{"id":511,"date":"2023-08-15T16:18:20","date_gmt":"2023-08-15T16:18:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/center-for-career-and-professional-development\/?page_id=511"},"modified":"2026-04-17T14:28:30","modified_gmt":"2026-04-17T14:28:30","slug":"resume","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/center-for-career-and-professional-development\/resume\/","title":{"rendered":"Resume &amp; Professional Documents"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"pl-511\"  class=\"panel-layout\" ><div id=\"pg-511-0\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-no-style\" ><div id=\"pgc-511-0-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-511-0-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_smcm-gold-buttons panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"0\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-smcm-gold-buttons so-widget-smcm-gold-buttons-default-d75171398898-511\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t><nav class=\"smcm-gold-buttons\"><ul><li><div class=\"smcm-gb-item\"><a href=\"#general-tips\"><div class=\"smcm-gb-label-wrapper\"><i class=\"fa-solid fa-pen\"><\/i>General Tips<\/div><div class=\"smcm-gb-icon-wrapper\"><i class=\"fa-solid fa-angles-down smcm-gb-linktype\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/div><\/a><\/div><div class=\"smcm-gb-item\"><a href=\"#write-a-general-resume\"><div class=\"smcm-gb-label-wrapper\"><i class=\"fa-solid fa-file-lines\"><\/i>Write a General Resume<\/div><div class=\"smcm-gb-icon-wrapper\"><i class=\"fa-solid fa-angles-down smcm-gb-linktype\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/div><\/a><\/div><div class=\"smcm-gb-item\"><a href=\"#write-a-federal-resume\"><div class=\"smcm-gb-label-wrapper\"><i class=\"fa-solid fa-flag-usa\"><\/i>Write a Federal Resume<\/div><div class=\"smcm-gb-icon-wrapper\"><i class=\"fa-solid fa-angles-down smcm-gb-linktype\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/div><\/a><\/div><\/li><li><div class=\"smcm-gb-item\"><a href=\"\"><div class=\"smcm-gb-label-wrapper\">Personal Statements<\/div><div class=\"smcm-gb-icon-wrapper\"><i class=\"fa-solid fa-arrow-up-right-from-square smcm-gb-linktype\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/div><\/a><\/div><div class=\"smcm-gb-item\"><a href=\"\"><div class=\"smcm-gb-label-wrapper\">Curriculum Vitae<\/div><div class=\"smcm-gb-icon-wrapper\"><i class=\"fa-solid fa-arrow-up-right-from-square smcm-gb-linktype\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/div><\/a><\/div><\/li><li><div class=\"smcm-gb-item\"><a href=\"#cover-letter-tips\"><div class=\"smcm-gb-label-wrapper\"><i class=\"fa-solid fa-file-pen\"><\/i>Cover Letter Tips<\/div><div class=\"smcm-gb-icon-wrapper\"><i class=\"fa-solid fa-angles-down smcm-gb-linktype\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/div><\/a><\/div><div class=\"smcm-gb-item\"><a href=\"#reference-list-tips\"><div class=\"smcm-gb-label-wrapper\"><i class=\"fa-solid fa-list\"><\/i>Reference List Tips<\/div><div class=\"smcm-gb-icon-wrapper\"><i class=\"fa-solid fa-angles-down smcm-gb-linktype\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/div><\/a><\/div><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pg-511-1\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-no-style\" ><div id=\"pgc-511-1-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-511-1-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_text panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"1\" >\t\t\t<div class=\"textwidget\"><p>Excellent professional documents\u2014your resume, cover letter, and reference list\u2014are an important part of professional branding. They are valuable tools to advertise you to employers and help you get interviews for great opportunities. Read below for details on how to make a great impression with each of these documents.<\/p>\n<p><strong>You can also <a href=\"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/133\/2026\/04\/How-to-Write-Professional-Documents-1.pdf\">download this information as a PDF<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pg-511-2\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-no-style\" ><div id=\"pgc-511-2-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-511-2-0-0\" class=\"widget_text so-panel widget widget_custom_html panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"2\" ><div class=\"textwidget custom-html-widget\"><section id=\"general\"><\/section><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pg-511-3\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-has-style\" ><div id=\"general-tips\" class=\"panel-row-style panel-row-style-for-511-3\" ><div id=\"pgc-511-3-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-511-3-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-headline panel-first-child\" data-index=\"3\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-headline so-widget-sow-headline-default-eefec6966851-511 so-widget-fittext-wrapper\"\n\t\t\t data-fit-text-compressor=\"0.85\"\n\t\t><div class=\"sow-headline-container \">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"sow-headline\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<b>GENERAL<\/b> TIPS\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-511-3-0-1\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_text panel-last-child\" data-index=\"4\" >\t\t\t<div class=\"textwidget\"><h3><b>Use all three documents: resume, cover letter, and reference list<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">A <\/span><b><i>resume<\/i><\/b> <span style=\"font-weight: 400\">connects your skills, characteristics, and experience directly to the opportunity you\u2019re applying for. <a href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/d\/17vH1QLFkQvxBGOb12w6OkWSTZWI9-3IgkrMk7Zwc160\/copy\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">See our <strong>resume template<\/strong> here<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">A <\/span><b><i>cover letter<\/i><\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> tells the employer why you are truly interested in their specific organization and opportunity, and gives additional detail on why you\u2019d be an asset to their team. (You do <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">not<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> need this at hiring fairs, but it is often a required part of job\/internship applications.) <a href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/d\/1cXmW9esSoh7TEyRJirtnMRsLELFNBEupdOkuXQkFslc\/copy\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">See our <strong>cover letter template<\/strong> here<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">A <\/span><b><i>reference list<\/i><\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> is a brief list of people the employer can call to confirm you\u2019re as skilled and trustworthy as you say you are. (You do <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">not<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> need this at hiring fairs, but it is often a required part of job\/internship applications.) <a href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/d\/10xPJ9F5Y1_IO_w9dy3TFCGiJTqlNe__jrP3Uuz_x3Rs\/copy\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">See our <strong>reference list template<\/strong> here<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><\/div><div id=\"pgc-511-3-1\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-511-3-1-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-image panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"5\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-image so-widget-sow-image-default-8b5b6f678277-511\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"sow-image-container\">\n\t\t<img \n\tsrc=\"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/133\/2023\/08\/kaitlyn-baker-vZJdYl5JVXY-unsplash.jpg\" width=\"2400\" height=\"1600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/133\/2023\/08\/kaitlyn-baker-vZJdYl5JVXY-unsplash.jpg 