CVs: Getting Started

Audience and Purpose

You will likely have multiple versions of your CV depending on the position you are applying for.

• Academic positions at research universities emphasize research experience

• Academic positions at a community college emphasize teaching experience

• Business or Industry emphasize quantitative, professional writing, or other transferable skills

Identify your Skills

• Make a list of skills sought in the job description. Look to connect to these as much as possible in your cover letter and CV

• Determine the transferable skills you would like to include

Section Headers

Determine what sections you would like to use. Examples include:

• Education

• Dissertation Title

• Research Experience

• Teaching Experience

• Relevant/Professional Experience

• Publications

• Presentations

• Internships/practica

• Technical Skills

• Professional Memberships

• Grants

• Languages

• Awards

Describe your Experience

• Use action verbs or short phrases rather than full sentences

• Provide concise, detailed information such as number of students taught, course content, research methods used, technology emphasized, types of pedagogy implemented

• Order the sections according to what is important for your audience. Begin with an Education section (including a dissertation title)