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Resume and Cover Letter
Resume vs Cover Letter: How...

Resume vs Cover Letter: How They're Different

8 min read · Updated on January 25, 2024

Knowing how a resume and cover letter work together can increase your chances of standing out

A resume and cover letter are essential job marketing tools that allow you to grab the attention of prospective employers and make a solid first impression. Where a resume provides an objective and concise overview of your work history, knowledge, skills, and overall qualifications, a cover letter formally introduces you to the employer and summarizes your work experiences related to your resume. It also discusses why you're interested in the position and why you're a suitable candidate.

These two complementary documents are similar in a few ways and very different in others. In this post, we'll cover the following to provide clarity around cover letters vs resumes:

Cover letter vs resume: what are the similarities?

Cover letter vs resume: what are the differences?

What can a cover letter convey that a resume can't?

What's the difference between a cover letter, a resume, and an application letter?

Cover letter vs resume: what are the similarities?

As noted, a cover letter and resume are both career marketing tools, provided to prospective employers, that give the opportunity to make a strong first impression. Here are a few additional similarities between the two:

Both are meant to sell your skills and experience to entice employers to bring you in for an interview

The heading and contact information provided in a cover letter should match what's provided in a resume

When both a cover letter and resume are submitted as part of a job application, they're submitted together

Each document should use a similar style in terms of colors, font type , and font size to provide a cohesive package

Both documents should be tailored to each job you apply to

Both your cover letter and resume should include keywords from the job description.

These few points are where the similarities between a cover letter and a resume end.

When considering a cover letter vs resume, there are five significant differences between them. They are

Layout and structure

Tonality , tense and orientation.

A resume is a requirement and necessity for virtually all job applications. A cover letter, on the other hand, is highly recommended but isn't necessarily required unless the job application specifically requests the inclusion of a cover letter. It's also possible to come across some job postings that specifically ask you not to include a cover letter. If you come across such an instance, even if you're tempted, don't include it unless you want to risk immediately going into the “no” pile.

Unless specifically asked not to, in most instances it's in your best interest to include a cover letter with your resume. It shows you care about the position and can help to make your application stand out from the competition.

The purpose of a resume is to provide the employer with a concise overview of your relevant work history, skills, and other qualifications. It focuses on your past and how it applies to your potential to succeed in a new job.

Your cover letter should focus only on the job you're applying to - it serves as an introduction to you and your resume. With your cover letter, you have the opportunity to showcase a bit of your personality, further summarize your resume, and emphasize why you're interested in, and the right fit for, the job.

In a nutshell, a resume shows the employer how your experience fits the role and a cover letter tells them why it does.

Another main difference between a cover letter vs resume is the layout and structure of each. A resume typically uses bullet points without paragraphs or large chunks of text. There are also standard resume formats to choose from. A cover letter is written in paragraph form, with a layout similar to any professional business letter you might write.

Resume layout and structure

A resume uses one of three resume formats - reverse chronological, functional, or hybrid - with specific sections that are required within each format. The most commonly used is the chronological format, which includes the following sections:

Contact Information

Resume Headline

Resume Summary

Core Competencies

Work Experience

Additional optional sections sometimes included on a resume are IT Skills, Volunteer Experience, Special Projects, Certifications, Training, Awards, Publications, and Hobbies & Interests.

For more tips on how to write an effective resume with several resume examples to review, refer to “ How to Make a Resume: Beginner's Writing Guide with Examples .”

Cover letter layout and structure

A cover letter ranges from 300 to 500 words and should be written using the same format as any professional business letter. The key sections of a cover letter include:

The header with the date, the employer's address, and your contact information

A salutation directed to a specific individual when possible

An introduction paragraph where you introduce yourself, share why you're interested, and emphasize why you're an ideal candidate

The body paragraphs - the most crucial section of your cover letter - where you summarize your qualifications and how they make you an ideal candidate to meet the job requirements and demands, in one to two paragraphs

A conclusion paragraph , where you'll conclude with appreciation and a call to action

The closing , with a professional closing salutation and your name

For more detailed information on how to write a cover letter with a cover letter example, refer to “ How to Write a Cover Letter (With Example) .”

Your cover letter, unlike your resume, addresses the employer directly and with a tone that's more personable than a resume. The exact tone you go with for your cover letter should reflect the industry and organization to which you're applying, though it's still good to showcase some personality. When doing so, ensure you still keep it professional and don't be too personal to the point that it distracts from the letter's overall goal and ability to leave a positive impression.

The tone of a resume is straightforward and objective. It offers the reader specific details about your past work history, key qualifications, and skills.

A resume is mostly past-oriented, meaning that it focuses largely on your past work history and experiences. Much of a resume is written in the past tense, as well.

A cover letter is written primarily in the present tense. The focus of a cover letter is more on the present and future, including mentioning current and future objectives.

What can a cover letter explain that a resume cannot?

As noted, where a resume shows how you're a good fit for the job, a cover letter can discuss why you're a good fit. Also, a cover letter can explain details about your resume that you might not have had space for on the resume. For example, if you listed a work experience bullet point with a great accomplishment, yet you weren't able to highlight the challenges you overcame for that significant achievement, that might be something to include in the cover letter if it adds value and is relevant.

Cover letter vs resume vs application letter

In addition to a cover letter and resume being part of your arsenal of career marketing tools, you might also be wondering where an application letter fits in - especially since some confuse an application letter with a cover letter.

What is the difference between a resume and an application letter?

As mentioned, a resume is a document required for job applications and provides a succinct overview of your work history and credentials. An application letter provides a detailed overview of your work history and credentials in a letter format and is typically not used in conjunction with a resume.

What is the difference between a cover letter and an application letter?

Though a cover letter and application letter share similar features, they're different in content and purpose. A cover letter complements a resume and provides an introduction to yourself and an overview as to why your qualifications make you a good fit for the job. It's sent with the resume as part of the application process.

An application letter is more detailed and dives deeper into an applicant's work history and qualifications. It's common to send an application letter to an employer of interest, even if they don't have any job openings at the time. In other words, it's sent outside of the application process and often expresses interest in working for the organization.

The structure is similar to a cover letter, because they're both professional business letters. However, since the intent of a cover letter and application letter differs, the content focus is different between the two.

Cover letter vs resume: yes, you need both (with rare exceptions)

Now you know the similarities and differences between a cover letter vs resume and the purpose of each. You also know that, in most instances, it's best to submit a cover letter with your resume when applying for jobs. Including both helps you to set yourself apart from others in a tough job market and make a positive first impression on hiring teams!

Wondering if your resume and cover letter complement each other the way they should? Our team of TopResume experts can help you to ensure that both showcase the correct elements to help you land the interviews you desire. You can even submit your resume for a free review to get started!

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Cover Letter vs. CV

A CV (curriculum vitae) is different from a cover letter in that a cover letter is more concise and a CV is fairly detailed. While a CV includes detailed information about a person's educational background and work experience, a cover letter is a more concise document expressing interest in the job being applied to.

Comparison chart

Differences between a cv and cover letter.

A cover letter is an introduction to yourself with regard to the job opening you are applying for. Cover letters are generally one page at most in length, divided into a header, introduction, body, and closing.

Curriculum Vitae may include a cover letter along with other details which are important when applying for international jobs, fellowships, grants, research, scientific and academic positions. The CV is used to screen applicants, often followed by an interview, when seeking employment.

A cover letter includes general details about a person like name, contact information, educational and professional qualification, work experience and career goal or what a person is looking for in terms of a job profile. A cover letter should not be confused with a resume as it does not include all the details of a resume. The cover letter should have enough details so that it complements the Curriculum Vitae and also interests the person reading it.

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CV vs Cover Letter: What Is The Difference?

When applying for a business support job, two essential components of the application are a CV and a cover letter. While both are crucial, they serve different purposes.

A CV provides all the relevant information regarding a candidate’s education, work experience, skills, achievements and other relevant information. Whereas a cover letter is a brief introduction that accompanies a job application and explains why the candidate is the best fit for the position.

In this article, we’ll explore the differences between a CV and a cover letter. We’ll explain what a cover letter and CV are and share our tips for compiling your CV and cover letter for a business support position. We’ll also provide an example of a CV and cover letter to help job seekers understand the structure and content of each document.

What Is a CV?

A CV, or Curriculum Vitae, is a comprehensive document commonly used by job seekers to showcase their skills and qualifications to employers and recruiters. It provides a detailed overview of your career path, including your education, work experience, achievements and skills.

Typically, a CV is designed to provide a comprehensive picture of a candidate’s professional background. The purpose of a CV is to demonstrate to potential employers that the candidate possesses all the necessary experience and expertise for the position they are applying for.

Given its importance in the job application process, a CV is a crucial tool for job seekers to present themselves effectively to potential employers. It highlights their skills, qualifications and career accomplishments, and often serves as the first point of contact between the candidate and a potential employer.

A CV typically includes:

Personal details, such as name and contact information
A personal statement or summary
Educational background and qualifications, this can also include online courses specific to the position you are applying for
Work experience, including job titles, responsibilities and achievements
Relevant skills and achievements
Professional memberships, awards and publications

As business support recruitment specialists , we advise candidates to regularly update their CV so that it fits the requirements of the company and position they’re applying for.

Your CV is essentially a summary of your professional experience and qualifications, and it’s what employers use to determine if you’re a good fit for their organisation. It’s important to keep it current and tailored to the specific job you’re pursuing. This shows potential employers that you’ve taken the time to understand what they’re looking for and that you’re genuinely interested in the position.

What Is a Cover Letter?

A cover letter is a document that accompanies your job application and provides a brief introduction to your skills and qualifications. Unlike a CV, a cover letter is concise and typically no longer than one page. It is intended to complement your CV and highlight specific skills and experiences that make you a good fit for the position.

A cover letter typically includes:

Your contact information and the recipient’s name and address
An introduction that explains why you are applying for the job
A brief summary of your qualifications and experience
Specific examples of how your skills and experience match the job requirements
A closing statement that expresses your enthusiasm and invites further contact

Your cover letter is your opportunity to introduce yourself and explain why you’re the best candidate for the job. It’s important to demonstrate that you’ve done your research and that you understand what the company is looking for.

Think of your cover letter as your chance to make a great first impression. It should be concise and engaging and demonstrate your enthusiasm for the position. By taking the time to customise your cover letter, you’ll show potential employers that you’re serious about the job and that you have the skills and experience needed to excel in the role.

What Is the Difference Between a CV and a Cover Letter?

While both a CV and a cover letter are important components of a job application, they serve distinct purposes.

A CV is a detailed document that provides an overview of your education, professional experience, skills, achievements and other relevant information. A cover letter is a brief introduction that accompanies your job application. A well-written cover letter should highlight your relevant skills and experience, as well as your enthusiasm for the position and the company.
Typically, a CV is one to three pages long and is designed to showcase your entire professional background in detail. A cover letter is typically one page in length and is designed to introduce yourself to the hiring manager and explain why you are the right candidate for the job.
While a CV provides a comprehensive overview of your professional background, a cover letter serves as an introduction and lets you personalise your application by highlighting your qualifications and expressing your interest in the position.

How to Write a Cover Letter for a Business-Support Position

Here are our top tips for writing a great cover letter to complement your CV for a job application:

Introduce yourself and indicate which position you are applying for
Explain why you are interested in the position and the company
Highlight your relevant skills, experiences and achievements
Elaborate on your qualifications and how they match the job requirements
Use specific examples to demonstrate your skills and accomplishments
Emphasise your enthusiasm for the position and the company
Thank the employer for considering your application
Indicate your willingness to provide additional information or answer any questions
Provide your contact information (e.g., phone number, email) and indicate when you are available for an interview

Example of a CV for a Business-Support Position

Personal information.

