What is the difference between a summary/objective section on a resume and a cover letter?
According to some resume writing tip websites, "The ‘Summary’ or ‘Summary of Qualifications’ consists of several concise statements that focus the reader’s attention on the most important qualities, achievements and abilities you have to offer. Those qualities should be the most compelling demonstrations of why they should hire you instead of the other candidates."
Isn’t that what a cover letter is for?

No, they are actually for two very different purposes.

The cover letter further clarifies your qualifications. It’s also a place where you can give examples that will fit the position you are applying to.

Let’s say you are sending a resume to McDonalds as well as a cover letter (using this as an example because most people are familiar with the compnay).

You would write a paragraph in the cover letter stating some relevant examples that would relate to the job at McDonalds. For instance, did you work at Burger King and what type of results did you achieve at Burger King?

In comparison, the objective section on the resume is to tell in a nutshell, your best overall qualities towards the position.

Just remember that a resume is not a one-size-fits-all resume. You should tweak your resume to fit the needs of the company.

While it may seem like a lot of work, just remember that a company may get upwards of 50-300 resumes and only have a few seconds to glance at each resume. So you want to make sure you can get their attention very quickly.
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