Assertive Academic Resume

Are you thinking of changing jobs? 

Once you have made up your mind that you need to switch careers, it is time to write your resume or CV. 

Before doing so:

• Keep an open mind to non-traditional opportunities that you may not have considered in the past but that you may be well-prepared to seize in the future. 
• Research your prospective employing institution, its culture, mission, values, recent events, and news.
• Employers usually spend just a few seconds looking at your professional background, so it is of high importance to catch their attention by customizing your resume or CV for each job you are applying for. Invest the necessary time and effort in adapting your skills and highlighting your accomplishments to match the main requirements outlined in the job description.
• Network. Contact as many people as you can -friends, colleagues, mentors, and alumni communities- for insights and opportunities.

What is a resume contrasted to a CV?

A resume is the shorter version of the CV. Resumes are usually one-page long. Use a second page only when your experience requires so. They should be short and concise, with a layout easy to scan. Remember that your employer will not stop to discern what you meant to write. A CV is a detailed description of your education and professional background. CVs are usually required to apply for academic jobs in higher education, research, and health care, among others.

What to write, and when?

Job postings will usually ask for a resume or CV. You will find a varied range of options when writing the document you are requested. Therefore, the first step should be to check if the hiring institution already has tips on resumes and CVs on its website. If it does, it will guide you on how they are interested in your resume or CV look like and its content. They will suggest the format, the organization of the document, steps, where to put emphasis, and so on. They may even include samples to facilitate your writing. If you find these guidelines on the institution website, they will be of great help in customizing your resume or CV.

What is it to keep in mind when drafting an academic resume?

• Institution/ class/ group Projects you have been involved in. Include ‘what’, ‘where,' ‘when’ and, if possible, ‘how’ you developed it –such as techniques and methodology. 
• Teaching Qualifications: Pedagogical Expertise/ Lecturing/ Supervising/ Curriculum Design, among others. 
• Certifications/ Licenses/ Patents.
• Research Experience: Publications/ Conferences/ Presentations.
• Relevant Service Experience: Community Engagement/ Professional Affiliations, etc.
• Awards/ Scholarships/ Honors/ Grants: When you received them and what they consisted of.

What are the distinctive features of each academic field when writing a resume?

• Arts and Communication portfolios should include examples of what is stated in your resume. Graphics and charts are also welcome since they show your creativity.
• Business Resumes should highlight achievements with specific examples showing how your intervention helped better the results.
• Human Services Resumes should focus on volunteer work and community services, highlighting your responsibilities. In teaching positions, experiences in the classroom are encouraged.
• Physical Sciences Resumes should list the scientific techniques you know and how you apply them. For Healthcare jobs, mentioning communication skills is of significant importance. 
• Technology Resumes need to be exact, pinpointing your area of expertise. For example, if it is hardware, software, programming, etc.

And most importantly, have confidence in yourself. No matter how many callbacks you do not get, you will eventually find what you are looking for.