While the ultimate goal of both the CV and the resume is to secure a job, they are used for applying to jobs in different types of industries. A CV is a detailed synopsis of what you have done and can be several pages long. In the United States, a CV is typically used by graduate students to apply for faculty, research, scientific, or clinical positions. A resume is a shorter document, typically one page or two (if the applicant has significant experience) and is a summary of your skills, experience and education. It is a concise presentation of skills that you have to offer to a particular employer. Employers outside of academia and scientific research anticipate receiving a resume from job seekers.

• Avoid resume templates- they are restrictive in how you communicate your information. Create your resume using a blank Microsoft Word document.

• Carefully select relevant information from your CV to include on your resume- which information is most valuable for an employer to know in the field you are applying to?

• Use headings such as Objective, Education, Skills (language & computer), Experience, Honors, and Activities

• Attempt to keep it to one page. A resume should be two pages only if the information is pertinent to the job/employer you are applying to

• Highlight skills you have developed at various jobs, leadership roles, or coursework

• Tailor your resume to the job you are seeking, demonstrating how your skills meet their qualifications

• Do not include references on your resume

• Do not include personal information, such as birthday, photos, age, race, marital status on your resume

• Check resume for spelling/grammar errors- employers may dismiss a resume with these types of errors

• Make it clear, concise, and easy to follow- employers spend on average 10-30 seconds reviewing resumes

• Have your resume critiqued by a career adviser

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