2400w, https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/133\/2023\/08\/kaitlyn-baker-vZJdYl5JVXY-unsplash-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/133\/2023\/08\/kaitlyn-baker-vZJdYl5JVXY-unsplash-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/133\/2023\/08\/kaitlyn-baker-vZJdYl5JVXY-unsplash-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/133\/2023\/08\/kaitlyn-baker-vZJdYl5JVXY-unsplash-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/133\/2023\/08\/kaitlyn-baker-vZJdYl5JVXY-unsplash-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/133\/2023\/08\/kaitlyn-baker-vZJdYl5JVXY-unsplash-272x182.jpg 272w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2400px) 100vw, 2400px\" alt=\"\" \t\tclass=\"so-widget-image\"\/>\n\t<\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pg-511-4\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-no-style\" ><div id=\"pgc-511-4-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-511-4-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_text panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"6\" >\t\t\t<div class=\"textwidget\"><p><b>What if there\u2019s no space to add my cover letter and\/or reference list?<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">If the application system doesn\u2019t have spots for every document, you can combine them into one PDF and submit them, in this priority order:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">If there\u2019s only <\/span><b><i>one spot for documents<\/i><\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">, create a PDF with your cover letter first, then your resume, then your reference list.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">If there are <\/span><b><i>two spots for documents<\/i><\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">, submit your resume separately, and combine your cover letter and reference list with the cover letter first.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Consistency is Essential<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Your documents should match each other\u2014use the same header and fonts on each. That way, they\u2019re clearly branded as coming from the same person: you!<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Tailor for each opportunity<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Invest the time to customize your documents\u2014it will pay off, because employers quickly see that you care about their specific organization and opportunities.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Name your PDFs<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Always send PDFs when you apply\u2014they look the same on all devices.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Name your files clearly by including your name and the document type:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none\">\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Solomon Seahawk &#8211; Resume.pdf<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Solomon Seahawk &#8211; Cover Letter.pdf<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Solomon Seahawk &#8211; References.pdf<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Should I send a PDF for a resume review?<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">If you\u2019re getting help with a resume review, please share\/send an editable Google Doc or Word Document. That way, we can help you make changes on the spot!<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pg-511-5\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-no-style\" ><div id=\"pgc-511-5-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-511-5-0-0\" class=\"widget_text so-panel widget widget_custom_html panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"7\" ><div class=\"textwidget custom-html-widget\"><section id=\"resume\"><\/section><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pg-511-6\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-has-style\" ><div id=\"write-a-general-resume\" class=\"panel-row-style panel-row-style-for-511-6\" ><div id=\"pgc-511-6-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-511-6-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-headline panel-first-child\" data-index=\"8\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-headline so-widget-sow-headline-default-eefec6966851-511 so-widget-fittext-wrapper\"\n\t\t\t data-fit-text-compressor=\"0.85\"\n\t\t><div class=\"sow-headline-container \">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"sow-headline\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tHOW TO WRITE A <b>GENERAL RESUME<\/b>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-511-6-0-1\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-button\" data-index=\"9\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-button so-widget-sow-button-flat-293d0d1d6ce7-511\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t><div class=\"ow-button-base ow-button-align-center\"\n>\n\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/d\/17vH1QLFkQvxBGOb12w6OkWSTZWI9-3IgkrMk7Zwc160\/copy\"\n\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"sowb-button ow-icon-placement-left ow-button-hover\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" \t>\n\t\t<span>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<i class=\"fas fa-file-alt\"><\/i>\u00a0 Resume template\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-511-6-0-2\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-button\" data-index=\"10\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-button so-widget-sow-button-flat-eb063c851fc2-511\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t><div class=\"ow-button-base ow-button-align-center\"\n>\n\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/133\/2026\/04\/How-to-Write-Professional-Documents-1.pdf\"\n\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"sowb-button ow-icon-placement-left ow-button-hover\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" \t>\n\t\t<span>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<i class=\"fas fa-file-pdf\"><\/i>\u00a0 Resume tips PDF\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-511-6-0-3\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-button\" data-index=\"11\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-button so-widget-sow-button-flat-293d0d1d6ce7-511\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t><div class=\"ow-button-base ow-button-align-center\"\n>\n\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/center-for-career-and-professional-development\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/133\/2023\/12\/Resume-Quick-Reference-Guide-2023-12-14.pdf\"\n\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"sowb-button ow-icon-placement-left ow-button-hover\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" \t>\n\t\t<span>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<i class=\"fas fa-stopwatch\"><\/i>\u00a0 Quick reference: Resume, documents &amp; profile\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-511-6-0-4\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-button\" data-index=\"12\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-button so-widget-sow-button-flat-293d0d1d6ce7-511\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t><div class=\"ow-button-base ow-button-align-center\"\n>\n\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/center-for-career-and-professional-development\/appointments\/\"\n\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"sowb-button ow-icon-placement-left ow-button-hover\" \t>\n\t\t<span>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<i class=\"fas fa-calendar-alt\"><\/i>&nbsp; Make an appointment\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-511-6-0-5\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_text panel-last-child\" data-index=\"13\" >\t\t\t<div class=\"textwidget\"><h3><b>Write for the reader<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Write a good general resume first, then tailor your resume for each specific opportunity you apply for.