HOW TO WRITE A CURRICULUM VITA (CV)Prepared by Markell Steele, Counseling Manager, Graduate Student Services 1/2011

Modified by Arlene Russell 2/2012

COMMON JOB SEARCH MATERIALS

Curriculum Vita (CV) Cover Letter Teaching Philosophy Research Statement Writing Samples Portfolio

Syllabi, exams, labs, etc Letters of Recommendation

Very important Others?

WHAT IS A CURRICULUM VITA?

A document, similar to a resume, used to apply for teaching or academic research positions,

grant proposals, and professional development.

LET’S COMPARE…

Unlimited length

Complete, professional history

Limited in length (1-2 pgs.)

Focused on most relevant qualifications within a specific time frame (usually 10 years)

Self-marketing focus

Curriculum Vita Resume

AS YOU WRITE YOUR CURRICULUM VITA

Know Your Audience Human resources Department chair Hiring committee member Colleague Grant funder

Anticipate Questions and Concerns Experience and skill gaps Employment gaps Transitioning across functions/fields

Emphasize “fit”

CONTENT AREAS

Contact Info Honors and Awards Education Teaching Experience Dissertation Teaching Interests Research Interests Publications Grants and

Fellowships

Presentations Languages Professional

Affiliations Other Professional

Experience Professional Training Univ/Dept/Prof’l

Service References

ACADEMIC –NOT RESEARCH FOCUSCONTENT AREAS

Contact Info Education Dissertation Honors and

Awards Teaching

Experience Teaching Interests ?? Research Interests Publications Grants and

Fellowships

Presentations Languages Professional

Affiliations Other Professional

Experience Professional Training Univ/Dept/Prof’l

Service References

ACADEMIC – RESEARCH FOCUSCONTENT AREAS

Contact Info Education Dissertation Post Doc affiliation Honors and Awards Research Interests Grants and

Fellowships Teaching Experience Teaching Interests Publications

Presentations Languages Professional

Affiliations Other Professional

Experience Professional Training Univ/Dept/Prof’l

Service References

Research related

CURRICULUM VITA SECTIONS

Contact Info: Name, address, phone, email, website

Education: Graduate degree (s)

Degree (PhD, MA), Field of Study/Discipline, Completion date

Concentrations or other relevant focus Dissertation topic, advisor and brief description Undergraduate degree (s)

Degree (BA, BS, AA, AS), Field of Study/Discipline, Completion date

Posdoc experiences with brief descriptions Academic Honors

CURRICULUM VITA SECTIONS, CONT’D

Licensure, certification, registration Research Experience

Your title, Lab name University, Location, Dept., dates of research Brief project description and objective

Teaching Experience Your title, Course Title University, Location, Dept., dates of teaching Description of class make up, size, level, main

objective

CURRICULUM VITA SECTIONS, CONT’D

Other academic related qualifications Research interests, collaborations developed,

areas of expertise, technical skills, teaching interests, University service, leadership experience, professional development

LAYOUT AND FORMATTING TIPS

Information presented in an organized, easy to follow manner

Use language commonly understood in one’s discipline

Consistent formatting throughout (font style/ size)

Free of typos and misspellings; proofread Address key qualifications Dates: place on right margin Include footer with name and page numbers

COVER LETTERS

Also referred to as Letter of Interest All CV submissions should include one Brief overview of relevant qualifications Grab the reader’s attention Free of typos and misspellings; proofread Straightforward and easy to read Address your interest clearly Get advisor and career counselor critique

GREETING OR SALUTATION

Dear Dr. Smith: Dear Professor Jones: Dear Search Committee: Dear Committee Members:

OPENING PARAGRAPH

Indicate why you are writing I would like to apply for… I’m submitting my application materials to be

considered for… Indicate position, include req. #, if provided Indicate source

the faculty position advertised in Science (the Chronicle of Higher Education)

Dr. Smith suggested I contact you

MIDDLE PARAGRAPHS

Demonstrate the “match” and “fit” Describe how your qualifications and

accomplishments meet their hiring needs, job requirements

Do not repeat what is in the CV or teaching philosophy

Explain your interest in the position, institution, research focus, campus setting, department

If no teaching philosophy, include ideas about this in the cover letter and/or courses you would be willing and would like to teach. (remember the “fit)

FINAL PARAGRAPH

Indicate next steps Contact them to follow up You’ll be in the area and available to meet Offer to provide additional or extra materials Direct to online portfolio Thank the reader When you are available for an interview

OTHER LETTERS

Thank You letters

Letter of Introduction, Inquiry

Letter accepting or declining offers

OTHER LETTERS

Letters of Recommendation

Letter of Introduction, Inquiry

Letter accepting or declining offers

LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION Individuals who are evaluating applicants are trying to

identify those individuals who are most likely to succeed and who look as if they will make the greatest contributions to the institutios and department. Letters of recommendation can provide insights into your prior successes and comments on your potential future contributions. • If you are applying to a research focused program the

best references will come from senior scientists who know the importance of your research. Your postdoc and PhD advisors, are essential; other collaborators are useful.

If you are applying to a teaching focused program, the best references will be individuals you have taught for (as a TA) and a department chair or faculty mentor who has observed you teach and has access to your student evaluations. A research advisor is still necessary, but that letter should comment on your “service” in the group, your independence and ability to get things done – personal traits that will be valuable later (and the importance of your research).

LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION Provide your references with a current copy of your

CV; a description of the positions you are applying to; stamped, addressed envelopes if their letters are to be submitted as hard copies; and perhaps suggestions of areas you would like them to address in their letters, particularly if it is a teaching focused program.

A spreadsheet with the positions, the due dates for the letters, whether a letter is required or requested, and how the letter should be sent . If there is a link to the job announcement that may also be helpful. However don’t expect your recommender to have to hunt out the relevant information from the announcement.

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UCLA CAREER CENTER

Strathmore Building, 2nd & 3rd floors501 Westwood Plaza9 am – 5 pm

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CAREER RESOURCES AND SERVICES

Same Day Appointments Monday – Friday, 10 am – 4 pm

Targeted Drop-Ins for PhD’s Tuesday & Thursday, 11 am – 12 pm at GSRC

(Student Activities Center, B11)

Career Center website: http://career.ucla.edu

BruinViewTM – for job/internship listings, employer information sessions and workshop information: https://secure.career.ucla.edu/BruinViewLogin/Login.aspx

CAREER RESOURCES AND SERVICES

UCLA Career Guide Career Lab & Library Workshops & Career Week Programs Internships & International Opportunities Career Fairs Academic Job Search Handbook (available in

the UCLA Career Library

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CONTACTS AND RESOURCES

Markell Steele: msteele@career.ucla.edu Counseling Manager, Graduate Student

Services