Skills/Qualities Sought by Employers in New College Graduate Hires

* Ability to make decisions and solve problems

* Ability to verbally communicate with persons inside

and outside the organization

* Ability to obtain and process information

* Ability to plan, organize, and prioritize work

* Ability to analyze quantitative data

* Technical knowledge related to the job

* Proficiency with computer software programs

* Ability to create and/or edit written reports

* Ability to sell or influence others

Source: Job Outlook 2014 Spring Update, National

Association of Colleges and Employers

Employers want new hires that can communicate and work well with the team. They want to see commitment to the job and initiative to find new and better ways of doing

things.

Do you already possess the skills/qualities sought by employers? The following grid will help you identify some of the experiences you already have that build the skills employers value. Here is how the Employability Grid works:

Insert your experience with each skill into theEmployability Grid. Experience can be foundin many places, some prompts have beenprovided for you.

Identify strengths as well as gaps which mayprevent you from getting the job you want.

Look at job descriptions and use career re-search to add other skills specific to your careergoal.

If you see a gap in your skills, set goals todevelop these skill areas.

Schedule a mock interview with Career and Professional Development to ensure that you are clearly communicating

Skills Courses (projects,

research, thesis, etc)

Jobs/Co-ops/

Internships/ Labs

Service/ Volunteer

Work

Clubs/ Orgs/ Civic

Groups

Ability to make decisions and

solve problems

Ability to verbally communicate

with persons inside and outside

the organization

Ability to obtain and process

information

Ability to plan, organize and

prioritize work

Ability to analyze quantitative

data

Technical knowledge related to

the job

Proficiency with computer

software programs

Ability to create and/or edit

written reports

Ability to sell or influence others

Employability Grid

Explore * Experience * Prepare * Succeed

Employable Skills After College or Graduate School

PREPARE

Before any corporation introduces a new product, it has to develop a thorough marketing plan to understand the demand (will it sell?) and articulate the key features and benefits (will the buyer see the value and make the purchase?).

Now think of yourself as the new product…...

Who is the buyer and what are the key needs theproduct will address?

What are the compelling reasons the buyer shouldinvest in an untested product?

Are the features and benefits presented clearly sovalue is evident?

Each of us has a multitude of skills, interests, and values. Which ones will help you sell yourself to the employers/graduate schools you are targeting?

ELEVATOR PITCH

Defined: (n): brief presentation that introduces

what you’re “pitching” – an idea, a new process,

YOU … should be delivered in the time it takes

an elevator to reach the top floor. This is

basically your unique story communicating why

you chose the field and why you want to talk

with them.

Concept: You only get one chance to make a

first impression. Make it count by offering a

firm handshake; good eye contact; and a

pleasant, interested demeanor, introducing

yourself like below:

Making Your Introduction

Name & Major: Hi, I’m (name), a freshman at The University of Alabama at Birmingham majoring in (X)

Why you chose the field: I’m interested in this field because (why) and wanted to talk with you because (show you did your research on them and their company)

Unique strengths targeted to the career field: While at UAB, I’ve participated in (volunteering) at (where). This helped me realize it’s where I want to be in my career, however I would like to learn more about the field. In my internships, I worked with (company or type of experi-ence).

Can you tell me about … (career advice, type of person who is successful, …) – Ending with a question is a great strategy. For one thing, it invites them into the conversation and clarifies how they can help you. It also takes the edge off the conversation and transforms it into a dialogue between 2 people interested in the same field.

Be sure to prepare for meeting new people. Do your homework on them and their organization. Have questions prepared so you can begin a conversation and communicate why you are a good “fit” for their organization.

Once you develop your elevator pitch, you can use a variation of it as the Profile section of your resume and the body of your cover letter, which demonstrate the value you offer.

Explore * Experience * Prepare * Succeed

Personal Branding and Elevator Pitch

PREPARE

Effective communication continues to be ranked the #1 ability sought by employers. It is also one of the four strengths identified by UAB as essential for all graduates. The following guidelines provide ways to demonstrate strong communication and professionalism ensuring your reputation stays on a positive trajectory to build a strong career:

Always be early for appointments andinterviews. It is better to arrive fifteenminutes early than a minute late which candamage your reputation and ruin yourchances for success. Build in plenty of timefor travel. If you arrive early, use the time torelax, prepare, and present a professionalimage to everyone you meet.

