DEVELOPING AN EFFECTIVE RÉSUMÉ OR CURRICULUM VITA Presented by Career Services Your Partner for Career Success!   University Park Campus Engineering & Applied Sciences Biscayne Bay Campus GC 230 (305) 348-2423 EAS 2780 (305) 348-1281 WUC 255 (305) 919-5770

Which one do you need? What will you use it for? Résumé or Vita Which one do you need? What will you use it for?

Résumé Used most of the time For Business or Not-for-Profit Organizations Shorter, more concise 1-2 pages, synopsis of who you are

CV (Curriculum Vita) Typically used for research-based or academic appointments To get into a doctoral program For grant writing or writing for professional publications Longer and more comprehensive Can be many pages, documents your professional life

Résumé or CV Marketing Tool Demonstrating your written communication skills Securing an interview

Appearance Professional Easy to Read Font Style & Size White Space Balanced Margins High Quality Paper Create Visual Impact! Professional

Writing Style Short/Long Brief phrases & sentences Action verbs Correct grammar Correct abbreviations No personal pronouns No errors 1-2 pages for Résumé, varies for CV

Formatting Choices Popular Misconception Study Models Experiment

Formats Chronological Functional Targeted Academic Scannable

Strategy is Key! Think Choice of headings Wording of headings Order of headings Order within headings

Résumé/CV Components Personal identification Objective Education Experience Optional categories

Personal Identification Name Address Phone E-mail

Objective Purpose Organizing statement Skill oriented Short John Doe’s Resume Why do I want to get this job? What can I bring to this position?

Education Institution, city, state Degree earned or anticipated Dates GPA

Experience Employer, city, state Job title Dates Description

Optional for a Résumé, but more essential for a CV Special Skills Research/Design Projects Publications Honors/Awards Certifications/Licensures International Experience Professional Memberships

Additional Categories Courses Developed Presentations Special Training

References Statement optional Listed on separate page 3-5 objective references Name, title, phone number Personal references (only if asked)

Common Errors Vague Objective Incomplete Degree & Employment Information Missing Graduation Date Incorrect Grammar Spelling or Typographical Errors Inconsistent or incorrect use of abbreviations Using “Responsible For” or “Duties Entailed”

Summary Easy to read document that reveals your skills & achievements immediately Marketing Piece Demonstrates ability or potential to do the job Targets employers needs 30 Second Rule

The Cover Letter First paragraph Typically 3 –4 paragraphs Identify your reason/purpose for writing Identify the position Identify your source Second Paragraph Summarize your strongest qualifications (skills experiences, accomplishments Provide examples

The Cover Letter (continued) Third Paragraph Personal qualities Fourth Paragraph Thank the reader Indicate how you plan to follow up Format- Standard Business Letter

Top 10 Qualities Employers Seek* 10. Analytical/Problem Solving Skills 10. Work Ethic 9. Honesty/Integrity 8. Technical Skills 7. Flexibility 6. Interpersonal Skills 5. Academic Achievement/GPA 4. Leadership Skills 3. Teamwork Skills 2. Motivation/Initiative 1. Communication Skills * Extracted from the 1999 NACE Survey