Your application materials are often your first opportunity to make an impression on an employer, graduate program, or professional school. The Mississippi State University Career Center can help you create application documents that clearly communicate your education, experience, skills, and accomplishments.
Not sure whether you need a resume, CV, or cover letter? Start by choosing the document that matches your goal, then use our templates, examples, and Career Center resources to build and improve your materials.
Career Resources
Resume
Curriculum Vitae
Cover Letter
- A resume is a strategic marketing document designed to highlight your skills and accomplishments.
- Your resume should be clear, concise, and easy-to-read.
- Take the time to develop a document that is focused on the specific position you are interested in.
- A CV is used when applying for teaching and administrative positions in academia or for a research position, fellowship, or a grant.
- CVs are considerably longer and more detailed than a resume.
- CVs usually include sections devoted to teaching and research experience, publications, presentations, awards, specialized skills, and professional affiliations and/or memberships.
- A cover letter capture the reader’s attention and entice them to read your resume.
- Answers the one question that your resume can’t: Why? While your resume offers the big picture of your education and skills, your cover letter explains why you are applying for the position.
- Not all job applications require a cover letter. Pay close attention to the application requirements and only submit a cover letter when asked.
Formatting
Good formatting matters. A clean, professional resume helps both Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and employers quickly find your information. Start with a blank Word document or software you know well. Avoid templates that are difficult to edit. When submitting electronically, save your final resume as a PDF.
Use these formatting tips to create a clean, professional, ATS-friendly resume.
Resume Formatting
Curriculum Formatting
Cover Letter Formatting
- Avoid personal pronouns — I, me, my, we.
- Proofread — Check grammar, spelling, and errors.
- List experience — Most recent to oldest.
- Use your official degree title — As listed in Banner.
- Keep formatting clean — Professional font, 10–12 pt, 0.5–1″ margins.
- Tailor your resume — Focus on your specific job or career goal.
- Length: Resumes are usually 1–2 pages; CVs may be longer.
- Detail: CVs include teaching, research, publications, presentations, awards, skills, and memberships.
- Best for: Academic, teaching, research, fellowship, and grant applications.
- Learn more: See the Curriculum Vitae Guide.
- Keep it to one page.Use clear, error-free writing.
- Use full-block format with left alignment.
- Customize each letter for the job and employer.
- Address a specific person when possible.
- Highlight relevant skills rather than repeating your resume.
- Use confident language and avoid “feel,” “think,” “try,” “hope,” and “believe.”
- Match your resume with the same heading, font, and margins.
Need Help With Your Resume or CV? Whether you’re starting from scratch or improving an existing resume or CV, the Mississippi State University Career Center can help. Get feedback on formatting, content, and how to highlight your skills and experience. Meet with a Career Advisor through drop-in hours or one-on-one appointments.
