Resume, CV, and Cover Letter Writing

Curriculum Vitae (CV) Writing

A curriculum vitae (CV) is a detailed document — typically three or more pages — that presents a comprehensive overview of your professional and academic history. Unlike a resume, which is concise and tailored, a CV is thorough and cumulative. It covers qualifications, experiences, and achievements in a structured format, giving readers easy access to the most relevant information.

In most situations, submit a resume unless a CV is specifically requested. CV expectations also vary significantly by culture and country, so research the conventions before applying to positions internationally.

 

What to Know About CVs

• Focuses on key aspects of academic and professional development.

• Emphasizes academic achievements and related material only.

• Addresses faculty roles: teaching, course development, research, service, professional memberships, and presentations.

• Assists with job searches for teaching or research positions.

• Aids in updating personal records and responding to job announcements.

• Supports re-entering the labor market and creating professional biographies.

• Provides documentation for grant proposals and annual reviews.

• Serves as part of the application process and offers presentation background information.

• Complements a professional portfolio.

 

Getting Started

Identify all potential elements to include, then evaluate which details align best with your objectives. Once you’ve streamlined this information, create a compelling draft of your CV. Tailoring your CV to each job application or professional opportunity is crucial for making strong impressions. Commit to updating your information at least once a year to keep it fresh and relevant.

 

Format and Style

• Refer to the Gov Resume Cheat Sheet for helpful suggestions and format.

• Ensure that your name and page number are included on each page for easy identification.

• Be mindful not to include personal details such as religion, race, ethnic background, photographs, marital status, dependents, gender, age, height, weight, or political affiliations, as these are not relevant.

 

Before You Send

Have your CV reviewed by three types of readers before submitting:

1. A well-acquainted professional — a mentor or colleague who can identify important details you may have overlooked.

2. A Career Success Center advisor unfamiliar with your background — someone who will provide a critical, objective assessment. This perspective is vital, as most of your readers will be similar.

3. A hiring manager or HR professional you have a connection with — someone who can offer insight specific to your field and the types of positions you're pursuing based on their experience.

Cover Letter Writing

Crafting your cover letter is your chance to captivate your future employer with a compelling narrative of your accomplishments and expertise. Share a standout story from your career that truly showcases who you are and how you can contribute to their company. Remember, your cover letter shouldn't be a duplicate of your resume, but rather a platform to express how your experiences and skills align with the job requirements and why you're passionate about working for the organization.

 

Cover Letter Tips

Formatting

A well-written cover letter typically runs 250–400 words. Use one-inch margins, a left-aligned format, and a 10–12 pt font (Arial, Calibri, or Verdana).

Structure

Every cover letter should follow this sequence:

1. Header — your name, LinkedIn URL, email, and phone, followed by the date

2. Recipient block — hiring manager's name, title, company, and address

3. Salutation — address the hiring manager by name whenever possible. For a committee, use "Dear Hiring Committee." Avoid "To Whom It May Concern" and "Dear Sir/Madam." Use "Ms." rather than "Mrs." or "Miss."

4. Opening paragraph — introduce yourself, name the position, and mention how you found the role. State your interest in discussing how your background aligns with their team's needs.

5. Body paragraph — connect your experience to the company's specific needs. Reference a concrete achievement. Demonstrate your knowledge of the organization — a recent initiative, their mission, or something meaningful you've learned about them. Briefly summarize relevant experience and point the reader to your resume for full details.

6. Closing paragraph — express genuine interest, invite the conversation, and thank the reader for their time.

7. Complimentary close — end with "Sincerely" or "Thank You," followed by space for a signature and your typed name.

 

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Sending a resume without a cover letter

• Using a generic greeting such as “Dear Sir/Madam” or “To Whom It May Concern”

• Improper formatting and grammatical errors—these can appear careless

• Using jargon the hiring manager may not recognize

• Mentioning negative experiences with past employers

• Forgetting to close with a polite thank you

 

Example Cover Letter

[Your Name]
[Website or LinkedIn URL]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number]

[Date]

[Hiring Manager's Name—you may have research to find it]
[Title]
[Company Name]
[Address]
[City, State, ZIP]

Dear [Hiring Manager's Name],
*Remember, the correct name of the recipient should be used instead of "To whom it may concern." If there is more than one person, you can address it to the "Hiring Committee." Additionally, refrain from using Mrs. or Miss and instead use Ms.

Opening Paragraph: Explain why you are reaching out to the position or department name at the company. Mention how you heard about the position and how you plan to further discuss how your skills and experience align with the needs of their team.

Body Paragraph: Make sure to highlight the connection between your background and the company’s needs. If you have someone in the company willing to be your reference, that's great to mention. Also, demonstrate your knowledge of the company by discussing recent projects, the company's management philosophy, or anything else you've learned about them. If you have relevant experience or education, briefly summarize it so that the reader can find more details in your resume. Don't forget to showcase any skills or accomplishments that are directly related to the job.

Closing Paragraph: Indicate your interest in the job. State that you look forward to being able to discuss your background in an interview. Thank the reader for their time and consideration.

[Sincerely,] or [Thank you,]

[Signature, handwritten or a typed script font]
[Your Typed Name]