A resume covers your work history in general, whereas a cover letter focuses on the qualifications you possess that are relevant to the position you are seeking. Generally speaking, while preparing a resume, the information you provide is put in reverse chronological order, which means that the information about your most recent work experience is listed first. Cover letters, on the other hand, are written in the manner of a letter to describe how you meet specific employment requirements. Both of these documents are required as part of the job application process in order to demonstrate your qualifications and further explain how they are relevant to an open position.