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Use simple past tense throughout your resume, even for employment\/classes\/volunteer work you are currently doing. It\u2019s easier for the reader to follow, and it means you don\u2019t have to change the verbs every time you move on to the next opportunity.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Know the industry<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The principles here apply generally across industries. However, you need to confirm details specific to your industry and target employer(s).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>How do I confirm the best resume format for my industry and target employer(s)?<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Reach out to Seahawks working in the industry. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">One great way to find them is on LinkedIn at <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/school\/st.-mary's-college-of-maryland\/people\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">linkedin.com\/school\/st.-mary&#8217;s-college-of-maryland\/people<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><\/div><div id=\"pgc-511-6-1\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-511-6-1-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-image panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"14\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-image so-widget-sow-image-default-8b5b6f678277-511\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"sow-image-container\">\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/center-for-career-and-professional-development\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/133\/2023\/09\/How-to-Write-Professional-Documents.pdf\"\n\t\t\ttarget=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" \t\t>\n\t\t\t<img \n\tsrc=\"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/133\/2023\/08\/Example-resume.png\" width=\"2554\" height=\"3674\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/133\/2023\/08\/Example-resume.png 2554w, https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/133\/2023\/08\/Example-resume-209x300.png 209w, https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/133\/2023\/08\/Example-resume-712x1024.png 712w, https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/133\/2023\/08\/Example-resume-768x1105.png 768w, https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/133\/2023\/08\/Example-resume-1068x1536.png 1068w, https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/133\/2023\/08\/Example-resume-1424x2048.png 1424w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2554px) 100vw, 2554px\" title=\"Example resume\" alt=\"Example of a formatted resume\" \t\tclass=\"so-widget-image\"\/>\n\t\t\t<\/a><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pg-511-7\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-no-style\" ><div id=\"pgc-511-7-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-511-7-0-0\" class=\"widget_text so-panel widget widget_custom_html panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"15\" ><div class=\"textwidget custom-html-widget\"><section id=\"federal\"><\/section><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pg-511-8\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-has-style\" ><div id=\"write-a-federal-resume\" class=\"panel-row-style panel-row-style-for-511-8\" ><div id=\"pgc-511-8-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-511-8-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-image panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"16\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-image so-widget-sow-image-default-8b5b6f678277-511\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"sow-image-container\">\n\t\t<img \n\tsrc=\"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/133\/2023\/12\/Example-federal-resume-1.png\" width=\"2554\" height=\"3674\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/133\/2023\/12\/Example-federal-resume-1.png 2554w, https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/133\/2023\/12\/Example-federal-resume-1-209x300.png 209w, https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/133\/2023\/12\/Example-federal-resume-1-712x1024.png 712w, https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/133\/2023\/12\/Example-federal-resume-1-768x1105.png 768w, https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/133\/2023\/12\/Example-federal-resume-1-1068x1536.png 1068w, https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/133\/2023\/12\/Example-federal-resume-1-1424x2048.png 1424w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2554px) 100vw, 2554px\" alt=\"\" \t\tclass=\"so-widget-image\"\/>\n\t<\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pgc-511-8-1\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-511-8-1-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-headline panel-first-child\" data-index=\"17\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-headline so-widget-sow-headline-default-eefec6966851-511 so-widget-fittext-wrapper\"\n\t\t\t data-fit-text-compressor=\"0.85\"\n\t\t><div class=\"sow-headline-container \">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"sow-headline\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tHOW TO WRITE A <b>FEDERAL RESUME<\/b>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-511-8-1-1\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-button\" data-index=\"18\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-button so-widget-sow-button-flat-293d0d1d6ce7-511\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t><div class=\"ow-button-base ow-button-align-center\"\n>\n\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.usajobs.gov\/\"\n\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"sowb-button ow-icon-placement-left ow-button-hover\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" \t>\n\t\t<span>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<i class=\"fa-solid fa-flag-usa\"><\/i>\u00a0 USAJOBS resume builder - use as primary\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-511-8-1-2\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-button\" data-index=\"19\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-button so-widget-sow-button-flat-293d0d1d6ce7-511\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t><div class=\"ow-button-base ow-button-align-center\"\n>\n\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/d\/1_Q-X7Uu4gMDDJDT_cd-8jpyH1tDhRAWbNDkvLwGKOeI\/copy\"\n\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"sowb-button ow-icon-placement-left ow-button-hover\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" \t>\n\t\t<span>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<i class=\"fas fa-file-alt\"><\/i>\u00a0 Federal resume template - use as secondary\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-511-8-1-3\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-button\" data-index=\"20\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-button so-widget-sow-button-flat-293d0d1d6ce7-511\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t><div class=\"ow-button-base ow-button-align-center\"\n>\n\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/center-for-career-and-professional-development\/appointments\/\"\n\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"sowb-button ow-icon-placement-left ow-button-hover\" \t>\n\t\t<span>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<i class=\"fas fa-calendar-alt\"><\/i>&nbsp; Make an appointment\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-511-8-1-4\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_text panel-last-child\" data-index=\"21\" >\t\t\t<div class=\"textwidget\"><h1><b>Getting started<\/b><\/h1>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.usajobs.gov\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">USAJOBS<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> is the U.S. Government&#8217;s website for listing civil service job opportunities with federal agencies. Create an account with <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.usajobs.gov\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">USAJOBS<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> to get started and build your federal resume. You can also use our template, but the USAJOBS Resume Builder should be your primary federal resume.