Your resume/curriculum vitae (CV) and cover letter are key components of the application materials needed when applying for jobs, internships and even graduate school. It is important to make sure these are polished and make you stand out from all the other applicants. They should showcase your unique strengths and experiences and be tailored to the position you are applying for. Read through the below tips to make sure your documents are ready.
Resumes and CVs
Resumes and CVs are very individualized documents that reflect your specific academic, extracurricular, and work experience.
Your resume serves as a one-page snapshot of who you are and what you’ve done to be marketable for positions. Regardless of style and experience, your resume should follow a few rules:
- A resume for a job/internship should only be one page, avoiding colorful ink or designs.
- Always send your resume in PDF format with your name in the file name.
- The more something is relevant to a position, the more descriptions and bullet points it should have (typically 3-5).
- If your experience is broad, think about making different section headings.
- Stay away from using personal pronouns (I, me, my) on your resume.
- Make your resume outcomes-based by highlighting a variety of power words on your resume.
A curriculum vitae (CV) is traditionally used within the academic community (educational institutions and research associations). It is often submitted in applications for graduate programs, teaching positions, grants and fellowships, or research or sabbatical assignments. The formatting and recommended content for a CV differ from those for a resume. Make an appointment with your career coach for individualized advice on creating your CV.
Resume/CV samples
- Actor/Singer/Dancer Resume Sample
- Chemistry Resume Sample
- Computer Science Resume Sample
- Education Resume Sample
- First Year/Sophomore Resume Sample
- General Resume Sample
- Internship Resume Sample
- Master of Science CV Sample
- Music Performance Resume Sample
- Non-profit Resume Sample
- Political Science Resume Sample
- Pre-Med Resume Sample
- Technical Theatre Resume Sample
Cover letters
A cover letter is an opportunity to introduce yourself and create a compelling application package to show how you’re the right candidate for the role! It is a chance to show your personality, strengths, goals, and values.
Important things to remember about a cover letter:
- This letter will demonstrate your writing abilities. We encourage you to visit the University Writing Center if you’re unsure about your grammar or writing quality. Your career coach can advise you on preparing the content to demonstrate your skills confidently.
- Your cover letter should be about attitude, and your resume should be about aptitude. The cover letter should complement your resume, not reiterate it. Show your confidence and excitement for this potential position!
- Focus on the WHY — Why you? Why this job? Why this company?
- An appropriately crafted cover letter should be one full page, and never more than that.
- Your resume and cover letter are part of the same application package, so use similar formatting and font.
- When sending out multiple cover letters, it is easy to confuse your documents. Double-check you’re sending the right cover letter to the right person and company.
- Do not address your letter to “To Whom It May Concern.” If you are unsure who to submit your materials to, simply greet the reader with “Dear Hiring Manager.”
- Always send your cover letter in PDF format.
Cover letter samples and resources
Cover letter samples and resources
Portfolios
A portfolio is a visual representation of your work, including work examples as evidence of your capabilities and stated qualities. A portfolio demonstrates self-awareness of your top projects and reflection on your professional standards.
A portfolio will vary based on industry and can include the following:
- Introduction
- Work Samples
- Resume
- Professional Bio or Personal Statement
- Awards, Certifications, Licensures
- Contact Info
- References and/or endorsements
All information should be easy for the reader/viewer to find and digest. Use professional and industry-appropriate fonts and themes, and centralize your information for easy navigation. Be sure to proofread and test all links or activations!
Portfolio options
Choose a format that makes sense for your desired professional direction. Multimedia options include:
Get a resume or cover letter review
Do you need help preparing your resume or cover letter? Make an appointment with your career coach to get individualized assistance. Don’t have a lot of time? Please stop by our Career Studio, where our career guides can answer your questions and provide feedback on your application materials.
