Printer-friendly versionThe curriculum vitae used for an academic job search is typically not appropriate for a job search outside of academia. In place of a CV you need a resume. In contrast to a CV, resumes focus on your experience and skills in a concise, clear manner that is accessible to employers and expected outside the academy. If you already have a CV, then the hard part of chronicling your work and educational experience is complete. The tips below will assist you in consolidating and focusing the information you have in order to convert your CV into a resume format.
Differences Between a CV and a Resume
- Length - While a CV may be several pages in length, a resume should, ideally, be one page; two only if you have extensive experience.
- Emphasis - Rather than focusing on your coursework and research, resumes highlight applicable work experience and skills, although some project, research and/or grant experience may be appropriate to include.
- Format - Resumes are typically structured under specific headings such as Education, Experience, and Skills.
What to include
- Experience - Accurately and concisely illustrate your work and your academic experiences that are most relevant to the position that you are seeking. Highlight duties that demonstrate your skills in active voice using action verbs. Focus on your accomplishments and achievements - NOT just a summary of your responsibilities.
- Activities - Any activities (such as teaching, course projects, heading a student organization, etc.) that you complete during your academic career can be transformed into work experience on a resume.
- Skills - Think about the skills you have gained that are transferable to the workplace. These may include written and verbal communication, research, language, computer and managerial skills. Learn more about the strategic portrayal of transferable Job skills.
What NOT to include
- References - should be provided separately, if requested, and referenced in your resume as "available upon request." (see CCE References tipsheet)
- Publications - These can also be listed on a separate page, or you may select related ones to include in a distinct section called “Selected Publications.”
- Extensive Course Work - Only include the classes that have been most important in your education and most relevant to the type of job you are seeking.
Transforming Your CV to a Resume in a Few Simple Steps
- Identify a resume format by looking through resume books in the Career Resource Center and the Resume tip sheet.
- Evaluate what needs to be removed from your curriculum vitae.
- Decide which fields and industries you will target.
- Organize your information to highlight your related experience and skills.
- Decide on headings and create a first draft.
- Remember - focus on your accomplishments!
- Meet with a counselor to receive feedback and suggestions for revisions.
- Revise your rough draft and print the final copy on good quality resume paper.
Additional Resources
Books
- So What Are You Going To Do With That?: A Guide for M.A.’s and Ph.D.’s Seeking Careers Outside the Academy
- Outside the Ivory Tower: A Guide for Academics Considering Alternative Careers
- A Ph.D. is Not Enough: a Guide to Survival in the Sciences
- The Academic Job Search Handbook (4th Edition)
Online Resources
Sample CV [229.1 KB]