F O R T H E N O N -AC A D E M I C J O B S E A RC H

RESUMES/COVER LETTERS

GOALS OF WORKSHOP

Differences between CV and resume

What non-academic employers are looking for

How to market yourself through your resume

How to show your fit for the position

Resume development as interview preparation

FORMAT

• No single correct format• Highlight, strengths, accomplishments, and

experience• Strongest qualities stand out when skimmed• 20 second test• Include supporting details – bullet points• Organize with categories, in order of importance• Reverse chronological order within categories

STYLE

• Place most important information: first page, left side of page, beginning of sections• Nothing fancy – use features sparingly• Use action verbs to describe experiences, such as

researched…organized…analyzed…• Consult job posting, use key words• Avoid pronouns, articles, jargon• Use sentence fragments• Shorter in length, usually• PROOF, PROOF, PROOF

COMMON MISTAKES

• Using a template• Too many words• Including personal information: marital status,

DOB, photo• Too creative• Not using enough details• Not showcasing skills• Not “bragging”

CV/RESUME DIFFERENCES

• Designed for human eye or key word searches?• Highlight research or teaching?• Grants/awards or skills/techniques?• Describe research with science in mind, or job in

mind?• Academic or general audience?• Length!• Full academic history or key, related experiences?

MORE CV/RESUME DIFFERENCES

• Exhaustive list of publications, presentations vs selective list• Include references vs don’t include• Initial screening by search committee vs initial

screening by HR• Hard copy or email attachment vs email, hard

copyl or on-line application

IN SUMMARY

• Usually 1-2 pages• Summary or objective statement?• Selected publications/presentations• Emphasize skills, experiences most relevant to

reader and position• Use bullet points, details, verbs• Home address• No references

RESUME SECTIONS

• Contact information: Name, email, phone, address? Personal website?• Education: PhD, masters (if awarded by

department), undergrad• Experience sections: Research, Teaching,

Leadership, Service, Selected publications, Selected presentations, Additional training• Other sections to include business, non-profit,

industry, government experience

GETTING HELP FROM CAREERLAB

• ½ hour appointments – make appointment on the Brown Student Job and Internship Board• Walk-ins, Wednesday, 2:30-3:30 pm, CareerLAB• Email Bev_Ehrich@brown.edu• Upcoming programs:1) Job Search Strategies and Resources, Mon. 9/8, 4-5 pm 2) Using Social Media for the Job Search, Thurs. 9/18, Noon3) Effective Interviewing, Tues. 9/23, Noon

COVER LETTERS

• Accompanies resume, usually• Based on job description• Show you are a good fit• Make a match for the reader• GOAL of cover letter and resume: To get an

interview!

GETTING STARTED

• Remember this is a non-academic job• Read job ad for skills and experience the

employer is looking for• Write down examples of the skills or experiences

the employer wants

FORMAT

• One page, max• 3-4 paragraphs• Address to a person, if possible• Don’t repeat wording from resume• Don’t be negative or apologetic!• PROOF!

PARAGRAPH #1

• State what you are applying for• State how you learned of the position• Mention a networking contact, if you have one• Brief statement on why you are a good fit• Statement on why you want to work there – show

you have done research on the organization• Introduce yourself

PARAGRAPH #2 AND #3

• Examples of why you are a good fit• Skills, competencies that will benefit the

employer• Relate examples to job description• Not too general, not too detailed• Avoid flowery language

ENDING PARAGRAPH

• Reiterate interest in the organization• Indicate you are available to discuss your

qualifications in an interview• How to reach you