Our guide for career exploration, building skills, gaining experience, and applying to jobs and internships! Your application materials describe who you are, what you know, what you have done and, most importantly, what you can offer an employer.The purpose of a cover letter is to introduce yourself and describe how your specific skills, abilities, and experience match the organization's needs. Can I just attach my resume instead of completing the entire application? Cover letters introduce your experience, skills and qualifications to the hiring manager. Our Four-step Application Process. One: An application is submitted for an open position and, after the job posting close date, all applicants are reviewed. Use these resources to strengthen your resume and stand out in your job search. We recommend you combine your cover letter and resume into a single document before you start the job application process for the City of Phoenix.