Quantum Tao

XYZs of Oscilloscopes

Full Primer

Here is some important points from Peter Fiske’s article “how to write a winning resume“.

Résumés and CVs are different, very different. The differences between the two include structure, content, length, and style.

The purpose of a résumé or CV is to get you an interview.

A principal difference between a CV and a résumé is that CVs focus on where you’ve been, whereas résumés must also convey where you are going. A résumé cannot simply be a list of your past experiences. It must be a selection of those experiences and skills that are best suited to the job to which you are applying.

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WRITING COVER LETTERS

Academic positions usually request cover letters of statements of application from their applicants. These provide you with the opportunity to:

· initiate contacts

· personalize your CV

· provide a brief introduction to your teaching statement/portfolio and research statement

· respond to job openings

· focus on your reasons for application to a particular position within a particular institution

· highlight information that addresses the needs and interests of the employer

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WRITING YOUR CURRICULUM VITAE

It is crucial to have the CV represent your experience, accomplishments, expertise, and special professional qualities in the most positive manner possible. The visual impact of the CV provides the initial message about your attention to detail and thoroughness.

• Is it well designed, organized and attractive?

• Are categories of information clearly labeled?

• Is it easy to find certain sections of interest to search committee members?

• Has your advisor reviewed and critiqued it?

• Have you avoided using acronyms?

• Has it been prepared on a computer with letter quality print?

• Has it been proofread several times to eliminate any typos?

• Has it been copied on heavyweight, smooth finished white paper?

While contents of a CV will vary from field to field, it is worth noting some of the major categories and information typically included. Your CV should be long enough to thoroughly present all your qualifications in the categories discussed below. That will probably take two, three, four, or more pages.

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The curriculum vitae (also referred to as the vita or CV) is a summary of an individual’s educational background and experiences. The CV is used when applying for teaching and administrative positions in academia or for a fellowship or grant. In contrast to a CV, a resume is used to summarize an individual’s education and experience related to a specific career objective in the private or public sector. The CV is the key document in securing an interview with a search committee. Other important elements of the application process include the application or “cover” letter and letters of reference. In addition, applicants are sometimes asked to include transcripts, teaching evaluations, and research proposals.

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TIPS FOR CREATING AN EFFECTIVE COVER LETTER

• Collect your thoughts. Your ideas may not come out logically or sequentially, but write them down. Don’t judge and evaluate, simply collect them.

• Spend time on your letter. As the adage goes, “With part-time effort, you get part-time results.”

• Write a draft, let it cool off overnight, and then rewrite if necessary.

• Use a strong close, e.g. “After you have had an opportunity to review this letter, I will call you…” Avoid weak endings such as “I look forward to your reply” or “Please call me at your earliest convenience.”

• Limit your letter to one page; a letter is an opportunity to sell, so say something about you, while also focusing on the needs of the employer. Write the way you talk. It should be well-worded, concise, and controlled in the use of the pronoun “I”. (more…)

A Typical Cover Letter

The cover letter provides you with an opportunity to introduce yourself and state your objective, personalize your resume, and highlight information that addresses the needs and interests of the employer. Bear in mind that letters you write not only convey your interest and qualifications, but also give the employer an opportunity to observe your attentiveness to detail, spelling, grammar, and the overall quality of your written communication. Flaws in your letters will often be interpreted as flaws in your qualifications.

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RESUME FORMATS

There is no single way to format your resume. The format you choose should present your strengths clearly.

Chronological Format

This format is most familiar to employers and most commonly used by students. This style of resume presents your experience and education in reverse chronological sequence, starting with the most recent. Date, job title, organization’s name, location and a description of your activities are listed as part of the experience section. This format is simple, straightforward, and especially useful for anyone with a history of directly relevant experience.

Functional/Skills Format

This format focuses on areas of skill and can be effective in conveying your strengths to an employer, although many employers are not as familiar with this format as with the chronological or combination format. This style of resume draws attention to accomplishments and highlights your skills by function rather than your work experience and is more commonly used by people with very little formal work experience or are returning to the workplace after being away or otherwise involved. (more…)

TIPS FOR CREATING A SUCCESSFUL RESUME

Dos

• Do design your descriptions to focus on your accomplishments, using action verbs to clearly indicate the skills you’ve used.
• Do try quantifying results in your descriptions, such as “Created marketing campaign that increased club membership by 25%.”

• Do keep your resume brief enough to fit on one page (or two pages if your experience is extensive). Academic CVs are often two pages or longer.
• Do print your resume on good quality bond paper, either white or conservative tones. If printed on plain computer paper, copy onto good quality bond paper.
• Do accompany your resume with a cover letter in most cases.
• Do have others look over your resume for content and grammar. Career Counselors and Peer Counselors are available to critique your resume. (more…)

A resume is a brief summary of your qualifications, education, and experiences relevant to your job search objective. The purpose of a resume is to obtain an interview. Employers will spend less than 30 seconds reviewing your resume; therefore, the information must be conveyed in a clear, well-organized style. To get started on your resume, make a list of information about yourself—details of your experiences including pertinent coursework, paid and volunteer work, awards, clubs, research projects and special skills. The sections of a resume are listed below. (more…)