Always dress for success. Keepprofessional attire on-hand for short-noticeinterviews. Keep business casual attire towear in class, clinicals, lab, or other timeswhere you can project a professional image,which affects your reputation.

Remember to say thank you during aninterview or other meeting. Having theopportunity to interview, mentor, jobshadow, or meet new professionals in yourfield are all privileges for which you shouldexpress appreciation. Time is an incredi-bly valuable commodity; it is imperativeyou acknowledge this.

Send thank-you letters, notes, and/ore-mails following interviews or other meet-ings Taking the time to follow up with typedor handwritten thank you letters printed onquality paper demonstrates your attention todetail and sincere appreciation. Less formalmeetings may be followed with a well-constructed email.

Record a professional voicemail messagefor your cell phone and/or home answeringmachine. Record it in a place where back-ground noise is eliminated, greet callers in amanner that will impress them. Get rid ofimmature greetings such as “This is John,you know the drill.” These types of messagescreate a poor first impression.

When you meet with a contact make sure youturn off or silence your electronic devices. Ifyou want to take notes during a meeting, ask first,so you will not be misconstrued as inattentive oras texting while they are talking.

Obtain a mature, non-offensive e-mail addressfor contacts who choose to communicate viae-mail. Choose an e-mail address that’s related toyour name and with no reference to immaturenicknames or offensive statements. Your e-mailaddress will also appear on your resume, so makeit professional.

Keep your social networking accounts(LinkedIn, Facebook, etc.) clean of any materialthat you would not want a potential employer tosee. A growing percentage of employers arelooking at these accounts as part of their duediligence in assessing potential employees. This isan essential part of your 21st century resume,reflecting the reputation you want to portray. andmaintain.

Always keep your desired reputation at theforefront of your mind (professional, committed,leader, team player, …) Ensure your actionscontinue to enhance it, building strong referencesand positive impressions. People’s assessment ofyour actions can open or close doors throughoutyour career. Make sure you know what your repu-tation is and take steps to keep it growing in theright direction.

Explore * Experience * Prepare * Succeed

Professionalism and Reputation

PREPARE

It takes 20 years to build a

reputation and five minutes to ruin

it. If you think about that, you’ll do

things differently.

~Warren Buffett

It is often stated that it’s not WHAT you know, but WHO you know that gets you the job. Getting to know prominent people in your field is the best method of conducting a successful job search. Networking is sharing information and relationship building; it is a give-and-take natural process we do in our everyday lives so that we can develop ourselves and our connections.

Networking is the #1 way to get a job:

80% of all jobs go un-posted

34% of all new hires are due to employeereferrals

How to Get Started Starting is the daunting part. Therefore it’s easier to begin on familiar ground with those you know.

Where to Go Networking opportunities are more likely in settings where you are able to interact comfortably with people who share common interests and values.

•

Get involved in professional organizations

•

Join a fraternal, religious or social club

•

Volunteer in the community

•

Participate in local events and associations

•

Attend career fairs, meetings or conventions

What to Do

Get Your Message OutDevelop your elevator pitch and share it with as many people as possible (p. 14). Networking is a series of connections, not just who you know but who they know. Outlining the value you have to offer is essential in helping others to promote you to their contacts.

Build RapportLearn about the other person. What are theirinterests? What is their career story?

Set Goals and a TimelineGo in with a plan. Are you looking for information or advice? What do you hope to gain?Ask who the leaders in the field are. What should you be reading? How can you best stay aware of trends and innovations?

Set a Time and Plan to Follow UpAgree on a plan and be sure to send athank-you note.

Prospecting/Targeted Networking

Getting to know people that you need to know! After you develop your elevator pitch and send your resume you are now ready to make the follow up call. Know your objectives, be prepared!

To print a complete Networking Grid and to view a CareerSpot video on “The Importance of

Networking”, go to www.uab.edu/cpd

Explore * Experience * Prepare * Succeed

Networking

PREPARE

Did You Know? A recent surveys show that 92% of employers are using or planning to use social networks for recruiting this year, and 70% say they have decided against hiring a candidate due to information found on social media. Because of this, you should invest time in your social media presence.

Creating a Professional Online Presence All social media sites should only have material you would want a future employer to see. Remove all photographs that would be deemed inappropriate. Consider adjusting your privacy settings on your social media profiles so only those you want to view it can do so.

