Résumé
For current students and recent graduates, the résumé is typically a one-page document highlighting educational background, experiences, accomplishments, skills, and interests. This length could vary depending on the industry and depth of your experiences, so knowing expectations within your field is critical for résumé success. Ultimately, your résumé is a guide and marketing tool about you and your abilities.
Cover Letter
A cover letter is a formal business letter that serves as an introduction to your résumé and as a tool to market yourself to employers. A cover letter may accompany résumés you submit to employers during the job search process but is not necessary to distribute at career fairs or other networking events. A good cover letter will describe the reasons why the employer should consider inviting you for an interview.
Documents for Graduate Students
Your professional materials are the supporting documents for anything to which you apply. Perhaps you are applying for a job or internship, another graduate program, a fellowship, research funding, etc. Your professional materials can include a Résumé and/or CV, Cover Letter, Writing Sample, Personal Statement, Research Statement, Diversity Statement, Teaching Statement, or Sample Syllabus. See all Résumé, CV, and Cover Letter resources specifically for Grad Students here.
Take our interactive units on building Résumés and Cover Letters to learn how to develop materials that markets your abilities and enthusiasm for specific opportunities.
