Portfolio vs. Resume vs. Cover Letter: What's the Difference?

Resumes, cover letters, and portfolios… oh my! If you’re new to the job market or looking to update your credentials, it can be a bit of a bear to get your head around the various documents you’re expected to maintain and present when applying for work. In this article we’ll go over three of the most common documents typically requested by recruiters and explain what they are, how they’re different, and when to use them.

Resume

What it is:

Your resume is the primary document used you’ll need when searching for a job in most industries. It lists your professional experience (usually in reverse chronological order) and summarizes your education and skills. It also includes your contact information. It’s usually kept to a single page in length, and may list your comprehensive work history, or might include only your most recent jobs and/or the ones most relevant to the position you're applying for.

When to use it:

Job applications almost universally ask candidates to provide a resume. You may also keep one on hand for talent agencies or networking opportunities. Bringing a paper copy or two to a job interview is also a good idea.

Cover Letter

What it is:

A cover letter is a short note (usually about 3-4 paragraphs) written to the hiring manager for the position you’re applying for. In it, you explain your interest in the position, and tell a bit about yourself and why you believe you’d be a good fit for the job. While separate from your resume, you may use it to summarize the resume and draw their attention to particular parts of it.

When to use it:

If you’re emailing a hiring manager directly, the email (with your resume attached) basically serves as the cover letter unless they ask for it as a separate document specifically. If you’re sending your application through an automated system, it will likely include space to type a similar message or ask you to upload a cover letter document. If it doesn’t, they may not want one – unlike asking for a resume, which is nearly ubiquitous, not every job application form requests a cover letter. That said, if you know who the hiring manager for the job is, it’s usually a good idea to contact them directly to express your interest if possible.

Portfolio

What it is:

A portfolio is a showcase of samples of some of your best and most relevant work. Unlike a resume, which talks about the various positions you’ve held and describes your responsibilities, a portfolio shows actual examples of your work for others to look at.

When to use it:

It’s never a bad idea to include a portfolio, but some professions require them more than others. Any position in which you can easily showcase your work calls for one. If you work in a creative position that involves any kind of design – such as copywriting, web design, architecture, or any type of art – having a portfolio is a must.

A portfolio doesn’t replace a resume, but in some industries (especially creative ones), it’s the main document used to review candidates. How you showcase it will vary depending on the type of work you do. Consider putting yours on a personal website, or a document that can be easily shared.

Have Your Credentials at the Ready

If you’re looking for work, be sure you’re ready and able to send a resume, portfolio, and/or cover letter at a moment’s notice. Being able to do so and knowing where and when to use each is essential to following the road to great employment.

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