CSU-San Bernardino Career Guide - Flipbook - Page 16
What is the difference between a
Resume and a Curriculum Vitae (CV)?
Choosing between a CV and a resume depends on your career goals.
A CV, which means “course of life” in Latin, paints a detailed picture of
your entire academic journey. This includes your education, research
experience, publications, awards, and scholarships. It’s a lengthy
document, typically around 3 pages for graduate students, and can
grow even longer for highly experienced professionals, typically in
academia. In contrast, a resume is a concise document highlighting
your work experience and skills most relevant to a specifc job opening.
Therefore, CVs are ideal for graduate school applications, academic
positions, research opportunities, or fellowships. Resumes are your go-to
document for most job applications outside academia.
Visit for more
information on
writing CVs
What is Applicant Tracking System (ATS) software?
The ATS acts as a screening tool for many modern job applications. This software is used by employers to
efciently manage the high volume of applications they receive. By collecting and organizing candidate
information, ATS systems can sort through resumes, fltering applicants based on skills and experience listed in
the job description. This allows employers to identify those who are the most qualifed, saving them valuable
time and resources throughout the hiring process.
Action Verbs for
Resumes:
• Keywords are Key: Carefully analyze the job description
and identify relevant keywords and skills. Integrate these
words throughout your resume and cover letter, particularly
in your summary section, work experience descriptions, and
qualifcations.
• Formatting Matters: Avoid fancy fonts, photos, graphics, or
tables, as the ATS can misread them. Use a simple, clean format
with clear headings and bullet points.
Bullet Statement
Writing:
• Optimize for Scannability: Use bolding for key terms and
concise, action-oriented statements for your accomplishments.
Break up text with bullet points and white space for easy reading
by the ATS software.
• Truth in Targeting: Do not pad your resume with irrelevant
keywords to get past the ATS. Focus on highlighting your genuine
skills and experiences that align with the position.
• Proofread, Proofread, Proofread: Typos and grammatical
errors can be red fags for the ATS. Double- and triple-check your
resume and cover letter for any mistakes before submitting.
AI in the Job Search
AI can be a helpful tool to jumpstart your resume
and cover letter writing, but remember it’s best used
as a starting point. For a truly impactful application,
personalize the generated content with specifc
achievements and tailor it to the job description for
maximum impact. AI is a tool that can enhance your
resume – but you need to personalize it with your
unique achievements to land that dream job!
16 | Career Guide
