A resume is a brief, concise document, usually only one page in length, that presents, and effectively sells, an applicant’s skills and experiences to potential employers, graduate school admission committees, scholarship or fellowship committees, or other professional groups. Resumes are unique to each individual and represent the employers’ first impression of the candidate! An average of 6 to 20 seconds is spent reviewing each resume from the applicant pool, so it is important for resume content to be clear and concise with no grammatical errors.

You can use this Resume Checklist to review if your resume meets general industry standards.

If you’d like help using artificial intelligence tools to build your resume, download our Guide for Building Resumes with AI.

Resume Templates

• General Undergrad – ideal for most undergraduate students; emphasizes current/recent education first
• Skills and Competencies-Focused – ideal for students with technical/industry knowledge that are still gaining experience; highlights professional skills
• Advanced Degree & Alumni – ideal for graduate students, alumni, and anyone that already has years of professional experience; can also include a summary/career objective section for targeting a specific job role or industry

Curriculum Vitae (CV)

In the United States, resumes and CVs are both written accounts of academic and professional experiences. However, resumes are generally shorter and emphasize work experience while CVs do not have a page limit and are focused on specific academic qualifications. CVs are typically reserved for use within academic spaces and there are often field-specific formatting and content standards.

Internationally, CV and resume are often used interchangeably, but in the US they refer to two different documents.

Sample Thank You Note to Interviewers

• Thank You Note

A cover letter is a one page document of 3-4 paragraphs that is addressed to the company. It provides the employer with additional information about the candidate’s skills, relevant experience, interest in the position. This is an opportunity for candidates to further differentiate themselves from others and show how they align with the company’s mission and values.

Cover Letters Should Be Sent If:

• The application requires a cover letter
• Resumes are being sent via email or standard mail
• Applying for a position via online job board (i.e.Indeed.com)

Email Cover Letter

When sending a resume via email, in lieu of attaching another document, create a shortened, professional message within the body of the email that takes the place of the cover letter!

Cover Letter Template

• Cover Letter

A reference page is a separate document that accompanies a resume and should only be provided upon request either in the job application or by the employer. Ask each individual for their approval to be used as a professional reference before submitting a reference page. References should know the position being applied for before hand so they are ready to speak on your relevant work performance. Professional references can include, but are not limited to, job supervisors and professors/teachers.

Common Reference Information:

• First and Last Name (with correct salutation-i.e. Mr., Ms., Dr.)
• Job Title
• Address
• Phone Number
• Email Address
• Professional Relationship (i.e. Former Supervisor)

Reference Page Template

• Reference Page

If you are an international student, you should also include in your resume the type of work authorization you have and how many months you are eligible to work. Add this on the bottom of your resume. 

If you need guidance on understanding the difference between CPT, OPT, and STEM OPT extensions please contact the International Student Services office for any questions.

Work Authorization:

• Students on F-1 visas that are applying for internship positions should write: “Eligible to intern in the U.S. with CPT”
• Students on F-1 visas that are applying for full-time positions that are in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math) major fields, including Information Systems, should write: “Eligible to work in the U.S. without sponsorship for 36 months with OPT”
• Students on F-1 visas that are applying for full time positions in non-STEM major fields should write: “Eligible to work in the U.S. without sponsorship for 12 months with OPT”

For questions or additional support please see below:

The International Student Services office advises on F-1 and J-1 visa holders. Email: iss@uark.ed

For H-1B specific questions please contact Tony Weigel here: aweigel@uark.edu.

If you are an international student that does not fall into these three categories, contact the International Student Services office to determine what type of work authorization you can receive.