On average, employers spend 30 seconds reviewing a resume. This document should briefly emphasize who you are, what you’ve done, and what you have to offer.
A résumé is the term most often used to refer to a document outlining relevant experience towards a job. This can include your education, previous jobs, internships, and a list of skills. For most positions, the term résumé refers to a document of no more than a page, but for different fields it can refer to a much more extensive document. Whenever applying for a position that is outside your field, do some research into the industry standards so that you include the right amount of information.

A CV (short for Curriculum Vitae and sometimes referred to just as a Vitae), is a more extensive document outlining experience. It is considered an “academic” document; outlining milestones in different categories of professional development, rather than specific skills learned through jobs or education.

It is most commonly used by artists to outline their experience as artists; including exhibition history, residencies, awards, artists’ talks, and media coverage. If you are on a career track where you are trying to seek a position in Higher Education, you will need a CV that also includes teaching positions and other academic qualifications.

Since the terms can at times be used interchangeably, it is important to think about who is looking at this document. If it’s for a curator, gallerist, or person interested in purchasing your artwork, use a CV. If it is a potential employer or client, use a résumé. Don’t get confused when a curator asks you for your “artist résumé” or when an employer in the UK asks for your “Vitae”. Think about the situation and you will choose the right document! 

There are many different styles of résumés out there. It is important to understand that all of them have strengths and weaknesses, so the key is knowing your audience. It says, this is who I am, design‐wise, and personal style‐wise. If you are applying for a design job, this is a perfect opportunity to show off your skills. That same résumé might not go over as well if you were applying for a more traditional office job. The key to any good résumé is that the information it contains should be relevant to the position you are applying for, and always easy to find and read. 

There are certain conventions to the information contained in a CV, and they tend to be a more “conservative” document in appearance. Visual branding elements such as designed letterheads are sometimes used, but usually they are laid out in a straightforward manner.
In general, we promote both a functional and exhibition resume for artists. Sometimes you will need to combine the two. Other times, it is best to use them separately. The functional resume focuses on the organization of your skill‐sets, as opposed to the chronology of your paid employment. This method highlights the breadth of your professional experience overall while emphasizing your strengths. The exhibition resume serves as a record of your exhibitions, awards, grants, residencies, and publications

Please refer to the College Art Association’s website for specifics: CAA Guidelines

• Check the final draft for spelling and grammar errors!

• Use a consistent font and formatting style.

• Research keywords related to your field. For example, if you’re trying to highlight a developed international knowledge on your resume‐ google international organizations and job descriptions. Familiarize yourself with the “language” of that field. Insert these terms into your resume and cover letter when relevant.

• Look around the web at resumes of others in your industry, or at those who are doing things that you’re interested in. How are they organizing and formatting their resumes/information? Are there patterns and trends in what seems a priority in that field?

• Get a second opinion – have a couple professionals look it over!

The cover letter or letter of intent is a key part of any job application. Setting you apart from the rest of the applicant pool, it gives you an opportunity to express to an employer that you have done your research on their organization, and are the best candidate for the position. 

Use the title of the job you are applying for in the first paragraph. Draw on examples of your past experiences in order to express why you are the best candidate. Reference specific programming or opportunities that you see in the organization where you can contribute. Use a direct tone, action words, and skill categories to express yourself concisely. 

Employers will respond to the enthusiasm and knowledge that you express about their organization. Demonstrate that you have spent some time familiarizing yourself with the organization’s mission, philosophy, and unique traits so that when you write the cover letter, you can reference these points. Be genuine. Think about the skills you have to offer and how they might best function within this specific organization. Follow the directions on how to apply for the position. This is very important. Many employers don’t even review applications that are submitted in word format if they were asked for as pdfs. 

Spell and grammar check your letter. Write clearly and concisely, and avoid run‐on sentences. Be very direct. Be original. Have at least two readers give you feedback before submitting it to an organization. Remember that this is your opportunity to express your skills in communication‐ a very important part of any work setting. All job application materials should be formatted in to a PDF that is attached to an email. Use formal writing even in the email. Cover letters, letters of interest, and resumes should NEVER be sent in the body of an email as they lose their formatting. 

Use the same font that you use on your resume. Stay consistent in formatting style. If you center your name on your resume, do so on your cover letter as well. Your cover letter puts your resume in context, and as you are most likely submitting these to an aesthetically minded audience, it’s important to present a strong design statement.