Graduate Student Résumé & Cover Letter Guide
Getting Started on Writing Your Résumé
A U.S.-style résumé is a document that presents critical and relevant information to the reader/external audience. A U.S. résumé is typically a one- to two-page document that highlights educational background, experience, accomplishments, skills, and knowledge. The length varies from one to two pages, depending on the industry and depth of one’s experience. Research the content expectations within your field. Your résumé is the most important document for marketing yourself professionally and securing an interview.
Think of the sections in your résumé as distinct modules to which you can add, remove, and change content, even rearranging the order to suit the needs and requirements for a specific opportunity to which you are applying. Take time to think about sections that you will want to include to convey the overall value, skills, knowledge, training, and experience that you can bring to the position and future employer. The content in each section is typically organized by most recent to least recent.
Note: Within the U.S., if you are seeking a faculty job or an industry research position, you will most often be required to submit a CV and not a résumé. [See Writing Your Curriculum Vitae (CV)]
Potential Content Sections
Content sections and order vary for each individual and within industry expectations. There are many “right ways” to organize one’s résumé content. Tailor your experience and skillset to the position, department, or organization you are applying to. Prioritize your most recent and relevant skills, abilities, and experiences on your résumé. The order of content sections will vary depending on the type of position to which you apply and the content you seek to feature first.
Writing Bullet Points
Bullet point statements serve as personal sales pitches or impact statements that help a reader understand how your individual skills and experiences relate to the opportunity they are looking to fill.
Applicant Tracking Systems
Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) are software programs used by companies to expedite the recruiting process. ATS serve many functions but are primarily used to scan applicant CVs and highlight the most qualified candidates based on relevant key words, skills, experience, location, and more. The way you write and format your CV can have a big impact on how successful your CV will be at passing through.
Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)
Transferable Skills & Career Ready Competencies
Transferable skills and NACE career readiness competencies are abilities, attributes, and personal qualities obtained during your study and experiences that you can apply across career sectors and roles. The key is to articulate these skills and competencies on your résumé and cover letter to demonstrate to a potential employer how these skills transfer to the workplace and the position to which you are applying.
Transferable Skills & Career Ready Competencies
Writing a Cover Letter
A cover letter is a document that serves as an introduction to your résumé/CV and provides the reader with additional context about your skills and qualifications when considering your application. Not only does it reiterate your enthusiasm and qualifications for the opportunity, but it also serves as a mini writing sample which can be extremely helpful when applying for a position that requires strong written communication skills.
