Expert Resume and CV Writing Tips for Higher Ed Job Seekers
In today’s competitive job market, a standout resume or CV can be your ticket to landing an interview. Whether you’re applying for a corporate role, an academic position, or something in between, knowing how to craft a document that showcases your skills and experience is crucial. This guide provides actionable resume writing tips and CV writing advice to help you succeed.
What’s the Difference Between a Resume and a CV?
Resume
A concise document (1-2 pages) tailored to a specific job or industry, highlighting relevant skills, experience, and education. It’s widely used in business and industry settings.
CV (Curriculum Vitae)
A detailed overview of your academic and professional history, including publications, presentations, and awards. It’s common in academia, research, and certain international job markets.
Below, we’ll dive into tailored tips for both, ensuring you’re equipped to create a professional resume or academic CV that stands out.
Sample Resume Template
Copy and paste our free resume template from the sample below or download it in Word or PDF from our Google Doc. Choose File > Download > [Format] after opening the link.
Replace [] (square brackets) with your own details to personalize it!
Preview our sample resume below. Customize it to create a professional document that gets results!
[Your Full Name]
[Your Address] | [City, State, ZIP Code]
[Your Email Address] | [Your Phone Number] | [LinkedIn Profile]
Professional Summary
Detail-oriented [Your Field/Industry] professional with [X years] of experience in [Key Skill 1], [Key Skill 2], and [Key Skill 3]. Proven track record of [Key Achievement, e.g., boosting sales by 15%]. Seeking to contribute expertise to [Company Name or Industry].
Professional Experience
[Your Job Title]
[Company Name], [City, State]
[Start Date] – [End Date]
- Led [specific responsibility, e.g., a team of 10 to deliver a project ahead of schedule].
- Increased [metric, e.g., client satisfaction by 20%] through [specific action].
- Implemented [tool/process, e.g., a new CRM system] to enhance [outcome].
Education
[Degree, e.g., Bachelor of Science in Engineering]
[University Name], [City, State]
[Graduation Year]
Skills
- [Skill 1, e.g., Project Management]
- [Skill 2, e.g., Data Analysis]
- [Skill 3, e.g., Public Speaking]
Get Your Free Resume Template Now
Ready to land your dream job? Download our free resume template in Word or PDF and start crafting a document that opens doors.
Download NowGeneral Tips for Resumes and CVs
These foundational tips apply to both resumes and CVs, helping you create a polished and effective document:
Tailor Your Document
Customize it to the job or opportunity by aligning your skills and experience with the job description.
Use Action Verbs
Start bullet points with strong verbs like "designed," "led," or "increased" to convey impact.
Quantify Achievements
Numbers make your accomplishments concrete—e.g., "Boosted sales by 15%" or "Taught 5 courses per semester."
Proofread Thoroughly
Eliminate typos and grammatical errors to maintain professionalism.
Choose a Clean Format
Use a simple, readable layout with consistent fonts and spacing.
Specific Tips for Resumes
A resume is all about brevity and relevance. Here’s how to write a resume that impresses:
Keep it Concise
Limit it to 1-2 pages, focusing on what’s most relevant to the job.
Use a Professional Format
Opt for a clean design with clear headings (e.g., "Experience," "Education").
Include a Summary
Add a 2-3 sentence objective or summary at the top to highlight your goals and strengths.
Focus on Relevant Experience
List jobs and skills that match the position, in reverse chronological order.
Highlight Achievements
Use specifics—e.g., "Managed a team of 10" or "Reduced costs by 20%."
Optimize for ATS
Include keywords from the job posting (e.g., "project management," "data analysis") to pass applicant tracking systems.
Resume Format Example
- Header: Name, phone, email, LinkedIn (professional email only—e.g., john.doe@email.com, not partyguy99@email.com).
- Summary: "Detail-oriented marketing professional with 5+ years of experience driving campaigns that increased engagement by 30%."
- Experience: Job title, company, dates, bullet points with achievements.
- Education: Degree, institution, graduation year.
- Skills: Relevant hard and soft skills (e.g., "SEO," "team leadership").
Specific Tips for CVs
A CV requires depth and detail, especially for academic or research roles. Here’s how to write a CV that shines:
Be Comprehensive
Include all relevant academic and professional details—publications, grants, teaching experience, etc.
Organize Logically
Use clear sections like "Education," "Research Experience," "Publications," and "Presentations."
Highlight Academic Achievements
List papers published, conferences attended, or awards received.
Keep it Readable
Even if it’s longer (2+ pages), use bullet points and consistent formatting for clarity.
Update Regularly
Add new accomplishments as your career progresses.
CV Format Example
- Header: Name, contact info, ORCID ID (if applicable).
- Education: Degrees, institutions, dates, thesis titles.
- Research Experience: Roles, projects, key outcomes.
- Publications: Full citations in a consistent style (e.g., APA, MLA).
- Teaching Experience: Courses taught, institutions, dates.
Addressing Common Resume and CV Challenges
Job seekers often face hurdles. Here’s how to tackle them:
Employment Gaps
Use a functional format focusing on skills, or briefly explain in your cover letter (e.g., "Took time to complete a certification").
Career Changes
Emphasize transferable skills (e.g., "Led teams in retail, now applying leadership to project management").
Lack of Experience
Highlight education, internships, volunteer work, or projects—e.g., "Developed a website as part of a university course."
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Steer clear of these pitfalls when writing your resume or CV:
Typos and Errors: They signal carelessness—proofread multiple times.
Irrelevant Information: Skip outdated jobs or unrelated hobbies unless they add value.
Unprofessional Details: Use a formal email and avoid quirky fonts or colors.
Exaggeration: Be honest—hiring managers can spot overstatements.
Resume and CV Writing Checklist
Before submitting, ensure you’ve checked these boxes:
Tailored content for the job.
Clean, professional format.
Strong summary or objective.
Quantifiable achievements.
No errors in spelling or grammar.
Accurate, professional contact info.
Relevant keywords for ATS.
With these resume tips and CV examples, you’re ready to create a document that showcases your strengths and lands you that dream job. Tailor your approach, keep it professional, and let your achievements shine!
Ready to Land Your Dream Job?
Don’t let a weak resume hold you back. Download our free template and explore more resume writing tips at AcademicJobs.com.