resume & cv

Why is a resume important?

A resume is more than just a list of jobs and classes—it tells your professional story. It shows how your experiences, skills, and interests connect and grow over time. Whether it’s through part-time work, volunteer roles, or school projects, your resume helps employers understand what you’ve learned, what you’re passionate about, and how you can contribute to their organization

What’s the difference between a resume and a CV?

Resume

Length: Typically 1 page (2 pages for more extensive experience)
Purpose: To highlight skills, experience, and qualifications relevant to a specific job or position
Focus: Tailored to each job application, emphasizing the most relevant information
Content: Includes contact information, summary, skills, work experience, and education
Format: Concise and focused on presenting key qualifications quickly
Audience: Generally used for applying to jobs in industry, private sector, or non-profit organizations

CV (Curriculum Vitae)

(kuh-RIK-yuh-lum VEE-tie)

Length: Usually 2 or more pages (no strict length limit)
Purpose: To provide a comprehensive overview of an individual’s academic and professional career
Focus: A complete record of professional achievements, including research, publications, presentations, and education
Content: Includes contact information, academic background, research experience, publications, presentations, awards, and more
Format: Detailed and chronological, showcasing a full academic and professional history
Audience: Primarily used for academic, research, fellowship, and international job applications

formatting tips

Avoid using templates or resume-building websites, as they can sometimes appear less professional and limit customization.
Aim for one page. However, two pages are acceptable if all experience is relevant to the position you're applying for.
Consult our font guide for clean, professional font recommendations
Use consistent formatting for dates, headings, and spacing
Use bullet points to describe experiences—not paragraphs
Start each bullet with a strong action verb
Use reverse chronological order within each section (most recent first)
Include margins (0.5–1 inch) to keep it easy to read
Avoid including photos, graphics, or colored fonts, as these can cause issues with applicant tracking systems (ATS) that many employers use to screen resumes.

rESUME & CV EXAMPLES

Remember that these were tailored for specific positions, organizations, and goals, so make sure to tailor your resume to best highlight your unique skills and experiences. We highly recommend scheduling an appointment with a Career Advisor to assist with this process.

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