When starting the process of crafting a resume or curriculum vitae (CV), the most important thing is to first decide which format is the best fit for your field and your goals. A CV is more common for those wanting to pursue a career in academia, research, or medicine. A resume is commonly requested for professional, corporate, and technical fields.

It is important to note the key structural differences between a CV and resume. A resume is typically a 1-2 page document generally used when applying to a specific job. A CV is a multi-page comprehensive review of your entire academic and professional history including publications, research experiences, teaching experiences, and service. Make sure you are selecting the proper format for your application!

Constructing a Resume

The most important thing to remember when constructing your resume is that it is a way to market yourself to the viewer and show you are properly qualified for the position you are applying for.

Things to Include:

• Name and Contact: use a professional email that you check often for employers to reach you.
• Work Experience (in reverse chronological order with most recent experience first): List relevant positions you have held and include dates of employment, relevant work skills, and any achievements made while in the position. Keep explanations concise; this can be done with bullet points.
• Education: Include any degree awarded along with the institution. Keep it simple and relevant to the job being applied for.

Constructing a CV

The most important thing to remember when constructing your CV is that it is meant to showcase the entirety of your work experience and career accomplishments. CVs grow with your experience and have no page count limit.

Things to Include:

• Name and Contact
• Education: Include all degrees awarded along with the institutions. List your comprehensive academic history.
• Work experience: Divide your CV into detailed, organized sections that explain your experiences. Include research, teaching, publications, and service in an order that aligns with your discipline's expectations (i.e., for some fields, the research section takes priority and is often listed after education; for others, teaching and publications may be prioritized more highly.)