Documentation for the Academic Job Search: Curriculum Vitae (CV) and Cover Letter

1. Documentation for the Academic Job Search: Curriculum Vitae (CV) and Cover Letter Marianne Green Assistant Director MBNA Career Services Center

2. Sources for Academic Positions • Where can you look for academic positions? • Sources • Newspapers • Chronicle of Higher Education • Local newspapers • Affirmative Action Register • Journals/Newsletters of professional organizations • Discipline-specific position announcements • Networking-faculty referrals; conference contacts • Professional conferences and associations

3. Sources for Academic Positions (continued) • Where can you look for academic positions? • Sources (continued) • On-line • Academic360.com • University Job Bank • The Chronicle of Higher Education: Chronicle Careers • Electronic list serves of professional organizations • Web site sweep • Identify preferred institutions through Peterson’s Guidefor position listings.

4. Sources for Academic Careers (continued) • Sources (continued) • Targeted mailing Consult Peterson’s guide to two and four year colleges to develop a list of schools in preferred geographic area • Write or email a letter of inquiry

5. What is a Curriculum Vitae (CV)/ Vita and how is it used? • CV means “Course of Life”; it is a document used primarily in an academic setting. • The CV may be used for: • Admissions to graduate school • Graduate assistantships or post doctoral fellowships • Scholarships • Grant proposals • Application for faculty or administrative positions • Speaking engagements • Appointment to committees

6. Curriculum Vitae/CV or Vita • Uses of CV (Continued) • Leadership in professional or community organizations • Annual review for faculty and professional staff • Tenure review for faculty • Consulting positions • Publishing and editorial review boards

7. CV- continued • Style and form of CV (refer to sample CV in “Required Readings” for Unit 1) • No limit on number of pages. • Each page, following the first page, should be numbered. • Put your name on each page. • No job objective is necessary. • May include names, addresses and other identifying information for references at the bottom of CV.

8. CV (continued) • Style and Form (continued) • Educational background should have a prominent place on the CV. • Include all degree granting institutions in reverse chronological order. Include dissertation topic and advisor. • Use action verbs and key nouns to describe your academic work and responsibilities.

9. CV (continued) • Categories- should reflect requirements of position. • Academic Preparation/Education/Academic Background • Explain advanced degrees from non-USA institution in terms of equivalent U.S. degrees • Master’s Project or Thesis • Dissertation • Professional Experiences/Skills

10. CV – Categories (continued) • Teaching Experience • Research/research interests • Areas of Knowledge • Presentations • Scholarly Works • Publications • Related Experience • Internships • Conference Presentation • Community service • Leadership • Technology- software and hardware • Languages • International experience • References

11. CV-Production Considerations • Create different versions of your CV so you are prepared for sending it in different forms, as per requests. • Paper • Good quality bond- white or off-white- no linen threads to impede duplication, scanning or faxing. • Use bold print and capitalization; avoid underlining and italics or fancy fonts because they scan poorly.

12. CV Production (continued) • Web CV- (Suggested but not required) Create a “professional” web site and link to your CV and other documentation. (Avoid personal data on your “professional” web site.) Sample Web CV (posted with permission of author) • Electronic Create a plain text or ASCII version of your CV in case you are asked to email it in this form.

13. Caveats • Caveats for CV preparation and dissemination: • Follow directions! • If you fax or email your CV, follow up with a hard copy of your CV on good paper. This shows an extra measure of interest. • Keep extra copies of your CV with you at all times for networking possibilities.

14. Caveats (continued) • Supply complete and accurate identifying information such as: Name, address, telephone, number(s), email, academic/professional URL to ensure that you are reachable. • Avoid personal information: date of birth, marital status, health, children, or a photograph. Only information directly related to your eligibility for the position should be included.

15. Caveats for CV Preparation (continued) • Please note that some countries require this information on an applicant’s CV. • Include a cover letter or electronic “cover note” with your CV. • Be accurate; proof read carefully; have at least two people check it over, i.e. your advisor; someone from Career Services; a professor, etc. Don’t rely exclusively on spell check.

16. Cover Letters for CV’s • Preparing your cover letter • Try to direct it to a specific individual. • Mention something specific and positive about the institution to which you are applying. • Indicate how your experience/academic background will contribute to the institution. • Use the traditional business format: block style, justified margins, 3-4 paragraphs, etc. (See sample) • Minimize the use of “I” to start first paragraphs. (Too egocentric). • Accuracy counts. • Do not exceed one page.

17. Cover Letters for CV’s (continued) • Send shorter cover letter when asked to email it. • Use the middle paragraphs to show a match between job requirements and your qualifications. • After your signature list any other documentation enclosed in envelope: abstract, writing sample, proposal, CV, letters of recommendation, etc.