Name: Susan Redhill

Address: 1 Lemon Lane, Newcastle, UK

Phone Number: 555-123-1222

Email: [email protected]

A highly organised and detail-oriented Personal Assistant with 5 years of experience in providing administrative support to high-level executives. Skilled in managing complex schedules, coordinating travel arrangements and handling confidential information.

Bachelor of Science in Management,

University of Manchester, UK

Graduation Date: May 2017

Achieved first class honours

Work Experience

Personal Assistant

ABC Corporation

Employment Dates: June 2017 – Present

Roles and Responsibilities

Managed the busy schedules of the CEO and COO, scheduling appointments, meetings and travel arrangements
Coordinated and managed the logistics of various events, including board meetings, conferences and company retreats
Handled sensitive and confidential information with discretion and professionalism
Conducted research and prepared reports on various topics as assigned by executives
Acted as a liaison between executives and internal/external stakeholders, communicating information and resolving issues
Developed and maintained filing and organisational systems for efficient record-keeping

Achievements and Accomplishments

Successfully organised and executed a company-wide charity event, raising over £20,000 for a local non-profit organisation
Revamped the travel management process of executives, resulting in a 30% reduction in travel expenses that saved the company £30,000 annually
Implemented a digital filing system and restructured the company’s record-keeping system, reducing the time and effort required to manage records and improving accuracy by 20%
Excellent organisational and time-management skills
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, including Outlook, Word and Excel
Strong communication and interpersonal skills
Ability to work independently and in a team environment
Fluent in English and German
Name: James Novak
Relationship: Former Manager
Phone Number: 555-555-1234
Email: [email protected]

Example of a Cover Letter for a Business Support Position

To whom it may concern,

I am writing to express my interest in the Personal Assistant position at JS Consulting. With 5 years of experience providing administrative support to high-level executives , I am confident that my skills and expertise align with the requirements of the position.

In my current role as a Personal Assistant at ABC Corporation, I have gained extensive experience in managing complex schedules, coordinating travel arrangements and handling confidential information.

I am skilled in using various software applications, including Microsoft Office Suite. I have a proactive attitude, and I love to find ways to increase efficiency and productivity. I have also demonstrated exceptional communication and interpersonal skills. I am a proactive problem-solver, able to anticipate needs and respond with creative solutions.

Thank you for considering my application. I am confident that my qualifications and experience make me a strong candidate for the Personal Assistant position at your company.

I would welcome the opportunity to discuss my candidacy further and provide additional information. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Susan Redhill

Do you need both a CV and a cover letter?

Typically, when applying for a job, both a CV and a cover letter are required. However, if you are being represented by an agency, individual cover letters are usually not necessary.

While a CV provides a detailed overview of your qualifications and experience, the cover letter is a chance to make a personal connection with the employer and highlight why you are the best fit for the job. Both documents are important and work together to help you stand out in the job application process.

Can you combine your CV and cover letter?

It’s generally not recommended to combine a CV and cover letter into one document. The reason is that a CV and a cover letter serve different purposes and are typically used in different contexts.

By combining the two documents, you may end up creating a cluttered and confusing document that is difficult for employers to navigate. It’s recommended that you keep your CV and cover letter separate to ensure that you effectively communicate your skills, experiences and qualifications to potential employers.

Should I put a CV or cover letter first?

When submitting a job application, the general order is to include the cover letter first, followed by the CV.

This is because the cover letter is typically used as an introduction to your application and provides a brief overview of your qualifications and interest in the position. The CV then provides more detailed information about your education, work experience, skills and accomplishments.

It is important to follow the specific instructions provided by the employer or job posting , as they may have specific requirements or preferences for the order in which the documents are submitted.

While a CV and cover letter are both important documents for job seekers, they serve different purposes. A CV is a comprehensive document that provides an overview of a candidate’s professional background and qualifications, while a cover letter is a brief introduction that highlights specific skills and experiences that make the candidate a good fit for the position.

It’s important to keep both documents up to date and tailored to the specific job you are pursuing. By following the tips provided, job seekers can create a strong application that showcases their skills and qualifications effectively.

At Joss Search, we offer expert guidance to candidates and recruiters at every stage of the recruitment process – get in touch if we can help.

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CV vs Cover Letter: Differences, Similarities & Which One to Use

What is a CV?

What is a cover letter, cv vs cover letter – what do they have in common, cv vs cover letter – what are the differences.

You are ready to go for your dream job, and you plan to nail it in no time.

But to do so, you need some really strong application documents, as the competition for all jobs is increasing by the minute.

To do so, you need to understand the difference between your CV and cover letter, and use them to the full extent.

At first glance, it may seem like they are the same document, as they both have the goal to present you as the best candidate for the job.

But that’s not actually true.

In this article, we are going to find out:

What are the similarities between a CV and cover letter?
What are the differences between a CV and cover letter?

To get a better understanding of both documents, and perfect your own, you should learn how to create a killer cover letter , and use our CV Builder to create an eye-catching CV .

But if you are ready to learn what are CV and cover letter, and what differentiates them, stick around.

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That question may be a little more complicated than you might think. What a CV is actually depends on what part of the world are you at.

In the US, a CV is a very detailed document that presents all your experience, skills, and educations, along with any other academic achievements. It is mainly used for academic or federal jobs, and it is usually 2-3 pages long.

On the other hand, in anywhere else in the world, a CV is a one-page document (or at most a two-pager, if you have lots of work experience in the field you are applying for ) that has the structure of the US resume.

Either way, your CV must absolutely include:

Contact information
Work experience

And you can also compliment it with sections like:

Awards and honors
Publications

You can also list any other sections that seem relevant and would increase your chances of getting the job.

No matter which kind of CV you are writing , its main purpose is to clearly present your qualifications to the hiring manager, and make you stand out in front of the crowd of candidates.

Usually, when you are sending your CV out, you would want to include some short paragraphs to complement it and make your desire for the job even stronger in the eyes of the hiring manager.

For that purpose, we have the cover letter, which is the second most important document in your application, after the CV.

What it should include is :

Introduction
A paragraph that underlines your experience and skills
A paragraph that shows why you’re a great fit for the company and the role you are applying for
A call to action
Professional sign-off

To do this right, you need to make sure you have provided clear and concise answers for the following questions:

What position are you applying for and why?
What are your most impressive, relevant skills and experience?
Why do these skills benefit your potential employer?

A CV and cover letter can be described as two sides of the same coin.

Your primary document is your CV that shows all your experience and skills, all in one place, while the cover letter proves all the essential parts of your CV, using compelling examples.

And even though they serve a different purpose in presenting you, they have one great similarity – together they show you in the best possible light in the eyes of the hiring manager.

Now that you understand what CVs and cover letters have in common, let’s dig a little deeper into their differences, as it is crucial to understand them to get the best results.

The main difference between a CV and a cover letter are:

CV is an extensive document that outlines the applicant’s career – their experience, qualifications, skills, competences, achievements, etc. Meanwhile, a cover letter provides only a short description of the applicant, and compliments all the important parts of the CV, using examples
CV is a detailed document that consists of great deal of information, while the cover letter is short and to the point
CV usually uses sections and bullet lists for all its content, but a cover letter is usually categorized into sentences and paragraphs
CV can often not be tailored for the job position you are applying for, while your cover letter should always be modified, as it is a much more personal document that describes your interest in particular job offer and company
CV can be spread out into more than one page, but your cover letter should never exceed one page

We are all done, now you understand what differentiates CV and cover letter, and how to use each best in your advantage.

Let’s just recap their main purposes one last time:

CV is an extensive document that shows all your experience, qualifications, skills, and any other relevant information for the job you are applying for
A cover letter is a much more personal document that is used to introduce yourself to the hiring manager, prove all the important parts from your CV using compelling examples, and show your great interest in the job you are applying for

They work great together, so make sure you create the best possible team for your application documents.

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CV and Cover Letter
The difference between CVs...

The difference between CVs and cover letters

10 min read · Updated on November 14, 2023

Is a CV a cover letter? While a CV and a cover letter share a purpose, they are different

So you're wondering, is a CV a cover letter? It's not surprising if you believe them to be similar - both documents share the purpose of showing that you're a good match for a vacancy by highlighting your experience and achievements. However, whilst they share the same aim and strongly complement each other, they are different in both format and content.

For many employers, a CV is an absolutely essential piece of kit when applying for a job, but cover letters can be optional. That said, including a cover letter with your application can dramatically strengthen your chances of success in securing an interview. According to a recent LinkedIn survey , “ 49% of hiring managers admitted that a strong cover letter convinced them to interview a candidate who had submitted a relatively weak CV.” And with “only 6% of hiring managers thinking that a cover letter is unnecessary for a job application,” in the same survey, it might be time to rethink your approach to job applications.

This CV versus cover letter article, which covers the question, “Is a CV a cover letter?” will go over all the points you should look out for when developing each. Empower yourself by using the following information, so that you can write your CV and create an impactful cover letter for use during your job search.

Is a CV a cover letter?

The short answer to this is “no.” While they may seem similar, knowing the difference between a curriculum vitae (CV) and a cover letter is crucial in order to get the best results while you're navigating your journey of finding a new position.

To put it succinctly, your CV is a summary of your qualifications, skills, and experience from the last 10 to 15 years. It offers a short-yet-targeted overview of your career highlights that prove you're a great candidate for the job you're applying for. To do this, each piece of information on your CV should be tailored to that particular role.

CVs are commonly split into distinct sections: a professional profile, your skills, a summary of your career, and a section on your education and qualifications. Details are usually presented in snappy bullet points, led by powerful verbs, and bolstered with concrete statistics, to show off your skill set and talent.

CVs can be directly compared to the American resume. They contain the same information and serve the same function of introducing you to the HR Manager.

Cover letters are a bit different. They are primarily used to expand on your CV, to add more context, and to further explain your value. Ultimately, your cover letter is sweet-talking the HR Manager as you supply them with further evidence that proves you're an applicant who's worthy of an interview.

It also serves as an introduction. If a hiring manager reads, and likes, your cover letter, they will be more inclined to follow up by reading your CV. If your cover letter is sloppily written, doesn't offer much context, or isn't bringing anything to the table in order to encourage someone to read further, then the likelihood is that those who matter in recruitment are probably not going to seek out your CV for further investigation. This could end up being disastrous, leaving you languishing in the “no” pile before you've even got started or been given a fighting chance.

What does a CV include?

Your CV should cover four main sections, including:

Name, professional title, and contact information

It's essential that these details are accurate and properly formatted, to ensure that the HR Manager can identify you easily and get in touch. Learn more here about how to add contact information to your CV in this article .

Personal profile

Your personal profile , located just under the contact details and at the top of the first page of your CV, should detail who you are, what you can offer the company, and your career goals, all in one tidy paragraph of about four or five sentences. CVs are written in the third person, without pronouns. This might sound a bit odd at first, writing about yourself in the third person, but it avoids the constant, “I did this,” and “I performed this” way of writing.

For example, you could write, “A versatile, tenacious, and confident Store Manager who flourishes with increased responsibility while engaging with customers at all levels.”