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Hiring managers use job announcements to describe the job and the required qualifications. Qualifications include things like your amount of experience, education, and training.\u00a0 Be sure to read the entire job description. It is important that you meet the required experience and\/or education requirements before you apply. You can find this information under the Duties and Qualifications, How to Apply, and How You Will Be Evaluated headings.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pg-511-9\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-no-style\" ><div id=\"pgc-511-9-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-511-9-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_text panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"22\" >\t\t\t<div class=\"textwidget\"><h1><b>What should I include in my federal<\/b><b> resume?<\/b><\/h1>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Many federal positions typically require prior experience in a specific field for a designated period of time. To be eligible for the job, you must demonstrate how your skills and background align with the qualifications and prerequisites outlined in the job posting. Be sure to include important contact information, such as your email, home address, and phone number. Check the job announcement for more details about what personal information to include.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">For more information about what to include in your federal resume, check out <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.usajobs.gov\/help\/faq\/application\/documents\/resume\/what-to-include\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">usajobs.gov<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<h1><b>What should I leave out of my federal resume?<\/b><\/h1>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">There are certain forms of personal information that you should leave out of your resume. This includes:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Classified or government sensitive information<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Your Social Security Number (SSN)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Photos of yourself<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Personal information, such as age, gender, religious affiliation, etc.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Encrypted and digitally signed documents<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Salary history\u2014unless listed as a requirement.<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Remember, your pay history may not accurately reflect how valuable you are to the new position you\u2019re applying for.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Including a lower salary may result in you getting hired for lower pay.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Including a high salary may result in the employer throwing out your application.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">For more information about what to leave out of your resume, go to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.usajobs.gov\/help\/faq\/application\/documents\/resume\/what-to-leave-out\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">usajobs.gov<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> for more tips.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h1><b>More tips for submitting resumes to federal agencies<\/b><\/h1>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">If the agency you are applying to allows it, you should consider using the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.usajobs.gov\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">USAJOBS<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> resume builder. Some agencies will take uploaded resumes and resumes created using the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.usajobs.gov\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">USAJOBS<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> resume builder. Others may only accept one or the other. The resume builder allows you to copy and paste text from Word documents into the software.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Even though you may have both types of resumes in the Document section of your profile, the agency you are applying for will determine which resume to accept. Selecting the Apply button on the job announcement page begins the process to complete an application.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.usajobs.gov\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">USAJOBS<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> will only show resumes and documents your hiring agency is willing to accept. For instance, if the hiring agency only accepts resumes created using the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.usajobs.gov\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">USAJOBS<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> resume builder, then your uploaded resumes will not be available to add to your application. Be sure to check the How to Apply section of the job announcement to find out which resume format and documents are accepted and how to submit them to the hiring agency.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">For more tips on submitting resumes to federal agencies, see <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.usajobs.gov\/help\/how-to\/account\/documents\/resume\/build\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">usajobs.gov<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> for more tips.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pg-511-10\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-no-style\" ><div id=\"pgc-511-10-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-511-10-0-0\" class=\"widget_text so-panel widget widget_custom_html panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"23\" ><div class=\"textwidget custom-html-widget\"><section id=\"cover_letter\"><\/section><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pg-511-11\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-has-style\" ><div id=\"cover-letter-tips\" class=\"panel-row-style panel-row-style-for-511-11\" ><div id=\"pgc-511-11-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-511-11-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-headline panel-first-child\" data-index=\"24\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-headline so-widget-sow-headline-default-eefec6966851-511 so-widget-fittext-wrapper\"\n\t\t\t data-fit-text-compressor=\"0.85\"\n\t\t><div class=\"sow-headline-container \">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"sow-headline\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tHOW TO WRITE A <b>COVER LETTER<\/b>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-511-11-0-1\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-button\" data-index=\"25\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-button so-widget-sow-button-flat-293d0d1d6ce7-511\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t><div