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Resumes, Cover Letters & CV's

Resumes

A resume is used to showcase your professional and educational experiences that are aligned to your career goals. The purpose of a resume is to capture the attention of the reader, while also listing your unique qualities, skills and accomplishments in a concise, organized fashion. The resume may be utilized to make a favorable impression, so decide what should be included based on the job position and/or graduate school you are applying for, along with acknowledging the qualifications of the prospective reader. Also important is to tailor your resume to match individual job announcements. JobScan is a powerful tool that can assist you in creating a more effective resume for a specific job and better your chances for an interview.

See resources below for information to help you with the resume writing process.

What is Applicant Tracking System (ATS) software?

An applicant tracking system (ATS) is software for recruiters and employers to track candidates throughout the recruiting and hiring process. These systems allow businesses to collect information, organize prospects based on experience and skill set, and filter applicants


Key takeaways

  • Tailor your CV / Resume to the job description
  • Match your CV / Resume keywords to the skills found in the job description
  • Use long-form and acronym/abbreviation versions of keywords
  • Don't use tables
  • Use a screen-friendly fonts
  • Use a reverse chronological format
  • Save your file as an MS word doc. x and PDF

General Resume Format Samples

Cover Letters

A cover letter demonstrates to the prospective employer why you are interested in the company or position you are applying to. It also provides an effective summary of your skills, experiences and why it would benefit the company. In short, the cover letter suggests areas where your skills and attributes would benefit the employer. 

See resources below for information to help you with the cover letter writing process.

Curriculum Vitae's (CV's)

A curriculum vitae is a comprehensive description of your professional academic achievements and may have categories and documentation that go beyond the needs of a standard resume. Individuals who are utilizing this format typically use it for a teaching or research position and is commonly used abroad. It can also be used for grants and fellowships. 

How is a Curriculum Vitae different from a Resume? 
The most noticeable difference between most curriculum vitae's and most resumes is the length. Entry level resumes are usually limited to a page. Curriculum vitae's, however, often run to three or more pages. (Remember, length is not the determinant of a successful curriculum vitae). You should try to present all the relevant information that you possibly can, but you should also try to present it in as concise a manner as possible. 

See resources below for information to help you with the CV writing process.