Preparing Your Resume and CV

January 15, 2020

Remembering all the “rules” for resumes and CVs can be difficult. Knowing what to include, what to leave out, and when you need one or the other. By learning the standards and merits of both forms, you can set yourself up for future success.

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Basic Tips

  • Resumes and CVs always grow with you. Work hard to keep them updated.
  • Make sure when you create a resume or CV, to have as many eyes on it as possible.
  • Purpose of a CV or Resume is to pique the interest of a hiring manager and land the interview, not to tell them everything about you – you can have more personality in a cover letter or personal statement.
  • Every skill mentioned in your resume of CV needs to be coupled with an example of that skill being demonstrated.
  • Education comes first when you’re coming straight from school. Education comes last once you’ve been in the job field for over a year.
  • It’s okay to highlight course work, but keep the list to three courses/projects/etc
  • It’s okay to list out leadership/service experience (with success statements) if it is relevant and impressive
  • Categorize the skills you list. Divide them up, group some together, go into greater detail on some, etc.
  • Know your audience

Grad Students have career coaches through the university who can give you personalized help with your resume, CV, and other job materials. Find the coach for you college.

CV - Curriculum Vita Basics

  • Detailed comprehensive statement of education background, teaching, and research experience.
  • This is the place for all the great detail. But still be concise and intentional.
  • A full CV is primarily used when applying with academic institutions.
  • Tailorable for certain positions to be more relevant
  • Format can vary by field/industry. Consider your current professors examples as a starting point.
  • No real length restriction
  • Sections should include Publications, Presentations (Oral/Poster), Honors and Awards, References
  • Other optional sections include, qualifications or skills, grants received, institutional service, certifications, professional associations, current research, community involvement, etc.

Resume Basics

  • 1-2 page document maximum
  • No pictures in your resume in the US.
  • Rearrange sections of your resume to have what most perfectly matches that position to be at the top. If you internship matches most, put that at top. If your skills match most, put those at the top.
  • If you go on to a second page, fill the whole page. make sure you have the experience to necessitate two pages.

Identifying Employers/Institutions Needs

  • Do not blindly throw out your resume to recruiters/job postings. Be intentional about the positions you apply for, and do your research before handing over your resume. You want recruiters to feel excited about your application.
  • Social Media, company website and reports, news articles, people working in similar roles. Ask them what kind of projects or skills should I have on my resume, get some advice!

Formatting

  • Well organized, easy to read. Clear headers. Be consistent with your format.
  • Always have your resume in PDF format. Some things can change if the employer doesn’t have the same version of Word.
  • Use caution when using templates. They might not allow you to edit the organization of your information.
  • Use bold/italics to draw attention – just not too much of it.
  • Use reverse chronological order. Start with current experience, move towards older experience.
  • Most important information at the top. Use a good, professional font.
  • CVs, use a page number footer with your last name in case pages get separated
  • 10 point should be the smallest font size
  • ½ inch margins are the smallest that should be used
  • Adding flair to your resume should be restricted to the “creative” industries – such as graphic design. Black and white, and simple without a picture is industry standard

How to Avoid the Trash Bin

  • NO ERRORS
  • Don’t copy the job description
  • Inappropriate email address
  • Much to long
  • Bad formatting

Success Statements

  • Formula: Action Verb (use varying verb) + Skill/Responsibility + Action/Tools + Benefit/Result
  • Quantify your results where you can. You don’t need exact numbers, estimates are okay.
  • Always statements, not paragraphs and avoid personal pronouns.
  • Use present tense for jobs you are currently in. Past tense for previous jobs
  • Come up with a statement, and then review and figure out how to increase it’s power
  • When listing these statements, prioritize them. The most impressive detail first.
  • Don’t start with “duties included”