Résumé and Cover Letter Terminology

Front

Résumé

Back

A statement of a job applicant’s previous employment experience, education, skills, etc.

Front

Chronological Résumé

Back

Lists your work experience in reverse-chronological order, starting with your most recent position at the top.

Front

Functional Résumé

Back

Focuses on the applicant’s skill set relevant to the role for which he or she is applying.

Front

Employment Gap

Back

A long gap, or several small gaps, in résumé employment history where an applicant did not work.

Front

Combination Résumé

Back

A blend of chronological and functional résumé types that allows you to emphasize both your work experience and relevant skills.

Front

Transferable Skills

Back

Skills that transfer (that are useful) across many different industries and jobs.

Front

Cover Letter

Back

Allows you to highlight the qualifications on your résumé in more detail and make a connection between your résumé and the job for which you are applying.

Front

Recipient

Back

The person to whom the cover letter is addressed.

Front

Cover Letter Background

Back

A synopsis (summary) of your relevant experience including key achievements and expertise related to a position.

Front

Qualifications

Back

Knowledge, skill, or some other characteristic that gives a person the ability or the right to do or have something.