Experience and employment history

Your work experience should explain what you've done in your current role and your previous roles, going back to cover the last 10 to 12 years. Most importantly, it should then be expanded to feature any key accomplishments, demonstrating the value you could bring to your new role.

Education and qualifications

Your education and qualifications section simply adds finer details to prove that you're a qualified expert in certain areas, all adding up to an impressive professional skill set.

We have seen that CVs are formatted with clear headings and bullet points to keep them concise and easy to read for time-poor recruiters, who are typically swamped with hundreds of applications at a time.

What does a cover letter include?

A cover letter is different. Usually, it's a one page document, running to three or four paragraphs, that complements your CV. It normally focuses on four key elements:

What position are you applying for and why?

What are your most impressive, relevant skills, and experiences?

How will these skills benefit your prospective employer or a hiring manager?

A request for an interview

It's formatted similarly to a traditional letter, with a salutation , paragraphs, maybe some bullet points to break up the paragraphs, and a closing sentence.

However, in this digital age that we live in, where many CVs are sent directly to employers via email, the rules for cover letters are changing. If you're emailing your CV, treat the message in your email as your cover letter, rather than attaching it separately.

Email cover letters are typically more concise and can be anywhere from between 100 to 400 words long. They still tap into the four main talking points mentioned above though.

The similarities between a CV and a cover letter

We've taken a look at the differences in whether a CV is a cover letter, so let's look at the similarities.

Just like strawberries and cream or fish and chips, a CV and cover letter go well together. They detail out your achievements and experience, with the CV listing them in an easy-to-read way and the cover letter embellishing on key points, drawing attention to your brilliance. Overall, it creates a holistic view of the type of worker you are and how you might fit into the business that you're keen to get into.

Top tip: When applying for a role, make sure your CV and cover letter are two separate documents. It's not a good idea to have them running into each other within one document.

Hints on how to write a covering letter

If it's time for you to apply yourself to compiling an informative cover letter for an application, take a look at some TopCV tips on how to go about it.

Identify who to send the letter to

Writing “Dear Sir / Madam,” is so old school. Leave that where it should be… in the classroom. It shows you're proactive and willing to go that little bit further if you've found out the name of the person you need to address the letter to. OK, so it might be easy and staring out at you in black and white if the name appears on the job advert. But if it doesn't, seek out the name by either ringing the company and explaining what you're after, or tracking them down on the company website or LinkedIn.

Draft a compelling introduction paragraph

We all know that first impressions count .

Don't let a great CV be let down by a poorly written cover letter. This means you've got to wow the reader from the start. Detail how the job you're applying for fits in with your ethos, or how eager you are to work for the organisation.

Highlight specifics within your CV

Drawing attention to great results and achievements within your CV will encourage the recruitment manager to reach for that document. The beauty of a cover letter is that you can go into more detail about something, without being restricted by the writing style of a CV. You can use your own voice to convey how well you fit the role.

Match up your skills with those in the job advert

Make it clear how well your strengths and experience marry perfectly with the position in hand. Honing in on a particular detail, and relating it to your own experience, will definitely get you brownie points - and hopefully a call for an interview!

Stuff the letter full of facts and figures

Nothing pops off the page quite like a large number or a piece of tangible data, as it shows concrete evidence that you've got what it takes to fly high.

Use cover letters to demonstrate subjective, personable details

A CV is used to state the facts, giving a succinct overview of your relevant experience and achievements. A cover letter, on the other hand, provides the opportunity to elaborate on your selling points and explain your qualities and potential in more detail. It gives you that little bit of freedom, where CVs can be more narrow.

For example, if you have information you want to impart that doesn't fit into any of the sections of a CV, then you can use the cover letter to perform that duty. This could include information on your work status, when you're available to start, or if you want to disclose personal information that you feel needs to be talked about, such as if you have a disability .

But it doesn't stop there. Your cover letter offers the chance for recruiters to get to know you. Subjective details such as your writing style, your tone of voice, interest in the position, and your own values and motivations add colour to your application and help recruiters warm up to the real you.

Cover letters aren't always listed as an essential requirement on a job application. However, with a CV that proves your talent and ability, plus a cover letter that supports and sells your story, you will greatly increase your chances of impressing a prospective employer.

The writers at TopCV certainly know their way around both CVs and cover letters. Learn more about working with an expert writer to find more success with your job-search documents, or undertake a free CV review to see how your CV stacks up. This article was originally written by Laura Slingo and has been updated by Elizabeth Openshaw.

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Finding a Job

How To Write a Cover Letter for a CV (With Examples)

Tips for Writing a Cover Letter for a CV

Proofread before sending, cover letter template, cover letter sample, sending an email cover letter, more cover letter examples.

When you apply for a job with a curriculum vitae (CV), it's important to include a cover letter, also known as a covering letter. This letter allows you to make a favorable first impression, using narrative in your own tone of voice to catch the reader’s attention and encourage them to seriously review your attached CV.

Like a resume, a CV summarizes your skills and experience. The difference between a CV and a resume is length, the focus on credentials, and what the documents are used for. Typically, a CV is required to apply for roles in academia, scientific research, and medical fields.

While your CV provides a detailed—and often lengthy—look at your experience and credentials, the cover letter is an opportunity to call out your most important qualifications and make a compelling case for your candidacy for the role at hand. Here's what you need to know to write a successful curriculum vitae cover letter.

Tailor the Letter to Fit the Organization

The CV cover letter should be tailored to respond to the unique and specific requirements requested by each organization you are approaching.

Do not use the same cover letter for every job you apply to, even though it may seem like a timesaver.

Each letter needs to provide detailed information about why are you are qualified for the specific job in question, and it should outline the reasons for your interest in the company or organization. Being specific is advantageous. Even if you're applying for two similar roles in two different hospitals, the two hospitals may serve different populations or require slightly different responsibilities for people in the role. Your letters to each hospital should reflect that.

Use your cover letter to identify the skills or experiences most specific to the job, rather than copying directly the information in your CV.

What to Include

As a candidate, it's tempting to feel like the cover letter is unnecessary, since it is likely that all the pertinent information is included in your CV. Still, as you can see, the cover letter is a helpful tool in your application. Here's what to keep in mind as you write a cover letter.

Format Matters

The content of your cover letter should be brief and structured. Aim for 3-5 paragraphs in your letter. Start with a salutation. Your letter should address the relevant contact, whose name often appears in the job advertisement. Avoid “Sir” or “Madam” if possible.

If the letter recipient's name isn't provided, try these tips to determine the correct contact person .

Start With an Introduction

Typically, the first paragraph will be an introduction—if you are applying to a job ad, mention it here. Mention the job title, any reference number, and where and when you saw it. The first paragraph is also where you should mention if someone referred you to the position.

The Body of the Cover Letter

The body of the letter—the second and third paragraphs—should highlight your relevant skills and experience. Highlight your transferable skills , achievements, and versatility. Explain what you can contribute and what makes you stand out from your competition. Include mention of your current or last job, qualifications, and professional and academic training, tailoring your information to make it as relevant as possible to the organization or job applied for.

In the body of the cover letter, you can mention personality traits relevant to the role at hand. You can also use this space to call out why you're interested in this specific role, at this specific company. Potential employers and hiring managers will appreciate it if you can show you've read the job ad and researched the company.

Avoid lengthy repetition of information covered in your CV. Unlike a CV, it is acceptable to write a cover letter in the first person.

Conclude the letter by succinctly summarizing why an employer may want to meet and employ you. Include a polite expression of interest in further dialogue with the recruiter. Do mention that you would like the opportunity to discuss your suitability further in a personal interview and that you await a response in due course.

Follow Instructions

In some cases, an advertisement will indicate that a more substantial letter is required.

Always follow specific instructions and include any information if it is specifically requested. For instance, some employers may ask you to include your current salary or your desired salary range.

Make Sure the Letter Reads Well

Ensure that your CV cover letter flows freely. You do not need to precisely match every point on the job description. The reader should be left with an overall impression that you are a potentially valuable addition to the workforce.

The letter should be readable and engaging.

Negative information of any sort should be avoided in your cover letter, as well as on your CV.

You'll want to be sure your letter is free from grammar or spelling errors. It should also be clearly presented—that means using standard formatting, and common readable fonts (such as Times New Roman or Verdana) in an appropriate size.

This is a cover letter example. Download the cover letter template (compatible with Google Docs and Word Online) or see below for more examples.

Depending on the employer's submission requirements, cover letters can be submitted online with your CV, uploaded online, or mailed. Be sure to follow the application instructions and follow the directions on how to apply. Consider this template for how to structure your letter:

Belinda Applicant 123 Main Street Anytown, CA 12345 555-555-5555 belinda.applicant@gmail.com

October 25, 2021

Clark Lee, PhD Biology Department Chair Northwestern University 123 Business Rd. Business City, NY 54321

Dear Dr, Lee:

I am writing to apply for the position of assistant professor in the Biology department, as described in the Northern University website. The opportunity to teach biology appeals to me, and I believe I can be an asset to the department due to my experience as a field biologist, as well as my work as an adjunct professor at Southern State University. In accordance with your job description, I have the following skills:

• Experience lecturing to large audiences

• Experience with learning management systems and course design

• Ability to assist with labs for other professors

• Experience with grant writing and research

I have enclosed my curriculum vitae so you may examine my work and research experience, the papers I’ve published, and my educational background.

I can be reached anytime by email at Belinda.applicant@gmail.com or my cell phone, 555-555-5555. Thank you so much for your time and consideration. I look forward to speaking with you about this position.

Signature (hard copy letter)

Belinda Applicant

When you are sending your cover letter by email, list your contact information in your signature rather than at the top of the letter. List your name and the job title in the subject line of the message.

Here are more examples of cover letters that you can use as a starting point for your own correspondence.

Resume vs. Cover Letter - What you need to know

If you’re in the job market or applying to go to college or university, you’ll have heard about resumes and cover letters ; they’re key to the process. They go hand in hand because what you include in one is likely to be mirrored in the other, but they are very much different beasts and need to be treated as such.

You need to know what the key differences between the documents are so that you can get both of them on point.

Things can get baffling real quick when you enter the job market for the first time or are applying for work after a long career break. Don’t worry, we’re here to answer the burning questions, like:

What is a resume vs a cover letter?
Should a resume or a cover letter go first?
What are the resume and cover letter differences?
What are the resume and the cover letter purposes?

And finally, should you choose to use a resume, cover letter, or both?

Let’s get into this! We’ll start with a table that puts the basics together to keep things simple, read on the get to the full lowdown.

Want to get into specifics? Here we go…

Define a Resume

Resumes and CVs are quite the same things: a document that you write about yourself and your skills and experience that you send out when looking for a job in a company.

In your résumé, you need to include a detailed list of your past employers and what you did for them, as well as your education and qualifications. Point out the great stuff you achieved in your past roles, often this is the best tool to boast and show how you can add value in a role.

Pro-Tip Bulleted lists are a great way to keep your resume slick and concise, it also makes it more readable to potential employers - no sifting through long paragraphs. Feel like it’s going to take forever? In five minutes our resume builder will have you off to a flying start.

So Then, a Cover Letter is…?

Also, something that you use to help get a job, it’s a letter that you use to give your future employer more detailed information about yourself by way of an introduction. You normally attach it along with your resume, giving an overview of what’s in there that’s relevant to the role and giving them a reason to read the resume through.

It should only last three to four paragraphs, giving brief information so the employer can get to grips with your background and understand how you’d fit into the organization. Besides, you have to show your interest and motivation to work in this particular company.

