writing

career
Monjurul Alam majewel1975@yahoo.com

Remember, you are Marketing yourself

You are trying to sell: Your experience, Your education, Your accomplishments, and Your transferable skills
Be sure to structure your resume with the most important information FIRST

Purpose of a CV
What is your purpose in writing a CV?
To obtain an interview To supplement an application To prepare to complete applications To prepare a recommender/reference To apply for a scholarship/award/grant/fellowship To provide a bio

Who is your audience/reader? Be strategic

CV? Resume?
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
For an academic position Bullet points of accomplishments

Resume
For an industry or non-academic position Uses text form Shorter than a CV, more targeted to the position

CVs vs. Resumes

Resume
Industry
Private, Non-profit

Curriculum Vitae
Industry
Medical Institutions Research Organizations Educational Organizations

Format
Brief, concise, focused

Length
One page, maybe two

Format
Detailed, descriptive

Length
Varies with experience

CV Content

Name & Contact Information

Do not write Curriculum Vitae on your CV On top of page:
Name slightly larger font size (14 or 16) Contact information legible font size (11 or 12) Address Phone number(s) (cell, res, etc) Email address (remove hyperlink, professional)

Education
List all degrees in reverse chronological order Abbreviating degrees is appropriate; writing them out is preferred Indicate graduation with honors

Experience .
Elaborate on your relevant experience Use bullets, avoid paragraphs Begin descriptions with strong, descriptive action verbs Include complete but succinct descriptions Focus on skills and accomplishments rather than including a comprehensive list of job duties

CV Appearance - proofread
Use all periods or no periods at the end of bullet points Dashes used in dates consistent size, consistent spacing Check for spelling and grammatical errors Spell-check does not check words in all caps

CV Appearance - Final Copy

Avoid graphics, pictures (exception: picture included in residency application), color ink Print on laser printer Use high quality, 100% cotton paper in white or off-white Dont staple or fold Dont print on both sides of paper If mailing, use large envelope

Formatting
Use 11- or 12-point font size with 1- to 1.5-inch margins. Choose an attractive font. (Times New Roman is most common.) Enlarge/bold name on first page. Include name & page number in header/footer on each page after the first. Dates to the right. Use reverse chronological order within sections. Avoid underlining. Use caps/bolding/italics selectively; consistent formatting. Avoid personal pronouns. Use action verbs, measurable results.

Style
Make your documents your own. Avoid CV and cover letter templates. There is no exhaustive list of categories.
Use guides but dont bind yourself to terms.

Be honest; dont exaggerate. Put yourself in the shoes of your readers.

CV Writing Tips
Focus on the job you want Emphasis on achievement and results Easy to read design and language Spelling mistakes are unforgivable Education or employment first Quantify every statement Ask someone to review your CV

CV tips .contd
Positive (your advertisement) Targeted at opportunity, highlight relevant areas Appropriate style Interesting content - no clichs Brief and punchy - 15 - 30 second attention span 2 pages maximum Spell and grammar checked Arms length test

To Make Your Rsum Computer Scannable

Prepare a simple, unadorned rsum
Use standard fonts, 10- to 14-point (preferably 12point) Avoid script, italics, and underlining Avoid graphics, shading, and columns

Use a high-quality laser printer

Black ink on white paper Single-sided copy, not stapled

Send an original or a high quality copy

Do not fax Do not fold

Use a keyword summary

Dos
Be brief - a two page resume is ideal Prepare CVs for individual companies Customize your resume for your job target Use action verbs/ positive words it will create strong impact. eg. motivated, monitored, created, analyzed, coordinated etc.

Donts
Avoid folding your CV Dont include irrelevant information previous Salary, unproofed awards, prizes and publications etc. Say what you did, not what you think Personal information marital status, religion, health, native place etc. Avoid unusual font size, stylish letters, graphics, underlining and unusual spacing etc. Avoid repeating information Avoid personal pronouns (I, my, me) Dont outsource, do it yourself.