Clear written communication is vital when producing your professional documents. Good writing skills positively affect careers, and it is important that your documents reflect your competencies and accomplishments.
Create a Resume/CV/Cover Letter
Getting Started
We know it can be hard to create something from scratch, especially when you’re under pressure. That’s why we’re here to help. Follow the steps below to get started!
1. Read through the information below to learn more about each type of document.
2. Check out our samples and guides under “Career Resources.”. When looking through the resume samples, you’ll notice that some are by category (i.e. Student-Athlete) and some are by major (i.e. Psychology). All of our samples were created using Microsoft Word.
3. Make them your own. The samples are provided as guidance when writing your resume and are not meant to dictate how your resume MUST look. We recommend looking at several samples to see what formatting elements you like or don’t like and then implement them into your resume (or not).
Resumes
Resumes are strategic marketing documents designed to highlight your skills and accomplishments. The modern resume is focused, relevant, visually appealing, quality oriented, and succinct. Resumes are never one size fits all. Take the time to develop a document that is focused on the specific position you are interested in.
A good format is crucial. The way you present your information impacts both the computer systems you submit to (ATS) and the human reviewers. We suggest you begin with a blank Word document or another software you are familiar with. Avoid templates. Before sending electronically, save as a .pdf. Usually one page, your resume should:
- Be concise.
- Be easy to read.
- Avoid personal pronouns (I, me, my, we).
- Be free of errors in grammar and spelling.
- List experiences in reverse chronological order.
- Use a simple, clean font (e.g., Times, Arial, Cambria, Garamond) in 10 to 12 pt. size.
- Have equal margins on all side, no smaller than 0.5 inches and no larger than 1 inch.
- Be customized to the specific types of opportunities you are seeking. Be laser focused to your job target!
Review your resume’s content and format using our Career Center Handbook, then drop in for a resume review with one of our Career Center Ambassadors or make an appointment with your Career Advisor.
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
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 and can include sections devoted to teaching and research experience, publications, presentations, awards, specialized skills, and professional affiliations and/or memberships.
While many of the formatting tips are the same for a CV and a resume, the main differences between the two are length, specialized content, and audience.
- Typically, a resume is one page while a CV is often numerous pages.
- Your CV should offer a more detailed account of your accomplishments while including sections for teaching and research experience, publications, presentations, awards, specialized skills, and professional affiliations or memberships.
- CVs are most used when applying for teaching and administrative positions in academia or for a research position, fellowship, or grant.
- For additional information on creating a CV, check out this Curriculum Vitae Guide from the Office of the Provost & Executive Vice President.
Review your CVs content and format using this Curriculum Vitae Guide. We will be happy to review CVs during one-on-one appointments with Career Advisors. To make an appointment, click here.
Cover Letters
A cover letter is an accompanying document to your resume or CV. The purpose of the cover letter is to capture the reader’s attention and entice them to continue to read your resume. Your cover letter can answer 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 sending your resume. Of note, not all job applications require a cover letter. Pay close attention to the application requirements and only submit a cover letter when asked.
Similar to your resume or CV, we recommend beginning with a blank Word document. Avoid repeating your resume verbatim but instead match your skills and knowledge to an employer’s needs. You can use personal pronouns on your cover letter (I, my, mine). Your cover letter should:
- Be one page in length.
- Use good sentence and paragraph structure.
- Be formatted in full block style with all lines beginning at the left margin.
- Never use a generic cover letter; always write an original letter to the specific job and company.
- Address a specific person when possible. If not, you may use title (e.g. “Dear Hiring Manager:)
- Avoid copying information from your resume. Recap and highlight your relevant skills for the employer.
- Use confident language. Avoid using words such as feel, think, try, hope, and believe.
- Use the same heading, font, and margin as your resume or use the business letter format.
Review your content and format using our Career Center Handbook, then drop in for a resume review with one of our Career Center Ambassadors or make an appointment with your Career Advisor.
Resumes, CVs, and Cover Letters are essential tools in your journey to secure internships, jobs, and volunteer opportunities. They represent you to potential employers before you have the chance to meet them in person. Your professional documents alone will not get you hired, but if done well, they will make readers want to meet you and discuss your qualifications further in an interview.
Whether you’re working on a rough draft or looking to refine an existing resume or CV, the Career Center is here to assist. We offer guidance to help you create polished, error-free job-search materials that effectively and concisely showcase why you are the ideal candidate for the position. Click here for more information on our drop-in hours and one-on-one appointments with Career Advisors.
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