Curriculum Vitae/Resume Writing
Career ServicesStudent Union, Suite 411621-2588www.career.arizona.edu
CV/Resume WritingOverview:• Purpose of each document• Steps• General guidelines• Components• References• Cover letters• Resources
CV/Resume WritingPurpose of a resume:• To interest the employer • Your marketing piece• A snapshot of what you have to offer• An on-going process• Used in business, industry, government, non-
profit sectors for non-research positions
CV/Resume WritingPurpose of a CV:• To provide in-depth information and details
about your history and qualifications• Very detailed document• An on-going process• Used for academic, scientific, research or
medical positions; submitting manuscripts for publication; tenure review and applying for grants or fellowships
CV/Resume WritingSteps:• Know yourself• Look at past successes in school/work• Know what you are going for• Determine which document to use• Know your audience• Emphasize skills and accomplishments• Get feedback
CV/Resume WritingGeneral Guidelines:• 1-3 pages for a resume; unlimited pages for a
CV• Neutral paper• Use bolding, italics and underlining to make
things stand out• Avoid personal pronouns• Use active verbs• Have consistent format• Strongest selling points at the top
CV/Resume WritingKey resume components:• Heading• Objective• Education• Experience• Skills• Other headings/categories
CV/Resume WritingKey CV components:• Heading• Objective, profile, summary of qualifications• Education• Special training, fellowships, post-docs• Certification, licensure, endorsements• Grants• Awards, honors, distinctions, professional
recognition
CV/Resume WritingKey CV components:• Experience by categories such as: Research
Experience, Teaching Experience, Clinical Experience, Administrative Experience
• Publications, abstracts, papers submitted for publication
• Presentations at conferences and meetings• Special skills
CV/Resume WritingKey CV components:• Inventions and patents• Professional association
memberships/affiliations, advisory boards• Community service• References, credentials, portfolio, dossier
CV/Resume WritingHeading:• Name - large and bold• Mailing address - current and permanent• CV could have office address and phone• Phone number - with area code and
professional sounding voicemail message• E-mail address – professional• Website – if relevant
Sample headings:
Mike Jones1 University Way
Tucson, Arizona 85721(520) 555-1234
Susan [email protected]
www.swilliamsart.eduCurrent Address Permanent Address1 University Way 55 Sycamore DriveTucson, AZ 85721 Miami, FL 36829
(520) 555-3357 (305) 555-4429
CHRIS SMITH83 Oracle Road Tucson, AZ 85721 (520) 555-8975 [email protected]
CV/Resume WritingObjective:• To use or not to use – “that is the question”• Concise• Targeted• Type of position desired
Sample objectives:• Management internship in a community service agency
• Program development position working with geriatric clients
• Tax professional with national accounting firm
• Faculty position in an Engineering program, at a public research institution, utilizing my research skills and teaching experience
• Medically related research position in a laboratory setting
• Seeking a postdoctoral position focused on thermal sciences and fluid mechanics
CV/Resume WritingEducation category for a resume:• Educational institutions or specialized training
programs you have attended• Major, minor and area of concentration• Name of institution• Graduation or anticipated graduation date• GPA – if 3.5 or higher; never round up• Relevant coursework and/or thesis• Certifications and/or licensure, if related• Scholarships; financing of education
Sample education for resume:EDUCATION
Master of Arts Degree in HistoryUniversity of Colorado, Boulder ColoradoExpected graduation: May 20xx
Bachelor of Arts Degree in History, May 200xUniversity of Arizona, Tucson, ArizonaMajor GPA; 3.8/4.0
University of Arizona, Tucson, ArizonaBachelor of Science with Honors, May, 200xMajor: Microbiology; Minor: Classics
Yale University, New Haven, ConnecticutGeneral education coursework, 200x – 200x
Financed 100% of college education through scholarships and part-time employment
University of Arizona – Tucson, Arizona (5th ranked program nationally)Master of Science in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences – May 200xCurrent GPA: 3.9/4.0
University of Washington – Seattle, Washington (2nd ranked program nationally)Bachelor of Science in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences – June 200xGPA: 3.5/4.0
CV/Resume WritingEducation category for a CV:• Educational institutions or specialized training
programs you have attended• All college degrees with major, minor and area