What happens when you google yourself? You want to appear up to speed on recent digital trends and familiar with these skills. Allow your social media presence to supplement your job application by presenting a comprehensive view of your skills and qualifications.

Facebook There are more than one billion Facebook users and numerous ways to interact with people on this site. Facebook also has numerous features and pages relevant to job seekers. Share status updates about job or internship searches, as this may lead you to people who can help or even referrals to someone they know who can help. Also share professional status updates about projects, leadership positions, internships, or classes.

Facebook Tips Establish a professional presence online using

Facebook’s profile options. Create friend lists to effectively manage

connections on Facebook. Connect with organizations, industries, and

groups relevant to your career interests. Find job and internship listings using Facebook

pages and apps.

Twitter Results from a recent survey by Jobvite attest to the power of Twitter as a job-search tool:

Twitter is now used by nearly half of the work force to look for jobs—46% vs. 37% in 2011. And those seekers are almost twice as likely to have found their “favorite-ever” job on Twit-ter.

Twitter accounts can also be a powerful online presence for users, as tweets and pages are indexed by Google. Therefore, Twitter can provide possibilities such as: Setting you apart in an applicant pool. Keeping current with industry news, which is

great for interview preparation and networking. Finding job and internship opportunities you

may not otherwise be aware of. Establishing yourself as an expert in specific

fields or industries. Discovering fields or industries of interest.

LinkedIn LinkedIn is a business-oriented social networking service mainly used for professional networking. This tool will allow you to expand your network in your desired career field. Over the years it has become crucial for job seekers as well as those employed to have a complete and up-to-date profile due to many companies using LinkedIn for recruitment.

Explore * Experience * Prepare * Succeed

Connect with Career and Professional Development on social media

Facebook: UAB Career Services Twitter: @UABCareerServe

LinkedIn Group: UAB Career & Professional Development

Social Media and Your Career

PREPARE

Explore * Experience * Prepare * Succeed

PREPARE

Is Graduate School Right For You? Whether or not to attend graduate school is a big decision. Ask yourself these questions: In what ways is being a graduate student

different from being an undergraduate? How well have I performed in my past

academic pursuits? How genuinely interested am I in this field? Is it worth the effort? How will this degree improve my job

prospects? How will I pay for graduate school?

Graduate School Information

Getting the most thorough information will

help you make the best decision. These steps

provide the kind of information you need.

Graduate School Applications – Basic Steps: Accurate management of the application process is the key to successful admission. Here are some steps to that give you an idea of what applying to graduate school entails:

Begin the application process at least one year before youplan to start your graduate study.

The first step is to review the “Admissions Checklist” forthe specific program to which you plan to apply. For UABgraduate school these can be found at: http://www.uab.edu/graduate/current-students/admissions-checklist

Plan to submit your application for early admission if thatoption is available to you.

Conduct thorough research to determine which schools arebest suited to your academic and career interests. If youutilized Informational Interviewing in the EXPLORE stageof your career development then this part is already done!

Create a curriculum vitae (CV) that demonstrates how youare a good fit for each individual program to which youapply.

Determine which standardized tests are required. Studywell in advance and take plenty of practice tests. A lot ofinformation can be found on the individual testingwebsites, at no-cost :

GRE: http://www.ets.org/gre

GMAT: http://www.mba.com/us

MCAT: https://www.aamc.org/students/applying/mcat/

LSAT: http://www.lsac.org/

Make contacts at the prospective schools to which you areapplying. This is best done through visiting the schools,meeting with professors for informational interviews, andtalking with students who are enrolled in your programs ofinterest.

Begin writing your personal statement several months inadvance. This is a requirement for most applications andwill help you further define your graduate school goals. Besure to utilize the UAB Writing Center for assistance ifneeded.

Select professors you will use as references and ask them ifthey will be willing to write a favorable recommendationletter for you.

If applying for federal financial aid, complete the FAFSAonline as soon after January 1st as possible.

Explore * Experience * Prepare * Succeed

For assistance with your graduate school personal statement, schedule anappointment with the UAB Writing Center at http://www.uab.edu/writingcenter/

Planning for Graduate School

PREPARE

Your resume or CV should always be accompanied by a customized one-page cover letter or a concise e-mail. The purpose of this communication is to get your resume viewed, and strong cover letter can help a job-seeker standout from the competition. A poorly designed cover letter could make a candidate seem uncreative or worse, a generic copy/paster. As stated, your communication should be concise, only requiring three paragraphs.

