Curriculum Vitae Tips from the Missoula Job Service

Editor’s note: Make It Missoula is collaborating with the Missoula Job Service to help people find local jobs so that they can move home to Missoula or continue to call Missoula home.

We’ll be regularly posting both job listings and job hunting and interview advice. Be sure to watch the Make It Missoula Facebook page for new job listing announcements.

By JENNIFER LODINE-CHAFFEY

While most résumés are one or two pages, CVs may be extremely lengthy and are intended to provide greater depth and details.

In addition, the CV is a living document that doctors, researchers, and academics should be adding to over time.

CVs vary by discipline, but may include the following:

  • Personal contact information
  • Academic background (degrees, institutions, fields of study)
  • Professional Licenses
  • Teaching Experience
  • Professional and Academic Honors and Awards
  • Publications Enhance your CV and boost your chances of finding a job in Missoula.
  • Presentations (conferences and speeches given)
  • Professional Development (conferences attended)
  • Professional Experience (i.e. jobs that relate to the specific field)
  • Editing Experience
  • Post-Doctoral Research
  • Grants
  • Research Interests
  • Professional Memberships
  • Courses Taught
  • Teaching Competencies
  • Community Service
  • Thesis and/or Dissertation Titles
  • Competency in foreign languages
  • Performances (for actors, dancers and musicians)

Remember that there is no standard format for the CV. Each discipline emphasizes different things and an effective CV is one that addresses the points that are considered to be most important in your discipline and conforms to standard conventions within that field.

To create a strong CV remember the following tips:

  • Check with your college professors, advisors, or colleagues about how to write a CV. Most will be happy to assist you and will have advice germane to your field.
  • Your CV should be well-organized and easy to read. Stick to commonly used fonts like Times New Roman or Arial when creating a CV.
  • List your education, presentations, publications, and employment in reverse chronological order.
  • The most important information should be on the first page after your education.
  • References are sometimes listed on the CV, but most often are listed on a separate page. This document should include the same header as your CV.
  • In most cases, it is wise to remove hyperlinks from the CV.
  • Avoid use of the word I and shun phrases like “duties included,” or “responsibilities included.”

Finally, always seek advice from professionals and professors if you can. Those familiar with your field will be prepared to provide you with the best critique of your CV.

******************

Looking for a job in Missoula? Be sure to check out our Missoula Job Listings.  Be sure you “LIKE” the Missoula Job Service Facebook Page for daily post on job opening. You’ll also find Missoula-area information on Job Hunting ResourcesJob Hunting Tips, Job Interview Tips, tips for writing Cover Letters and Resumes.

******************

Jennifer Lodine-Chaffey of the Missoula Job ServiceJennifer Lodine-Chaffey was born in Missoula and received an MA in History from the University of Montana in 2006. She currently works as an Employment Consultant at the Missoula Job Service, an organization that offers programs and services to assist employers and job seekers alike. Those looking for employment can view job openings on our job board, website, and social media outlets. Employment Consultants provide résumé reviews, conduct practice interviews, and offer skills testing.

The Job Service also provides a self-service area where job seekers have access to phones, a fax machine, a copier, and computers. Our qualified staff also offers business consulting services, including employee recruitment and retention assistance. Additionally, we provide financial support for businesses looking to train both new and current employees.

We are here to help our community!