Pro-Tip Make sure you pay attention to the job requirements for the role you’re applying for and tailor your cover letter to highlight your skills, qualifications, and experience that make you perfect for the job.

Resume and Cover Letter - Key Differences

Often, the easiest way to understand the difference between a resume and a cover letter is to get to grips with what you actually need them for:

A resume is a summary of your previous jobs, education, and training and shows the hiring manager reading it who you are as a professional. Think of it like the “product”.

A cover letter is the sales pitch for your resume, giving the recruiter reasons why what you’ve done in the past makes you a perfect hire for the role. Tell them why you want to work for them and how you’re going to help develop their business.

A resume is typically written in a formal style, using the third person and you should use as few words as you can to get your experience across, keep it short and simple. Most resumes you see will have: a list of contact deets; a collection of your past experience with your job title, your key responsibilities, and achievements, and the dates you worked in each role; a list of your education and professional qualifications; and any other relevant information like volunteering or professional association memberships.

Your cover letter is there to pull out exactly what is in your resume that will make you the perfect hire. You’re writing a letter rather than a factual list so format it properly, with an appropriate greeting - ideally with the name of the recruiter - using paragraphs and a polite sign-off. Your cover letter needs to be in the first person, but don’t overuse “I”, focus on the reader instead.

Pro-Tip When you’ve got facts to boast about, use them. Include details like how many people you supervised, how you raised the productivity levels, and how much you exceeded your targets; details give you credibility.

Are There Any Similarities Between Resumes and Cover Letters?

Absolutely! The main job of a resume and a cover letter is to help you get an interview invitation.

Reading this, you’re probably thinking whether a resume and cover letter need to be prepared and handled differently. As much as these documents have two very different functions, which are important to know about, there are things that are needed in both to get you ready to make it big in the role of your dreams.

Some of the main tips are: both of them need to be accurate, focus on the key activities and actions that you did, and of course, your spelling and grammar need to be on fleek.

Pro-Tip Both in your cover letter and your résumé, use definites when talking about you and your skills, rather than “I believe” and “I think” use assertive words like “I achieved”.

Key Takeaway

Look at your resume as an overall picture of your career until now and see your cover letter as a summary of why your experience is related to the job that you’re actually applying for. Here’s a rundown of the important bits you need to remember when looking at the differences between a cover letter and a resume:

Your resume is a historical account of your work until now, using bullet points and broken down into sections.
In your cover letter, you go into more detail, giving insight into your work history in a personalized letter.
A resume is a list of qualifications and achievements - a cover letter describes them.
Keep a resume formal and direct; make your cover letter personal to the reader.
Cover letters are a complement to a resume and are standard practice to send out - hiring managers to expect them.

Hopefully, with the tips given above, we’ve helped you navigate your way through choosing the right document for the right purpose when you want to apply for a job and introduce yourself as a perfect candidate for the desired position. We’ve got classic resume templates for you to try out and make your curriculum vitae look professional, the perfect one is waiting for you!

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Not sure whether you need a CV or a resume? Wondering are resumes and CVs the same thing? We’ve got a detailed guide and useful tips ready for you!

Need ideas for what to include in a resume? Go through our full guide, packed with pro-tips and insider tricks to get you into that job you’ve been dreaming about!

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Cover Letter vs Resume: What Can Cover Letter Explain That Resume Can’t?

Cover Letters Tell the Story Behind the Facts on Your Resume

Cover letters add value to your application by enabling you to elaborate on relevant experiences, build a case for why you are a top candidate, tailor your application to a specific role, explain extenuating circumstances, and let employers know why you want to work for their organization.

While cover letters are often considered to be optional, they are a great way to demonstrate that you are seriously interested in the position you are applying for. They instantly set you apart from candidates who didn’t include one, increasing your chances of landing an interview.

If you want to put your best foot forward, consider using the cover letter to achieve the goals outlined below.

Cover Letters Allow You to Elaborate on Relevant Experiences

Recruiters ultimately want to understand that you possess the experience required to succeed in the role you are applying for.

If you have worked on a specific project or consulting engagement that is particularly relevant to a given role, for example, a cover letter gives you additional space to discuss it in more detail.

Don’t assume that recruiters will connect the dots, either - seek to make their job easier!

When elaborating on specific experiences, make direct connections for recruiters by explaining why they are relevant to your target role and how they will contribute to your success.

This approach will also show that you put thought into your decision to apply and didn’t just submit a generic cover letter on a whim.

Cover Letters Help Build a Case for Why You Are a Top Candidate

If you do not have direct experience in a similar role, use your cover letter to address transferable skills and professional development that will enable you to hit the ground running.

For example, a candidate who is seeking to transition from a sales role to a finance role that requires financial modeling experience might consider taking an online course on financial modeling in Excel to build their skills in the area.

In the cover letter, the candidate could elaborate on the specific models they learned how to build, the scope of the topics covered in the course, and how these are directly relevant to the role they are applying for.

By adopting a similar approach, you will show recruiters that you have taken steps to prepare for a career transition and are taking the move seriously.

Cover Letters Help Tailor Your Application to a Specific Role

Because a resume is a fact-based outline of your experience and achievements, many applicants use one base version for all of their applications and leverage the cover letter to tailor their applications to specific roles.

To do so, we recommend reading through each job description in detail and highlighting the core skills recruiters are looking for. Then, reflect on your experience and identify examples of how you applied the given skills throughout your career.

By sharing additional examples that are directly applicable to your target role, you will also strengthen your candidacy.

Cover Letters Can Explain Extenuating Circumstances

You can use a cover letter to address red flags such as employment gaps, non-linear career paths, job hopping, and visa and relocation matters.

If you are concerned that a particular element of your story could raise concern and potentially cause recruiters to pass on your application, explain it!

You don’t need to go into extensive detail on why you had to take a year off work, for instance. A brief explanation such as the following can be sufficient, putting recruiters’ concerns to rest:

“Last year, I took 12 months off work due to a family medical issue that has now been resolved. I am now excited to re-enter the workforce and continue leveraging my skills in a finance director role.”

Employers tend to be much more understanding than you might expect – especially in a post-pandemic work environment.

Even a line about how you spent 6 months traveling the world on your cover letter could turn out to be a great conversation starter during an interview!

Cover Letters Tell Employers Why You Want to Work for Them

One of the most effective things you can do on your cover letter is to provide a compelling explanation of why you are interested in working for a specific organization:

Is there something about the company’s culture or product offering that draws you in?
Have you a recent news article about the organization that you found particularly impressive?
If you are interested in building a long-term career in their sector, why?
Did one of your connections at the company suggest that you apply?

So many candidates send out generic cover letters – and many even forget to change the employer’s name!

By demonstrating that you took time to do your research and aren’t just haphazardly sending out your resume to numerous openings, you’ll increase your chances of securing an interview.

In our view, cover letters are non-negotiable when you are applying for positions that you are seriously interested in (assuming the target company allows you to submit one).

Although you do risk that a recruiter might skip over it altogether, it never hurts to put your best foot forward – and a single line in your cover letter might just be the thing that convinces a recruiter to take a chance on you!

Additional Reading

How to Write a Cover Letter
How to Tailor Your Resume for a Specific Role
How to Select a Top Executive Resume Writer

About Resume Pilots

Resume Pilots is an award-winning executive resume writing firm and a proud member of the Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches. Our previous clients include CEOs and senior executives at the world's leading companies.

As a professional services firm, we take your reputation seriously. We are committed to delivering writing excellence and superior service while operating with integrity and discretion. Recruitment firms we partner with also trust us to consistently deliver quality documents for their clients.

Our writers have studied in the Ivy League and other top-tier universities and have strong writing backgrounds coupled with industry experience.

Here's how we can help you:

Resume, Cover Letter, and LinkedIn Writing Services : If you are looking for end-to-end support, hire one of our professional resume writers to rewrite your documents from the ground up.

Executive Resume Template Downloads : If you plan to prepare your own resume, consider using one of our classic, ATS-friendly resume templates for Microsoft Word.

To learn more about our services, book an introductory call with our founder here or email [email protected] .

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About the Author Matt Glodz

Matt Glodz is the Founder and Managing Partner of Resume Pilots and a Certified Professional Resume Writer. After studying business communication at Cornell University, Matt worked within Fortune 500 companies, where he noted that qualified candidates were frequently denied interview opportunities due to poorly written documents. At Resume Pilots, Matt combines his business and writing background - which includes prior work for a Chicago Tribune publication - to craft resumes that give his clients the best chance of landing interviews. He works with clients ranging from CEOs to recent graduates and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. He has been quoted on numerous business and career-related topics in outlets including Business Insider, CNBC, Fortune, Glassdoor, The Ladders, and Thrive Global.

Top 5 tips for getting a job with no experience, how to use the pomodoro technique for an effective job search, how to improve your resume's layout and readability.

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

There are many steps to getting the perfect job — and creating a compelling job application is one of them. Having a well-written resume and an eye-catching cover letter can take a lot of stress and uncertainty out of the job-hunting process.

Today, we are looking into the differences between a resume and cover letter and exploring some of the key practices for making these documents the best they can be.

Table of Contents

Cover letter vs. resume: what’s the difference?

A resume and cover letter typically come hand in hand. You need both these documents to successfully apply for a job. So, what is the difference between a cover letter and a resume and what information should you include in each one?

A resume is a document that summarizes your professional experience as a job candidate. The word “resume” actually comes from the French “résumé” and means “summary”. It focuses on your qualifications (work experience, skills, accomplishments, etc.) and helps showcase your abilities to convince the hiring manager that you are the right person for the job.

A typical resume includes five main parts

Contact details : this is where you list the best ways to get in touch with you. This section generally includes your full name and professional credentials, email and phone number and, possibly, a link to your professional social media or portfolio.
Summary : here, you can focus on your knowledge and experience and include your most valued skills that are relevant to the position you are applying for.
Professional experience : in this section, you will need to list your previously held positions: starting with your latest job.
Educational background : this part of your resume explains your academic qualifications: degrees, professional certificates, awards, etc.
Additional information : here, you can include any other relevant information that doesn’t fit into the sections above. A lot of HR professionals suggest using this section for references, professional achievements and awards.

Resume example

Learn more about how to write a resume .

A cover letter is a document that you send together with your resume that aims to introduce you to the hiring manager and briefly summarize your most important skills and professional experience. A good cover letter will get the HR professional interested in the rest of your application and make you stand out among other applicants.

A typical cover letter is about one page long and includes the following sections

Header : this is where you include your contact details including your full name and professional credentials, phone number and email and links to your professional special networks or portfolio (optional)
Introduction : here, you should get the HR professional “hooked” and make them interested in you as a job candidate. Mention your most relevant qualifications and skills and explain (briefly) why you see yourself as the best candidate for the job.
Main body : after a condensed introduction highlighting your key skills, you can get into a bit more detail about your expertise in the main body of the cover letter. Here, you can go on to mention that you are aware of all the responsibilities that come with the job and have the capacity to handle them excellently.
Conclusion : a cover letter should generally end with a call to action. You can mention when you will be able to start the new job and say that you are waiting for feedback on your application. Don’t forget to thank the hiring manager for their time for reading your letter.

Cover letter example

Learn more about how to write a cover letter .

Is it OK to send a resume without a cover letter?

