Curriculum Vitae, C.V., Vita, or Vitae
Internship/
Professional Practice
How can I finance Graduate School?
How do I apply for Graduate School?
Tests for Prospective Graduate Students
Student & Alumni Responsibilities
Student Expectations of Career Center Staff
Mondays: 12:00pm – 2:00pm
Wednesdays: 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Thursdays: 2:00pm – 4:00pm
Fridays: 11:00am – 1:00pm
Instead of regular resume critique hours on February 8th, walk in from Noon to 4 p.m. to receive critiques from recruiters (Caterpillar Inc., Cintas, State Farm Insurance,
Steak n Shake, & Windy City Wire).
No appointment needed!
This session, usually offered a week or so in advance of major career fairs and events, offers you instant feedback about your resume.
Resume Sample 1 (PDF)
Resume Sample 2 (PDF)
Resume Sample 3 (PDF)
Resume Sample 4 (PDF)
Resume Sample 5 (PDF)
Resume Sample 6 (PDF)
Resume Sample 7 (PDF)
Indicate your name, address (present and/or permanent), phone number(s), and e-mail. Be wary of tiny template fonts for this important contact information, but don’t be shy about posting your name in a larger font (and in bold) than the rest of the text!
Optional, but employers generally expect to see one from most candidates. State the position you are seeking (or the industry/field) and/or state the skills you want to utilize. Individuals with a variety of possible career options may choose to write several versions of their resume, each slanted towards different job targets or markets. Non-specific or fuzzy objectives are best left on the “cutting-room floor.”
Students and new/recent graduates usually place this section next. List the institutions attended, location (city/state), and date (month/year) of graduation (most recent first), or dates of attendance if no degree earned. Omit colleges where you only earned a few credits; many juniors/most seniors will omit high school information, unless it’s truly special. Include degree received (or to be received), major(s), and areas of concentration/minors. If your GPA
(cumulative or major) is an asset, include it. Graduate students should briefly describe areas of specialization and thesis topic; other research and related publications and presentations are listed in a separate section.
Includes special collegiate scholarships, dean’s list, honor societies, and awards. An award’s name may be less important than its purpose or, perhaps, how selective its criteria. This information could be a sub-section within the Education heading.
An optional category, which could help expand upon your academic breadth or depth. List no more than six to eight in order of importance; columns are preferable to “paragraph” style. Course numbers usually are not helpful to recruiters. If you simply list courses every other student in your major typically takes, then this section will probably have less value.
Title of project: Laboratory research protocols, plus analysis of human factor ___ and ___ –make sure your wording choices are effective!
Demonstrates you have performed the work for which you are now applying. Use the key skill or “buzz” words of the industry/field you plan to enter.
Jobs (part-time, summer, full-time) are usually listed in reverse chronological order, or sometimes, in order of importance.
Include positions or job titles, name of the organization, location, dates of employment, job duties, responsibilities (even accomplishments!), using action verbs; bullet points are often more effective than paragraph format. If you wish to list several jobs, consider splitting them into separate sections: “Related Experience” and “Additional Experience” as appropriate. Military service/experience may be included.
College Expenses Earned/Financed: You may wish to draw attention to this if you worked (earned) or borrowed (financed) to pay for a considerable portion (more than 50%) of your education; probably best included as a subheading or as an opening or closing statement in the “Experience” section.
Name and/or describe the skills and abilities (supervision, research) you have developed. For example, Computer Skills: Desktop, “Word” packages, Web design, etc. Related skills can be developed through courses (which include an internship), summer or part-time job, clubs, and sorority/fraternity activities. Qualities such as dependability, creativity, or strong “people skills” are often easier to describe (and more effective) in cover letters!
Organizations and activities may be used to point out professional interests, community service, or qualities of leadership and teamwork, which call attention to more of your strong points. Explain the purpose of any community/campus organization(s) mentioned (if not clear from the name, spell them out, don’t abbreviate), and list any offices held or committee contributions. Interests in “Sports” or “Music” are too general and just don’t add very much. Coached an intramural or youth team? Written or sung tunes for (or promoted) a band? This additional involvement/display of talent will likely sound more impressive.
“Available upon request” is OK, but mention of references is optional in most fields. Ask permission before using someone as a reference; the same applies in regard to actually listing their names and contact information on the page. Don’t use relatives as references!