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Career Planning: Choose Your Path

Employment Documents - Job Applications and Cover Letters

🌟 What’s the Difference?

Job Application vs. Cover Letter vs. Résumé

(And How They Work for Different Jobs!)

Whether you're applying for a part-time job, an internship, or your first full-time role, you'll likely need to submit a job application, a cover letter, and a résumé. Each one plays a different role in helping you land the job—and here’s how they work, with examples for different job types:

📝 Job Application

What It Is:
A form you fill out that gives employers the basic info they need to decide if you’re a good fit.

What It Includes:

  • Contact info
  • Education and training
  • Work history
  • References

Examples by Job Type:

  • Retail Job: You fill out an online form with your school info, availability, and any past customer service experience.
  • Campus Assistant Role: You list your major, GPA, and any volunteer work or tutoring experience.
  • Summer Camp Counselor: You include your experience working with kids, CPR certification, and references like a coach or teacher.

💬 Cover Letter

What It Is:
A short, personalized letter that explains why you’re a great match for the job.

What You Do:

  • Highlight your best skills and experiences
  • Connect your background to the job posting
  • Use first-person (but don’t overdo the “I”s!)
  • Show your personality and enthusiasm

Examples by Job Type:

  • Retail Job:

    “As a student athlete, I’ve learned how to stay focused, work with a team, and manage my time. I’m excited to bring that same energy to your store and help customers have a great experience.”

  • Campus Assistant Role:

    “As a peer mentor in my residence hall, I’ve helped new students adjust to college life. I’d love to continue supporting student success in your office.”

  • Summer Camp Counselor:

    “I’ve spent the last two summers volunteering at a local youth center, leading games and helping with crafts. I’m passionate about working with kids and creating fun, safe environments.”

📄 Résumé

What It Is:
A clean, easy-to-read summary of your education, experience, and skills.

What You Include:

  • Job titles and responsibilities
  • Education and certifications
  • Skills and achievements
  • Use bullet points and third-person style

Examples by Job Type:

  • Retail Job:

    Cashier – Local Grocery Store

    • Handled customer transactions and restocked shelves
    • Maintained a clean and organized checkout area
    • Provided friendly service to over 100 customers daily

  • Campus Assistant Role:

    Peer Mentor – First-Year Experience Program

    • Supported 20+ first-year students through weekly check-ins
    • Facilitated workshops on time management and study skills
    • Collaborated with staff to improve student engagement

  • Summer Camp Counselor:

    Volunteer – Youth Summer Program

    • Led daily activities for children ages 6–12
    • Ensured safety and supervision during outdoor games
    • Assisted with snack prep and cleanup

💡 Quick Tip:

Think of it like this:

  • Job Application = The basics
  • Résumé = The facts
  • Cover Letter = The story behind the facts

Together, they help employers see the full picture of who you are and why you’re ready for the job!

🛠️ Need Help With Job Applications?

Check Out These Helpful Resources to Get Started

Filling out a job application can feel overwhelming—but you’ve got this! Whether you're applying for your first job or just want to make sure you're doing it right, these resources break it down step-by-step:

🔍 Job Application Basics

Job Application Overview – Purdue OWL
Learn what a job application is, what to expect, and how to prepare before you hit “submit.”

💡 Everything You Need to Know

Indeed: Job Applications Guide
From online forms to in-person applications, this guide covers it all—including tips to help you stand out.

📋 Types of Job Applications

Indeed: 5 Different Types of Job Applications
Not all applications look the same! Learn about paper forms, online portals, email applications, and more.

❓ What Is a Job Application, Really?

The Balance Careers: What Is a Job Application?
Get a deeper understanding of why employers use applications and how they fit into the hiring process.

What Should a Cover Letter Look LIke?

A cover letter is an essential part of your job application, but it’s often a step that many job seekers overlook. This video demonstrates how to prepare a concise and convincing cover letter, including the key points to follow as well as some formatting and structural tips.

Cover Letters Made Simple: A Friendly Guide to Standing Out

Not sure how to write a cover letter? CareerAddict’s guide breaks it down in a way that’s easy to follow, helping you create a strong, personalized letter that gets noticed.

Why it’s worth your time:
A cover letter gives you a chance to show personality, explain why you’re a great fit, and make your application more memorable—even if it’s optional.