While a cover letter is often looked at as an optional addition to the resume, it’s not quite the case. In fact, most job ads these days require a cover letter — and a failure to include one will probably result in your application being rejected. Even if it’s not specifically stated in the job ad that a cover letter is needed, you should definitely include one with your application. Not having a cover letter is simply a missed opportunity as it gives you extra “space” to make your case that you are the best candidate for the job.

Do you put a resume or cover letter first?

Most employers will scan your resume first. They will do so to make sure you have the relevant skills and experience for the position you are applying for. This is especially true for fields that require a specific set of hard skills like IT and engineering. While they may look at your resume first, a cover letter can help them fill in the blanks and get a more comprehensive picture of who you are as a professional. It can also be what makes you stand out among other candidates and actually gets you the job.

Is the cover letter part of the resume?

As we’ve mentioned above, a cover letter is a one-page document that goes alongside your resume — not inside of it or instead of it. You shouldn’t insert your cover letter into your resume and it should always go as a separate document with its own title. A typical cover letter is 250 to 400 words long.

Do you still need a cover letter in 2023?

Yes, cover letters are still important. Even if the employer doesn’t open your cover letter, they will still appreciate it being attached to your application. A cover letter is a good way to highlight that you are really serious about the job you are applying for. And, as we’ve mentioned earlier, it gives you an extra opportunity for self-presentation.

Letter of interest vs. cover letter

Quite often, when you read about cover letters, you may also come across the term “letter of interest”. While these are sometimes used interchangeably, there are actually quite a few differences between the two.

A letter of interest is sent to a company and indicates that you are interested in working for them. It doesn’t have to be sent to an open job offer — in fact, there may actually be no open positions at the company at the time. A letter of interest, true to its name, expresses your interest in a company.

A cover letter, on the other hand, is typically sent out together with your resume in response to a specific job offer advertised by the company. It’s an essential part of your job application.

To learn more about cover letters and letters of interest, take a look at this article: Letter of Interest vs. Cover Letter: Difference, Tips and Examples .

Tips for writing your resume and cover letter

Here are a few quick tips for writing a good cover letter and resume.

Tips for writing a resume

Use the keywords from the job ad. These days, a lot of companies use resume-filtering software before going through the applications by hand. To make sure your resume doesn’t get blocked by such programs, use the same key phrases that are used in the job description if they are in line with your expertise and background.
Highlight key points. Hiring managers are generally very busy people that have to look at tens or even hundreds of resumes every day. Make their job easier by formatting your resume in a way that highlights your most relevant skills and experience.
Be strategic. Think what information to include in your resume and make sure it’s relevant to the position you are applying for. It’s best to keep your resume as concise as possible and list work experience that best matches the expertise required for the new job.

Tips for writing a cover letter

Customize your cover letter for the job you are applying for. One of the biggest mistakes you can make is making a “one-size-fits-all” cover letter and sending it out to all the companies you are applying to. What is the purpose of a cover letter? The main purpose of a cover letter is to make a positive impression on the hiring manager — and the only way to do that is by writing a letter that is targeted for the position you are applying for.
Don’t be vague. Your cover letter is a document that needs to impress your potential employer. This means that it’s best not to use general phrases and instead focus on specifics. Include examples, achievements from your previous jobs, numbers and more.
Keep it brief. A cover letter should be a one-page document and acts as a concentrated introduction of your best professional qualities. Make sure to only include the most important and relevant information. Read over your cover letter before you send it out and remove any non-essential text.

Cover letter vs Resume. Summing things up

Both a resume and a cover letter are essential elements of a successful job application. A resume is a summary of your professional life, while a cover letter is an introduction of your skills and qualities that best match the position you are applying for.

Even if the job description doesn’t specifically mention that you need to include a cover letter with your application, it’s best to have one ready and send it out together with your resume. It will demonstrate to the employees the seriousness of your intent and give you the opportunity to explain why you are the best choice for this position.

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Cover Letter vs Resume: 7 Key Differences and the Art of Writing Them (+Examples)

Nikoleta Kuhejda ,
Updated November 10, 2023 7 min read

Here's an idea: the resume vs cover letter is a lot like salt vs pepper. Let me explain.

Your resume is like salt — it's a key ingredient required to prepare any dish. Or in this case, to score a job.

The cover letter, on the other hand, is like pepper — you use it to give your dish (your resume) a bit more flavor.

But in the end, salt and pepper work best when used together. Because of that, it might seem a bit silly to compare the two. Let's do it anyway!

Let’s start with an infographic that shows the key differences between the two.

What is a resume?

Resume is the most common career document that job seekers use. If you’re going to apply for a job, you'll be required to provide one.

In the simplest terms, the resume is a concise summary of your education, work history, skills, credentials and achievements . It gives hiring managers a rough idea about who you are as a professional, what’s your work history and your key achievements.

It’s usually one page long and written in chronological order.

But in general, you have three options to choose from — besides chronological, there’s also functional or hybrid resume format . It’s up to you to figure out which one works the best for you.

What should a resume include?

Contact information: Your resume should begin with your contact details. Add your full name, title, address (optional), email address and phone number. In some countries, it's also common to include birthdate, nationality and photo.
Professional summary or resume objective : Describe yourself in three sentences. Open with your job title and highlight your key skills and qualifications.
Work experience: The most important part of your resume. List relevant work history in reverse chronological order. Add 3-5 bullet points under each entry to describe your key achievements.
Education: If you’re a seasoned professional, it’s enough for you to mention your highest degree and school name. If you’re a student or a fresh graduate, feel free to include more details like relevant coursework, grants, or extracurricular activities.
Skills: Pick relevant skills and divide them into several subsections like computer skills, soft skills, languages, and others.
Additional sections: Certifications, courses, awards, strengths, publications, conferences, hobbies, social media, references, etc. All of these are voluntary.

If you're not sure what to write in specific sections of your resume, you can just check our step-by-step resume guide .

But if you prefer watching videos to reading, you might also like this 5-minute video guide to writing the perfect resume.

What is a cover letter?

Also something that you use to help you get a job… But!

Firstly, it's not always required.

Secondly, even if it is, it only provides additional information to your resume and should never repeat the same content.

I t allows you to explain other things that are impossible to express through the resume, such as :

explanation why you’re applying for the position
supporting evidence to why you’d make a good fit
examples how you can be beneficial to the company
details about employment gap or less work experience
your personal story
your motivation and ambitions

You normally attach it along with your resume and it serves as your introduction to a hiring manager. The ideal cover letter length is 3-4 paragraphs.

What should a cover letter include?

Date and contact information: List your contact details such as full name, title, email, phone number, address (optional), and the date at the top of the page. Also, add company’s information such as name of the company, department and address.
Headline: Use numbers, questions, or interesting adjectives. Something like "5 Ways I Can Help You Improve Your Company’s Marketing."
Personalized greeting: Research the hiring manager's name online — LinkedIn is the perfect tool for this. If you fail to find it, use “ Dear Sir/Madam” .
1st Paragraph: Introduction: Use this space to introduce yourself in more detail and explain why this job is exciting to you.
2nd Paragraph: Why you’re a great fit: Write a short summary of your career and skills, and tailor it to fit the company's needs.
3rd Paragraph: Why the company is a great fit for you: Let them know why do they appeal to you. What excites you about working there? What do you want to learn?
Closing paragraph: Finish strong and repeat why you’re a great fit (points 5 and 6). Also, explain how and when you’re going to contact them.
Signature: Use a formal sign-off like " Yours faithfully" (US English) or " Yours sincerely" (British English) + your full name.

Take the readers on an exciting journey, don't tell them what they already know! Just try to answer the basic questions: Why you? Why this company? Why this role?

7 differences between the cover letter and resume

Type of document: When you’re applying for a job, you're normally asked to provide a resume. That’s a basic document hiring managers use to filter job candidates. On the other hand, cover letters, while often required, are sometimes optional. This depends on the requirements for the specific job.

Purpose: The purpose of your resume is to summarize your work history and qualifications. Whereas the main purpose of your cover letter is to sell those qualifications. It should introduce yourself to the hiring manager and show how your experience and skills make you a great match for the job.

Content: Your resume should contain key information about your work history and professional background. A cover letter should help the hiring manager to interpret that information. For instance, you may have an employment gap on your resume and in your cover letter, you can explain why.

Information: Any resume is mostly about facts. In contrast, your cover letter should contain more subjective information, such as reasons for applying for that job, why you’re passionate about your industry or why you’d make a good fit. It’s a place where you can show a bit of your personality.

Format: A resume is divided into multiple sections like Work history , Education , Skills , etc. and should use bullet points under each section. On the other hand, a cover letter is written in a letter format and consists of 3-4 full paragraphs. It includes heading, salutation, introduction, body content, conclusion, and your signature.

Tone: Resumes have more professional and formal tone. In your cover letter, you can use a more conversational tone and give it a more personal touch. This goes hand in hand with the fact that resumes are rather objective and cover letters subjective.

Length: Your resume should be one page long. This of course, depends on where you are in your career. But your cover letter should never go past 3/4 of a page (no matter what your career level is).

Christy's word of advice

Even if the cover letter is not always read, it’s still considered a courtesy to include one, particular by smaller companies who are more likely to manually review each application. Some online applications only allow you to upload one document, so in that case you can either merge your cover letter and resume into one file, or just submit the resume (avoid merging both into one file otherwise, as they serve different purposes and are weighted differently by ATS). If the ad just asks for a resume, you can probably get away with no cover letter.

Christy Morgan, Resident HR Expert

How cover letter and resume complement each other

Although there are multiple differences between the two, they complement each other.

Simply put — think of your resume as an outline for your cover letter story.

Along the similar lines, you can also think of your cover letter as a handbook to your resume. It allows you to translate raw data from your resume into an easy-to-read letter demonstrating your key skills and abilities. Ultimately, the purpose of your cover letter is to get your resume read.

They should also complement each other in the terms of design. Make sure your cover letter template matches the resume template you chose. It makes you look more professional. (For instance, Kickresume allows you to do that.)

In the end, both documents will give you a chance to deliver your “elevator pitch” and help you score a job interview.

Cover letter and resume examples

Let’s now take a look at how it should be done in practice. Below you can find a resume and cover letter example written by a real job seeker who scored a real job in a real company (it's all very real, true story).

These examples can teach you a bit about content and style of your resume and cover letter. You can even use them as your first drafts to help you get started.

Marketing and Brand Manager at American Eagle Outfitters (Resume Example)

This resume sample was contributed by a real person who got hired with Kickresume’s help.

Marketing and Brand Manager at American Eagle Outfitters (Cover Letter Example)

This cover letter sample was provided by a real person who got hired with Kickresume’s help.

Still need some more inspiration? Visit our resume examples and cover letter examples libraries.

Resumes? Cover letters?

Our AI writer can do it all.

You can even transform your LinkedIn profile into a polished, professional resume . Our tool streamlines the process, helping you create a compelling document that perfectly showcases your skills and experience.

A journalist by trade, a writer by fate. Nikoleta went from writing for media outlets to exploring the world of content creation with Kickresume and helping people get closer to the job of their dreams. Her insights and career guides have been published by The Female Lead, College Recruiter, and ISIC, among others. Nikoleta holds a Master's degree in Journalism from the Comenius University in Bratislava. When she’s not writing or (enthusiastically) pestering people with questions, you can find her traveling or sipping on a cup of coffee.

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12 CV cover letter examples

A cover letter for your CV, or covering note is an introductory message that accompanies your CV when applying for a job.

The purpose of the cover letter is simple… Persuade the reader to open your CV.

