Have you ever wondered what’s the difference between a Résumé, Cover Letter and Bio Data? While all three are part of the application processes for both colleges and jobs, the difference lies in their purpose based on which each has varied lengths and formats. This post will cover the basic difference in both purpose and format to help you in your career.
Cover Letter
A Cover Letter is meant to provide a brief introduction of the applicant and is typically sent accompanying a Résumé or CV. While the CV is in bulleted points and short statements, the Cover Letter is in a storytelling format making it a lot more personal. Think of what you would say to a recruiter before handing him your Résumé and that’s what this letter is. In modern times what was traditionally a Cover Letter is now a Job Application Email.
Résumé or Curriculum Vitae
Résumés or CVs are commonly used while job hunting and are meant to highlight your professional background. These are typically pursued after your Cover Letter. Your career objective, educational background and percentages, past designations and job roles, achievements and job references are some of the things highlighted in this document.
While we’ve categorized Résumé or Curriculum Vitae as the same, research will show you a blurred difference between the two. In UK and the Commonwealth nations a Résumé is elaborated while a CV is a summarized version of the latter. However in US, Canada and Australia a CV is elaborated while a Résumé is in a concise format. This contradiction has led to both terms being used interchangeably. All you need to remember is that while drafting either, limit yourself to two sides of A4 paper.
Bio Data
While a CV/Résumé is focused on your professional background, a Biographical Data contains personal details pertaining to age, gender, marital status, height and so on. The need for a Bio Data will depend upon the job you seek e.g. many countries have age limits to become a ship captain.
Nevertheless remember that in India, Nepal, Pakistan and Bangladesh a Bio Data is the same as a CV/Résumé. So if you’re asked for both a CV/Résumé and Bio Data then go ahead and draft both, but if you’re asked for only your Bio Data then draft and send a CV/Résumé instead.