A résumé is a brief, concise document, usually only one page in length, that presents, and effectively sells, an applicants skills and experiences to potential employers, graduate school admission committees, scholarship or fellowship committees, or other professional groups. Résumés 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 résumé from the applicant pool, so it is important for résumé 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. You can also use VMock to get real time AI generated resume feedback and Walton approved templates.

Curriculum Vitae (CV)

In the United States, résumés and CVs are both written accounts of academic and professional experiences. However, résumés 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 résumé are often used interchangeably, but in the US they refer to two different documents.

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
• Résumés are being sent via email, standard mail, or fax
• Applying for a position via online job board (i.e.Indeed.com)

Email Cover Letter

When sending a résumé 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!

A reference page is a separate document that accompanies a résumé 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)

Sample Undergraduate Résumés

• General Undergrad
• Military Student
• Project Focused
• Leadership Focused
• Federal/Government
• Generic ATS Friendly Resume

Sample Graduate and Professional Résumés

• MBA
• EMBA
• MIS
• CV Sample
• Experience Professional

Sample Cover Letters

• Cover Letter
• Cover Letter Example 1
• Cover Letter Example 2

Reference Page

• Sample Reference Page

Sample “Thank You” Letter

• Sample “Thank You” Letter

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. 

Know the difference between CPT, OPT, OPT extensions, and H-1B visas. Contact the International Student Services office for any questions on the differences in these distinctions.

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”

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.