Cover Letter vs. Resume: What You Really Need to Know

Learn how these tools work together to tell your professional story.

When it comes to job searching in 2025, I’ve found that people are often overwhelmed before they even begin. I’ve had the privilege of managing the Goodwill Workforce Connection Center (WCC) in Lombard, where I support job seekers every day—many of whom haven’t updated a resume in decades, let alone written a cover letter. My role is to meet them where they are and guide them toward what’s next. That means helping them build confidence, navigate applicant tracking systems and connect with employers in real, human ways.

Let’s talk about one of the most common questions I hear: What’s the difference between a cover letter and a resume—and do I really need both? The short answer? Yes, you do. And here’s why.

A Resume Tells Them What You’ve Done. A Cover Letter Tells Them Who You Are.

Your resume is a factual representation of your experience. It should be clean, easy to scan and full of strong action verbs. Bullet points matter—skip the long paragraphs. One rule of thumb? Aim for no more than seven bullet points per job. Instead of writing “Microsoft Excel,” say, “Utilized Excel to manage inventory data for 200+ SKUs.” That’s what stands out—specifics, not buzzwords.

A cover letter, on the other hand, is your chance to tell your story. It doesn’t need to be long, but it should be intentional. I always tell people: if the job posting asks for one, include it. Employers are often looking for people who can follow instructions and the cover letter is part of that first impression. Even if it’s just a few sentences about why you’re excited about the role and what you bring to the table—it counts.

Still wondering, do you need a cover letter? I believe the answer is yes, especially if you want to stand out. A strong cover letter can show off your communication skills, your personality and your fit for the role in a way a resume never will.

Before You Write, Reflect

One of the most valuable exercises I recommend is to reflect on your past roles—go back 10 or 15 years if you need to. Ask yourself: What did I do each day? Who did I interact with? What challenges did I face and how did I overcome them? This helps people realize they have more transferable skills than they think. That confidence boost is half the battle.

Resumes and cover letters are not just paperwork—they're your brand. They should reflect your voice, your skills and your adaptability. And in today’s market, that adaptability matters more than ever. If you're not highlighting your comfort with technology—software, platforms, databases—you’re missing an opportunity to show you’re ready for the workforce of the future.

The Most Common Mistakes I See

If I had a dollar for every time someone forgot their email address on a resume… well, let’s just say I’ve seen it all. Grammar errors, vague job descriptions, resumes pulled straight from Google with no customization—it all makes you blend in instead of stand out.

Want to know how to write a cover letter in 2025? Keep it simple, relevant and personal. Don't rewrite your resume—just connect the dots between your experience and the job you’re applying for. “I’d love the opportunity to bring my experience in XYZ to your team” goes a long way.

Real Talk: The Job Search Isn’t Easy

Especially now. Many of the people I work with are over 55 and they’re navigating a job market that has changed drastically. They’re skilled, thoughtful and experienced—but sometimes they just need help packaging those strengths. That’s where the WCC comes in.

We’re more than just resume experts—we’re cheerleaders for job seekers. We offer workshops, one-on-one coaching and drop-in resume help. We’re in local libraries at least twice a week and always looking for new ways to connect people with opportunity. Our goal is to get job seekers in front of real people—not just algorithms.

You Are Not Your Job Search

I remind people of this all the time. You are more than your resume. You’re a person with skills, dreams and a future worth fighting for. Don’t get discouraged. Whether you need help figuring out what to include in a resume, crafting the perfect cover letter or just deciding where to start—we’re here for you.

Need Help? We’re Just a Call or Walk-In Away

If it’s been a while since you’ve updated your resume or if you’ve never written a cover letter before, don’t worry. We’ve got you. Our services are free, personalized and available in-person or virtually. You don’t even need an appointment—we’re here when you’re ready.

Get Goodwill Workforce Connection Center career help today. Let’s build your future, one resume at a time.