Submit the perfect résumé that displays strong skills and relevant experience using the Walton Career Connection resources!
Start by creating a draft using sample résumés or the VMock online online résumé builder, then schedule a time to connect with a career coach.
Best Practice Tip: Use the same header on your résumé, cover letter, and reference sheet!
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.
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
While résumés and CVs are both written accounts of academic and professional experiences, a CV is a longer and more involved accounting of academic and professional involvement, specifically used by PhD candidates.
First Time VMock User Guide
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
- First Year Student
- Transfer Student
- International
- Military Student
- Dual Degree
- Study Abroad
- Internship Focused
- Technology Focused
- Project Focused
- Leadership Focused
- Federal/Government