class=\"ow-button-base ow-button-align-center\"\n>\n\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/d\/1cXmW9esSoh7TEyRJirtnMRsLELFNBEupdOkuXQkFslc\/copy\"\n\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"sowb-button ow-icon-placement-left ow-button-hover\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" \t>\n\t\t<span>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<i class=\"fas fa-file-alt\"><\/i>&nbsp; Cover letter template\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-511-11-0-2\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-button\" data-index=\"26\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-button so-widget-sow-button-flat-eb063c851fc2-511\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t><div class=\"ow-button-base ow-button-align-center\"\n>\n\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/133\/2026\/04\/How-to-Write-Professional-Documents-1.pdf\"\n\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"sowb-button ow-icon-placement-left ow-button-hover\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" \t>\n\t\t<span>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<i class=\"fas fa-file-pdf\"><\/i>\u00a0 Cover letter tips PDF\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-511-11-0-3\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-button\" data-index=\"27\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-button so-widget-sow-button-flat-293d0d1d6ce7-511\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t><div class=\"ow-button-base ow-button-align-center\"\n>\n\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/center-for-career-and-professional-development\/appointments\/\"\n\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"sowb-button ow-icon-placement-left ow-button-hover\" \t>\n\t\t<span>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<i class=\"fas fa-calendar-alt\"><\/i>&nbsp; Make an appointment\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-511-11-0-4\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_text panel-last-child\" data-index=\"28\" >\t\t\t<div class=\"textwidget\"><h3><b><i>Body<\/i><\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><b><i>First paragraph:<\/i><\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Tell the employer why you&#8217;re writing to them. Include the title of the position you&#8217;re applying for and how you found out about it. Find information about the specific organization and tell how it relates to your interests. It\u2019s kind of like a love letter\u2014you have to tell them why you\u2019re interested in them, not just that you want a job.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b><i>Second paragraph:<\/i><\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Explain what makes you unique and valuable as a candidate for the position. If you\u2019re applying for a position with a job ad (20% of jobs), use the qualifications and responsibilities\/duties sections of the ad to tailor your information. Don\u2019t just repeat your resume. Be concise in highlighting your skills, experiences, characteristics, and\/or accomplishments with a specific example or two.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b><i>Final paragraph:<\/i><\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Ask for an interview and say thank you.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4><b><i>Signature\u2014This is required!<\/i><\/b><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Leave a vertical space below the final paragraph. Type \u201cSincerely,\u201d (with a comma at the end), then leave a vertical space that\u2019s big enough for you to sign your name. Below the signature space, type your full name (the same way you listed it in the header).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Note: A cover letter is a formal business letter, so it would look unprofessional and quite odd if you didn\u2019t sign it.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>How do I put a signature on my cover letter?<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are many ways to get a signature on your cover letter, including:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Use a digital device (smartphone, tablet, etc.) to draw your signature.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sign a blank paper, scan it with a scanner, then add it to your document as an image.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sign a blank paper, take a photo with your phone, add the signature to your document, then <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">adjust the brightness and contrast<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> until the background is white.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><\/div><div id=\"pgc-511-11-1\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-511-11-1-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-image panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"29\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-image so-widget-sow-image-default-8b5b6f678277-511\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"sow-image-container\">\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/center-for-career-and-professional-development\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/133\/2023\/09\/How-to-Write-Professional-Documents.pdf\"\n\t\t\ttarget=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" \t\t>\n\t\t\t<img \n\tsrc=\"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/133\/2023\/08\/Example-cover-letter.png\" width=\"2554\" height=\"3674\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/133\/2023\/08\/Example-cover-letter.png 2554w, https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/133\/2023\/08\/Example-cover-letter-209x300.png 209w, https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/133\/2023\/08\/Example-cover-letter-712x1024.png 712w, https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/133\/2023\/08\/Example-cover-letter-768x1105.png 768w, https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/133\/2023\/08\/Example-cover-letter-1068x1536.png 1068w, https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/133\/2023\/08\/Example-cover-letter-1424x2048.png 1424w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2554px) 100vw, 2554px\" title=\"Example cover letter\" alt=\"Example of a formatted cover letter\" \t\tclass=\"so-widget-image\"\/>\n\t\t\t<\/a><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pg-511-12\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-no-style\" ><div id=\"pgc-511-12-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-511-12-0-0\" class=\"widget_text so-panel widget widget_custom_html panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"30\" ><div class=\"textwidget custom-html-widget\"><section id=\"personal_statements\"><\/section><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pg-511-13\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-no-style\" ><div id=\"pgc-511-13-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-511-13-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-image panel-first-child\" data-index=\"31\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-image so-widget-sow-image-default-8b5b6f678277-511\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"sow-image-container\">\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/center-for-career-and-professional-development\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/133\/2023\/09\/How-to-Write-Professional-Documents.pdf\"\n\t\t\ttarget=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" \t\t>\n\t\t\t<img \n\tsrc=\"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/133\/2023\/09\/52101362994_30b6654463_o-2.jpg\" width=\"1864\" height=\"2000\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/133\/2023\/09\/52101362994_30b6654463_o-2.jpg 1864w, https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/133\/2023\/09\/52101362994_30b6654463_o-2-280x300.jpg 280w, https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/133\/2023\/09\/52101362994_30b6654463_o-2-954x1024.jpg 954w, https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/133\/2023\/09\/52101362994_30b6654463_o-2-768x824.