Building an Effective Resume and Curriculum Vitae: Getting Started
Resume: A resume is a targeted list of professional experiences that focuses on skills and accomplishments directly relevant to the job you are applying for.
Curriculum Vitae (CV): A CV is a comprehensive record of your professional history including your academic credentials, clinical, research, and teaching experiences, accomplishments, and all scholarly activities.
Resume or CV -- Which one do you use?
Resumes are used to construct a professional image and convince a prospective employer to grant you an interview. Typically limited to one page, it should highlight your experience and skills that make you right for the job.
A CV has no page limit and is more comprehensive. It is used by veterinary students when they are applying for externships, internships or residencies, or for positions in academia. Research fellowships or scholarship applications also frequently require CVs.
General tips for both
Employers scan resumes quickly, so be sure yours is well organized and highlights your skills.
Avoid using a resume template as they are difficult to edit.
Pay attention to the format and be consistent throughout.
Use a simple, professional font that’s easy to read.
Use italics, bold, caps, etc. to make things noticeable.
Spell out everything. Avoid acronyms and abbreviations.
Do NOT use personal pronouns (I, my, their). Using ”my” in the objective or profile summary is acceptable.
Do NOT print your resume two-sided.
Always be sure it’s current!
Outline
Name/Address:
Name should be large, bold, and stand out.
Address, phone, and email (make sure it’s professional sounding) should be smaller.
Profile Summary:
This should briefly detail your strengths, experiences, interests, and skills that you have to offer the employer.
Example: Goal-oriented DVM student with broad experiences in small animal medicine, exotics, and shelter medicine. Fluent in Spanish and traveled abroad to conduct research. Keen insight into managing client relationships. Willing to work a flexible schedule and open to relocation.
Education:
Listing the most recent first, the name and location of the college/university you attended.
The major and degree earned (no abbreviations) with the actual/anticipated date of graduation.
Relevant honors (e.g. Magna cum Laude, Summa cum Laude).
Do not list Dean's list or other awards here.
If you completed a thesis or dissertation as part of your Masters or PhD, include your thesis/dissertation title here.
If you studied abroad, list the school, location and dates.
Qualifications/Veterinary Skills/Areas of Expertise:
Must be specific and relevant to the position you are applying for.
List skills gained through experience, knowledge gained in classes, computer skills, languages, certificates, licenses, etc.
This section is a “snapshot” of YOU – what you know, skills you have, etc.
Veterinary Experience (Can title this Small Animal, Large Animal, etc.): In reverse chronological order, present your experiences relevant to the position. Include:
Name of practice/organization
Your working title there
Location of practice (including city, state and country if not in the US)
Dates of employment
Responsibilities in the position- In describing your responsibilities phrase your responsibilities to convey transferable skills, accomplishments and effectiveness.1
Note: Depending upon the position you are applying for you may have more than one experience sections. Veterinary resumes typically have any combination of the following:
Experience sections
Animal and Veterinary Experience (general)
Equine Related Experience
Farm Animal Experience
Zoo and Wildlife Experience
Research Experience
Teaching Experience
Volunteer and Community Outreach Experience
Other Work Experience
Activities/Involvement/Leadership/Interests:
List involvement in clubs/organizations, athletics, hobbies, special interests.
For clubs/organizations, include your role and dates; listing accomplishments is optional.2
Honors/Awards:
List scholarships, distinctions, awards, etc.
Include the name/title of the recognition, the organization it was through, and date.2
Research/Publications/Teaching Experience:
Include if you have it; important for CV.
References:
On a separate page with your resume/CV header and same format.
Do NOT put a reference section on your resume or “References available upon request”.
List at least 3-4 people (no more than 5). ASK first!
Include employers, advisors, and/or faculty – NOT personal friends or relatives.
Include each person’s name, title, company, City and ST, phone number, and email address.
Resources:
1 Resumes [Internet]. Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. Cornell University; 2016 [cited 2018May28]. Available from: https://www2.vet.cornell.edu/education/doctor-veterinary-medicine/current-students/career-services/resu mes-cvs-cover-letters/resumes
2 Build a Resume or CV That Gets Noticed [PDF]. UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. The Regents of the University of California, Davis campus. [cited 2018May28]. Available from: http://www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/students/local_resources/ResumeandCV_Tips.pdf
3 Welcome to Powerful Resume/CV Writing [PDF]. UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. The Regents of the University of California, Davis campus. [cited 2018May28]. Available from: http://www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/students/local_resources/pdfs/Powerful%20Resume%20%20CV%20Writi ng%20PPT%20Reading%20Version.pdf