A cover letter explains the reasons why somebody wants certain job, as well as the qualities and experience somebody has to perform the job applied. It is personalized according to the requirements of the position, and it is intended to convince the employer in order to settle a future job interview.
A resume, however, is a summary in the form of a list of somebody's personal information, experience, education background, courses taken and personal references. It may include a short personalized statement about the person's qualities and interest in the position.
