Ask Sandy!

Resume Writer & Career Strategist.

Q: Dear Sandy,

“Is my regular CV OK for private sector job searching?”  TMJ

A:  That's a very good question!

1. While a formal CV is paramount for academic job searches, when you approach the private sector, it is best to have a hybrid CV/résumé or a targeted resume.
2. Keep your Combination CVResume to 2 pages. Your CV can be as many pages as it takes, but résumés in the private sector should be kept to 2 pages (except for those job seekers with many years of technical experience).
3. The main difference: The combination CV/résumé has a SUMMARY at the beginning which briefly targets your key areas of expertise. Here is an article from the Graduate College at the University of Illinois explaining it in more detail.
4. To craft a Summary: If you are like most grad students, you have been told for many years to be able to sum up your thesis in a sentence or two. Think of the resume summary like that. It is also your selling tool. You are selling your talents to a recruiter, an HR manger, or a client.
   
5. Grab Attention. The SUMMARY title and the SUMMARY itself MUST grab the reader (recruiter/HR manager). Use accomplishments, numbers, and names, if possible.
6. Another approach would be to write a “targeted” résumé specifically aimed at the industry or job. It is especially effective if you have done internships. In this case, you would list the internships as jobs after the SUMMARY and CORE COMPETENCIES sections. List the company name, the position held, the from-to dates, and the duties and accomplishments for each internship.
7. There are good examples of combo CV/Résumés and Targeted Résumés in the Harvard University publication for Graduate Students, “Résumés and Cover Letters.”

CAUTION: Limit your contact information on your CV/Résumé if you are posting it to academic and private sector job boards. You don’t know who has access to these resumes. Don’t use your actual address. You might want to set up an e-mail account just for job searching. (Click here for a list of job boards, both academic and private sector.)