Suggested format:

Paragraph 1: State your objective and mentionthe job position by specific title or bydepartment. Express your interest in applying fora particular position or in researching anypossible availabilities. If someone referred you,include this detail in the first paragraph.

Paragraph 2: Give a brief summary of yourqualifications, skills and experience. Demonstratehow these relate to the job. Mention uniqueattributes that set you apart from the competi-tion.

Paragraph 3: Give a strong closing paragraph byquickly explaining how your experience will helpyou at the job. Express an interest in learningmore about the company and the job. Requestan interview.

Important points to remember:

Target the communication to a specific position,linking your skills to the job. Do not rehash orrepeat your resume.

Address your communication to a specific personwithin the company if possible.

Your cover letter should be written in standardprofessional business letter format. Use activerather than passive voice. Even if thecommunication is through an email, include acopy correctly formatted as a PDF.

Edit carefully, double-checking for spelling,grammar, or typographical errors.

The subject line of the email is very important;Use few words to grab the reader’s attention.

Explore * Experience * Prepare * Succeed

123 Riverwood Drive Anytown, AL 12345 January 17, 2014

Ms. Charlotte Green Employment Director

Environmental Consultants, Inc. P.O. Box 7896 Birmingham, AL 12345

Dear Ms. Green:

Please consider my qualifications for the position of Environmental Assessment Coordinator in your Southeastern Region. Nancy Spearman of your Atlanta office told me of the position and recommended that I contact you for additional information.

I will graduate this May from the University of Alabama at Birmingham with a Bachelor’s degree in Geology. My experience as an intern with Carson Geological Consultants, as well as in the UAB Department of Geology, has provided me with a strong foundation in the field of environmental impact research. My specialty area of soil composition analysis should prove beneficial in performing the duties of the Coordinator. The enclosed resume provides additional information on my background.

I am interested in learning more about the position and would like to talk with you about my qualifications. I will contact you next week to further discuss the possibility of employment with Environmental Consultants. If you have any questions, please feel free to call me at the number on my resume.

Sincerely,

Jim Smith

4001 45th Street North Bakersfield, AL 01234 June 1, 2014

Winston Byrd, Vice President TJM Group P.O. Box 18127 San Francisco, CA 12345

Dear Mr. Byrd:

I am writing in response to your advertisement for an Account Executive in the May 2, 2014 issue of The Chronicle. I am originally from San Francisco and it is my goal to return to the area.

My educational background and work experience have helped me to acquire the skills necessary to perform the duties of this position. My degree in Advertising and Public Relations has given me a strong understanding of the PR field. Additionally, my involvement in campus organizations, combined with significant public speaking experience, has enabled me to develop strong leadership and communication skills. This background would help me to join a firm such as TJM Group and quickly contribute to the organization.

I will be in San Francisco the week of June 10, and would like to meet with you to discuss the position and my qualifications. I will contact you prior to my arrival to schedule an appointment. In the meantime, feel free to contact me at the number on my resume if you have any questions.

Sincerely,

Tim McKinney

Cover Letters and Emails

PREPARE

Purpose The purpose of the resume is to get you the interview NOT the job. It should be clear and concise, not a lengthy, detailed document of your life. Your resume functions as an advertisement of yourself, a sales brochure for you! Think of it as a 30-second commercial spot where you are the product. Your resume must grab attention and spark interest, making the reader want to meet you. It must clearly differentiate you from your competition as the best candidate.

Resume Headings & Content

The headings you use depend on what is most important to the reader. Always use a header with your name (larger, bold font), address, email, and telephone number. Use an appropriate, professional email address.

Profile (Summary, Executive Summary) Your profile needs to be a snapshot of your relevant job experiences, skills, andaccomplishments. Keep this section concise, targeting specific qualifications and skills listed in the job description or applicant profile of each job you are applying for. The goal of the profile is to make the reader want to learn more about you.

Education List all degrees earned including each university name, city, state, and graduation date. For transfer students, list your University of Alabama at Birmingham education first and your previous institution below. Include the names of your degrees, certifications, licenses, major, minor, and classes or training you received relevant to the job or graduate school program. Do not include your high school education.

