The difference between a cover letter and a personal statement

We often see extremely lengthy “cover letters” -- particularly from current students and recent grads -- that wax poetic about the things that shaped their childhood and totally skip over the information that a hiring manager wants to see. These candidates typically have not been on the other side of the hiring process and think that their version of a “cover letter” is going to help them stand out. What they don’t realize is that they have actually submitted a personal statement for a role, rather than a cover letter, and unfortunately, it’s going to hurt their chances of getting an interview. Let’s look at the differences between the two documents:

Cover letters…

• Are one minor component of a job application that helps the hiring manager decide whether to bring you in for an interview.
  
• Are typically half a page or less.
  
• Explain why a person is applying for a particular role at this stage in their career.
  
• May include an explanation of any extenuating circumstances.
  
• Highlight the top 3-4 skills a hiring manager is looking for as a preview to the resume.
  

Personal statements…

• Are typically required for college or grad school applications or fellowship programs and are a determining factor in the selection process.
  
• Are usually a page or two long.
  
• Provide insight into what life experiences have shaped a person’s worldview.
  
• Showcase creative writing skills.
  
• Make one thesis statement and elaborate on it with examples.
  

Most job applications ask for a resume and a cover letter, not a personal statement. So if you’re following directions, you’ll write a concise document that clearly explains how you are a fit for the role. If you want to stand out in your cover letter, you do that by showing how your skills align perfectly with what the hiring manager is looking for. Remember, hiring managers only give a cover letter a quick skim, so if you’ve submitted a long and rambling document, it has an almost zero chance of getting read. So keep it short and sweet, and save the flowery personal statements for the times they are actually needed. ​

-- Angela Silak and Cindy Kaplan