Characteristics of a Resume

  • The resume is a summary of allyour activities and experience.
  • The resume should be arranged to highlight your most important qualifications.
  • It ought to:
  • Be easy to read:
  • not too long,
  • not too much material crammed on a page
  • easily visible headings
  • (preferably) short phrases rather than full sentences
  • Give your vital statistics:
  • your name
  • address and telephone number
  • permanent address and telephone number if you intend to move soon
  • Suggest
  • where you are headed professionally (perhaps in a section called "Career Goals")
  • where you have been (in a section called "Qualifications and Experience")
  • Include education and work experience, or two sections titled "Work Experience" and "Education"
  • Put the most relevant and impressive qualifications first.
  • Put relevant work experience before your educational experience if they are a lot otherwise emphasize your education and its special features.
  • Write all that makes you different from other students.
  • Write any research or design courses which simulate a job situation.
  • In a separate section write all your honors and extracurricular activities since it shows you organized enough to handle several activities at one time.
  • Avoid a lot of empty space at the bottom of the page.
  • At the end of the resume include date of the last edit.
  • Include name of the references that are ready to serve in that role by prearrangement.

Curriculum Vitae Format

Your Contact Information
Name
Address
Telephone
Cell Phone
Email

Personal Information
Date of Birth
Place of Birth
Citizenship
Visa Status
Gender

Optional Personal Information
Marital Status
Spouse's Name
Children

Employment History
List in chronological order, include position details and dates
Work History
Academic Positions
Research and Training

Education
Include dates, majors, and details of degrees, training and certification
High School
University
Graduate School
Post-Doctoral Training

Professional Qualifications
Certifications and Accreditations
Computer Skills

Awards

Publications

Books

Professional Memberships

Interests

When to Use Curriculum Vitae?

When should job seekers use curriculum vitae, commonly referred to as CV, rather than a resume? In the United States, curriculum vitae are used primarily when applyingfor academic, education, scientific or research positions. It is also applicable when applying for fellowships or grants.

When asking for a job in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, or Asia, expect to submit a CV rather than a resume. Keep in mind that overseas employers often expect to read the type of personal information on a curriculum vitae that would never be included on an American resume, such as date of birth, nationality and place of birth. United States law on what information job applicants can be asked to provide does not apply outside the country.

The Differences between a Resume and a CV

There are several differences between a curriculum vitae and a resume. A curriculum vitae is a longer (up to two or more pages), more detailed synopsis of your background and skills. A CV includes a summary of your educational and academic backgrounds as well as teaching and research experience, publications, presentations, awards, honors, affiliations and other details. As with a resume, you may need different versions of a CV for different types of positions.

Like a resume, curriculum vitae should include your name, contact information, education, skills and experience. In addition to the basics, a CV includes research and teaching experience, publications, grants and fellowships, professional associations and licenses, awards and other information relevant to the position you are applying for. Start by making a list of all your background information, and then organize it into categories. Make sure you include dates on all the publications you include.

How to Write a CV

There are important points to consider when preparing effective curriculum vitae. It should be clear, concise, complete, and up-to-date with current employment and educational information.

/ How to Prepare Your Curriculum Vitae
Author: Acy L. Jackson , C. Kathleen Geckeis
Synopsis: The curriculum vitae, a resume of educational and work background, are essential for undergraduates applying to graduate and professional schools. Now revised and updated, How to Prepare Your Curriculum Vitae helps readers to analyze their academic career and create the best "academic resu... Read More

CoverLetters

Writing a cover letter often seems like a particularly daunting task. However, if you take it one step at a time, you'll soon be an expert at writing letters to send with your resume.

A cover letter typically accompanies each resume you send out. Your cover letter may make the difference between obtaining a job interview and having your resume ignored, so, it makes good sense to devote the necessary time and effort to writing effective cover letters.

A cover letter should complement, not duplicate your resume. Its purpose is to interpret the data-oriented, factual resume and add a personal touch. A cover letter is often your earliest written contact with a potential employer, creating a critical first impression.

There are three general types of cover letters:

  • The application letter which responds to a known job opening (review samples)
  • The prospecting letter which inquires about possible positions (review sample)
  • The networking letter which requests information and assistance in your job search (review sample)

Your cover letter should be designed specifically for each purpose outlined above as well as for each position you seek. Do not design a form letter and send it to every potential employer (you know what you do with junk mail!).

Effective cover letters explain the reasons for your interest in the specific organization and identify your most relevant skills or experiences (remember, relevance is determined by the employer's self-interest). They should express a high level of interest and knowledge about the position.

Next, what to include, how to format your cover letter, and following up with prospective employers?

To be effective, your cover letter should follow the basic format of a typical business letter and should address three general issues:

  1. First Paragraph - Why you are writing
  2. Middle Paragraphs - What you have to offer
  3. Concluding Paragraph - How you will follow-up

Why You Are Writing

In some cases, you may have been referred to a potential employer by a friend or acquaintance. Be sure to mention this mutual contact, by name, up front since it is likely to encourage your reader to keep reading!

If you are writing in response to a job posting (review samples), indicate where you learned of the position and the title of the position. More importantly, express your enthusiasm and the likely match between your credentials and the position's qualifications.

If you are writing a prospecting letter (review sample) a letter in which you inquire about possible job openings - state your specific job objective. Since this type of letter is unsolicited, it is even more important to capture the reader’s attention.

If you are writing a networking letter (review sample) to approach an individual for information, make your request clear.

What You Have To Offer

In responding to an advertisement, refer specifically to the qualifications listed and illustrate how your particular abilities and experiences relate to the position for which you are applying. In a prospecting letter express your potential to fulfill the employer's needs rather than focus on what the employer can offer you. You can do this by giving evidence that you have researched the organization thoroughly and that you possess skills used within that organization.