of concentration• Name of institution• Graduation or anticipated graduation date• Dissertation title/description• Name of professors or faculty advisors during
dissertation
Sample education for CV:
EDUCATION
Ph.D., Civil Engineering, December 200xThe University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona
Dissertation: Finite Element Dynamic Analysis of Nonlinear Porous Media with Applications to Piles in Saturated Clays.Advisor: Nathaniel Perkins, PhD
M.S., Civil Engineering, May 200xUniversity of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
Thesis: Settlement of Strip Footings on Layered Soils.Thesis Advisor: Rebecca Garcia, PhD
B.S., Civil Engineering, September 199xUniversity of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
CV/Resume WritingExperience:• Related employment: fulltime or part-time• Internships• Summer jobs• Volunteer/service learning• Class projects or academic research• Student clubs, activities or organizations, especially
leadership roles• For CV: experience by categories such as: Research
Experience, Teaching Experience, Clinical Experience, Administrative Experience
Sample experience:RESEARCH EXPERIENCE
Graduate Research Assistant, Dr. Robert Smith, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, May 200x-present• Use Capillary Electrophoresis (CE) to characterize separation behavior of
charged biosurfactants in an electric field.•Explore the applicability of a specific biosurfactant in Micellar Electrokinetic Chromatography (MEKC) applications.•Employ fluorescence quenching techniques, namely steady state fluorescence, time-correlated single photon counting (TCPSC), and fluorescence anisotropy to explore physical parameters of biosurfactant molecules as compared to common synthetic surfactants. •Study aggregation properties of metal oxide nanoparticles in aqueous solutions in presence and absence of biosurfactants using dynamic light scattering (DLS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM).
Sample experience (chronological):EXPERIENCE
Clinician, Fall 20xxCornerstone Hospital, Tucson, Arizona Conducted bedside swallow evaluations, devised management plans, and provided dysphagia
treatment for a medically complex caseload, including tracheostomized and ventilator patients. Provided assessment and treatment for a variety of disorders, including aphasia, dementia,
dysarthria, and cognitive-communication disorders. Facilitated alternative communication, using low tech and high devices.
Clinician, August 200x - July 200xGrunewalk-Blitz Clinic for Communication Disorders, University of Arizona, Tucson Arizona Evaluated and provided individualized treatment for children with various communication
disorders. Acquired extensive experience with aural rehabilitation for children with cochlear implants. Provided treatment for individuals with AAC devices (DynaMyte, Dynamo, Vanguard,
Pathfinder)
Clinician, Summer 200xClinic for Adult Communication Disorders, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona Evaluated individuals with ALS, stuttering, aphasia, and cognitive-communication disorder. Provided stuttering and accent reduction treatment.
Sample experience (targeted):CLINICAL EXPERIENCE
University of Minnesota Mental Health Center, Minneapolis, MN, 200x – 200xPsychology Intern• Researched data on adjustment of National Merit Scholars under the supervision of Dr. Harriet Falk• Performed psychological consultations and evaluations of anorexic clients• Supervised two master’s level interns in counseling practica• Taught counseling methods course
University of Michigan Counseling Center, Ann Arbor, MI, 200x – 200xPsychology Intern• Conducted psychotherapy with undergraduate and graduate students• Conducted outreach presentations to academic units• Acted as mental health liaison to College of Music
Walk-in Women’s Counseling Center, Tucson, AZ, 199x – 200xCounselor• Provided crisis intervention and short-term counseling to single mothers• Ran new mother’s support group
OTHER EXPERIENCE
Maricopa Dept. of Parks and Recreation, Phoenix, AZ, May 200x – August 200xSwimming Instructor• Provided swimming and water safety instruction to children, ages 4 to 9. Designed lesson plans and demonstrated excellent
communication skills in interactions with children and parents.
University of Arizona Department of Nutritional Sciences, Tucson, AZ, May 199x – April 199xResearch Assistant• Collected field data for Dept. of Nutritional Sciences research study on elementary school children at risk for obesity.
Administered surveys for physical activity and energy expenditure. Performed body composition and dietary intake measurements. Compiled data into reports.
