When experience is limited, what primary function does a tailored cover letter serve in connection with the skill-focused resume document?

Providing the narrative context connecting potential and academic/volunteer experience to specific job requirements

While the resume must be skill-focused and bulleted to efficiently convey qualifications, it inherently restricts the space available for detailed explanation. The tailored cover letter becomes critical in this scenario because it allows the applicant to provide the necessary narrative context. It is the venue where the candidate can directly explain *how* a specific academic project, volunteer role, or transferrable skill directly addresses the specific needs outlined in the job description. This narrative approach bridges the gap between the documented bullet points on the resume and the employer’s explicit requirements, forming a potent, paired strategy for securing an interview.