It is that time of year again. I am asking the students in the third year to prepare a CV/resume. This is done as part of a project which takes roughly half of the semester. The students are required to do a project, some of which involve going out into an off campus lab or being involved in an “attachment.” So we go through a mock job application process including preparing cover letters, CVs, and applying. They have 24 hours to do this.
But back to the resume. Many students have questions about the resume, what should be in it, and how it can be improved. I have a number of suggestions and comments.
Resumes vary by country and culture. My biases reflect my upbringing in the US and my involvement in reading resumes during that time. My wife who is German has a very different approach. My students, who are not from either of these cultures have a different view. Let’s give some examples of cultural differences in resumes. In Germany, people attach pictures to their resumes. There is a big discussion on the proper approach to the placement and size of a picture. Where I grew up this would be a terrible no-no. Putting your picture in would be so unusual and out of the ordinary that you would probably be classified where you don’t want to be classified.
The point here is that opinions on resumes vary. Anything that anyone tells you is an opinion and the opinions you are getting right now are from someone outside of your home country. Get a second opinion or a third.
We know they differ, but… there are definite principles of resumes that I feel strongly about. Here is my list:
1) The most important part of a resume is who you are and where they can contact you. Tis should be first. E-mail is good. But maybe think about what yours says about you before using it. For example, if your e-mail address includes things like BaybeeWow@ or LimeBlockBoy@, take the time to get a new one
2) I think more than anything, work experience counts. It counts big time. Since most of you will be trying to get your first “real” job it does not matter what you did, so much as that you did something. This is as it should be. Everyone should respect a body that’s working. The PSV drivers annoy you, but at heart you have got to respect them. They are working. The man selling papers by the university. I know by the way he is there in the morning that he’s worth something. I respect the man. Work experience means you can get yourself out of bed in the morning, get to work and earn an honest days pay. This is not the same thing as taking exams and going to school. Message: If you have worked put it in the resume. Don’t be ashamed if it is collecting garbage, cutting grass on the highway, or shovelling kennels. There is an honest dollar to be made and the person reading your resume wants to know. I for one have little use for someone who was born with a silver spoon in their mouth. I like a body that works. I don’t think I am alone.
3) Community service counts. Sometimes for whatever reason you can’t find a job or you want to get experience in a new area. Go volunteer. Sometimes this is the best way to get hard to find experience. Doesn’t matter if it was at church, a community center, or a laboratory. It all counts. Sometimes volunteers have unique perspectives and experience. Your prospective employer wants to know. If you are working and have a few extra hours on your hands, help someone out. It makes you that much better.
4) Research projects count. Take them seriously. This is your chance to show what you can do and making a good and lasting impression on your research supervisor can lead to an invaluable reference. If you ever get invited to an interview, be prepared to speak enthusiastically about your project and in detail. Avoid showstoppers like “my advisor told me do this.” Shows lack of motivation and initiative.
5) A university level resume needs university level references. If you are still going back to your secondary school teachers and primary school principals it is time to update. I like a resume that has a mix of references. It should include, wherever possible, academic AND work related references. Anyone going through University should be able to pick up a reference or two from a Professor or lecturer. Of particular interest is someone who has supervised you in project work. But,… what rounds out a referee list nicely is a work or volunteer supervisor.
6) Do include specific skills. Remember, your prospective employer needs to be convinced that you can do things for you. I like to see a table of specific skills right under work experience.
7) Do adjust your resume and cover letter to the job to which you are applying. The person reading your resume probably does not want to wade through a list of every course you ever took. They would be interested if your degree included relevant coursework.
8) Finally, check your grammar and spelling. As recently as Friday I saw a resume full of typos and misspellings. This from a very distinguished academic. It was sufficient that I took a second look and it made me wonder. One mistake won’t stop the show, but try to take bit of care.
One thing that students tend to do is focus too much on secondary school examinations. I have seen two page listings of every course and exam a student ever took. I sure do not want to look at all that. If the job you are applying for requires these, indicate that you have the qualification, but say it in a line or two.
Good luck getting that job!
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