Learn how to write a cover letter properly, and you will hugely increase your chances of getting responses and landing job interviews.

This guide, with 12 annotated cover letter examples will show you everything you need to know about creating a winning cover note.

CV templates

How to layout a cover letter for your CV

This annotated example of a cover letter shows you how you should structure your cover letters, and the type of information you should be including.

You should always write your CV in the body of your email (or j ob site messaging system) so that it can be read instantly. Never attach it as a separate document, or the recipient probably won’t open it.

Example CV cover letters

These 11 example CV cover letters from a range of industries should give you some good inspiration for creating your own cover letter.

Admin CV cover letter

This cover letter is aimed at administrative roles , so it highlights the candidate’s abilities in efficiency, report writing and meeting deadlines, whilst demonstrating the types of environments they have worked in.

Learn how to write a cover letter step-by-step here.

Customer service CV cover letter

This customer service cover letter briefly explains the candidate’s length of experience in the field and highlights some of the more important customer service skills such as call handling, order taking and complaint resolution.

This gives the reader an excellent introduction to the candidate and should certainly encourage them to open the CV.

See our full customer service cover letter guide, sales assistant cover letter example and waiter/waitress cover letter example .

Finance CV cover letter

As a finance professional, it’s important to highlight your specialisms within finance, the types of companies you’ve worked for, and high level functions you’ve carried out within your cover letter. This will give the hiring manager a good overall feel of your abilities, and if it’s well tailored to the role, should provide them with enough info to excite them about your CV.

Quick tip: Use our job application tracker spreadsheet to track your applications and follow up with employers who don’t respond.

Events CV cover letter

This events manager candidate has done a great job of summarising the type and size of events they manage, along with details of core skills such as leadership, project delivery and stakeholder management.

This certainly provides enough info to create a buzz around the CV attached and encourage the recipient to open it.

Executive assistant CV cover letter

Executive assistant cover letter example

This executive assistant CV cover letter provides a good high level intro to the candidate showing the reader key business support knowledge in areas such as admin, diary management and document management. It also shows that the candidate is confident supporting senior business figures.

Graduate CV cover letter

As a graduate , your cover letter will need to be a little longer than an experienced candidates, to compensate for your lack of experience and really sell yourself.

This candidate speaks in lots of detail about their education, qualifications, and extra-curricular work which relates to the roles they are applying for.

IT CV cover letter

As an IT candidate, it’s important not only to highlight your technical skills, but also show how you apply those skills in the workplace to translate real benefits for your employer.

This candidate gives a good overview of the candidates technical abilities and the types of projects they apply them to, along with results they achieve.

Marketing CV cover letter

This marketing cover letter provides readers with a summary of the candidate’s core marketing abilities such as media planning, brand awareness and cost reduction. It also explains the types of marketing campaigns and companies they have experience with – a great high-level intro.

Cover letter examples

Warehouse Operative cover letter – Training Contract cover letter – Cleaning Job cover letter – Nursery Assistant cover letter – Recruitment Consultant cover letter – Dental Nurse cover letter –

Chef cover letter – Editorial Assistant cover letter – Aircraft Mechanic cover letter – Biomedical Science cover letter – Cabin Crew cover letter – Finance Assistant cover letter – Hotel Receptionist cover letter – Asset Management cover letter – Assistant Psychologist cover letter – Beauty Therapist cover letter – Cafe Worker cover letter – HR Administrator cover letter – NQT cover letter – Quantity Surveyor cover letter

More cover letter examples

Academic cover letter
Account Manager cover letter
Accountant cover letter
Accounting cover letter
Accounts Assistant cover letter
Acting cover letter
Admin Assistant cover letter
Administrator cover letter
Apprenticeship cover letter
Architecture cover letter
Assistant Manager cover letter
Banking cover letter
Bar Staff cover letter
Barclays cover letter
Barista cover letter
Bartender cover letter
Business Analyst cover letter
Business Development Manager cover letter
Car Sales Person cover letter
Care Assistant cover letter
Career Change cover letter
Catering Assistant cover letter
Civil Engineer cover letter
Computer Science cover letter
Consulting cover letter
Copywriter cover letter
Cyber Security cover letter
Data Entry Clerk cover letter
Data Scientist cover letter
Delivery Driver cover letter
Digital Marketing cover letter
Electrician cover letter
Engineering cover letter
Estate Agent cover letter
Event Manager cover letter
Exam Invigilator cover letter
Executive Assistant cover letter
Fashion Designer cover letter
Finance cover letter
Financial Analyst cover letter
Google cover letter
Graduate cover letter
Graduate Engineer cover letter
Graduate Scheme cover letter
Graphic Design cover letter
Health Care Assistant cover letter
Hospitality cover letter
HR Assistant cover letter
HR cover letter
Interior Designer cover letter
Internal Position cover letter
Internship cover letter
Investment Banking cover letter
Investment Manager cover letter
IT Support cover letter
Journalist cover letter
JP Morgan cover letter
Lawyer cover letter
Legal Assistant cover letter
Legal cover letter
Library Assistant cover letter
Manager cover letter
Marine Engineer cover letter
Marketing Assistant cover letter
Marketing cover letter
Marketing Intern cover letter
Marketing Manager cover letter
McKinsey cover letter
Mechanical Engineer cover letter
Medical Receptionist cover letter
Medical Writer cover letter
Model cover letter
Nanny cover letter
Nurse cover letter
Nursing cover letter
Office Assistant cover letter
Office Manager cover letter
Operations Manager cover letter
Optical Assistant cover letter
Paralegal cover letter
Part Time cover letter
PE Teacher cover letter
Personal Assistant cover letter
Personal Trainer cover letter
Pharmacist cover letter
Pharmacy Assistant cover letter
PHD Application cover letter
Photographer cover letter
Placement cover letter
Private Equity cover letter
Product Manager cover letter
Production Assistant cover letter
Production Operator cover letter
Project Coordinator cover letter
Promotion cover letter
PWC cover letter
Quantity Surveyor cover letter
Receptionist cover letter
Research Assistant cover letter
Researcher cover letter
Retail Assistant cover letter
Retail cover letter
Retail Manager cover letter
Sales Advisor cover letter
Sales Executive cover letter
Sales Manager cover letter
Scrum Master cover letter
Security Officer cover letter
Ski Season cover letter
Social Media Executive cover letter
Social Media Manager cover letter
Software Developer cover letter
Software Engineer cover letter
Speculative cover letter
Student cover letter
Support Worker cover letter
Teaching Assistant cover letter
Team Leader cover letter
Trainee Dental Nurse cover letter
University cover letter
UX Designer cover letter
Volunteer cover letter

Project manager CV cover letter

A project manager’ s cover letter needs to quickly explain to recipients the types of projects they lead and the technical expertise they bring to the projects. It’s also important to describe level of experience, seniority and background.

See full project manager cover letter example + writing guide

Operations manager cover letter

This operations management CV provides a brief introduction to the types of operations the candidate manages and the firms they work for.

They also touch upon some core operations skills such as efficiency, logistics and ROI improvement.

Sales CV cover letter

As a sales candidate, this cover letter shows the types of business this person can generate and the size and scale of the impact they create by highlighting some sales results.

It also mentions some core sales skills like business development, presenting, working under pressure and closing deals.

Cover letter templates

Teacher cover letter

This teacher cover letter does a great job of introducing the candidate, and showing the recipient the key facts they will be looking for, such as; the age group they teach, subject specialisms, and the results they have achieved.

The cover letter is brief and gets to the point quickly, so that readers will instantly look to open the attached CV .

How to write your CV cover letter

Now that you’ve seem good examples of cover letters to accompany your CV (or resume if you are in the USA) this guide will show exactly how to write your own, and the content that needs to be included .

Send your CV cover letter in email format (when possible)

When applying for jobs online you usually have 2 choices…

1) Send a message via the job website’s messaging system

2) Send the recruiter an email directly

If you can find an email address for the recruiter, then I would always recommend sending an email directly because it gives you more control.

When you send a message through a job website, it will transfer into an email with basic formatting and an auto-generated headline , which will look like this when the recruiter receives it.

If you cannot find an email address for the recruiter on the job advert, then try searching LinkedIn or the company website to find the relevant contact.

You may not always be able to find an email address, but when you can – always send a job application by email .

Make your subject line appealing

As you can see in the picture above, a bad subject line can kill your chances of actually having your email read in the first place.

Your subject line should stand out and give the recruiter a reason to open your email.

When recruiters look into their inbox, they are looking for one thing; a candidate who can do the job they are advertising – so give that to them in your subject line.

Your subject line should be a short summary of your experience that relates directly to the job you are applying for.

The following are good subject line examples;

KS2 Teacher with 5 years experience

Front End Web developer with HTML, HTML & JavaScript experience

Junior Graphic designer with 1st BA Hons Graphic Design

If your subject line shows that you have one or two of the most important requirements for the job, your email should get opened every time.

Address the recruiter by name

To get the relationship off on the right foot, you should try to address the recruiter by name if you can.

Often the recruiter’s details will appear on the job advert but sometimes you may have to check out the company website or do some digging around on LinkedIn.

If you really can’t find the name, then it’s not the end of the world – just start with a simple friendly opening like “ Hi ”

(If you applying to a more traditional organisation such as an academic post for a university, you may want to use something a bit more formal like “ Dear sir or madam ”)

Use a friendly yet professional tone

It’s important to sound professional when writing a cover letter but you also need to demonstrate your ability to communicate with other people and show some personality.

If your email is too casual and written in an over-familiar tone, then you will come across us un-professional.

But on the other hand, if your email is too formal and shows no signs of rapport building, you risk appearing as somebody who lacks social skills.

So when writing your cover letter, try to strike a nice balance of professionalism and friendliness.

Opening with a line such as “ hope you’re well ” is a nice way to breathe a bit of personality into your cover letter.

Ensure that your spelling and grammar is perfect throughout your cover letter because sloppy mistakes are a huge red flag for recruiters.

Quick tip: If you struggle with spelling and grammar, try our quick-and-easy CV Builder

Keep it brief

Unless the job advert specifies otherwise; keep your cover letter short and sweet.

Recruiters and employers receive hundreds of job applications per week, so they don’t want to read a 2 page cover letter.

Depending on the role, around 2-4 sentences should be enough for the content of the cover letter.

You just need to write enough to persuade them to open your CV – It should roughly contain the same amount of information as your CV profile or personal statement.

Show how your skills match the job

To ensure that recruiters open your CV, you simply need to explain how your skills and experience match the job requirements from the advert.

Scan the job advert to discover what the most important candidate abilities are, and show how your previous experience has prepared you to cover these.

In particular, look out for any requirements that are essential to the job .

Focus on what you have to offer at this stage and not what you want.

At this stage, your covering letter is simply a means of getting the recruiter to open your CV, so it’s too early to talk about salary demands etc. Save that for your initial conversation with the recruiter.

Include a professional signature

End your cover letter with a friendly salutation such as “Regards” and a smart signature which includes your name and most direct contact method (usually mobile phone for most people)

A professional email signature will show recruiters that you understand business-email etiquette and ensure they have a means of contacting you – even if they can’t open your CV for any reason.

Writing a CV cover letter

Hopefully this guide has given you everything you need to create a winning cover letter that will ensure you CV gets opened every time you send it.

Just remember to keep it brief, be friendly, tailor it towards your target role, and give recruiters some good reasons to be interested in you.

Good luck with the job hunt!

