CVs and Resumes

The graduate program you are applying to may want either a CV or resume as part of your application materials. Additionally, potential advisors often like to see either a CV or resume in your initial contact email so that they can better understand your previous experiences and research interests.

CVs are longer documents that showcase your academic preparation, previous and current employment, research and teaching experiences, publication record, presentations, specific skills, mentorship, and service to the scientific/research/broader community. CVs can be multiple pages long and will generally grow as your career develops. CVs are typically used for academic and research positions as well as for fellowships and grants.

Resumes are often 1 - 2 page documents that focus in on your relevant experiences (work, research, volunteer), specific research and other skills, and relevant coursework. Resumes are often used for positions outside academia and will be carefully tailored to highlight the aspects of your experience and preparation most relevant to the job you are applying for (note: Federal Government positions often require longer resumes with a specific structure, see below for more information).

Helpful links to learn more:

Oregon State University Career Development Center: “Create Resumes, CVs, and Cover Letters”

University of California, Irvine Division of Career Pathways: “Resumes and Samples” and “CV to Resume”

University of California, San Diego Career Center: “Create a Resume” - with resume templates

University of Kansas Career Center: “Resumes” and “Curricula Vitae”

University of Maine Career Center: “Guide to Resume Writing”

University of Minnesota Career and Internship Services: “Curriculum Vitae” and “Resumes”

University of Washington Career and Internship Center: “Samples Resumes and CVs”

University of Texas at Austin Career Services: “Resume Templates and Examples”

Information from USAJobs about Federal Resume guidelines: “What should I include in my federal resume?”