Helpful Tips from the Guide:

  • ✏️ Make it personal: Mention the company and role you're applying for—don’t use the same letter for every job.
  • 📄 Keep it short: One page is plenty. Aim for 3–4 paragraphs that get to the point.
  • 💡 Start with something engaging: Share what excites you about the role or company.
  • 📌 Focus on what matters: Highlight relevant experience, skills, or achievements that match the job.
  • 🧼 Use a clean format: Choose a simple font, keep margins neat, and make it easy to read.
  • 🚫 Skip the fluff: Avoid phrases like “I’m a team player”—show it with real examples.
  • 👋 End with confidence: Let them know you’re looking forward to hearing back.

This guide is perfect for anyone who wants to write a cover letter that feels genuine and gets results.

🎯 Cover Letter Resources

Looking to write a great cover letter, but not sure where to start? These helpful guides and tools break it down step-by-step so you can feel confident and make a strong impression.

📌 What to Include in a Cover Letter

Source: Resume Genius
Learn what makes a cover letter effective—from the right structure to the key details that help you stand out.

📝 Writing Cover Letters

Source: University of Wisconsin–Madison
A clear and practical overview of how to write a cover letter, with examples and tips for different situations.

🚀 How To Write a Cover Letter (With Steps, Examples and Tips)

Source: Indeed
Step-by-step instructions with real examples to help you write a cover letter that gets noticed.

🎥 GCF LearnFree Cover Letter Playlist

Source: GCF LearnFree
Watch short videos that walk you through strategies for writing a strong, effective cover letter.

What is a Video Cover Letter?

A video cover letter is a brief, personalized video presentation that accompanies a job application, introducing you to potential employers. It goes beyond a written cover letter to convey your communication style, personality, creativity, and presence more effectively

✉️ Cover Letter Example & Guide

A cover letter is your chance to introduce yourself, show enthusiasm, and explain why you’re a great fit for the job. It’s usually sent with your resume and should be short, clear, and tailored to the position.

✅ What to Include in Your Cover Letter

  1. Your Contact Info
    Name, address, phone number, and email at the top.

  2. Date
    The day you’re sending the letter.

  3. Employer’s Contact Info (if available)
    Name, title, company, and address.

  4. Greeting
    Try to address it to a specific person (e.g., “Dear Ms. Taylor”). If you don’t know the name, use something like “Dear Hiring Manager.”

  5. Body of the Letter [see below for matching your skills to the job description]

    • First Paragraph: Say what job you’re applying for and where you found it. Mention a referral if you have one.
    • Middle Paragraph(s): Highlight your skills, experience, and why you’re a good match. Don’t just repeat your resume—explain how your background fits the job.
    • Final Paragraph: Thank them, express interest in an interview, and mention how you’ll follow up.

  6. Closing
    Use a polite sign-off like “Respectfully yours,” followed by your name.

📝 Sample Cover Letter

Jordan Taylor [YOUR CONTACT INFORMATION]
123 Palm Street
Daytona Beach, FL 32114
(555) 987-6543
jordan.taylor@email.com

September 23, 2025 [DATE]

Alex Martinez [EMPLOYER CONTACT INFORMATION - SEE 'HEADING AND GREETING SECTION FOR MORE INFORMATION]
Hiring Manager
BrightPath Financial
789 Business Blvd
Orlando, FL 32801

Dear Mr. Martinez, [GREETING]

 [1ST PARAGRAPH BODY] I’m writing to express my interest in the Junior Accountant position at BrightPath Financial, as listed on your careers page. I recently earned both my Associate of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees in Accounting from Daytona State College, and I’m excited to apply my education and skills in a professional setting.

 [2ND  PARAGRAPH BODY - see below for more information about matching your skills to the job description] Throughout my academic journey, I developed a strong foundation in financial reporting, budgeting, and tax preparation. I also gained hands-on experience with accounting software such as QuickBooks and Excel, and I’m comfortable working with spreadsheets, reconciliations, and general ledger entries. In my senior capstone project, I analyzed financial data for a local business and presented recommendations that improved their monthly reporting process. 

 [3RD PARAGRAPH BODY] I’m detail-oriented, organized, and eager to contribute to a team that values accuracy and integrity. I believe my technical skills, combined with my ability to communicate clearly and meet deadlines, make me a strong fit for this role.