What Are the Highest Paying Jobs in the UK in 2024

· April 04 2024
· 8 min read

Table of contents

Financial stability is often the priority In the search for a rewarding career. Whether you're a student, graduate planning your future or a seasoned professional eyeing a career change , knowing the highest-paying jobs can help you make a meaningful decision.

Our step-by-step guide delves into over 15 lucrative roles, from executive officers to engineers, offering insights into industry trends, salaries and required qualifications. With over 1 million vacancies and rising employment levels, now is the time to explore your options.

For more inspiration, check out diverse CV templates and extensive CV example guides to help you create a strong application for your next high-paying job! Get ready as we navigate the ways to career success and satisfaction, empowering you to seize the opportunities in the UK job market.

1. Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

As CEO, your role revolves around directing the strategic vision and overseeing the entire operational spectrum of a company. Your duties include setting goals, making key decisions, overseeing all departments, and profit assurance. They serve as the public face of the organisation.

Average salary :

£100,000 to £1,000,000+ per year.

Entry requirements :

Strong strategic thinking and communication skills

Proven track record of successful leadership in previous roles

Results-driven and business growth mindset.

2. Investment Banker

They provide financial guidance and facilitate capital-raising services to enterprises, governments, and institutions. Your primary duties involve market analysis, making fair deals, and executing transactions to meet client financial goals.

£70,000 to £300,000+ per year (including bonuses).

Bachelor's degree in finance, economics, or related field

Experience in investment banking, or related finance roles at banks, such as JPMorgan or Barclays.

Strong quantitative and math skills.

For more examples and tips, refer to our investment banking CV and investment banking cover letter writing guides.

3. High Court Judge

Senior judicial legal professionals working in the High Court. Their core responsibilities include making decisions on legal cases while ensuring that everything goes according to law. Their job is to interpret the law, listen to the evidence presented by two sides, and make fair unbiased decisions based on those facts. They are a crucial part of society in upholding justice, assuring that the legal system functions efficiently.

Average salary:

£100,000 to £200,000+ per year.

Extensive legal experience as a barrister or solicitor, with a specific specialisation area

Approval from the Judicial Appointments Commission

Objective judgement, integrity, and sound judgement competencies.

4. Consultant

Experts in a particular field who provide advice and solutions to clients or organisations. Consultants may work independently or for consulting firms, offering specialised knowledge and expertise, with top specialisation and salaries in the surgery field.

£40,000 to £150,000+ per year.

Relevant bachelor's or master's degree

Extensive experience in a specific industry or domain

Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills

Ability to work independently and collaborate with clients.

See our consultant CV example guide for more career advice.

5. Anesthesiologist

They are expert medical doctors (MDs) who ensure patients are comfortable and safe during surgery. They administer anaesthesia, create personalised anaesthesia plans, give drugs, assess medical history, and monitor vital signs. They also manage pain throughout the process, handle emergencies, and work closely with surgical teams.

Undergraduate medical degree, such as MBBS or equivalent

M.D. Anaesthesia or Doctor of Medicine in Anesthesia

Residency training accredited by the Royal College of Anaesthetists

Valid UK medical license

Clinical skills (e.g. airway management, Intravenous (IV) access, resuscitation).

6. Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

As a CFO, you oversee all financial operations, including team management, financial data oversight, planning, budgeting, and analysis. Your duties include financial planning and risk management, including securing funds evaluating financial data for performance and reporting the key results to stakeholders. Additionally, you are the middle ground between the CEO and the board, proactively helping to form the company strategy.

£90,000 to £200,000+ per year.

Bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, business administration, or related field

Certification, such as ACCA or CIMA

Long track record working in finance and accounting positions

Strong leadership and analytical abilities.

Refer to finance and finance cover letter guides for more industry-specific tips.

7. Commercial Pilot

Operating aircraft to transport passengers or cargo safely and efficiently. Requires extensive training, including flight school and certification.

£50,000 to £150,000+ per year.

Fight training and obtaining commercial pilot license (CPL)

Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL) for commercial airline pilots

Ability to work well under pressure and in varying weather conditions.

Assessing financial risks and uncertainties for insurance companies, pension funds, and other businesses. Involves analysing data, developing models, and providing strategic advice.

£60,000 to £150,000+ per year.

Entry requirements:

Bachelor's degree in mathematics, statistics, or actuarial science

Professional actuarial qualifications (e.g., FIA, FFA)

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

Attention to detail and ability to communicate complex concepts effectively.

9. Solicitor / Lawyer

Solicitors offer legal advice and representation to clients, managing a diverse array of legal matters such as contracts, property transactions, and litigation. They conduct legal research, draft legal documents, and represent clients in court proceedings. Solicitors also negotiate settlements and ensure legal compliance for their clients.

£50,000 to £200,000+ per year.

Law degree (LLB) or conversion course (GDL)

Legal Practice Course (LPC)

Training contract or solicitor apprenticeship

Admission to the Law Society of England and Wales or the Law Society of Scotland.

Consult our lawyer CV example for more information and valuable advice for this type of profession.

10. Data Scientist

They extract, analyse, and interpret large datasets using algorithmic and AI principles to gain valuable insights and further drive decision-making. Develop and use machine learning models to solve complex business problems and support decision-making across various industries. Data Scientists collaborate with stakeholders to understand their needs, translate data into actionable insights, and communicate findings effectively.

Entry requirements :

Undergraduate degree in a quantitative field, such as mathematics, statistics, or computer science

A Master's degree in data science or a similar field is advantageous

Strong programming skills (Python, R)

Experience with data analysis tools and machine learning libraries.

See our related data scientist CV example and data analyst cover letter for more tips and examples to help you succeed in your career.

11. Director of Engineering

Leaders who manage engineering teams and projects within an organisation. Directors of Engineering set technical direction, manage resources and ensure the successful delivery of engineering initiatives.

£70,000 to £150,000+ per year.

Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field

Extensive experience in engineering management or leadership roles

Strong technical expertise and understanding of engineering principles

Excellent communication and project management skills.

Check out our engineering CV example for more industry-specific examples and tips in your job search.

12. Tax Director

They oversee the tax planning and compliance activities of an organisation. Tax Directors develop tax strategies, manage tax risks, and ensure compliance with tax laws and regulations.

£80,000 to £200,000+ per year.

Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or related field

Professional accounting qualifications, such as ACA, ACCA, CPA

Extensive experience in tax planning and compliance

Strong knowledge of tax laws and regulations.

Refer to our accounting CV writing guide to learn more!

13. Marketing Director

They are in charge of developing and implementing marketing strategies to promote products or services and drive revenue growth. Marketing Directors manage marketing teams, analyse market trends, and spearhead campaigns.

Bachelor's degree in marketing, business, or related field

Extensive experience in marketing management or leadership roles

Strong strategic thinking, creativity, and analytical skills

Excellent communication and leadership abilities

Explore our marketing CV and marketing cover letter examples to get more tips and career advice.

14. Plastic Surgeon

Plastic surgeons use surgery and artistry to help patients look how they want. They perform cosmetic and reconstructive surgeries to improve appearance or restore function. They also conduct thorough assessments to ensure patients are suitable and safe for operations.

£70,000 to £200,000+ per year.

Completion of surgical residency and specialised training in plastic surgery

General Medical Council (GMC) registration.

See our medical CV and healthcare CV examples for more information.

15. Ophthalmologist

Ophthalmologists are medical doctors who specialise in diagnosing and treating eye diseases and disorders. They conduct eye surgeries, prescribe medications, and provide vision care for patients of all ages. Ophthalmologists conduct thorough eye examinations, diagnose conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration, and develop treatment plans to improve or preserve vision.

£70,000 to £200,000+ per year.

Medical degree, such as MBBS or equivalent.

Speciality training in ophthalmology.

General Medical Council (GMC) registration

Surgical skills and expertise in eye care.

Refer to our related optometrist CV example for more examples and tips to succeed in your career.

Key takeaways

Follow our professional advice and examples to help you navigate this dynamic landscape with confidence. We hope that this guide has helped you make informed decisions about your career path, unlocking doors to a successful career in the UK.

Next steps?

If you are on the hunt for a higher-paying job, consider leveraging our CV templates to kickstart your job search. Additionally, explore our cover letter templates to complement your CV. For personalised career document guidance, connect with our professionals through our CV Writing Services .

For more details on what makes a good CV, refer to our blog or directly follow the links below:

How long should a CV be?

What skills to put on a CV?

How to structure a cover letter.

Looking for a higher-paying job?

What are the highest-paying opportunities for uk citizens.

Surgeons, anaesthetists, CEOs, CFOs, investment bankers, pilots, and certain specialist doctors are among the top-paying careers in the UK. These roles often ask you to have higher education, relevant work experience, and job-specific skills.

Additionally, Dubai is a popular destination for UK professionals, with a growing demand for English native speakers with prestigious educational backgrounds. You can find high-paying jobs, such as surgeons, doctors, judges, lawyers, bank managers, CEOs, CFOs, orthodontists, college professors, pilots, and marketing directors.

What job pays the highest without a degree?

For most high-paying jobs you would usually need a degree or similar qualification, but there are exceptions. Skilled technicians like electricians , plumbers , and welders can earn well, especially with experience and certifications. Some sales positions offer high commissions and bonuses, providing significant earnings without a specialised undergraduate degree.

Which job is the highest paid in the UK?

Anaesthetists have the highest average salaries in the UK. It is worth noting that salary figures vary depending on various factors, such as experience, location within the UK, and industry. Additionally, some CEO positions, particularly in large corporations, can reach even higher salary levels.

What jobs pay 100k a year UK?

Examples of jobs that pay £100,000 or more per year in the UK include specialist doctors, senior executives in large companies, investment bankers, data scientists, and IT entrepreneurs.

What are some of the fastest-growing high-paying fields in the UK?

The tech sector continues to thrive, with roles such as data scientists, software engineers, and cybersecurity specialists witnessing a rise in demand and salaries. Besides, the sustainability and renewable energy sectors have attracted more talent recently, offering lucrative career paths.

For more information, check out our sustainability CV guide for more career examples and valuable expert advice.

How can I increase my chances of landing a high-paying job in the UK?

Investing in education and earning relevant qualifications is crucial. Look for opportunities to develop in-demand skills through apprenticeships, professional certifications, or postgraduate degrees. Building a strong work ethic, gaining valuable experience, and networking within your chosen field can also significantly boost your career prospects.

Start creating your CV

Create a professional CV quick and easy with our advanced CV Builder

Updated April 04 2024

The CVMaker platform offers a complete career platform for jobseekers with handy tools and valuable information. Are you ready for the next step in your career? Start here today!

· Mar 27 2024
· 3 min read

Finding Seasonal Work in the UK: Job Advice & CV Tips

University graduates throwing graduation hats ready to enter the workforce

· Apr 04 2024
· 9 min read

Career Advice for Recent Graduates Entering the Workforce

Jobs that didn't exist at the start of the millennium

· 10 min read

20 in-demand emerging jobs that didn't exist 10 or 20 years ago

Land the interview for your dream job with cvmaker.

Effortlessly create your professional CV within 10 minutes and download it whenever and wherever you want!

Increase your chances of landing your dream job with CVMaker.

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Europass – eine bekannte Größe in Europa

Der Europass-Lebenslauf ist in Europa eine feste Größe: Er ist benutzerfreundlich und bei Arbeitgebern und Bildungseinrichtungen bestens bekannt.

