Converting CVs to Resumes

Shift your focus from product to process

Instead of describing what you taught/ researched/ etc. explain how you managed these tasks.

Translate academic language into more generalizable terms.

Use buzzwords found in job descriptions, such as:

·      Teach → Train, Coach, Mentor

·      Courses → Educational or Training Programs

·      Class or student(s)  → group

Aim for a balance of depth and breadth

Look to the job posting for cues as to what skills and experience are most relevant to a given position. 

Tip: As you read the posting, highlight key details & required skills/ areas of expertise.

Build this section up as much as possible.

·      Qualifications listed first are generally of a higher priority

·      “Required” experiences are crucial if you want to make the first cut

·      “Preferred” experiences are a prime opportunity to gain a competitive edge

Review, rephrase and reorganize

Review to identify errors and extraneous information, and reflect to identify areas for improvement: 

·      Is this the most effective presentation of your skills, talents, experience?

·      Does this demonstrate your ability to fulfill the requirements of the job?

·      Does this pique the reader’s interest? Encourage them to want to know more?

Tailor your resume for each position

Put yourself in the employer’s shoes → Connect your experiences to their needs. Use keywords and strategic section titles.

Use terminology from the job posting and the industry/ field you are targeting.  

Tip: If you don’t know the industry terminology, reference a 101-level textbook from the field.

Replace generic section titles with more informative and appealing section titles (e.g. work experience→ training experience)