1. DEVELOPING AN EFFECTIVE RÉSUMÉ OR CURRICULUM VITA
Presented by
Career Services
Your Partner for Career Success!
University Park Campus Engineering & Applied Sciences Biscayne Bay Campus
GC 230 (305) EAS 2780 (305) WUC 255 (305)

2. Which one do you need? What will you use it for?
Résumé or Vita
Which one do you need?
What will you use it for?

3. Résumé Used most of the time
For Business or Not-for-Profit Organizations
Shorter, more concise
1-2 pages, synopsis of who you are

4. CV (Curriculum Vita)
Typically used for research-based or academic appointments
To get into a doctoral program
For grant writing or writing for professional publications
Longer and more comprehensive
Can be many pages, documents your professional life

5. Résumé or CV Marketing Tool
Demonstrating your written communication skills
Securing an interview

6. Appearance Professional Easy to Read Font Style & Size White Space
Balanced Margins
High Quality Paper
Create Visual Impact!
Professional

7. Writing Style Short/Long Brief phrases & sentences Action verbs
Correct grammar
Correct abbreviations
No personal pronouns
No errors
1-2 pages for Résumé, varies for CV

8. Formatting
Choices
Popular Misconception
Study Models
Experiment

9. Formats
Chronological
Functional
Targeted
Academic
Scannable

10. Strategy is Key! Think Choice of headings Wording of headings
Order of headings
Order within headings

11. Résumé/CV Components Personal identification Objective Education
Experience
Optional categories

12. Personal Identification
Name
Address
Phone

13. Objective Purpose Organizing statement Skill oriented Short
John Doe’s Resume
Why do I want to get this job?
What can I bring to this position?

14. Education Institution, city, state Degree earned or anticipated Dates
GPA

15. Experience
Employer, city, state
Job title
Dates
Description

16. Optional for a Résumé, but more essential for a CV
Special Skills
Research/Design Projects
Publications
Honors/Awards
Certifications/Licensures
International Experience
Professional Memberships

17. Additional Categories
Courses Developed
Presentations
Special Training

18. References Statement optional Listed on separate page
3-5 objective references
Name, title, phone number
Personal references (only if asked)

19. Common Errors Vague Objective
Incomplete Degree & Employment Information
Missing Graduation Date
Incorrect Grammar
Spelling or Typographical Errors
Inconsistent or incorrect use of abbreviations
Using “Responsible For” or “Duties Entailed”

20. Summary
Easy to read document that reveals your skills & achievements immediately
Marketing Piece
Demonstrates ability or potential to do the job
Targets employers needs
30 Second Rule

21. The Cover Letter First paragraph Typically 3 –4 paragraphs
Identify your reason/purpose for writing
Identify the position
Identify your source
Second Paragraph
Summarize your strongest qualifications (skills experiences, accomplishments
Provide examples

22. The Cover Letter (continued)
Third Paragraph
Personal qualities
Fourth Paragraph
Thank the reader
Indicate how you plan to follow up
Format- Standard Business Letter

23. Top 10 Qualities Employers Seek*
10. Analytical/Problem
Solving Skills
10. Work Ethic
9. Honesty/Integrity
8. Technical Skills
7. Flexibility
6. Interpersonal Skills
5. Academic Achievement/GPA
4. Leadership Skills
3. Teamwork Skills
2. Motivation/Initiative
1. Communication Skills
* Extracted from the 1999 NACE Survey