and third paragraphs, explain why you are a good fit for the job, mentioning specific skills and experiences.
• Closing paragraph: Summarise your interest and express your eagerness for an interview.
• Closing and signature: End the letter politely and sign your name. 

Make sure you follow a professional letter format with clear sections. Use a readable font and organise the document sensibly. Use cover letters when applying for jobs unless the hiring manager specifically says not to include one. It is a chance to share your exceptional qualities and show enthusiasm for the position. 

What is a resume? 

A resume is a short document that tells potential employers about your education, work experience, and skills to help them understand if you are a good fit for a job. The purpose of a resume is to show your qualifications quickly and clearly, helping employers decide if they want to consider you for an interview.  

Typical sections of a resume include:

• Contact information: List your name, address, phone number, and email.
• Summary or objective statement: Give a brief overview of your career goals or what you can offer.
• Professional history: Add your work experience in reverse chronological order.
• Educational history: In the education section, include essential information such as degrees you earned and schools you attended.
• Skills and abilities: Highlight your key skills to show what you are good at. 

Resumes typically have clearly defined sections. They use bullet points for easy reading and a clean, professional layout. Use resumes when applying for jobs or internships. They help employers quickly see if you have the right qualifications for the position. 

Cover letter vs. resume 

Knowing the key differences between resumes and cover letters is important for your job search in Malaysia. A cover letter describes you, your qualifications, and your interest in the employment opportunity. It consists of paragraphs and focuses on the job you are applying for. 

A resume gives an overview of your education and work experience. It contains brief sections with bullet points and is usually one or two pages long. The sections highlight things such as your skills and past jobs. 

The purpose of each document is different. A resume is like a summary of your qualifications. Employers use it to quickly see if you are capable of the job. Cover letters can show the employer who you are and why you are interested in the role. It gives you a chance to talk about your personality and how you are a good match for the job. 

A resume and cover letter are important when you apply for a job. Your resume shows your experience and skills. A cover letter complements your resume and adds a personal touch by explaining why you're interested in the role and describing your future goals. Together, they make a strong job application that tells the employer about your professional background and how you are distinct from other applicants. 

Cover letter example 

Here is an example cover letter that can help you write one: 

Norshilah Binti Salleh 

C-05-01 iTech Tower,  

Jalan Impact, Cyber 6, 

63000 Cyberjaya, Selangor 

Phone: (016) 867-3301 

Email: [email protected] 

Date: January 11, 2024 

Mark Chong 
XYZ Company 
27, Persiaran Perdana, Aras 4, 

Blok Podium Presint 4,  

62618 Putrajaya, Putrajaya 

Dear Mark Chong, 

I am writing to express my interest in the marketing coordinator position at XYZ Company, as advertised on your website. With a bachelor's degree in marketing and three years of experience in digital marketing, I am confident in my ability to contribute to your dynamic team. 

In my previous role at ABC Marketing Agency, I successfully executed digital campaigns that resulted in a 20% increase in online engagement for clients. My proficiency in social media management, content creation, and data analysis aligns well with the requirements of the marketing coordinator position at XYZ Company. 

I am impressed by XYZ Company's innovative approach to marketing, and I am eager to bring my skills and creativity to contribute to your continued success. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss further how my qualifications make me an ideal person for this role. 

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to scheduling an interview to discuss how my skills and experiences align with the needs of XYZ Company. 

Sincerely, 

Norshilah Binti Salleh 

Resume example 

Here is a sample resume that can inspire yours: 

Norshilah Binti Salleh 

C-05-01 iTech Tower, Jalan Impact, Cyber 6, 63000 Cyberjaya, Selangor 

Phone: (016) 867-3301| Email: [email protected] 

Summary: 

Dynamic and results-oriented marketing professional with a Bachelor of Science in Marketing and three years of experience executing successful digital marketing campaigns. Adept at social media management, content creation, and data analysis. Seeking the marketing coordinator position at XYZ Company to contribute to innovative marketing strategies and drive online engagement. 

Professional Experience: 

Digital Marketing Specialist | ABC Marketing Agency, Seremban, Negeri Sembilan| May 2021–present 

• Executing and managing digital marketing campaigns for clients, resulting in a 20% increase in online engagement. 
  Conducting data analysis to assess campaign performance and make strategic adjustments for optimization. 
  Collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure cohesive brand messaging across digital platforms. 

Marketing Assistant | Maze Solutions, Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan| July 2019–April 2021

• Assisted customer service representatives in developing and implementing marketing strategies to promote products and services.
• Coordinated events and promotional activities, enhancing brand visibility and customer engagement.
• Created compelling content for social media platforms, increasing brand awareness. 

Education: 

Bachelor of Science in Marketing | Sunway University, Petaling Jaya, Selangor | May 2019 

Skills:

• Digital marketing
• Social media management
• Data analysis
• Content creation
• Brand promotion 

Professional Memberships: 

Member, Digital Marketing Association Malaysia 

Languages: 

Fluent in Malay and English 

Cover letter tips 

Writing an effective cover letter is crucial when applying for a job. Use the tips provided below to create a compelling cover letter that highlights your qualifications and helps you stand out from other applicants: 

Tailor it to the job opening 

Customising your cover letter to match the specific job you are applying for is essential. Research the specific company and job description to understand the needs and requirements. Highlight your relevant skills, experiences, and accomplishments that align with the position. This shows the employer that you are genuinely interested in the role and have taken the time to tailor your entire application. 