 [FINAL PARAGRAPH] Thank you for considering my application. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how I can contribute to BrightPath Financial’s goals. I’ll follow up next week to check on the status of my application. 

Respectfully yours, [CLOSING]
Jordan Taylor

🎯 Cover Letter Body Paragraphs - Match Your Skills to the Job

Don’t just list what you’ve done—connect your skills to what the employer is looking for. Think of this section as your personal pitch. Visit Transferable Skills and Digital Identity under Highlight Your Skills for more tips. 

🧠 Use Transferable Skills

Even if you don’t have direct experience, you’ve got valuable skills from school, volunteering, part-time jobs, or internships. These include:

  • Communication – writing clearly, speaking confidently, listening actively
  • Teamwork – collaborating on group projects or student organizations
  • Problem-solving – finding creative solutions in class or work settings
  • Time management – juggling deadlines, classes, and responsibilities
  • Technology – using tools like Excel, Google Workspace, or accounting software

✍️ Pro Tip:

Don’t copy your resume—interpret it. Explain how your experience makes you a strong candidate for this specific role.

📇 Your Contact Info: Make a Strong First Impression

The top of your cover letter should include your basic contact details—and it sets the tone for professionalism.

✅ What to Include:

  • Your full name
  • Address (city and state is fine)
  • Phone number
  • Professional email address
  • LinkedIn profile (optional but helpful!)

✍️ Style Tips:

  • Keep it simple and clean—centered or left-aligned block format works best
  • Avoid fancy fonts or designs; let your content shine

🚫 What to Avoid:

  • Unprofessional emails like iluvpuppies@yahoo.com or imavegan@gmail.com

📸 Yes or No - Photo on Your Cover Letter or Résumé?

In most cases, don’t. Including a photo on your resume can lead to bias, distract from your qualifications, and may even get filtered out by applicant tracking systems (ATS). In the U.S., it’s standard to leave photos off unless the job specifically requires it (like acting, modeling, or media roles).

✅ When it might be okay:

  • Jobs where appearance is part of the role (e.g., actor, model, broadcaster)
  • Applications in countries where resume photos are expected

🚫 When to skip it:

💡 Better Alternatives:

  • Add your LinkedIn profile to your resume—employers often check it anyway
  • Include a business card with a photo if meeting in person
  • Link to a professional blog or portfolio if relevant

Focus on your skills, experience, and professionalism—that’s what gets you noticed.

👋 Employer Contact Information (Without a Name)**

You may or may not have a specific person to address when sending a cover letter. Not sure who to write your cover letter to?  The key is to keep your greeting professional, specific, and respectful. Here’s how to do it right.

✅ Best Options When You Don’t Have a Name

If you don’t know the hiring manager’s name, use a greeting that still feels personal and targeted:

  • Know the department? Try:

    • Dear Marketing Hiring Team
    • Dear Human Resources Department

  • Know the manager’s title? Try:

    • Dear Director of Operations
    • Dear Customer Experience Manager

  • Know it’s a recruiter? Try:

    • Dear Alex Johnson (if named)
    • Dear Recruiting Team
    • Dear Talent Acquisition Team

  • No info at all? Your best bet:

    • Dear Hiring Manager
    • Dear [Company Name] Hiring Team

🔍 How to Find a Name (If You Want to Go the Extra Mile)

Doing a little research can help you personalize your greeting and show initiative:

  • Check the job posting for names or departments.
  • Visit the company’s “About Us” or “Team” page.
  • Search LinkedIn for hiring managers or recruiters.
  • Call the company’s main office and politely ask for the hiring contact.

🚫 What to Avoid

Skip greetings that feel outdated or too casual:

  • ❌ To Whom It May Concern
  • ❌ Dear Sir or Madam
  • ❌'Hey' or 'Hello'

A thoughtful greeting shows effort—and that’s always a good first impression.

✍️ How to End Your Cover Letter

Your closing should be polite, confident, and leave a positive impression. Choose a professional sign-off like:

  • Sincerely (classic and safe)
  • Best regards (friendly and professional)
  • Kind regards (warm and courteous)
  • Respectfully (formal)
  • Thank you for your consideration (shows appreciation)

Follow your closing with a comma, then type your full name. Below that, include your phone number and email. If you're mailing a physical letter, leave space for your signature.

🚫 Avoid casual closings like “Cheers” or “Talk soon”—they’re too informal for job applications.