CV Writing For Graduate Students

CV Writing For Graduate Students

Career Center Chestnut Hall, Suite 103 (940)565-2105, [email protected] http://careercenter.unt.edu/ Division of Student Affairs

Curriculum Vitae: Definition • [kuh-rik-yuh-luh m vahy-tee, vee-tahy] • Latin for “course of life” • A curriculum vitae, also called a CV or Vita, is a comprehensive synopsis of academic credentials, research, scholarly achievements, and professional experience.

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When to use a CV Who • Graduate and Doctoral students • Other professionals in certain fields, especially Academia When • Applying for: • Graduate school • Academic positions • Research/grant/fellowships/awards • International employment/organizations • Other professional fields Division of Student Affairs

Difference Between a Resume and CV • Most formatting and content is similar- Still include all contact information, dates, and basics like Education, Skills, and Experience • Unlike a resume, a CV has no restriction on length and includes more detail- A 3-5 page CV is common for graduate students or new professionals • A CV specifically focuses on academic achievements and direct experience or contribution to the field • Include all research and teaching experience, publications, grants and fellowships, professional associations and licenses, awards and other information relevant to the position, program or field to which you are applying Division of Student Affairs

Appearance Remember: • This is your first impression • Be specific and clarify- be sure you get your message across • Check for accuracy- punctuation, spelling, and grammar The Look: • Black ink, 8 ½ x 11 inch, white or ivory resume paper • 2+ pages • Header and/or footer on each page • Print only on one side and do not staple documents • Be consistent with Bold, CAPS, underline, and italics, as well as margins, font, and punctuation • Make good use of the white space Division of Student Affairs

CV Content Areas Page 4 • • • • • • • • • • •

Contact information Objective/Summary of Qualifications Education Experience Special Skills/Training Honors/Awards Publications Activities Additional information Professional References Heading and sections are based on discipline and employer interest


Contact Information Include: • Most current address • University and department • Area codes – Professional voicemail

• Apartment/building numbers • Professional email • Header/footer with basic information on each page


Objective/Summary Include:

Sample Headings:

• Optional, paragraph or bullet style • This area may briefly describe your current position or one that you are looking to obtain • Summary of attributes, competencies, and/or work experience

• • • • • • • •


Career Goal Career Objective Career Summary Employment Objective Professional Objective Professional Summary Profile Summary of Qualifications

Education Include:

Sample Headings:

• All degrees, majors/minors, institutions, and graduation dates • Specialized training and/or certifications or licenses • Other possibilities include GPA and relevant coursework

• • • • •


Academic Background Continuing Education Dissertation(s) Education and Training Professional Licenses/Certifications • Thesis

Experience Include:

Sample Headings:

• All work experience

• • • • • • • •

– Break into subcategories

• Detailed descriptions of responsibilities and duties • Dates of location of employment • Job title and employer


Assistantships Career Related Experience Employment (History) Fieldwork (Experience) Military Background Pro Bono Professional Experience Teaching (Experience)

Special Skills/Training Include:

Sample Headings:

• Specialized skills, abilities, and knowledge of your area of study or field • Soft or transferrable skills like communication, interpersonal, leadership, and presentation skills

• • • • •


Career Related Skills Computer Skills Language Competencies Professional Skills Technical Skills

Honors/Awards Include:

Sample Headings:

• All honors, awards, distinctions, achievements, recognition and scholarships in academia and/or the workplace • Award title, date(s), institution, organization, or company

• • • • • • •


Academic Honors Achievements Awards (and Honors) Distinctions Fellowships Honors Scholarships

Activities Include:

Sample Headings:

• Any involvement in your community, institution, organization, and/or company • Dates involved • Positions held • Responsibilities or duties within the organization- how you contributed to its betterment

• Advisory Board/Committee Membership(s) • Civic Activities • Community Involvement • Conferences • Mentorship • Professional Associations • Symposia • Volunteer Work


Publications Include:

Sample Headings:

• All publications in academia and/or the workplace • Title, date of publication, author(s), place of presentation, publishing company • Use a consistent format, something like the most current APA formatting

• • • • • • • •


Articles Bibliography Book Reviews Conference Presentations Design Exhibits Manuscripts Work in progress

Professional References Include:

Example:

• Past and/or present employers, professors, advisors, mentors, etc. • Current contact information • Make references aware if someone may be contacting them

John Doe Assistant Manager Number One Bank 123 Central Ave. Denton, TX 76205 (940) 555-1234 [email protected]


CV Example


Do’s and Don’ts of Writing a CV: • Do expect to prepare 2-3 different versions of your CV to address specific requirements of the position or institution •

Ex: You might want to list research first if applying to a research institutions, but place teaching experience first if applying to smaller liberal arts or community college

• Do print your CV on Plain, White or Ivory paper • Do follow CV conventions of your discipline. CV norms can vary from field to field, ask for advice and sample from your faculty advisors and others in departments • Proofread…. Proofread • Overseas: expect personal information •

DOB, Marital Status, Personal Information, Photo

• Don’t use abbreviations or acronyms that may not be understood by individuals and institutions outside your university or discipline • Don’t Clutter your CV

Cover Letter – Page 14-15

Other Services and Programs • Make an appointment for Resume or CV review • 940-565-2105 • [email protected] • Resume and Cover Letter for Industry Workshop • Oct. 18th from 4-6 pm • Graduate Employer Panel: Employment outside of Academics • Nov. 1st from 4-6 pm • Employer Panel: Utilizing Social Media for Networking • Nov. 15th from 4-6 pm