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/133\/2023\/09\/52101362994_30b6654463_o-2-1432x1536.jpg 1432w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1864px) 100vw, 1864px\" alt=\"St Mary&#039;s College of Maryland student doing his work. \" \t\tclass=\"so-widget-image\"\/>\n\t\t\t<\/a><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-511-13-0-1\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_text panel-last-child\" data-index=\"32\" >\t\t\t<div class=\"textwidget\"><p>Your content should include your background and influences, relevant experiences, any obstacles or academic inconsistencies in your record, and a conclusion. For more information on content, style, and prompts, please see our <a href=\"https:\/\/drive.google.com\/file\/d\/1B5eqxpk6MmSRzW-_EVDMyNu3dDcjAoKe\/view?usp=sharing\">Writing a Personal Statement<\/a> document.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><\/div><div id=\"pgc-511-13-1\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-511-13-1-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-headline panel-first-child\" data-index=\"33\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-headline so-widget-sow-headline-default-6dc9fbd96e10-511 so-widget-fittext-wrapper\"\n\t\t\t data-fit-text-compressor=\"0.85\"\n\t\t><div class=\"sow-headline-container \">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"sow-headline\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tHOW TO WRITE A <b>PERSONAL STATEMENT<\/b>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-511-13-1-1\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-button\" data-index=\"34\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-button so-widget-sow-button-flat-eb063c851fc2-511\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t><div class=\"ow-button-base ow-button-align-center\"\n>\n\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/drive.google.com\/file\/d\/1B5eqxpk6MmSRzW-_EVDMyNu3dDcjAoKe\/view?usp=sharing\"\n\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"sowb-button ow-icon-placement-left ow-button-hover\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" \t>\n\t\t<span>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<i class=\"fas fa-file-alt\"><\/i>\u00a0 Writing a Personal Statement\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-511-13-1-2\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-button\" data-index=\"35\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-button so-widget-sow-button-flat-eb063c851fc2-511\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t><div class=\"ow-button-base ow-button-align-center\"\n>\n\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/center-for-career-and-professional-development\/appointments\/\"\n\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"sowb-button ow-icon-placement-left ow-button-hover\" \t>\n\t\t<span>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<i class=\"fas fa-calendar-alt\"><\/i>\u00a0 Make an appointment\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-511-13-1-3\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_text panel-last-child\" data-index=\"36\" >\t\t\t<div class=\"textwidget\"><p>A personal statement is a persuasive letter addressed to an admissions\/grant committee where you present your qualifications and your intent to be a successful student and working professional. This document is often a required part of an application to graduate and PhD programs such as medicine, law, business, education, social work, public policy, international affairs, counseling, and most other professional degree programs. It is also called a statement of purpose, letter of intent, or admissions essay.<\/p>\n<p>Before writing, consider what you want your audience to know. Imagine the statement as a discussion with an admissions officer where you must discuss what you know about yours and how your personal or professional network has influenced your decision. <em><strong>You should first pull from the qualities and skills from your experience section on your resume.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pg-511-14\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-no-style\" ><div id=\"pgc-511-14-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-511-14-0-0\" class=\"widget_text so-panel widget widget_custom_html panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"37\" ><div class=\"textwidget custom-html-widget\"><section id=\"curriculum vitae\"><\/section><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pg-511-15\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-no-style\" ><div id=\"pgc-511-15-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-511-15-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-headline panel-first-child\" data-index=\"38\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-headline so-widget-sow-headline-default-6dc9fbd96e10-511 so-widget-fittext-wrapper\"\n\t\t\t data-fit-text-compressor=\"0.85\"\n\t\t><div class=\"sow-headline-container \">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"sow-headline\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tHOW TO WRITE A <b>CURRICULUM VITAE<\/b>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-511-15-0-1\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-button\" data-index=\"39\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-button so-widget-sow-button-flat-eb063c851fc2-511\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t><div class=\"ow-button-base ow-button-align-center\"\n>\n\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/d\/10bPIGHUpKVwZjNuK49MvNUr5re23kGzRe93djjHEw8s\/copy\"\n\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"sowb-button ow-icon-placement-left ow-button-hover\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" \t>\n\t\t<span>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<i class=\"fas fa-file-alt\"><\/i>\u00a0 CV Template\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-511-15-0-2\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-button\" data-index=\"40\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-button so-widget-sow-button-flat-eb063c851fc2-511\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t><div class=\"ow-button-base ow-button-align-center\"\n>\n\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/center-for-career-and-professional-development\/appointments\/\"\n\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"sowb-button ow-icon-placement-left ow-button-hover\" \t>\n\t\t<span>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<i class=\"fas fa-calendar-alt\"><\/i>\u00a0 Make an appointment\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-511-15-0-3\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_text panel-last-child\" data-index=\"41\" >\t\t\t<div class=\"textwidget\"><p>A curriculum vitae (CV) is a detailed document that summarizes your qualifications, skills, and experience with a specifically academic focus.<span data-huuid=\"1420245707433520538\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-huuid=\"1420245707433520269\">It&#8217;s often used to apply for academic, scientific, or medical positions.<span class=\"pjBG2e\" data-cid=\"9934b37f-e207-4733-bcd8-db90de109f33\"><span class=\"UV3uM\">\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"WaaZC\">\n<div class=\"rPeykc uP58nb\" data-hveid=\"CAIQAQ\" data-ved=\"2ahUKEwj9v7e8qaCLAxUwF1kFHfSGMxEQo_EKegQIAhAB\"><strong><span role=\"heading\">What&#8217;s included in a CV?