Relevant Coursework If your experience does not indicate that you have knowledge in your field of study, you may want to include a few targeted courses to illustrate your knowledge of the job for which you are applying.

Experience Broaden your definition of experience to include a wide range of nontraditional examples such as paid or unpaid positions, full or part-time work, volunteer, student organizations, internships, and cooperative education.

It is important to list what you accomplished, not just your duties. What did you do that set your performance above others?

Sample student accomplishments to include on your resume can be found on page 24.

Extracurricular Activities List any activities in which you were involved. List memberships in clubs, campus organizations, and affiliations in academic or professional associations and include any leadership experiences that you gained through your involvement in these activities.

Honors & Awards Don’t forget to list all honors, awards, academic achievements, scholarships, and any other leadership or academic recognitions.

Community Service Voluntary, community, religious-affiliated, and civic organizations provide a valuable source ofexperience, especially for graduate and professional schools that require community involvement.

Other Each industry is different and there may be resume headings that are more appropriate for your situation. Below is a list of some common alternate resume headings: Publications Presentations Industry Specific Experience (Teaching

Experience, Research Experience, EngineeringExperience, Technical Experience)

Explore * Experience * Prepare * Succeed

Resumes

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There is no “one right way” to write a resume. There is flexibility regarding layout, format, and content. A good resume is one that is targeted to your chosen career and fits your specific background, contributions, and personal and professional goals. The following checklist and example will help you keep your resume clear and concise.

Check all the boxes to the right? Upload your resume in DragonTrail Jobs to have your first resume reviewed by the Career and Professional Development Office at www.uab.edu/cpd

Need additional help? Call our office at 934-4324 to set up an appointment to go over your resume

HEADING Name in bold at the top of the page, largest font size

Current contact information

Professional email address

PROFILE OR OBJECTIVE Profile: Highlights in 2-4 bullet points what

makes you the best candidate; avoids personaltraits

Objective: States the position you are seeking;1—2 sentences in length, does not use personalpronouns

EDUCATION Full name of degree is written (Bachelor of

Science, Master of Arts, etc.)

University of Alabama at Birmingham

Location of the University is listed (Birmingham,AL)

Expected date or date of graduation is listed,does not use dates of attendance

Use bullet points for Minor, GPA if it is over3.0, Honors and Awards

High School information is not included

ADDITIONAL HEADINGS TO CONSIDER Community Involvement Coursework

Leadership, Clinical, Teaching Experience

Technical or Laboratory Skills Certification Honors and Awards

Important Notes:

• Use 11-12 pt standard font in your resume (withthe exception of your name)

• Do not include references or “Referencesavailable upon request” on your resume

• Because your resume contains onlu relevant targetedinformation, it should be limited to one page. Ifyou go to two pages, be sure the most important andrelevant information is on the first page and that thesecond page is at least half full. Your name and page2 should be written on the second page.

Resume Checklist

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Resume Rules

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Below are sample student experiences, with suggested wording for inclusion on your resume and interviews. These “transferable skills”, (skills that tare meaningful across settings), demonstrate the value you bring to an em-ployer and/or graduate school based upon the experiences you have gained. They can be used in a variety of set-tings, whether for non-profit, industry, or research/academic positions.

If you need assistance telling your story, translating jobs or experiences you’ve had into a stronger resume, please contact the office at 934-4324 or email careerservices@uab.edu to make an appointment with a career consultant. Getting experience is the beginning, translating and articulating the experience to sell yourself most effectively is the ultimate goal. We are here to help ; contact us.

Bulleted verbiage

Led 5 community service projects for (club) involving (number) of members, resulting in an X% increase in member involvement

Served as Resident Assistant for (number) students, managing relationships and resolving conflicts

Shadowed three hospital administrators in different settings to learn organizational culture and styles

Volunteered (X hours) at health clinics getting exposure to patient needs and effective ways to provide quality patient care

Provided excellent customer service working night shift in restaurant at peak dinner hours

Balanced cash drawer and reconciled daily receipts averaging ($) per night (quantify this if possible)

Created lesson plans for (#) school children, achieving learning goals while managing classroom conduct

Conducted (X) campus tours to increase awareness and support of various opportunities for engagement

Created and managed social media accounts which led to an average increase of X followers (or X% increase)

