Resumes and Cover Letters

A curriculum vitae (CV) is a similar to a resume. Both documents are used to showcase your relevant knowledge, skills, education, and experience. However, a CV focuses more on your academic history, research interests, teaching experiences, and scholarly pursuits. It is usually longer than a resume, although an undergraduate resume and CV may look remarkably simliar. CVs are typically used when applying to academic, scientific, or research positions, as well as for grant, fellowship, scholarship, and tenure applications. Some graduate and professional programs will request a CV instead of a resume.

A reference list is often required for internship, job, and graduate school applications. It is a document listing 3-4 professional references and their contact information.  References are people who can speak to your character, work ethic, and professionalism. They serve as confirmation of your knowledge, skills, abilities, and past performance.

While a reference list is typically prepared as a separate page, using the same contact header as the resume, many education and teaching roles may prefer that applicants list references on the resume. When formatting as a separate page, consider this approach - Name, Title/Role, Organization, Phone, Email, and the nature of your relationship:

REFERENCES

Jane Smith, MBA PhD
Associate Professor, Finance
Winthrop University
(803) 323-1111
smithj@winthrop.edu
Faculty Internship Supervisor

Robert Jones
Director, Campus Recreation Center
Winthrop University
(803) 323-2222
jonesr@winthrop.edu
Campus Job Supervisor

Marion Adams
Office Manager
Ajax Accounting LLC
(803) 111-2222
marion.adams@ajaxaccounting.com
Internship Supervisor

 It is best to have someone with more authority than you — a supervisor (internship, work, volunteer), manager, professor/teacher — serve as a reference. Some applications will specify that peer and character references are acceptable and welcomed. When in doubt, you should ask someone to serve as a reference when they are very familiar with your strengths, abilities, and goals. Always ask someone in advance before submitting their name as a reference! You want to ensure they are prepared and willing; you can also confirm their preferred method of being contacted.