Erst musst du dein Europass-Profil erstellen und dabei Angaben zu deiner allgemeinen oder beruflichen Bildung sowie zu Arbeitserfahrung und Kompetenzen machen. Nach der Erstellung deines Europass-Profils kannst du mit wenigen Klicks so viele Lebensläufe erstellen, wie du möchtest. Du entscheidest, was in deinem Lebenslauf stehen und wie er aussehen soll – den Rest macht Europass.

Du kannst Lebensläufe in 31 Sprachen erstellen, speichern und weiterleiten. Du kannst deinen Europass-Lebenslauf herunterladen, ihn in deiner Europass-Bibliothek speichern oder mit Arbeitgebern, EURES oder anderen Arbeitsvermittlungen teilen.

Der perfekte Lebenslauf

Dein Lebenslauf ist das Erste, was dein potenzieller Arbeitgeber von dir zu sehen bekommt: eine Momentaufnahme deiner Kompetenzen, deiner Bildungslaufbahn, deiner Berufserfahrung und anderer Leistungen.

Deine Stärken auf einen Blick

Hebe Kompetenzen und Erfahrungen hervor, die gut zu der Position passen, auf die du dich bewerben möchtest. Achte auf Details in der Stellenausschreibung.

Maßgeschneidert

Aktualisiere die Rubrik „Über mich“, um zu betonen, warum du besonders gut für diese Stelle geeignet bist. Gib nicht alle Erfahrungen an, die du gesammelt hast. Triff eine Auswahl und nenne nur die Stationen deiner Laufbahn, die zum Stellenprofil passen.

Dein Lebenslauf darf nicht zu kompliziert sein. Formuliere klar und deutlich. Verwende starke Verben (z. B. „entscheiden“, „entwickeln“, „steigern“).

Aktuelle Informationen zuerst

Führe deine aktuelle Berufserfahrung immer als Erstes an. Erläutere Lücken in der Berufs- oder Bildungslaufbahn.

Der letzte Schliff

Kontrolliere Rechtschreibung und Grammatik, gib eine professionelle E-Mail-Adresse an und füge ein professionelles Bewerbungsfoto hinzu.

Dein Europass-Profil

In deinem Europass-Profil laufen alle Kompetenzen, Qualifikationen und Erfahrungen zusammen. Aktualisiere dein Profil regelmäßig, damit du schnell einen maßgeschneiderten Lebenslauf und die dazu passende Bewerbung erstellen kannst.

Viel Glück bei deiner Bewerbung!

Nützliche Dienste der EU

Eures – das europäische portal zur beruflichen mobilität, in anderen eu-ländern arbeiten, bildung und berufsbildung in anderen eu-ländern, auch interessant.

Bewerbungsschreiben erstellen mit Europass

Weiterbilden durch Freiwilligentätigkeit

Wie Europass deine persönlichen Daten verwaltet

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What is the Difference Between Resume and Cover Letter

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COMMENTS

Cover Letter vs. CV: Definitions, Differences and Tips
Cover letter vs. CV Here are some critical differences between a cover letter and a CV: Short descriptions vs. a detailed biography A cover letter typically provides concise descriptions of a person's qualifications. It's important for a cover letter to only include information relevant to a specific job position, as hiring managers may look ...
CV vs Cover Letter: What's the Difference?
CV vs Cover Letter—The Differences. Generally, the focus of a CV is your value to academia, while a cover letter goes right for the feels. But nothing clears things up like a nice table of values. Have a look at the table below to see a side by side comparison of the major differences between an academic CV and a cover letter.
Cover Letter vs. Resume: How Are They Different?
The difference between a cover letter and a resume. There are four key differences between a cover letter and a resume: 1. Importance. Resumes are a requirement when you apply for work. On the other hand, cover letters are often necessary, but optional when a company specifically says to not include one.
Resume vs Cover Letter: How They're Different
A resume is mostly past-oriented, meaning that it focuses largely on your past work history and experiences. Much of a resume is written in the past tense, as well. A cover letter is written primarily in the present tense. The focus of a cover letter is more on the present and future, including mentioning current and future objectives.
CV vs Cover Letter: What Are The Differences?
No, a CV is not a cover letter. CV is short for "curriculum vitae". In the United States, a CV is a multipage document used by people applying for academic or medical positions. By contrast, a cover letter is a one page letter that explains who you are, why you want the job, and how you'll contribute to the position you're applying to.
Cover Letter Vs Resume: Here Are The Key Differences
1 - Structure of a resume vs cover letter. The most obvious difference is that the cover letter looks different than the resume. The cover letter is a business letter, or even if it's the ...
What's the Difference Between a Cover Letter vs a Resume?
CV vs. Resume vs. Cover Letter. A CV (or Curriculum Vitae, from Latin) is the equivalent of a resume in Europe—and globally, in Academia. However, in each of these contexts, CVs follow different formats. Read more about CV formats in Europe here and compare them with academic CVs here.
Cover Letter vs CV
Diffen › English Language. A CV (curriculum vitae) is different from a cover letter in that a cover letter is more concise and a CV is fairly detailed. While a CV includes detailed information about a person's educational background and work experience, a cover letter is a more concise document expressing interest in the job being applied to.
The CV Cover Letter: What It Is and How to Write It Well
How to write a CV cover letter. You can use the following process to write an effective CV cover letter: 1. Identify the requirements for the position. Read the job description well and identify employer expectations in relation to academic achievements, education, skills, and experience. Make a list of these expectations.
CV vs Cover Letter: What Is The Difference?
What Is the Difference Between a CV and a Cover Letter? While both a CV and a cover letter are important components of a job application, they serve distinct purposes. A CV is a detailed document that provides an overview of your education, professional experience, skills, achievements and other relevant information. A cover letter is a brief ...
CV vs Cover Letter: Differences, Similarities & Which One to Use
The main difference between a CV and a cover letter are: CV is an extensive document that outlines the applicant's career - their experience, qualifications, skills, competences, achievements, etc. Meanwhile, a cover letter provides only a short description of the applicant, and compliments all the important parts of the CV, using examples.
The difference between CVs and cover letters
Email cover letters are typically more concise and can be anywhere from between 100 to 400 words long. They still tap into the four main talking points mentioned above though. The similarities between a CV and a cover letter. We've taken a look at the differences in whether a CV is a cover letter, so let's look at the similarities.
How To Write a Cover Letter for a CV (With Examples)
Cover Letter Sample. Sending an Email Cover Letter. More Cover Letter Examples. Photo: Wutthichai Luemuang / EyeEm / Getty Images. A cover letter should be included with every curriculum vitae you send. Learn about what to include in a cover letter for a CV and review some examples.
Resume vs. Cover Letter
Your resume is a historical account of your work until now, using bullet points and broken down into sections. In your cover letter, you go into more detail, giving insight into your work history in a personalized letter. A resume is a list of qualifications and achievements - a cover letter describes them. Keep a resume formal and direct; make ...
Cover Letter vs Resume: What Can Cover Letter Explain ...
Cover Letters Tell the Story Behind the Facts on Your Resume. Cover letters add value to your application by enabling you to elaborate on relevant experiences, build a case for why you are a top candidate, tailor your application to a specific role, explain extenuating circumstances, and let employers know why you want to work for their organization.
Cover Letter vs. Resume: What's the Difference?
Cover letter vs Resume. Summing things up. Both a resume and a cover letter are essential elements of a successful job application. A resume is a summary of your professional life, while a cover letter is an introduction of your skills and qualities that best match the position you are applying for. Even if the job description doesn't ...
Cover Letter vs Resume: Differences, Comparison, Examples
Here's an idea: the resume vs cover letter is a lot like salt vs pepper. Let me explain. Your resume is like salt — it's a key ingredient required to prepare any dish. Or in this case, to score a job. The cover letter, on the other hand, is like pepper — you use it to give your dish (your resume) a bit more flavor.
12 CV cover letter examples
Marketing CV cover letter. This marketing cover letter provides readers with a summary of the candidate's core marketing abilities such as media planning, brand awareness and cost reduction. It also explains the types of marketing campaigns and companies they have experience with - a great high-level intro.
Writing Cover Letters For A Career Change: Tips And Examples
Tips For Writing A Career Change Cover Letter. 1. Personalize Your Approach: Address the letter to a specific person whenever possible.Doing so demonstrates attention to detail and a genuine ...
Top 15 highest-paying jobs in the UK in 2024 (Salaries included)
Explore our marketing CV and marketing cover letter examples to get more tips and career advice. 14. Plastic Surgeon. Plastic surgeons use surgery and artistry to help patients look how they want. They perform cosmetic and reconstructive surgeries to improve appearance or restore function.
Medicare Part D can cover Wegovy now for preventing heart disease
The plans may now cover Wegovy when prescribed to prevent heart attacks and strokes, according to a new policy issued this week from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
Europass-Lebenslauf erstellen
Europass - eine bekannte Größe in Europa. Der Europass-Lebenslauf ist in Europa eine feste Größe: Er ist benutzerfreundlich und bei Arbeitgebern und Bildungseinrichtungen bestens bekannt.. Erst musst du dein Europass-Profil erstellen und dabei Angaben zu deiner allgemeinen oder beruflichen Bildung sowie zu Arbeitserfahrung und Kompetenzen machen.

Resume vs Cover Letter: How They're Different

Cover letter vs resume: what are the differences?

Cover letter vs resume: what are the similarities?

Layout and structure

Resume layout and structure

Cover letter layout and structure

What can a cover letter explain that a resume cannot?

Cover letter vs resume vs application letter

What is the difference between a resume and an application letter?

What is the difference between a cover letter and an application letter?

Cover letter vs resume: yes, you need both (with rare exceptions)

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Cover Letter vs. CV

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Comments: Cover Letter vs Curriculum Vitae

CV vs Cover Letter: What Is The Difference?

What Is a CV?

What Is a Cover Letter?

What Is the Difference Between a CV and a Cover Letter?

How to Write a Cover Letter for a Business-Support Position

Example of a CV for a Business-Support Position

Work Experience

Roles and Responsibilities

Achievements and Accomplishments

Example of a Cover Letter for a Business Support Position

Do you need both a CV and a cover letter?

Can you combine your CV and cover letter?

Should I put a CV or cover letter first?

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CV vs Cover Letter: Differences, Similarities & Which One to Use

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The difference between CVs and cover letters

Is a CV a cover letter?

What does a CV include?

Name, professional title, and contact information

Personal profile

Experience and employment history

Education and qualifications

What does a cover letter include?

The similarities between a CV and a cover letter

Hints on how to write a covering letter

Identify who to send the letter to

Draft a compelling introduction paragraph

Highlight specifics within your CV

Match up your skills with those in the job advert

Stuff the letter full of facts and figures

Use cover letters to demonstrate subjective, personable details

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How To Write a Cover Letter for a CV (With Examples)

Tips for Writing a Cover Letter for a CV

Tailor the Letter to Fit the Organization

What to Include

Format Matters

Start With an Introduction

The Body of the Cover Letter

Follow Instructions

Make Sure the Letter Reads Well

Resume vs. Cover Letter - What you need to know

Define a Resume

So Then, a Cover Letter is…?

Resume and Cover Letter - Key Differences

Are There Any Similarities Between Resumes and Cover Letters?

Key Takeaway

Cover Letter vs Resume: What Can Cover Letter Explain That Resume Can’t?

Cover Letters Tell the Story Behind the Facts on Your Resume

Cover Letters Allow You to Elaborate on Relevant Experiences