Designed and published organizational newsletter to various constituents to increase awareness and achieve organization’s goals

Interacted in interdisciplinary teams to create a collaborative approach to solve (a problem)

Communicated with a diverse audience to inform them of opportunities to increase sales as well as customer satisfaction

Developed and delivered presentations to executives demonstrating the value (of my internship) to the organi-zation

Performed various scientific assays and experiments while working in the lab

Raised ($) for organizations (% increase) to fund student professional development activities

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Describing Your Career Experience

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Effective resumes use an active voice in describing experiences. Most employers do not want to see, “responsibilities include….”, they want to know what actions you took. Use power words to effectively communicate your experiences. Keywords are also used heavily to search resumes and sort who has the requisite skills needed. “Thesaurus” can identify words to use, as well as the listings below.

GENERAL LIST

ACCOMPLISHED DEBATED INCREASED QUALIFIED BRIEFED

DISPENSED INTERVIEWED RECORDED COMBINED ENTERTAINED MEDIATED

TARGETED

DEALT INCLUDED

PURCHASED ASSURED DEMONSTRATED INTERPRETED RECOMMENDED COACHED

ENSURED LOCATED SKETCHED

IMPROVED PROMOTED APPRAISED DELIVERED INSURED RECOGNIZED CLOSED EDUCATED LAUNCHED SUMMARIZED CONCEIVED

PROJECTED ADVISED

DEFINED

INSTRUCTED RATED

CALCULATED

EDITED INVESTIGATED STREAMLINED

COMPUTED

EXCELLED

ACHIEVED DECIDED

INDICATED QUESTIONED BUDGETED

EARNED INTRODUCED RENOVATED COMMUNICATED EXAMINED

NEGOTIATED

PLANNING-BASED ACTION

ADMINISTERED DEVISED OBSERVED REVISED

ANTICIPATED EVALUATED PLANNED STRATEGIZED

COMMISSIONED FORECASTED PREPARED STUDIED

DETERMINED FORMULATED PRIORITIZED TAILORED

DEVELOPED IDENTIFIED RESEARCHED

ORGANIZING ACTION WORDS

ACQUIRED APPOINTED CHARTED CONTRACTED DESIGNED INSTITUTED RECRUITED SUGGESTED

ACTIVATED ARRANGED CLASSIFIED COORDINATED ESTABLISHED OBTAINED RECTIFIED TRACKED

ADJUSTED ASSEMBLED COLLECTED CUSTOMIZED FACILITATED ORDERED SELECTED

ALLOCATED CATALOGUED COMMITTED DELEGATED IMPLEMENTED ORGANIZED SECURED

ALTERED CENTRALIZED

CONFIRMED

DESIGNATED INCORPORATED

PROCURED

SIMPLIFIED

EXECUTING ACTION WORDS

ACTED DISPLAYED PROCESSED

CARRIED OUT DISTRIBUTED PRODUCED

COLLECTED INSTALLED PROOFED

COMPLETED OPERATED SOLD

CONDUCTED PERFORMED TRANSACTED

SUPERVISING ACTION

ADJUSTED CONTROLLED INSPECTED OFFICIATED SET

ANALYZED CORRECTED MAINTAINED OVERSAW SCRUTINIZED

APPORTIONED DISCOVERED MEASURED REVIEWED SUPERVISED

ASSESSED ESTABLISHED MODIFIED REVISED UP-GRADED

COMPARED GRADED MONITORED SCREENED

LEADING ACTION WORDS

ACCELERATED DIRECTED

ENLISTED

HIRED LED PROMOTED STRENGTHENED

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ASSUMED ELECTED

ENVISIONED

INFLUENCED MANAGED

RAISED

SUPERVISED

CHAIRED EMPLOYED

FOSTERED

INITIATED MOTIVATED

SET GOALS

TRAINED

CHANGED EMPOWERED

FOUNDED

INSPIRED MENTORED

SPEARHEADED

TRANSFORMED

CONDUCTED ENCOURAGED

GUIDED

INVOLVED PIONEERED

STIMULATED

VISUALIZED

Resume Power Words

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The curriculum vitae (CV) is a comprehensive biographical statement, typically three to ten pages in length, emphasizing professional qualifications and activities. In the United States, a CV is primarily utilized when applying for academic, education, scientific or research positions. It is also important when applying for fel-lowships or grants.

