By Callie Shehan
As college students, it’s essential to know how to create a practical but professional resume when applying for jobs or internships. Depending on the job, you will be tasked with creating either a curriculum vitae, also known as a CV, or a resume. Each style requires certain things to make them stand out, such as an extensive cover letter or a simple design with minimal color. The difference between the two is a CV is lengthier, often including your experience, certifications, and publications; whereas a resume is a shorter, more condensed version with work experience and relating to the job you’re applying for.
To start, make sure to look over the job description and use matching language from what is given by the employer. By doing so, you’ll be using keywords from the description in your resume or CV that will stand out and catch the employer’s eye. It’s important to note that with a resume you want to tailor your experiences within the expectations of the employers. As college students, our education is most vital to our resumes. You want to be sure to include your education all together, by doing so, it’s easier for the employer to notice your academic achievements all in one place. It’s also helpful to note that you should write your resume in reverse chronological order, ranging from your most recent work experience to your first.
No CV or resume is complete without a cover letter. A cover letter is your way of conveying to the employer that you are qualified for the job. Finley Green, director of career services at King, gives a detailed description of what should be included in your cover letter, regardless of whether it’s a CV or resume, “I think three or four paragraphs is plenty. The first paragraph should be about the company, show them that you’ve done a lot of research, and explain why you want to connect to that company. For the second paragraph, you don’t just want to repeat the resume but allude to it. The third paragraph should be where you thank the company for the opportunity.”
Finley Green spoke excitedly of LinkedIn, the world’s largest professional network that allows you to find the right job or internship, connect and strengthen professional relationships and learn the skills you need to succeed. When creating a LinkedIn page, be mindful of using a professional photograph. You want the photo to be looking towards the page itself instead of a straightforward picture. You also want a nice image that speaks to you or is related to you in some way. Green also mentioned that you can Google “LinkedIn for College Students,” which will walk you through how to make a perfect LinkedIn page and help you connect with potential employers and find jobs that are right for you.
For information on how to create your LinkedIn page, click here and for more resources on resumes, click here.