Sample experience (CV):RESEARCH EXPERIENCE
Research Associate, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, 5/0x - present
Conduct research for sponsored projects by applying analytical, numerical, and experimental methods in Geomechanics, emphasizing nonlinear finite element procedures, constitutive modeling and applications of dynamics of porous media.
Involved in all phases of a National Science Foundation sponsored research project titled “Dynamic Analysis of Pile Foundations Including Consolidation and
Installation Effects.” Participated in field and laboratory experiments. Developed constitutive models for clay. Implemented field and laboratory tests.
Worked on developing unified constitutive models for geological materials in general, and developed a new approach to model the strain softening and shear dilation of sands, based on the damage approach, generally used for concrete.
Research Assistant, University of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, 2/9x - 5/0x
Developed computer programs and analyzed settlement of strip footings on layered soils using nonlinear finite element and finite difference methods.
Sample experience (CV):
TEACHING EXPERIENCE
Teaching Associate, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, 9/0x - 5/0x
Taught computer-aided drafting and materials testing laboratory to 300 undergraduate students.
Teaching Assistant, University of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, 5/9x - 5/0x
Taught soil mechanics laboratory to 500 third-year students. Graded examinations for a materials science course for mechanical engineers.
Assistant Lecturer, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, 9/9x - 2/9x
Taught fluid mechanics, structural design, geotechnical design and surveying field classes to over 500 undergraduate students.
Sample experience (CV):
OTHER EXPERIENCE
The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, Fall 200x – Spring 200x Maintained the Advanced Constitutive Modeling Laboratory. Performed conventional triaxial and truly triaxial tests and inventory control.
Civil Engineering Department, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, September 200x – August 200x
Maintained the software and systems for the Geomechanics and Earthquake Computer Laboratory.
John von Newman Computer Center (JvNCC), Princeton, New Jersey, June 199x – July 200x
Maintained a variety of computer systems and software for 50+ staff.
CV/Resume WritingSkills:Should be relevant; gained through:• Coursework• Employment• Internships• Volunteer experience• Student leadership• Computer usage• Foreign languages
Sample skills:SKILLS
•Strong conceptualization, analytical and interpersonal skills essential for administration of an international corporation
•Proven success in motivating colleagues and staff, as well as promoting teamwork•Significant experience and expertise in developing and implementing strategies for international markets•Fluent Spanish and French, Advanced Vietnamese, Intermediate American Sign Language.
TECHNICAL SKILLS
Blood Preparation and Immunological Assays: Whole blood processing, PBMC isolation and phlebotomy. Flow cytometry and ELISA of antigen-treated leukocytes.DNA Extraction and Analysis: DNA and plasmid isolation, restriction enzyme digestion, agarose gel electrophoresis, restriction mapping, DNA sequence analysis. Microbial Techniques: Antigen preparation, identification of bacterial species, alpha complementation, beta-galactosidase assay, gram staining, streak, and pour plating.
SKILLS
Computers: FORTRAN, MATLAB, LABVIEW, FIELDVIEW, PIV and common softwareLanguages: Fluent Italian, Intermediate Mandarin Chinese, Conversational Japanese.
Sample skills:SKILLS
Laboratory Equipment: 5890 Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometer (GC-MS), SEM digestion microwave, High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), Inductively Coupled Plasma-Atomic Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-AES), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Capillary Electrophoresis (CE) Beckman Coulter 5890, Total Internal Reflection Fluorescence Spectroscopy (TIRF), Fluorescence Recovery After Photobleaching (FRAP), upright and inverted fluorescence microscopes, Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) Hitachi 3400, 4500, and 4800, Fluorescence Spectrophotometer (Steady State, TCSPC, Anisotropy), Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), HeNe and Ar ion lasers maintenance and alignment.
Computer Programs: Origin, Unix, ChemDraw Pro, Endnote, LabView, SciFinder Scholar, WinView, AMBER 6, DeepView, Molecular Dynamics simulations using CHARMM and NAMD, VMD Molecular Graphics, Karat32, FelixGX, Omnisize.
Training: Bloodborne Pathogens, Biological Cell Culture, Laser Safety, Laboratory Safety, Scanning Electron Microscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy Training Class (SEM and FESEM).
