cover letter vs objective statement

Incorporating an objective statement in your cover letter can quickly show hiring managers or interviewers the value you can add to their business. An objective can also help show how well you and your skills align with a company if you are new to the job market or making a career change.

While both are pivotal in their respective arenas—be it applying for a graduate program or a new job position—they serve different goals and address different audiences. The statement of purpose is your ticket to showcasing academic prowess and research aspirations to admissions committees.

These key differences between a personal statement and a cover letter can help you decide which is most suitable for your job applications: The primary purpose of a personal statement is to express your core values, ethics and strengths in a short, personal story about your life and career.

So where does the Summary statement fall into the equation? The summary statement should succinctly mimic what you say in your cover letter from a branding perspective. While the cover letter may go into more personal detail and include more supporting information about the actual job you’re going after, both are simply branding tools. ...

Adding a profile or objective to your resume can provide quick value to busy hiring managers. A profile is a brief summary of your qualifications while an objective is a short statement about the job you are seeking.

Cover letters are often optional, so sending one with your resume can show your eagerness to get the job. Including a cover letter when a company doesn’t require one lets your future employer know that you aim to exceed their expectations, which could make you a more desirable candidate.