A cover letter is a formal narrative document submitted alongside a resume. It provides the opportunity to tell a cohesive story about your career, explain potential red flags like gaps or career changes, and demonstrate your specific interest in the company. Unlike the bulleted facts of a resume, a cover letter showcases your personality, writing ability, and passion for the role.
Resume parsing is the automated technology that extracts data from a resume file (PDF, DOCX) and converts it into a structured XML or JSON format. This process allows applicant tracking systems (ATS) to easily store, search, and categorize candidate information such as contact details, work history, and skills. Poor formatting can lead to parsing errors, causing qualified candidates to be overlooked.
A job application is the official form that employers require candidates to fill out, often in addition to submitting a resume and cover letter. It serves as a legal document where candidates attest to the truthfulness of their background. Modern applications are typically digital forms hosted on an ATS, which may include knockout questions and voluntary demographic disclosures.
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Analyze My ResumeCareer Glossary by Jobbris
Definitions reviewed by career experts • Last updated: February 2026