CV/Resume WritingOther headings/categories:• Summary of Qualifications• Leadership• Campus Organizations• Professional Memberships• Publications• Presentations• Activities• Community Service• Volunteer Experience• Research• Honors and Scholarships
Sample categories:
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPSAmerican Counseling Association, 200x - currentNational Career Development Association, 200x - currentNational Academic Advising Association, 200x-200x
ACHIEVEMENTS, AWARDS AND NOMINATIONS
•IEP Grant for $1,200 to publish The Journal of World Language Poetry and Prose: Original and Translated Literary Works, 200x•Editor of Write Now, Writing Center Newsletter, 200x – 200x•Editor of Speaking of Learning…Teaching and Learning Newsletter, 200x – 200x •Co-editor of Honestly, Writers’ Workshop Publication, 200x – 200x•Nomination for David B. Smith Fellowship, Outstanding Graduate Student, 200x•Mortar Board Award for Academic Achievement, 199x
LEADERSHIP ACTIVITIESPresident of Student Government Association, 200xPledge Coordinator for Sigma Chi Fraternity , 200xTreasurer for UA Chapter of the American Society for Microbiology, 200x
Sample categories:
QUALIFICATIONS
• Four years’ experience in nontraditional language classrooms: developing curricula, lesson plans, and activities for adult ESL classrooms
• Two years’ experience in one-on-one ESL tutoring with adult students • Five years’ experience with nonprofit organizations: working in project planning,
volunteer management and training, and grassroots community advocacy • Two years’ experience in recruitment and marketing, with coursework in marketing
during undergraduate and graduate studies• Two years’ experience in mentoring, counseling, and interviewing prospective
applicants• Experience planning, organizing, and executing international service • Experience providing English/ Spanish and Spanish/ English translation services
SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS
Motivated scientist with diverse background in fluorescence spectroscopic techniques, solution characterization of surfactants, nanoparticle synthesis and deposition, HPLC and capillary electrophoresis separations, and lipid surface behavior.
Sample categories for CV:
RESEARCH AND TEACHING INTERESTS
Research: International and comparative education; social and historical cognition; natural language analysis of academic, educational, religious, and popular culture artifacts and behaviors.
Teaching: Educational anthropology; human relations; educational sociology; comparative and international education; introductory anthropology and sociology; language and culture; knowledge, religion and popular culture; research methods; social and cultural theory; pedagogy.
Sample categories for CV:PROFILE
Trained researcher
• Performed meticulous data analysis for original research.• Work well with colleagues to carry out project goals to completion. • Knowledgeable about the information needs of researchers, advisors, faculty, and
students of UA. • Created innovative and original database for National Agricultural Library.• Experienced in retrieving and using information from various databases.
Skilled writer and editor
• Adapted scientific literature for use by the public and other non-professionals.• Successful author of funded grants.• Created original, innovative educational materials for science and non-science
students.
Experienced educator at UA and Pima
• Part of team creating a decision-support model at the Office of Arid Lands Studies.• Advocate for women in science and education in over eighteen years of science
teaching at the University of Arizona and Pima Community College.• Set an example of leadership, excellence, and passion among students and colleagues.
Sample categories for CV:
PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES
Second International Conference on Laws for Engineering Materials and Applications, Tucson, Arizona, January 200x, participant. (230 participants from 21 countries). Participated in all local organizational meetings.
Reviewer for the International Journal of Numerical and Analytical Methods in Geomechanics and the Journal of Engineering Mechanics (ASCE), (200x – 200x).
Associate Member of the American Society of Civil Engineers, (199x – 200x). Engineer In Training (EIT) – Arizona, (200x). Vice President, Civil Engineering Society, (300 members) University of Peradeniya,
Sri Lanka, (199x). Completed workshops on vector programming and computer graphics, (199x –
200x).
CV/Resume WritingPublications:• Chronological order• Scholarly books and monographs• Chapters in the above• Refereed journal articles published or in final
form• Electronic peer reviewed publications• For foreign publications, provide English
translation
Sample categories for CV:
PUBLICATIONS
• Desai, C.S., Sharma, S.K., Roadbuilder, R.W., and Woo, Z.Z., “Discussion of Factors Which Effect Reliable Computer Implementation of Hierarchical Models,” Invited Theme Paper (Under Preparation), Workshop on Reliability in Computational Mechanics, Austin, Texas, October 1994.