<\/span><\/strong><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"WaaZC\">\n<ul data-hveid=\"CAQQAQ\" data-ved=\"2ahUKEwj9v7e8qaCLAxUwF1kFHfSGMxEQm_YKegQIBBAB\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none\">\n<ul data-hveid=\"CAQQAQ\" data-ved=\"2ahUKEwj9v7e8qaCLAxUwF1kFHfSGMxEQm_YKegQIBBAB\">\n<li><span data-huuid=\"1420245707433518924\"><strong>Contact information<\/strong>:\u00a0<\/span><span data-huuid=\"1420245707433518655\">Your name, address, phone number, and email address<span class=\"pjBG2e\" data-cid=\"42a91a0d-eaa6-4e4b-8d80-4e8859352ec8\"><span class=\"UV3uM\">\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span>\n<div class=\"NPrrbc\" data-cid=\"42a91a0d-eaa6-4e4b-8d80-4e8859352ec8\" data-uuids=\"1420245707433518924,1420245707433518655\">\n<div class=\"BMebGe btku5b fCrZyc LwdV0e FR7ZSc OJeuxf\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"View related links\" data-hveid=\"CAoQAQ\" data-ved=\"2ahUKEwj9v7e8qaCLAxUwF1kFHfSGMxEQ3fYKegQIChAB\">\n<div class=\"niO4u\">\n<div class=\"kHtcsd\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li><span data-huuid=\"1420245707433518117\"><strong>Education<\/strong>:\u00a0<\/span><span data-huuid=\"1420245707433517848\">Your academic history, including the schools you attended, the degrees you earned, and the years you graduated<span class=\"pjBG2e\" data-cid=\"16be50d7-43d6-40f7-b6de-e0413892fcb6\"><span class=\"UV3uM\">\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span>\n<div class=\"NPrrbc\" data-cid=\"16be50d7-43d6-40f7-b6de-e0413892fcb6\" data-uuids=\"1420245707433518117,1420245707433517848\">\n<div class=\"BMebGe btku5b fCrZyc LwdV0e FR7ZSc OJeuxf\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"View related links\" data-hveid=\"CAgQAQ\" data-ved=\"2ahUKEwj9v7e8qaCLAxUwF1kFHfSGMxEQ3fYKegQICBAB\">\n<div class=\"niO4u\">\n<div class=\"kHtcsd\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div id=\"yPKcZ_27BrCu5NoP9I3OiQE__33\" class=\"bsmXxe\">\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none\">\n<ul>\n<li><span data-huuid=\"1420245707433517310\"><strong>Work experience<\/strong>:\u00a0<\/span><span data-huuid=\"1420245707433521137\">Your relevant work history, including the positions you&#8217;ve held and the skills you&#8217;ve developed<span class=\"pjBG2e\" data-cid=\"ac953f1a-1134-46cd-97e6-c466183781f4\"><span class=\"UV3uM\">\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span>\n<div class=\"NPrrbc\" data-cid=\"ac953f1a-1134-46cd-97e6-c466183781f4\" data-uuids=\"1420245707433517310,1420245707433521137\">\n<div class=\"BMebGe btku5b fCrZyc LwdV0e FR7ZSc OJeuxf\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"View related links\" data-hveid=\"CJYBEAE\" data-ved=\"2ahUKEwj9v7e8qaCLAxUwF1kFHfSGMxEQ3fYKegUIlgEQAQ\">\n<div class=\"niO4u\">\n<div class=\"kHtcsd\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"yPKcZ_27BrCu5NoP9I3OiQE__41\" class=\"bsmXxe\">\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none\">\n<ul>\n<li><span data-huuid=\"1420245707433520599\"><strong>Achievements<\/strong>:\u00a0<\/span><span data-huuid=\"1420245707433520330\">Awards, scholarships, grants, and other accomplishments<span class=\"pjBG2e\" data-cid=\"7d45ef9e-8dcf-4a09-8440-7d7b037431a6\"><span class=\"UV3uM\">\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span>\n<div class=\"NPrrbc\" data-cid=\"7d45ef9e-8dcf-4a09-8440-7d7b037431a6\" data-uuids=\"1420245707433520599,1420245707433520330\">\n<div class=\"BMebGe btku5b fCrZyc LwdV0e FR7ZSc OJeuxf\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"View related links\" data-hveid=\"CJsBEAE\" data-ved=\"2ahUKEwj9v7e8qaCLAxUwF1kFHfSGMxEQ3fYKegUImwEQAQ\">\n<div class=\"niO4u\">\n<div class=\"kHtcsd\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"yPKcZ_27BrCu5NoP9I3OiQE__48\" class=\"bsmXxe\">\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none\">\n<ul>\n<li><span data-huuid=\"1420245707433519792\"><strong>Research<\/strong>:\u00a0<\/span><span data-huuid=\"1420245707433519523\">Any research projects you&#8217;ve worked on, presentations you&#8217;ve given, or guided research\/capstone experiences<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li><em>Note:<\/em> Your SMP would be a great project to go under your research section!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none\">\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Teaching\/Leadership Experience:<\/strong> Experiences you have as a teaching assistant (TA), substitute teacher, peer\/career mentor, club board member, etc.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none\">\n<ul>\n<li><span data-huuid=\"1420245707433519523\"><span class=\"pjBG2e\" data-cid=\"aae74c40-1383-451a-835b-ee68651d5fe4\"><span class=\"UV3uM\"><strong>Publications:<\/strong> Any articles, papers, research projects, prose\/poetry, etc. that you have published, especially if it is relevant to your field!<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><\/div><div id=\"pgc-511-15-1\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-511-15-1-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-image panel-first-child\" data-index=\"42\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-image so-widget-sow-image-default-8b5b6f678277-511\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"sow-image-container\">\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/center-for-career-and-professional-development\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/133\/2023\/09\/How-to-Write-Professional-Documents.pdf\"\n\t\t\ttarget=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" \t\t>\n\t\t\t<img \n\tsrc=\"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/133\/2023\/08\/kaitlyn-baker-vZJdYl5JVXY-unsplash.jpg\" width=\"2400\" height=\"1600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/133\/2023\/08\/kaitlyn-baker-vZJdYl5JVXY-unsplash.jpg 2400w, https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/133\/2023\/08\/kaitlyn-baker-vZJdYl5JVXY-unsplash-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/133\/2023\/08\/kaitlyn-baker-vZJdYl5JVXY-unsplash-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/133\/2023\/08\/kaitlyn-baker-vZJdYl5JVXY-unsplash-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/133\/2023\/08\/kaitlyn-baker-vZJdYl5JVXY-unsplash-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/133\/2023\/08\/kaitlyn-baker-vZJdYl5JVXY-unsplash-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/133\/2023\/08\/kaitlyn-baker-vZJdYl5JVXY-unsplash-272x182.jpg 272w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2400px) 100vw, 2400px\" alt=\"Person trying on keyboard\" \t\tclass=\"so-widget-image\"\/>\n\t\t\t<\/a><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-511-15-1-1\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_text panel-last-child\" data-index=\"43\" >\t\t\t<div class=\"textwidget\"><p><em><strong>You should first pull from the qualities and skills from your experience section on your resume to build out your CV. If your resume is used to get jobs\/internships, think of your CV as a summary for academic positions or programs.