A resume written for graduate school or professional school should enhance your application and provide the admissions committee a glimpse into your academic accomplishments and experiences as an undergraduate student. Resumes for graduate school may be formatted as one-page resumes or as multiple-page CVs. Graduate school resumes should focus on the following:
Depending on your experiences and accomplishments, you may have additional categories to include. If you are uncertain about what to include, talk with a career consultant.
The CV is a comprehensive biographical statement, typically three or more pages, emphasizing professional qualifications and activities. The CV works best for job-seekers applying for positions in academics or research. The CV may also work well for graduate school applicants required to elaborate on research experience and/or research interests.
The CV is far more detailed (typically 3-8 pages or more) than a resume (1-2 pages). The CV can include educational and work achievements, research experience, languages, skills, grants/fellowships/scholarships, classes, licenses or certifications, professional associations, and other relevant information. A resume is a shorter, concise document that highlights aspects of your background that relate to the position for which you are applying. Unless the prospective employer specifically requests a CV, it is safest to send a resume. Graduate students seeking employment outside academia will want to create a traditional resume instead of a CV.
Visit the Career Center main office for resources and sample CVs.
