Résumé and CV Building for Graduate Students
Graduate students applying for positions outside academia often convert their CVs to résumés, which are preferred in industry and nonprofit settings. Though the CV and résumé have similarities, it’s important to understand when and how to use each document.
Converting A CV to a Résumé
Because graduate students may not have relevant industry experience, they must communicate how their experiences enable them to perform the required duties of a position. When developing your résumé, focus on translating your research and teaching experience into terms that will be recognizable to employers in your field. If your background is not an exact match, identify the skills you’ve acquired that are transferable to that particular position.
- Research the employer and industry and carefully read the job description. This will help you identify the skills sought and the key words and terminology of the field so you can tailor your résumé accordingly.
- Think about all your experiences, including advanced coursework, research, projects, leadership, volunteering, paid positions, and teaching. Note the transferable skills you developed in each, such as supervision, quantitative analytics, budgeting, or design.
- When evaluating your research, focus on your process and impact rather than on specific research findings.
- Highlight your “soft” skills—leadership, collaboration, project management, and effective communication—which are highly valued by employers.
|
|
CV | Resume |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 2+ Pages | 1-2 Pages |
|
What to Include |
Detailed overview of academic credentials and scholarly accomplishments | Summary of relevant skills, education, and experience |
| When to Use |
Academic research and teaching positions, postdocs Positions requiring academic research, teaching, and publications Grants, fellowships, and some administrative positions in colleges and universities |
Most positions in industry and nonprofits |