• Desai, C.S., Roadbuilder, R.W., and Navayogarajah, N., “Developments in Hierarchical Modeling for Solids and Discontinuities and Applications,” Invited Paper, International Conference on Constitutive Laws for Engineering Materials , Chongqing, China, August 1994. (Translated from Mandarin Chinese)
• Desai, C.S., Galagoda, H.M., and Roadbuilder, R.W. “Hierarchical Modeling for Geologic Materials and Discontinuities-Joints, Interfaces,” Invited Paper, Proceedings of the Second International Conference on Constitutive Laws for Engineering Materials: Theory and Applications, Tucson, Arizona, January 1992. Desai et al (Eds), Elsevier, New York, Vol. 1, pp. (81-95).
Invited Papers (consult APA manual for correct format)
Sample categories for CV:
PUBLICATIONS
• Roadbuilder, R.W., and Woo, Z.Z., Discussion for the paper “Development of Nonassociated Flow Rule for Anisotropic Clays,” by R.N. Yong and A.M.O. Mohamed, To be published in the Journal of Engineering Mechanics, ASCE, February 2000.
• Roadbuilder, R.W., and Desai, C.S., “An Analysis of Piles in Marine Clay Under Cyclic Loading,” Proceedings of the 21st Offshore Technology Conference, Houston, Texas, June 1994, Paper No. OTC6002, Vol. 2, pp. (359-366).
• Roadbuilder, R.W., and Desai, C.S., “ ‘Damage’ Based Constitutive Model for Sand,” Proceedings of the 12th Canadian Congress of Applied Mechanics (CANCAM’94), Ottawa, Canada, May 1994.
Other Refereed Publications (consult APA manual for correct format)
Sample categories for CV:
PUBLICATIONS
The Woman Unfolded, Leontes Publishing (forthcoming)heretic house, Leontes Publishing, 200xPandaBoy, Endgame Publishing, 200xIntersections of Space, poems of time and place, Androcles Press, 200xThe Lost Gila, University of Arizona Press, 200x
Poems have appeared in:
AntaeusPoetry NorthwestPloughsharesThe Georgia ReviewColorado Review
Prairie SchoonerIronwoodSouth Florida Poetry ReviewAmerican Poetry ReviewGulf Coast
CV/Resume WritingReferences:• Separate page matching resume; CV continues
on page• 3-5 individuals who have direct knowledge of
your skills and qualifications• Faculty, former employers, supervisors,
colleagues, club advisors, internship supervisors, etc.
• No personal references• Obtain permission before using
Sample references:CHRIS SMITH
83 Oracle Road Tucson, AZ 85721 (520) 555-8975 [email protected]
REFERENCES
Dr. Roberta SmithChair, Biology DepartmentUniversity of Arizona4000 University Blvd.Tucson, AZ 85721(520) [email protected]
Dr. Louise ParkerResearch CoordinatorCenters for Disease Control and Prevention101 Peachtree CenterAtlanta, GA 30001(404) [email protected]
Dr. Jonathan HopkinsNational PresidentAmerican Society for Microbiology1000 Dupont CircleWashington, DC 58221(202) [email protected]
CV/Resume WritingLetters of Recommendation:• Ask if individual can give a good
recommendation• Give a copy of your resume/CV and job
description• Give them information in writing: to whom &
what you want them to say• Ask for a copy• Follow up, follow up, follow up
CV/Resume WritingCover letters:• Present your qualifications and experience
while demonstrating your writing skills• One page; 3-5 paragraphs:
– Why writing– More detail on 1-2 items from resume– Why you want to work for them– How you will follow up
• Signed, original letter matching resume paper
CV/Resume WritingResume resources:• Guidelines – web and paper• Resume check events and walk-ins• Books with samples in the Career Information
Center• Web links on Career Services website
Next Steps• Check out the Resume Guidelines on the
Career Services website• Bring your resume or CV to Career Services to
get it checked• Have your faculty or professionals in your field
check your resume
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