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pg-511-16\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-no-style\" ><div id=\"pgc-511-16-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-511-16-0-0\" class=\"widget_text so-panel widget widget_custom_html panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"44\" ><div class=\"textwidget custom-html-widget\"><section id=\"reference\"><\/section><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pg-511-17\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-has-style\" ><div id=\"reference-list-tips\" class=\"panel-row-style panel-row-style-for-511-17\" ><div id=\"pgc-511-17-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-511-17-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-headline panel-first-child\" data-index=\"45\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-headline so-widget-sow-headline-default-eefec6966851-511 so-widget-fittext-wrapper\"\n\t\t\t data-fit-text-compressor=\"0.85\"\n\t\t><div class=\"sow-headline-container \">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"sow-headline\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tHOW TO WRITE A <b>REFERENCE LIST<\/b>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-511-17-0-1\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-button\" data-index=\"46\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-button so-widget-sow-button-flat-293d0d1d6ce7-511\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t><div class=\"ow-button-base ow-button-align-center\"\n>\n\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/d\/10xPJ9F5Y1_IO_w9dy3TFCGiJTqlNe__jrP3Uuz_x3Rs\/copy\"\n\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"sowb-button ow-icon-placement-left ow-button-hover\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" \t>\n\t\t<span>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<i class=\"fas fa-file-alt\"><\/i>&nbsp; Reference list template\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-511-17-0-2\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-button\" data-index=\"47\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-button so-widget-sow-button-flat-eb063c851fc2-511\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t><div class=\"ow-button-base ow-button-align-center\"\n>\n\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/133\/2026\/04\/How-to-Write-Professional-Documents-1.pdf\"\n\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"sowb-button ow-icon-placement-left ow-button-hover\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" \t>\n\t\t<span>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<i class=\"fas fa-file-pdf\"><\/i>\u00a0 Reference list tips PDF\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-511-17-0-3\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-button\" data-index=\"48\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-button so-widget-sow-button-flat-293d0d1d6ce7-511\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t><div class=\"ow-button-base ow-button-align-center\"\n>\n\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/center-for-career-and-professional-development\/appointments\/\"\n\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"sowb-button ow-icon-placement-left ow-button-hover\" \t>\n\t\t<span>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<i class=\"fas fa-calendar-alt\"><\/i>&nbsp; Make an appointment\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-511-17-0-4\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_text panel-last-child\" data-index=\"49\" >\t\t\t<div class=\"textwidget\"><h3><b>Match the resume<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Remember to use the same header and fonts on your resume, cover letter, and reference list to show your professionalism and attention to detail.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Ask first<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Always ask people before you list them as references!<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>List only three<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Unless the employer asks for more or fewer, just list three references.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">List the name of the reference, followed by their current title, employer, and contact information.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>What if I don\u2019t have all of their contact information?<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">If you can\u2019t get everything, include what you have. An email address and\/or phone number are definitely more important than a mailing address.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Who can be a reference?<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">A good reference could be a current or former supervisor, colleague, professor, classmate, or client who knows your work and your character well enough to recommend you. <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Avoid using family members as references.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><\/div><div id=\"pgc-511-17-1\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-511-17-1-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-image panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"50\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-image so-widget-sow-image-default-8b5b6f678277-511\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"sow-image-container\">\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/center-for-career-and-professional-development\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/133\/2023\/09\/How-to-Write-Professional-Documents.pdf\"\n\t\t\ttarget=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" \t\t>\n\t\t\t<img \n\tsrc=\"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/133\/2023\/08\/Example-reference-list.png\" width=\"2554\" height=\"3674\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/133\/2023\/08\/Example-reference-list.png 2554w, https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/133\/2023\/08\/Example-reference-list-209x300.png 209w, https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/133\/2023\/08\/Example-reference-list-712x1024.png 712w, https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/133\/2023\/08\/Example-reference-list-768x1105.png 768w, https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/133\/2023\/08\/Example-reference-list-1068x1536.png 1068w, https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/133\/2023\/08\/Example-reference-list-1424x2048.png 1424w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2554px) 100vw, 2554px\" title=\"Example reference list\" alt=\"Example of a formatted reference list\" \t\tclass=\"so-widget-image\"\/>\n\t\t\t<\/a><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Excellent professional documents\u2014your resume, cover letter, and reference list\u2014are an important part of professional branding. They are valuable tools to advertise you to employers and help you get interviews for great opportunities. Read below for details on how to make a great impression with each of these documents. You can also download this information as<a class=\"tribe-events-read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/center-for-career-and-professional-development\/resume\/\" rel=\"bookmark\" > Find out more &raquo;<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":142,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","footnotes":""},"class_list":{"0":"post-511","1":"page","2":"type-page","3":"status-publish","5":"entry"},"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/center-for-career-and-professional-development\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/511","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/center-for-career-and-professional-development\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/center-for-career-and-professional-development\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/center-for-career-and-professional-development\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/142"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/center-for-career-and-professional-development\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=511"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/center-for-career-and-professional-development\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/511\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":919,"href":"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/center-for-career-and-professional-development\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/511\/revisions\/919"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/center-for-career-and-professional-development\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=511"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}