Build Your Resume
A resume is a summary of your education and work experience (paid and unpaid), extra-curricular activities and individual achievements.
It should demonstrate your capabilities, responsibilities and interests.
Basics of Resume/ CV Development
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Choose which style you will use: Chronological, Functional or Combination
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Decide which section headings will best reflect your experiences. Examples: Education, Laboratory Skills, Work Experience, Extracurricular Activities.
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Create a list of past and present skills and experiences under each heading.
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For each skill/ experience develop bullet points to explain your experiences and the skills you've gained. These bullet points are called "accomplishment statements".
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Polish your resume and have others look at it to check for typos and professionalism.
When you're satisfied with the design of your resume, attend a drop-in appointment with a Peer Helper or Career Advisor to review the content and discuss ways to further enhance your resume.
Curriculum Vitae
A curriculum vitae, or CV, is in some ways similar to a resume, but differs in that it is a more comprehensive document detailing your qualifications and experience.
In Canada a CV is often used when applying for:
- Graduate studies
- Professional programs (law school, medical school)
- Academic positions
- Executive or advanced level positions
- Field specific research positions (Science, Engineering)
- Performing and studio art positions
- Professional association membership or designation
Like the resume, your CV needs to be concise, be logically organized and have clear headings so that information can be easily accessed by a potential employer. Depending on your experience, there are a variety of headings that may be applicable. Click here for a list of headings to consider.
Some employers use the term resume and CV interchangeably. If an employer is requesting a CV and you are not applying in one of the areas listed above, it is more than likely a resume is required of you. Ask for clarification regarding the desired format if you are unsure.
Differences Between Resume and CV's
Additional CV Resources:
CV or resume: A beginner's guide to non-academic applications