Whether you’re applying for an internship, job, graduate school, or academic position, you’ll need a resume or CV. While a resume provides a brief, tailored overview of your skills and experience, a CV offers a comprehensive record of your academic background. Use the following information to understand the difference, build your materials, and showcase your strengths.
Key Steps to Start
- Use an ATS-friendly template. ATS stands for Applicant Tracking System- a type of software used to screen and filter resumes before humans ever see them. They scan resumes for keywords, formatting, and relevance based on the job description.
- Decide what you need: Resume for jobs/internships, CV for academic, or research roles.
- Identify your audience and align your document with their expectations.
- Create a strong header with name, phone, email, LinkedIn (no photos or personal details).
- Tailor your content to match keywords in the job or program description.
- Write bullet points that show outcomes and achievements.
- Get feedback from a Career Coach.
- Learn how to best use AI when creating a resume.
Sections to Include
Use this short paragraph to quickly show who you are and what you bring to the table.
Tips:
- Focus on your strengths, values, and top accomplishments.
- Use keywords from the job posting.
- Keep it to 3–5 sentences.
- Avoid using first-person language (“I,” “my”).
- Include your job title/degree, skills, and area of expertise.
Example:
Motivated Environmental Studies major with hands-on field research experience and a passion for sustainability. Skilled in data collection, GIS, and environmental communication. Eager to contribute to conservation efforts through outreach and project support.
Highlight your academic background clearly and concisely.
Tips:
- List your most recent degree first.
- Include school, degree, location, and graduation date.
- Add GPA (if above 3.5), minors, certificates, or relevant coursework.
- You can include study abroad, academic projects, relevant coursework, or honors here.
- If still enrolled, write “Expected May 202X.”
- Do not include your high school- employers assume you’ve graduated once you’re in college.
Example:
University of Montana — Missoula, MT
B.A. Environmental Studies, Minor in Climate Change Studies
Expected May 2026 | GPA: 3.6
Your bullet points should tell a story of impact.
Tips:
- Start each point with a strong action verb.
- Highlight results and outcomes, not just duties.
- Use quantifiable data when possible.
- Tailor bullet points to the role or industry.
- Keep them short and specific (1–2 lines).
Example:
Work Experience
Undergraduate Research Assistant, UM Climate Action Lab
- Collected and analyzed soil and water samples for community-based restoration projects, leading to actionable recommendations adopted by local land managers.
- Presented findings at the Montana Student Research Symposium to over 100 attendees, increasing awareness of climate adaptation strategies for riparian zones.
General Resume Tips
- Customize your resume depending on your background and goals.
- Order sections by relevance.
- Consider using headings like “Research Experience” or “Fieldwork” if appropriate.
- You don’t need to include everything—just what supports your goal.
Check out our Comprehensive Resume Guide
Industry-Specific Resume Resources
Access tips and samples targeted for specific industries and purposes.