Emphasize your achievements and problem-solving skills. Show how your education and work skills are transferable, and thus relevant, to the position for which you are applying.

How You Will Follow Up

Close by reiterating your interest in the job and letting the employer know how they can reach you and include your phone number and/or email address. Or bid directly for the job interview or informational interview and indicate that you will follow-up with a telephone call to set up an appointment at a mutually convenient time. Be sure to make the call within the time frame indicated.

In some instances, an employer may explicitly prohibit phone calls or you may be responding to a “blind want-ad” which precludes you from this follow-up. Unless this is the case, make your best effort to reach the organization. At the very least, you should confirm that your materials were received and that your application is complete.

If you are applying from outside the employer’s geographic area you may want to indicate if you’ll be in town during a certain time frame (this makes it easier for the employer to agree to meet with you).

In conclusion, you may indicate that your references are available on request. Also, if you have a portfolio or writing samples to support your qualifications, state their availability.

Next, let's look at some cover letter samples, plus review tips for creating cover letters that will have the maximum positive impact on employers.

Writing Targeted Cover Letters

What does it take for your resume and cover letter to make an impact when the employer has received hundreds of resumes for the position you have applied for? I've spoken to employers who receive 400-500 resumes for every position they list on a major job site like Monster or CareerBuilder. It seems like an almost impossible task to weed through them to find the best candidates to interview.

Making the Cut

Employers do manage to reduce the pool of cover letters and resumes to a manageable number. How they do it can give you some insight in to how to write cover letters that will make the cut. If your cover letter doesn't pass muster, your resume won't even get a look. If your cover letter and resume aren't perfect they most likely will end up in the reject pile. And perfect means perfect - there should not be any typos or grammatical errors.

Employers typically won't even consider a candidate that they cannot see is qualified at first glance. That first glance at your cover letter is your one opportunity to make a good impression and make it to the next round.

Targeted Cover Letters

It's certainly easier to write generic or blanket cover letters than it is to write a cover letter specifically targeted to each position you apply for. However, if you don't invest the time in writing cover letters you're probably not going to get the interview, regardless of your qualifications.

Here are some suggestions on how to write cutting edge cover letters that work:

This one takes some time and effort and it's not always easy, but, it's important. Take the job posting and list the criteria the employer is looking for. Then list the skills and experience you have. Either addresses how your skills match the job in paragraph form or list the criteria and your qualifications.

The Right Stuff /or Not? What to do if you don't have the right stuff? It's a certainty that the person with ten years of child care experience, and no computer experience, who applied for an Oracle programmer position at a colleague's company won't get an interview.

Instead, focus on applying for jobs you do qualify for and spend some time gaining the additional skills or education (volunteer, take a class, etc.) you need to prepare to apply for positions that are a rung or two up the ladder.

Writing Thank You Letters

Writing a thank you letter, or thank you email, after an employment interview is a must. In fact, some employers think less of those interviewees who fail to follow-up promptly. Plan to send out your thank you letters or thank you notes as soon as possible (preferably within twenty-four hours) after your interview.

Like any piece of writing, it is best to keep your audience in mind. Address their issues and concerns. In general, typed (paper or email) thank you letters are recommended.

However, some surveys suggest than hiring managers like hand written thank notes, too. So, consider the "personality" of the organization and the rapport you felt during your interviews. If your interview was a fairly informal process and/or you achieved an immediate rapport with your interviewer, a handwritten note is fine. When you're not sure what to write, review thank you letter samples and follow up letter samples to get ideas. You can also use a thank you letter template as a guide when writing your letters.

In addition to thanking the person you talked with, the thank you letter reinforces the fact that you want the job. Note: Even if you do not want the job, write a thank you letter respectfully withdrawing your application, because you never know what the future holds so why burn your bridges?

Thank You Letter Template - JobInterview

Your Name
Your Address
Your City, State, Zip Code
Your Phone Number
Your Email

Date
Name
Title
Organization
Address
City, State, Zip Code
Dear Mr./Ms. Last Name:

Use the first paragraph to thank the interviewer for taking the time to meet with you. Mention your interest in the job and how enthusiastic you are about it.

The second paragraph of your thank you letter should include the reasons why you are an excellent candidate for the job. List specific skills that relate to the job you interviewed for. The more detailed you are, the more the interviewer will know about your qualifications.

The third paragraph (optional) can be used to mention anything that you didn't bring up at the interview that you'd like the employer to know. This gives you another chance to make a good impression, especially if you remembered something you should have said after the interview.

In your closing paragraph, reiterate your appreciation for being considered for the job and let the interviewer know you are looking forward to hearing from him or her soon.

Sincerely,
Your Signature
Your Typed Name

More Employment Thank You Letters - In addition to thanking your interviewers, thank everyone else who assists with your job search, including references, people who refer you to a job opening and any other employment contacts whose help you have appreciated and who you want to develop a good relationship with.

Make an Impression - According to the York Technical Institute less than 4% of applicants send thank you notes, so, use your letter as a way to stand out from the crowd and make a good impression.

What You Didn't Say - If there was something that you wish you had mentioned during the interview, here's your chance to say it by including it in your thank you letter.

Thank You Letter Basics - Thank you letters can be handwritten, typed or sent via email. Each thank you letter should include a thank you for the interview, your interest in the jobs, your qualifications and skills, and a final thank you.

Short and Simple - Keep your thank you letters short and simple, but, do use the letter to reiterate your interest in the job, your enthusiasm for the company and to sell yourself as the ideal candidate.

Proof Your Letter - Spell check and proof your thank you letter. Then ask someone else to proof it for you. That way you will be sure it's perfect.

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