There are several differences between a curriculum vitae and a resume. (According to Susan Basalla and Maggie Debelius, authors of So What Are You Going to Do With That?), the biggest difference between a resume and a curriculum vitae is that a resume focuses on the employer’s needs rather than explaining every detail of your credentials. A CV is a longer, more detailed synopsis of your background and skills. A CV includes a summary of your educational and academic backgrounds. As with a resume, you may need different versions of a CV for different types of positions. To create your curriculum vitae, start by making a list of all your background information, then organize it into catego-ries. Make sure you include dates on all the publications you mention. Review your CV every six months to ensure you keep the content up-to-date with new activities, publications, etc.

CV headings may include some or all of the following:

Personal/Contact Information

Name, address, phone number, email

Academic Background

Postgraduate Work

Graduate work/degree(s), major/minors, thesis/dissertation titles, honors

Undergraduate degree(s), majors/minors, honors

Professional Licenses/Certifications

Academic/Teaching Experience

Courses taught, courses introduced

Innovation in teaching

Teaching evaluations

Technical and Specialized Skills

Related/Other Experience

Professional/Academic Honors & Awards

Professional Development

Conferences/workshops attended, other activities

Research/Scholarly Activities

Journal articles, Conferences, Books

Chapters in books

Magazine articles

Papers presented/workshops

Work currently under submission

Work in progress

Grants and/or Service

Academic

Professional

Community

Academic/Research Interests

Affiliations/ memberships

Foreign language ability/ skills

Consulting

Volunteer work

References

Resume vs. CV

CV Resume

What is it? Full list of professional/educational history

Summary of targeted experiences

Mindset? Detailed, Specific Targeted, Generalized

How long is it? Many pages-length isn’t a factor Concise-1 page, 2 for more experience

When do you use it? Academic/research Jobs outside academia & research

Do you include details on re-search publications?

Yes-full list is essential with details Generalize depending on relevance to job

How important is format & layout? Style doesn’t matter much, content does

Style and content are very important

Should you modify to match each job?

Doesn’t need much alteration Yes-adapt to fit the specific job

Explore * Experience * Prepare * Succeed

Curriculum VitaePREPARE

Reference letters or letters of recommendation are written by former employers or professors on behalf of the candidate. Candidates typically need about 3 to 5 names. The references submitted to the employer should be a list of names and contact information of each individual or they can be actual letters.

Types of References There are three types of references sources: Professional (from former employers), Academic (from professors and teachers) and LinkedIn (anyone who can attest to your professional skills). Typically, references should come from someone who has been in a position to have observed the quality of your work and is willing to make positive comments on your behalf. Personal or character references are generally not needed.

Reference Lists When compiling a list of references, candidates should remember the list is a separate form or individual document from the resume. References should not be listed on the resume.

Letters of Recommendation Thank You Letters

Always follow-up immediately after a job interview, conveying appreciation and continued interest. This reiterates your enthusiasm about the job and gives another opportunity to promote yourself. A good follow-up letter should be written in proper business letter format, like below. It should be brief and printed on the same matching high quality paper as your resume and cover letter. E-mails are sometimes preferred (especially among tech-savvy companies or those who will be making a quick decision). You may opt to do both e-mail immediately and written to arrive later. Also, there are varying preferences about handwritten or typed letters; use your best judgment based on the industry, the personality of the interviewer, and a number of other factors.

YOUR NAME Address Phone Email

Reference 1 Title

Association with person Address Phone Email

Reference 2 Title

Ex: Former Supervisor at….. Address Phone Email

Reference 3 Title

Ex: Colleague at…. Address Phone Email

Your Address City, State Zip Code Date

Name, Title Company Address

City, State Zip Code

Dear Mr. :

Paragraph One. Thank the interviewer for granting you the interview. Thank the interviewer for the opportunity to learn more about the job and the company. Thank the interviewer for the opportunity to discuss your qualifications.

Paragraph Two. Reiterate your interest and enthusiasm about the job. Remind the interviewer of your qualifications. Express your confidence in being able to perform the job

Paragraph Three. Express an interest in hearing from

the interviewer again very soon.

Sincerely,

(Your Signature)

Your Name Telephone Number

Explore * Experience * Prepare * Succeed

Letters of Recommendation and Thank You Letters

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