by Kelly Ann » Sat Jan 06, 2007 2:40 pm
I have a few thoughts from this discussion ...
Are resumes that different from CVs, I don’t think so. They contain different information but have the same purpose in mind … to capture the attention of your future employer. So I think that these ten questions (summarizing what has been discussed in this post as well as others) might be helpful when someone is thinking about what they need to do to sell themself, so to speak (and maybe could be addressed in a FAQ). I’d be interested in other people’s opinions.
1) Is your resume or CV suited for the job to which you are applying? Does it have an objective? Do you have different versions for the types of jobs in which you are interested? Are they really different from each other and appropriate for the job?
2) Do your job descriptions contain the right balance of scientific description as well as skill sets? I think that (although not the focus) to a certain extent that industry does care about credentials and academia does care about skill sets. Are your descriptions well worded and not overly verbose? Do you list enough information? Do you describe non-science experience ... i.e. leadership, writing, computer skills that you have obtained during your science experience? Do you sell yourself as something other than the "lab-geek"?
3) How do you present yourself with your resume or CV? This applies to either by cover letter or in person … Do you give equal importance to your cover letter? Is it personalized and appropriate for the specific job?
4) Do you highlight (personal summary) the most relevant part of your history such that someone doesn’t have to fish out the information from your job descriptions? Have you researched what it is the job of your dreams is looking for?
5) Is your cover letter, resume, and or CV well formatted, so that it is easily readable? If you use an online service, have you checked for copy errors? If you are listing publications, do they have a standard format? Can the main points be captured in a quick glance such that a person will want to thoroughly read what you have spent hours preparing?
6) Is your cover letter, resume, and or CV well written, such that you avoid grammatical or punctuation errors? Do you use all acronymns or are your skill sets understandable to someone is science who may not be experienced in your particular field (the department head or hiring manager)?
7) Is your resume or CV cluttered with non-relevant information? This can be too many hobbies, clubs, or affliations or just the way your descriptions are written. Is your resume or CV interesting to read without being cumbersome?
8) Have you had someone else (scientist and non-scientist) proofread your resume or CV? Would you be embarrassed to show it to your family? I have found that my dad’s advice has been most helpful in proofing my resume as well as my thesis. The opinion of a non-scientist is very important in understanding if what you have prepared is readable.
9) Is your resume or CV a continual work in progress or is it slapped together five minutes before you send or give it to someone? Does it reflect what you have accomplished, what you are capable of doing, and who you are? I think it helps to update it regularly whether or not you have the pension plan and even if you are not actively looking for a job. My grandfather had his last job for 50 years but having his resume was a nice summary of his professional accomplishments at his funeral.
10) Would you consider hiring yourself if you read your cover letter, resume, or CV? Are you confident in the way that you are selling yourself?
Just some thoughts,
Kelly Ann