Keep it to one page 

A cover letter should be concise. While including all your accomplishments is tempting, it is best to focus on the most relevant ones. Aim to keep your cover letters within a single page to maintain the reader's attention. Use a brief introductory paragraph, and separate important points to make it easy to read and understand. 

Address it to the right person 

Address your cover letter to a specific person, such as the hiring manager or recruiter. Avoid generic salutations like “To Whom It May Concern” or “Dear Sir or Madam.” Research the company's website or online profile to find the correct recipient's name. Addressing the cover letter to a specific individual demonstrates your initiative and attention to detail. 

Expand your resume 

Your resume provides insight into your professional skills and experience. But your cover letter is where you can talk more about what you have achieved and how it relates to the job. You can also explain the reasons behind your successes and discuss any breaks or changes in your career. Just do not repeat what you have already written in your resume. 

Resume tips 

Creating an impactful resumé is crucial in displaying your qualifications. Remember, your resume is a marketing tool designed to highlight your qualifications and secure a job interview. 

Here are some tips for writing an effective resume: 

Tailor it to the job 

Customise your resume for each job by highlighting the skills, experiences, and accomplishments that match its requirements. Review key points in the job description and research the company to know what it wants in an applicant. Adjust your resume accordingly to show how you meet the company's needs. 

Keep it to one page 

Keep your resume concise and limited to one page, unless you have extensive experience or are applying for an academic or research position. Employers usually have limited time to review resumes, so ensure the most important information is easily accessible and well-organised. 

Use action verbs 

Begin each bullet point with strong action verbs. Words such as “achieved,” “implemented,” or “managed” show that you are proactive and take initiative. This creates a dynamic and engaging resume that showcases your capabilities. 

Quantify data 

Whenever possible, use quantifiable data to demonstrate your accomplishments. This adds credibility and helps employers understand your impact in previous roles. For example, instead of saying “increased sales,” specify “increased sales by 20% in six months.” Numbers provide a clear context for your achievements and demonstrate your effectiveness. 

Common mistakes to avoid 

Avoiding common mistakes can improve the overall quality and impact of your cover letter and resume. This can maximise your chances of securing interviews and employment opportunities. 

Here are some things to watch out for:

• Only submitting one document: Sending only a resume or cover letter is a mistake. Send both to provide a complete view of your candidacy.
• Not personalising to the job: Tailor your cover letter and resume to the specific job you're applying for. This helps you distinguish yourself as a strong applicant.
• Not proofreading: Spelling, grammar, and formatting errors can undermine professionalism. Always proofread the two documents or ask someone else to do so.
• Repeating information on both documents: Avoid duplicating information. Use the cover letter to provide context for your resume.
• Ignoring keywords and job requirements: Use relevant keywords from the job description in your application. This helps you get past applicant tracking systems. 

Conclusion 

Knowing the difference between a cover letter and a resume is important when looking for a job in Malaysia. Your resume gives details about your skills, experience, and qualifications. A cover letter helps you introduce yourself, show interest in the job, and give context to your resume. 

Remember to check for mistakes in both your cover letter and resume. Do not repeat information. Highlight your achievements and give numbers whenever you can. Also, use keywords to help your application get through applicant tracking systems that many companies use. Good luck! 

FAQs 

1. Is a cover letter better than a resume? 
   ⁠A cover letter is not necessarily better than a resume; they serve different purposes. A resume summarises your skills, experiences, and qualifications. A cover letter includes the reason why you are interested in the role and highlights relevant aspects of your resume. Both are important and it is generally best to submit both when applying for a work opportunity. 
2. When should I use a cover letter versus a resume? 
   ⁠A cover letter and a resume are important when applying for a role, but they serve different purposes. Use a resume to show all the important information about your work history, skills, and education. It's like a summary of your qualifications. Use a cover letter when you want to introduce yourself to the employer. This is like a business letter that tells the reader more about you and explains why you would be the best candidate. 
3. Is a cover letter separate from a resume? 
   ⁠Yes, a cover letter is different from a resume. A cover letter is a letter you write to introduce yourself to a company and explain why you are interested in the job. It helps you show the employer why you are the right candidate for the role. 
   ⁠A resume is a document that lists your education, work experience, skills, and other important information about you. It is like a summary of your qualifications and experiences. So, a resume and cover letter are two separate things that you usually send together when applying for a job. However, does a resume include a cover letter? No, because they are both separate. 
4. Do you need a resume summary if you have a cover letter? 
   ⁠A resume summary is a short introduction at the beginning of your resumé that highlights your skills and experiences. It gives hiring managers a quick overview of what you can bring to the role. A cover letter, on the other hand, is a letter where you explain in more detail why you want the opportunity and why you are a good fit. 
   ⁠
   ⁠It is a good idea to have both a resume summary and a cover letter. The resume summary gives a quick snapshot of your qualifications, while the cover letter lets you describe more about yourself and why you would be the best candidate for the role. So, cover letters complement resume, and using both can help you make a strong impression and give prospective employers a better understanding of your skills and interests. 
5. What is the difference between a resume and an application letter? 
   ⁠A resume shows your work experience, skills, and education. It summarises your qualifications and helps a hiring manager understand if you are right for a role. An application letter is a letter you write to apply for a specific job. In it, you introduce yourself, explain your interest in the role, and relate your qualifications to the employer's expectations.